FPL Best Midfielders 23/24: Top Picks & Analysis

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FPL Best Midfielders 23/24: Top Picks & Analysis

Choosing the best midfielders in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) for the 2023/24 season is crucial for building a successful team. Midfielders often provide a consistent stream of points through goals, assists, and clean sheets (for defensive midfielders), making them essential components of any FPL squad. This guide dives into the top midfielder options, analyzing their potential based on form, fixtures, and playing style, helping you make informed decisions for your FPL team.

Key Considerations for Selecting FPL Midfielders

Before we delve into specific player recommendations, let's outline the key factors to consider when selecting midfielders for your FPL team. Understanding these aspects will help you evaluate players effectively and identify those who offer the best value and highest point-scoring potential:

  • Goal Threat: Midfielders who regularly find the back of the net are gold dust in FPL. Look for players who take shots frequently, get into scoring positions, and have a good conversion rate. Penalties also significantly boost a player's goal-scoring potential.
  • Assist Potential: Creative midfielders who can unlock defenses and provide assists are equally valuable. Consider players with excellent passing range, vision, and the ability to deliver accurate crosses and through balls. Set-piece takers are also prime candidates for racking up assists.
  • Playing Time Security: Consistent playing time is paramount in FPL. Target midfielders who are regular starters for their respective teams and are unlikely to be rotated frequently. Injury records and competition for places should also be taken into account.
  • Fixture Difficulty: Analyzing the fixture schedule is crucial for identifying periods where certain midfielders are likely to thrive. Target players with favorable runs of fixtures against weaker defenses, as they are more likely to score goals and provide assists.
  • Underlying Stats: Delving into a player's underlying stats can provide valuable insights into their potential for future returns. Key stats to consider include shots per game, key passes per game, expected goals (xG), and expected assists (xA).
  • Value for Money: Striking the right balance between price and potential is essential in FPL. Identify midfielders who offer excellent value for their price tag, providing a high points-per-million ratio. Consider budget-friendly options who can free up funds for premium players in other positions.
  • Team's Attacking Style: The attacking style of a player's team can significantly impact their FPL potential. Midfielders who play in attacking teams that create plenty of chances are more likely to score goals and provide assists.

Top FPL Midfielder Picks for 2023/24

Now, let's explore some of the top FPL midfielder picks for the 2023/24 season, considering the factors outlined above. These players have the potential to be consistent point-scorers and valuable assets to your FPL team. Remember to monitor their form and fitness throughout the season and adjust your selections accordingly.

Premium Options (Above £8.0m)

  • Mohamed Salah (Liverpool): A consistently high-scoring FPL asset, Salah is a must-have for many managers. His goal-scoring record is phenomenal, and he's also Liverpool's penalty taker. Despite his hefty price tag, his potential returns often justify the investment. He is known for his explosive performances and ability to single-handedly win matches. Keep a close eye on Liverpool's tactical setup under Jurgen Klopp, as this will directly influence Salah's positioning and goal-scoring opportunities.
  • Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City): De Bruyne is a creative genius and a key player for Manchester City. His assists are invaluable, and he also chips in with his fair share of goals. His vision, passing range, and set-piece delivery make him a constant threat to opposing defenses. Consider his injury record when making your decision. His influence on Manchester City's attacking play is undeniable, and he consistently delivers pinpoint crosses and through balls for his teammates.
  • Son Heung-min (Tottenham Hotspur): The South Korean superstar is a clinical finisher and a vital part of Tottenham's attack. His pace, dribbling skills, and eye for goal make him a nightmare for defenders. Under a new manager, his role may evolve, so keep an eye on pre-season form. His partnership with Harry Kane (if he stays) is legendary, and their understanding on the pitch translates to numerous goals and assists.

