Should You Triple Up on Chelsea for FPL Success?

Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers face crucial decisions for Gameweek 24, particularly regarding Chelsea players and the captaincy of Erling Haaland. With Chelsea set for a favourable run of fixtures, many are considering loading up on their assets, while Haaland’s recent form raises questions about his captaincy. This article explores the best strategies for the weekend, highlighting key players to consider and the implications of recent performances.

Last updated: 27 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

As FPL managers prepare for Gameweek 24, Chelsea's upcoming fixtures present an appealing opportunity to invest in their players. Chelsea will play three home matches in the next four weeks against West Ham, Leeds, and Burnley, alongside an away game against Wolves. This schedule is one of the most favourable in the league, prompting discussions about which Chelsea assets to bring into squads. Meanwhile, Manchester City's Erling Haaland, a popular captain choice, has seen a dip in form, leading some managers to reconsider their strategy for this gameweek.

Key takeaways

Chelsea has an attractive fixture schedule with three home games in the next four weeks.
FPL expert Heisenberg recommends several Chelsea players, including Enzo Fernandez, Trevoh Chalobah, Robert Sanchez, and Joao Pedro.
Haaland is being transferred out by many managers, with some considering alternatives for the captaincy.

Timeline: how we got here

Since the start of the 2023/24 season, player performances and fixture schedules have fluctuated significantly:

August 2023: Season kicks off with high expectations for Haaland following his record-breaking previous season.
September 2023: Chelsea's form begins to improve, with new signings making an impact.
Mid-October 2023: Chelsea's fixtures become notably easier, leading to increased interest in their players.
Late October 2023: Haaland's form dips, leading to significant transfers out ahead of Gameweek 24.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Recent discussions among FPL experts have highlighted Chelsea as a prime source for points due to their favourable fixtures. Enzo Fernandez has garnered attention for his potential contributions, particularly from penalties, while concerns about player rotation in Chelsea's squad have emerged.

What was already established

Haaland has consistently been a top choice for captaincy, but his recent form has raised doubts. Additionally, Chelsea’s potential for clean sheets and attacking returns has been a recurring theme throughout the season, especially with their new tactical approach under manager Mauricio Pochettino.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For FPL managers, the choices made now could significantly impact their overall league standing. With Chelsea's favourable fixtures, investing in their players could lead to increased points, which is crucial for both casual and competitive managers. The decision to captain Haaland or look for alternatives could also affect fantasy budgets and team balance.

Businesses and jobs

In the football industry, a focus on player performance directly affects merchandise sales and viewership. Chelsea's resurgence could lead to increased fan engagement, while Haaland's dip may impact Manchester City’s marketing strategies. For players, consistent performance is essential for job security and potential transfers.

Policy and regulation

While FPL operates outside traditional regulatory frameworks, the game's popularity continues to grow, prompting discussions about potential changes to gameplay or rules to maintain engagement. Any significant changes could influence how managers approach their team selections.

Numbers that matter

Chelsea has three home games in the next four weeks, a significant advantage for FPL managers.
Haaland is among the five most transferred out players this week, indicating a shift in captaincy decisions.
Enzo Fernandez ranks highly for expected goal involvements among midfielders this season.
Trevoh Chalobah has shown a strong attacking threat from set pieces, making him a valuable defensive asset.
Joao Pedro has regained form and is likely to be first choice, increasing his potential for points.

Definitions and jargon buster

FPL: Fantasy Premier League, a popular online fantasy football game where participants create teams and score points based on real-life player performances.
Expected goal involvements: A statistic that measures the likelihood of a player contributing to goals, considering both assists and goals scored.
Captaincy: The choice of one player in an FPL team who will earn double points for their performance in a gameweek.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Given Chelsea's fixture schedule, managers should prioritise transfers for their players while keeping an eye on rotation risks, particularly with Joao Pedro and Enzo Fernandez. Expect to see high performances from these players as they face weaker opposition in the coming weeks.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the season progresses, monitoring player form and fixture congestion will be vital. Managers need to remain flexible and adapt their strategies based on player performances and any potential injuries or suspensions.

Signals to watch

Player performance in upcoming matches, particularly Chelsea's home games.
Injury updates and rotation news from Chelsea's squad.
Haaland's performance in the next few matches to assess his captaincy viability.

Practical guidance

Do

Consider bringing in Chelsea players for their favourable fixtures.
Monitor team news for updates on player rotations and injuries.
Evaluate alternatives for captaincy if Haaland's form continues to wane.

Don’t

Overlook the potential for player rotation in Chelsea's squad.
Stick with underperforming players without evaluating alternatives.
Neglect the importance of having a balanced squad to manage injuries and fixture changes.

Checklist

Identify key Chelsea players to target for transfers.
Assess Haaland's recent performances and decide on captaincy.
Keep track of injury news and player rotation updates.
Review your team's balance and make adjustments as necessary.
Stay informed about fixture changes and potential impacts on player selection.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Chelsea appears to have a strong run of fixtures, the risk of player rotation remains, particularly with their involvement in multiple competitions. Haaland's dip in form is also a concern; if he continues to underperform, it could affect his long-term viability as a captain. Managers should remain flexible and prepared to adjust their strategies based on evolving circumstances.

Bottom line

As Gameweek 24 approaches, FPL managers have a unique opportunity to capitalise on Chelsea's favourable fixtures. Investing in their players could lead to significant points, while the decision on whether to continue captaining Haaland warrants careful consideration. Staying informed and adaptable will be key to navigating this gameweek successfully.

FAQs

Should I invest in Chelsea players for Gameweek 24?

Yes, Chelsea has a favourable fixture run, making their players attractive options for FPL managers looking to boost their points this weekend.

Is it time to drop Erling Haaland as captain?

With Haaland's recent dip in form and many managers transferring him out, it may be wise to consider alternative captaincy options if his performance does not improve.

Who are the best Chelsea assets to consider?

Enzo Fernandez, Trevoh Chalobah, Robert Sanchez, and Joao Pedro are among the top picks due to their potential contributions and favourable fixtures.