FPL Midfielders 23/24: Top Picks To Dominate Your Fantasy League
Selecting the best midfielders in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) is crucial for a successful season. Midfielders often provide a steady stream of points through goals, assists, and clean sheet contributions. In this comprehensive guide, we'll dive into the top midfield options for the 2023/24 season, helping you make informed decisions to maximize your FPL score.
Factors to Consider When Choosing FPL Midfielders
Before we jump into specific player recommendations, let's outline the key factors to consider when selecting midfielders for your FPL team. Understanding these elements will help you evaluate players effectively and identify potential gems.
- Goal Threat: Identifying midfielders who consistently find the back of the net is paramount. Look for players with a history of scoring goals, those who take plenty of shots, and those who are on penalty duties. A goal-scoring midfielder can be a game-changer for your FPL team, providing a significant boost to your weekly score. Consider their underlying stats, such as non-penalty expected goals (NPxG), to gauge their true goal-scoring potential. Additionally, pay attention to their positioning on the field – are they often in the box, ready to pounce on opportunities?
- Assist Potential: Assists are another crucial source of points for FPL midfielders. Target players who are creative, have excellent passing range, and play in attacking teams. Analyze their key passes per game, expected assists (xA), and their role in set-piece deliveries. Midfielders who take corners and free-kicks often have a higher chance of racking up assists. Also, consider the quality of the forwards they are providing for – a great passer is only as good as the striker who can convert those chances. Keep an eye on players who are heavily involved in their team's build-up play, as they are more likely to contribute with assists.
- Clean Sheet Potential: While not as common as goals and assists, some midfielders also benefit from clean sheet points, especially those playing in deeper roles. These players often contribute defensively and are more likely to earn clean sheet points when their team keeps the opposition at bay. Although relying solely on clean sheet points from midfielders is not ideal, it can be a valuable bonus, especially for budget-friendly options who offer defensive solidity. Check their average tackles and interceptions per game, as these stats can indicate their defensive contribution.
- Bonus Points System (BPS): Understanding how the Bonus Points System works is essential for identifying players who consistently earn bonus points. BPS rewards players for a variety of actions, including tackles, interceptions, successful passes, and shots on target. Midfielders who excel in these areas are more likely to accumulate bonus points, further boosting their FPL score. Analyze player stats to identify those who consistently perform well in BPS-related metrics. Remember, bonus points can often be the difference between a good week and a great week in FPL.
- Team's Attacking Style: Consider the attacking style of the team the midfielder plays for. Teams that are known for their attacking prowess and create numerous chances are more likely to provide opportunities for their midfielders to score goals and assists. Research team tactics and formations to understand how midfielders are utilized in the team's attacking setup. A midfielder playing in a team that prioritizes attacking football is generally a more attractive FPL asset.
- Player Form and Fitness: Keeping track of player form and fitness is crucial throughout the season. A player who is in good form is more likely to perform well and deliver consistent returns. Stay updated on injuries, suspensions, and any other factors that may affect a player's availability. Monitoring player form can help you identify potential differentials and make timely transfers to capitalize on their purple patches.
Top FPL Midfielders for 2023/24
Now, let's dive into some of the top midfield options for the 2023/24 FPL season. These players have been selected based on their potential to score goals, provide assists, and accumulate bonus points.
Premium Midfielders (Above £8.0m)
- Mohamed Salah (Liverpool): A consistently high scorer, Salah is always a prime FPL pick. His goal-scoring record is phenomenal, and he's a guaranteed starter for Liverpool. Salah's explosive potential makes him a must-have for many FPL managers. He is the talisman of Liverpool's attack and is always a threat to score big. Even with a hefty price tag, his consistent returns justify the investment. Keep an eye on his position – if he's playing more centrally, his goal-scoring chances will increase even further.
- Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City): De Bruyne's creativity and assist potential are unmatched. He's a key player for Manchester City and is involved in almost every attacking move. De Bruyne's ability to pick out a pass and his powerful shots from outside the box make him a constant threat. His assist numbers are consistently high, and he often chips in with goals as well. He's a reliable source of FPL points, even if he occasionally gets rotated. De Bruyne is a true FPL superstar who can elevate your team to the next level.
