Can Salah Repeat His Success? Should You Avoid Mbeumo and Cunha? 5 Essential FPL Questions!

Preparing for the Fantasy Premier League 2025-26 Season

As the anticipation builds for the return of the Fantasy Premier League (FPL), managers are faced with a myriad of changes, including a new point-scoring system, price adjustments, and the arrival of new clubs for some of last season's standout players. With the FPL deadline looming on Friday, August 15, it's essential to arm yourself with the insights and strategies shared by some of the leading FPL experts. Let’s delve into the key talking points that will help you shape your team for the upcoming season.

The Impact of Mohamed Salah's Price Tag

Last season, Mohamed Salah broke records, racking up an impressive 344 FPL points through 28 goals and 19 assists. However, this year, he comes with a hefty price tag of £14.5 million, making him the most expensive midfielder in FPL history. Gianni, one of the FPL experts, argues that Salah remains a critical asset, particularly when it comes to captaincy choices. His consistent performance often makes him the best candidate for the armband, especially in favorable matchups.

Holly Shand presents a more cautious perspective, expressing doubts about Salah's ability to replicate last season's performance. Nevertheless, she believes his historical performance in Gameweek one, where he has never blanked, makes him a strong contender for early points. With Liverpool enhancing their attacking options this season, Salah’s prospects look promising, although his performance could be impacted by the Africa Cup of Nations later in the season.

Evaluating Midfield Options: Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo

Both Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have been priced at £8 million in FPL this season, but their potential output is under scrutiny. Holly expresses skepticism about their ability to maintain last season's form, particularly given Manchester United's crowded attacking options. She suggests that Bruno Fernandes, priced at £9 million, remains the optimal choice for managers looking for midfield strength, given his set-piece responsibilities.

Pras echoes this sentiment, indicating that both Cunha and Mbeumo may not replicate their previous contributions due to a shift in their roles at Manchester United. With Fernandes likely to retain penalty duties, the value of the other two players might diminish, making them riskier choices at their current price points.

Manchester City’s Attack: A Cautionary Tale

Manchester City continues to be a powerhouse in the league, but their attacking options present a dilemma for FPL managers. With Erling Haaland as the standout striker at £14 million, his consistency makes him a valuable asset. However, the uncertainty surrounding other City attackers raises questions about their viability in starting lineups, especially with Pep Guardiola's rotation strategy.

Gianni notes that Omar Marmoush, now a midfielder at £8.5 million, could be a worthwhile investment, especially if he takes on a more central role. However, the consensus among experts is to adopt a wait-and-see approach with City attackers, monitoring how they fit into the team dynamic before committing budget to them.

Assessing Chelsea’s New Look

Chelsea's performance in the upcoming season is particularly intriguing, given their mixed pre-season results. With two home games in the early fixtures, there is potential for their assets, including goalkeeper Robert Sanchez (£5 million) and midfielder Cole Palmer (£10.5 million), to make an impact. Holly believes that the momentum from Chelsea's recent Club World Cup victory could provide a strong start to the season.

Pras highlights that Chelsea’s favorable fixture run could make them appealing, despite concerns about fatigue from their short pre-season. With players like Palmer exhibiting promise, they could prove to be valuable selections in your FPL team.

Key Changes in Fantasy Premier League for the 2025-26 Season

This season introduces significant changes that FPL managers must navigate. Notably, outfield players can now earn two bonus points based on defensive actions, creating new strategies around selecting players. Furthermore, managers are granted double the chips this season—two Free Hits, two Wildcards, two Bench Boosts, and two Triple Captains—providing more flexibility in team management.

The increase in free transfers to five before the Africa Cup of Nations also alters the landscape, allowing managers to adapt their teams without the usual penalties. Pras emphasizes that this creates an opportunity for teams to stockpile reliable players, especially those in defensive roles, who can maximize their point potential in tougher matches.

Strategizing Your Team Composition

With the new rules in effect, selecting players who can contribute defensively becomes more critical. As Statman points out, defensive midfielders and centre-backs can now provide additional points, making formations like 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 more appealing. Managers should consider players like Moises Caicedo (£5.5 million) and Carlos Baleba (£5 million) for the midfield, capitalizing on their potential for defensive contribution points.

The consensus among experts is that the new scoring system necessitates a reevaluation of your bench players, as even low-cost defenders can accumulate points in tough fixtures. Therefore, it's essential to analyze opponents and the likelihood of defensive actions when building your squad.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best strategies for selecting players in FPL this season?

Focus on players who can earn additional points through defensive contributions, consider the fixtures closely, and leverage the new chips for strategic advantages throughout the season.

How important is captaincy in FPL?

Captaincy is crucial as it can significantly amplify your points. Choose captains with favorable fixtures and consistent scoring records, such as Mohamed Salah.

Should I invest heavily in one team or spread my budget across multiple teams?

It's often wise to balance your investments. While having a few key players from top teams can yield high rewards, diversifying your squad helps mitigate risks from poor performances or injuries.

As the new season approaches, the excitement and potential for strategic gameplay beckon FPL managers. With a fresh set of rules and an evolving player landscape, the key will be to stay informed and adaptable. Are you ready to embrace the challenge and build a winning team this season?

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