Lessons learned in FPL so far

Its been a busy first four Gameweeks and there has been plenty to take away from the hectic start to the new Premier League campaign. Because of that we take a look at some of the lessons learned in FPL so far and what that could mean for fantasy managers moving forward.

The international break is here so it could be vital to look at lessons learned in FPL so far. Whether that be player or team form, fitness or surprise packages it can all be really useful to making decisions on transfers, captaincy and chip strategy when the game returns.

Erling Haaland

Many fantasy managers came into the new season wondering if Erling Haaland could continue his blistering start to life in the Premier League. The Norwegian hit 36 goals and eight assists last season which made him the highest scoring player in the game and a permanent captaincy choice.

This season seems to be no different for the Manchester City striker. After just four matches Haaland has already registered six goals and one assist. This in turn has meant that once again we could see him captained by FPL managers every Gameweek moving forward.

Ropey Defences

Lat season saw several different teams looking defensively strong and their underlying stats were there to back that up. Manchester United managed to rack up the highest clean sheets in the division last season (17). With that in mind their defensive assets became some of the most popular ahead of the campaign. Unfortunately the Reds have failed to continue that same defensive stability this season. They have kept just one clean sheet in their first four matches, conceded the sixth worst expected goals (7.58) and suffered key defensive injuries.

Another defence that has failed to live up to expectations is Brighton. They also sustained some of the best defensive data in the league last campaign. That may have been the case but they are yet to keep a single clean sheet so far and also sit fourth worst for expected goals conceded (8.08).

Taking all of the above into account it could be wise for FPL managers to avoid defensive investment in both Brighton and Manchester United moving forward.

Teams scoring without their talisman

There was some concern for several sides whom lost their main man due to various reasons for the start of the 23/24 season. One of those teams is Tottenham. They had to adjust after losing Harry Kane to Bayern in the summer. Trying to fill a void of a striker who scored 30 goals last campaign looked like a tough ask. However, after four matches Tottenham rank joint second best for goals scored (11) with players like Son Heung-min and James Maddison leading the charge.

Another side without their star striker is Brentford. The Bees had to manage without the 20 goals that Ivan Toney bagged last season due to his ban and that they have. Brentford sit the joint fourth best in the division for goals scored (eight). Their goals have mainly come from midfielder Bryan Mbeumo and striker Yoane Wissa.

The demise of the premiums

In the early stages of the new season we have also seen the demise of the premiums with the exception of Erling Haaland. Of the top 10 highest scoring players in the game so far seven of them cost less than £7m. This suggests that the cheaper and more budget friendly players are the most consistent so far.

The above is likely to continue due to the offensive form of teams like Brighton, Brentford, Tottenham, Nottingham Forest and West Ham so fantasy managers could have plenty of budget long term.

Goalkeepers have disappointed

Before the new season started many within the community were dead set on starting the campaign with goalkeepers like Andre Onana of Manchester United, Jordan Pickford of Everton and Aaron Ramsdale of Arsenal. However, as we can see from the graphic above many of the most picked goalkeepers have disappointed.

The issue with the above is that there are no standout options between the sticks even now so moving off one of them could be tough.

The promoted teams

Burnley, Luton and Sheffield United were all promoted to the Premier League this season and its been a tough start for all three. Between them they have managed to accumulate just one point from a possible 40 which reflects just how poor all three have been.

The above indicates that targeting them with both defensive and offensive players could be a wise move moving forward.