Players with Challenging Early Fixtures in Fantasy Premier League
Kieran Trippier (£6.5m)
In the upcoming 2023/24 season, Kieran Trippier, the right-back for Newcastle United, faces the daunting task of making an immediate impact. Trippier proved to be the highest-scoring defender in Fantasy Premier League last season, accumulating an impressive 198 points. His ability to contribute goals, assists, clean sheets and bonus points made him an invaluable asset to fantasy managers.
However, Newcastle’s early fixtures for the new season suggest that it might be wise for fantasy managers to avoid selecting their key players initially. The Magpies will face five of the top nine teams from last season in the first five Gameweeks. This includes challenging away matches against the reigning champions, Manchester City, as well as the high-flying Brighton. Additionally, they have a tough fixture against Liverpool at St. James’ Park.
Given this difficult run of opponents, even Newcastle’s forward, Callum Wilson, may not be an attractive option for fantasy managers, despite his strong finish to the previous campaign.
Newcastle’s schedule does improve starting from Gameweek 6, as they will face back-to-back matches against newly promoted sides Sheffield United and Burnley.
Aleksandar Mitrovic (£7.5m)
Despite serving a lengthy suspension last season, Fulham’s striker, Aleksandar Mitrovic, managed to score 14 goals and provide two assists. His average of 143.1 minutes per goal ranked him fifth among forwards with more than five goals.
However, Mitrovic’s early appeal in fantasy may be somewhat limited due to Fulham’s challenging fixtures. They are set to face both Arsenal and Manchester City in their opening four Gameweeks. From Gameweek 5 onwards, Fulham will have a more favorable run of opponents, including home matches against the newly promoted duo of Luton Town and Sheffield United.
Ollie Watkins (£8.0m)
The arrival of Unai Emery as head coach significantly boosted the fortunes of Aston Villa’s striker, Ollie Watkins, last season. Since Emery’s appointment in Gameweek 15, Watkins emerged as the third-highest-scoring forward in Fantasy Premier League. He averaged 5.6 points per match, thanks to his contribution of 13 goals and six assists.
Unfortunately, Aston Villa has only one home match in the first four Gameweeks of the upcoming 2023/24 season. They will face challenging away fixtures against Newcastle and Liverpool during this period. However, Watkins’ schedule improves starting from Gameweek 5, as Aston Villa will have four home matches out of the following six, in addition to a visit to Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Jarrod Bowen (£7.0m)
West Ham United’s midfielder, Jarrod Bowen, had an outstanding 2022/23 season, scoring six goals and providing nine assists. His total of 145 points was the highest among all players at West Ham.
Bowen’s impressive statistics, including 75 shots, 55 shots inside the box, and 48 chances created, showcased his significant influence on West Ham’s attacking play. However, the Hammers’ early schedule presents a challenge for fantasy managers. They have tough home fixtures against Chelsea and Manchester City in the first six Gameweeks. Waiting until Gameweek 7 when West Ham’s schedule eases might be a more strategic approach for selecting Bowen.
Dominic Solanke (£6.5m)
Dominic Solanke, the forward for AFC Bournemouth, had an instrumental role in 46% of his team’s goals when he was selected last season, scoring six goals and providing 10 assists. No other player in the Bournemouth squad was involved in more than nine goals. Solanke also recorded an impressive 66 shots inside the box, more than double the number of any of his teammates.
However, due to a challenging early schedule, fantasy managers may want to avoid selecting Solanke initially. Bournemouth will face five of the top nine teams from last season in the first seven Gameweeks.
