FPL Players to AVOID for Fantasy Premier League Gameweek 1

Here are five players – owned by a considerable number of FPL managers – that I’ll personally be looking to avoid in my initial Gameweek 1 team

As the start of the new Fantasy Premier League season draws ever closer, we can begin to take stock of player ownership levels.

Here are five players – owned by a considerable number of FPL managers – that I’ll personally be looking to avoid in my initial Gameweek 1 team, for various reasons.

Please note that all player prices and ownership percentages were correct at the time of publishing.

Stuart DALLAS – 5.5M | 17% owned

First 3 fixtures: Man Utd (A), Everton (H), Burnley (A)

After earning the second-highest points tally amongst Leeds players last season, Stuart Dallas sits in almost 18% of teams.

But, formerly classified as a defender, the Northern Ireland international will receive three fewer points for a clean sheet this time around and one fewer point for each goal.

In fairness, if he’s able to come close to replicating his 8 goals and 3 assists, the 30-year-old still stands out amongst midfielders priced at £5.5m or less.

Only Ruben Neves (5.12) surpassed his 4.57 expected goals figure (xG) from that group of players.

But amongst Leeds teammates, Jack Harrison (£6.0m) and Raphinha (£6.5m) both offer considerably greater attacking potential for just that little bit more in price.

Jamie VARDY – 10.5M | 9.9% owned

First 3 fixtures: Wolves (H), West Ham (A), Norwich (A)

After an impressive start last season, Jamie Vardy went on to score just twice in open play since the turn of the year; amassing 4 goals and 7 assists in 19 appearances.

But the 34-year-old has been handed his highest-ever starting price – at £10.5m.

Admittedly, Leicester have a kind run of matches to begin the season but Kelechi Iheanacho could continue to offer far better value.

The Nigerian bagged 11 goals and 2 assists from Gameweek 26 onwards; outscoring his strike-partner by 33 FPL points.

Additionally, there’s uncertainty amongst the Foxes’ attack, following the signing of 22-year-old striker Patson Daka and with James Maddison and Harvey Barnes returning from injury.

Patrick BAMFORD – 8.0M | 18.3% owned

First 3 fixtures: Man Utd (A), Everton (H), Burnley (A)

Selected by almost 18% of managers, Patrick Bamford is the fifth most-owned forward ahead of Gameweek 1.

But with an abundance of mid-priced forward options and Raphinha offering a cheaper and perhaps more fruitful route in the Leeds attack, the 27-year-old may be expendable early on.

Leeds take on United, Everton and Liverpool in the first 4 Gameweeks; each given a difficulty rating of 4.

It’s also worth taking note of Rodrigo’s impressive end of season form and the threat that could cause, in terms of reduced game-time for Bamford.

No forward scored more goals (4) or earned more FPL points (32) in the final 4 Gameweeks.

Mason MOUNT – 7.5M | 20.2% owned

First 3 fixtures: Crystal Palace (H), Arsenal (A), Liverpool (A)

One of Gareth Southgate’s most-selected players when available, Mason Mount played a key role for England at EURO 2020.

When players return late from international tournaments over the summer, there’s always a concern that they won’t be fully up-to-speed early on.

That’s compounded by the fact that Chelsea have a gruelling start to the season, facing four of the ‘big six’ in the opening 6 Gameweeks.

There’s uncertainty as to who will emerge as the best FPL asset amongst the Blues’ attack next season; Kai Havertz enjoyed a strong end to the campaign, while forgotten men Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic have both featured in pre-season.

So, it may be worth hanging back and waiting to decide which Chelsea midfielder to jump on ahead of their Gameweek 7 fixture swing.

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Thank you for reading ‘FPL Players to AVOID for Fantasy Premier League Gameweek 1’ which was written and produced by FFPundits & FPLTips.