Mid-Range Options (£6.0m - £8.0m)

  • Bukayo Saka (Arsenal): Saka has emerged as a key player for Arsenal and a promising FPL asset. His pace, skill, and versatility make him a threat in multiple positions. He's also a regular starter and a potential penalty taker. His form towards the end of last season was particularly impressive. His ability to cut inside from the right wing and unleash powerful shots makes him a constant danger to opposing goalkeepers.
  • James Maddison (Tottenham Hotspur): Maddison can be a great asset for FPL managers. His creativity, set-piece ability, and eye for goal make him a valuable asset. Watch his pre-season form and role in the team. His free-kick prowess is well-known, and he has a knack for scoring spectacular goals from distance.
  • Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace): Eze is a gifted dribbler and a creative force in Crystal Palace's midfield. His ability to beat defenders and create chances makes him an exciting FPL prospect. He's also capable of scoring spectacular goals. Keep an eye on his consistency and fitness levels. His flair and trickery on the ball make him a difficult player to contain, and he often draws fouls in dangerous areas.

Budget Options (Below £6.0m)

  • Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford): Mbeumo offers a budget-friendly route into Brentford's attack. His pace and work rate make him a valuable asset, and he has the potential to chip in with goals and assists. His price makes him an attractive option for freeing up funds for premium players. He often plays as a supporting striker, giving him ample opportunities to get into goal-scoring positions.
  • Andreas Pereira (Fulham): Pereira provides a cheap option in midfield who is a regular starter. While his attacking returns may be inconsistent, his low price allows you to invest in other areas of your squad. He's also capable of delivering set-pieces. His work rate and commitment to the team make him a reliable option in the center of midfield.
  • Jacob Ramsey (Aston Villa): Ramsey is a promising young midfielder who has established himself as a regular in Aston Villa's lineup. His energy, work rate, and ability to arrive late in the box make him a potential goal-scoring threat. Under Unai Emery, he could flourish. His box-to-box style of play makes him a valuable asset in both attack and defense.

Strategies for Maximizing Midfielder Points in FPL

To get the most out of your midfielders in FPL, consider these strategies:

  • Captaincy Choices: Regularly selecting a high-scoring midfielder as your captain can significantly boost your weekly points total. Consider factors like form, fixtures, and potential for explosive returns when making your captaincy decision.
  • Formation Flexibility: Experiment with different formations to maximize the number of attacking midfielders in your starting lineup. A 3-4-3 or 3-5-2 formation can allow you to field more midfielders with high-scoring potential.
  • Transfer Timing: Be strategic with your transfers, bringing in midfielders who are in form and have favorable fixtures. Avoid making knee-jerk reactions based on one-off performances. Plan your transfers in advance and consider the long-term potential of each player.
  • Monitor Press Conferences: Stay informed about team news and potential injuries by monitoring press conferences and reliable sources of FPL information. This will help you make informed decisions about your starting lineup and transfers.
  • Utilize Chips Wisely: Use your chips (Wildcard, Free Hit, Triple Captain, and Bench Boost) strategically to maximize your points potential during specific periods of the season. For example, use your Wildcard to overhaul your team during an international break or a favorable run of fixtures.

The Importance of Formation and Tactical Set-Up

Understanding how a team's formation and tactical set-up can impact the output of your FPL midfielders is also super important for you guys to think about. Let's consider a few examples:

  • Teams Playing with Wing-Backs: When teams play with attacking wing-backs, the midfielders may have more space to operate centrally, increasing their chances of getting into goal-scoring positions or providing key passes. Teams like Liverpool and Manchester City often utilize this strategy.
  • Teams Employing a High Press: Midfielders in teams that employ a high press may win the ball back in advanced areas, leading to quick counter-attacks and goal-scoring opportunities. Teams like Tottenham and Manchester United often utilize this approach.
  • Teams with a Solid Defensive Base: Midfielders in teams with a solid defensive base may have more freedom to express themselves in attack, knowing that they are well-protected defensively. Teams like Newcastle and Brighton have shown defensive solidity in recent times.

Conclusion

Selecting the best midfielders is a crucial aspect of FPL success. By carefully considering factors like goal threat, assist potential, playing time security, fixture difficulty, and value for money, you can assemble a midfield that consistently delivers points throughout the season. Remember to stay informed about team news, monitor player form, and utilize your chips strategically to maximize your FPL potential. Good luck, guys, and happy FPL season! By staying ahead of the curve and making informed decisions, you can gain a significant edge over your rivals and climb the FPL rankings. So, keep analyzing, keep learning, and keep tweaking your team to achieve FPL glory!