- Son Heung-min (Tottenham Hotspur): Son is a clinical finisher and forms a deadly partnership with Harry Kane. His pace and ability to score from tight angles make him a nightmare for defenders. Son's goal-scoring record speaks for itself, and he's a consistent performer for Tottenham. He's also capable of producing stunning goals out of nowhere. With Kane's departure, Son will have to shoulder more responsibility and could be an excellent FPL pick. His work rate and determination make him a fan favorite and a valuable FPL asset.
Mid-Priced Midfielders (£6.0m - £8.0m)
- James Maddison (Tottenham Hotspur): Maddison's creativity and set-piece ability make him an attractive option. He's likely to be a key player for Tottenham and could provide a steady stream of assists and goals. Maddison's vision and passing range are exceptional, and he's always looking to create chances for his teammates. He is a great addition to the spurs squad. Keep an eye on his form during pre-season to make sure he is match-fit and ready to go. Maddison could be a bargain at his price, offering excellent value for money.
- Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace): Eze is a talented midfielder with the ability to score goals and provide assists. He's a key player for Crystal Palace and is likely to be involved in most of their attacking moves. Eze's dribbling skills and ability to beat defenders make him a constant threat. He's also capable of scoring spectacular goals from outside the box. If Crystal Palace can improve their attacking output, Eze could be a fantastic FPL pick. His potential is immense, and he could be one of the breakout stars of the season.
- Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford): With Ivan Toney's absence, Mbeumo is likely to take on more attacking responsibility for Brentford. He's a versatile player who can play in multiple positions and has a good eye for goal. Mbeumo's pace and work rate make him a valuable asset for Brentford. He is also a good finisher and can score from a variety of situations. If Brentford can maintain their attacking threat without Toney, Mbeumo could be a steal at his price. Keep an eye on his role in the team to see if he's taking penalties.
Budget Midfielders (Under £6.0m)
- Andreas Pereira (Fulham): Pereira offers a budget-friendly route into the Fulham midfield. He's a hard-working player who can contribute with goals and assists. Pereira's set-piece ability makes him a decent option. He is good at set pieces and can create opportunities for his teammates. However, his minutes may not be guaranteed. His price makes him an attractive option for FPL managers looking to save money in midfield.
- Jacob Ramsey (Aston Villa): Ramsey is a promising young midfielder who is growing in stature at Aston Villa. He's a box-to-box player with a good engine and an eye for goal. Ramsey's work rate and determination make him a valuable asset. He can contribute defensively as well as offensively, making him a well-rounded player. With Aston Villa's improved squad, Ramsey could be a key player for them this season. Keep an eye on his role in the team to see if he's playing regularly.
- Solly March (Brighton): March is a consistent performer for Brighton and offers a cheap way into their attack. He plays as a wing-back and gets forward frequently. March's crossing ability makes him a threat. He often whips in dangerous crosses into the box, creating chances for his teammates. With Brighton's attacking style of play, March could be a decent FPL pick. However, his defensive duties may limit his attacking output. Still, at his price, he is worth considering.
FPL Midfielders: Strategy and Tips
To maximize your FPL success, here are some strategies and tips for managing your midfielders:
- Monitor Player Form: Stay updated on player form throughout the season. Players who are in good form are more likely to deliver consistent returns. Use websites and social media to stay informed about player performances.
- Watch for Emerging Talents: Keep an eye out for emerging talents who could become FPL stars. These players often start at a low price and can provide excellent value for money.
- Consider Fixture Difficulty: Analyze the fixture schedule and target midfielders who have favorable fixtures. Players are more likely to score goals and provide assists against weaker opponents.
- Don't Be Afraid to Take Risks: Sometimes, it's worth taking a risk on a differential player who has the potential to explode. These players can give you a significant advantage over your rivals.
- Be Flexible with Your Transfers: Be prepared to make transfers to capitalize on player form and favorable fixtures. Don't be afraid to shake up your team to maximize your points potential.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the best midfielders is essential for FPL success. By considering factors such as goal threat, assist potential, clean sheet potential, and bonus points system, you can make informed decisions and build a strong midfield. Remember to monitor player form, watch for emerging talents, and be flexible with your transfers. With careful planning and a bit of luck, you can dominate your FPL league and achieve your goals. Good luck, guys, and may your midfield be filled with goals, assists, and bonus points!