The premium shuffle for Gameweek 4

With FPL managers only able to budget for a few premium assets getting the right ones is key. Hindu Monkey has cast his eye over the premium assets so far and whether managers should do the premium shuffle for Gameweek 4.

With the season now three weeks old, it’s time to cast our eyes over how the premium assets in the game have fared. As well as whether it’s worth doing the premium shuffle ready for the next round of fixtures.

Eight players in total started the season with a price tag of 10m or above. Let’s see how they’ve done so far, and what their prospects are for the coming games.

Mo Salah (£13.0m)

Points: 22
Shots: 8
Chances Created: 13
xGI: 1.91
Next Three: BOU, NEW, eve

Liverpool have flattered to deceive so far, toiling in both defence and attack and yet to win a match. Salah however, has somehow managed to still reach 22 points. He has also created more chances than anybody in the league. Proof, if ever it was needed, of his relentless consistency.

He has two massive home matches and the Merseyside derby up next. Selling him now would be the act of somebody very brave or very silly.

Kevin de Bruyne (£12.1m)

Points: 25
Shots: 9
Chances Created: 12
xGI: 2.31
Next Three: CRY, NFO, avl

Pulling the strings like Jim Henson does to Kermit the Frog, De Bruyne has picked up where he left off from last season. He has returned in every match so far. Ignored as consistently as he returns points, the next two fixtures seem tailor-made for his skills at unpicking the low block.

A huge differential for teams and captaincy alike. Like an apex predator hunting lesser prey for sport.

Son Heung-Min (£11.9m)

Points: 10
Shots: 9
Chances Created: 5
xGI: 1.26
Next Three: nfo, whu, FUL

Son looks tired and out of sorts. It has not been a happy start to the season for the South Korean. Back-to-back blanks and early baths suggest that Richarlison could well be in line for more gametime over the next three.

We’ve been here before of course, only for Son to lash out like a wounded animal as he belts in a screamer from an xG of 0.02. But owners are running out of excuses to keep him.

Erling Haaland (£11.7m)

Points: 24
Shots: 11
Chances Created: 2
xGI: 2.92
Next Three: CRY, NFO, avl

A solid start to proceedings for the Norwegian Kjempe. Haaland has four returns in three and could certainly have had more if Phil Foden was aware he was playing in a team sport.

The threat of rotation also looms however. Pep is seemingly desperate to mention he can’t play every game in any press conference he makes. But it’s a brave manager who removes him for those next three matches.

Harry Kane (£11.4m)

Points: 16
Shots: 9
Chances Created: 7
xGI: 1.88
Next Three: nfo, whu, FUL

In classic FPL style, the striker managed to dodge all points in the mauling of Southampton, and has since scored pivotal goals in the two close matches since.

Kane, who last missed a minute of football he was available for in 2014, remains an attractive option for those who want security of starts and a number of routes to points.

Cristiano Ronaldo (£10.4m)

Points: 4
Shots: 8
Chances Created: 4
xGI: 0.38
Next Three: sou, lei, ARS

Almost certainly of zero interest to any serious player, it’s doubtful that Ronaldo will still even be at the club come September. Until then, he is very much back up to Ten Hags plans to field Martial or Rashford as the number nine.

Enjoy his farewells as he blanks Jamie Carragher live on Sky.

Raheem Sterling (£10.0m)

Points: 9
Shots: 6
Chances Created: 5
xGI: 0.86
Next Three: LEI, sou, WHU

Like a lone gazelle who has been separated from the herd, Sterling has certainly been the liveliest of the Chelsea front three so far. Although that really isn’t say very much.

Right now he seems to be a good £2m FPL points overpriced. It’s hard to make a case of him over some of the other premium assets any time soon.

Bruno Fernandes (£9.8m)

Points: 4
Shots: 5
Chances Created: 5
xGI: 1.44
Next Three: sou, lei, ARS

Bruno has actually been a little unlucky so far. He has created two big chances for his team mates to fluff. One for the watchlist however as that xGI indicates, especially when the fixtures turn and if United can kick on from their Liverpool result.

He remains on set pieces and penalties. He also possesses the ability to avoid getting sent off despite behaving like a petulant, often violent toddler, every single match.