Best FPL Players for Premium Prices

Selecting the right premium players is crucial in Fantasy Premier League. With big price tags come big expectations, and Fantasy managers must carefully weigh form, fixtures and underlying numbers before investing. At present, the spotlight naturally falls on Mohamed Salah (£14.5m) of Liverpool and Erling Haaland (£14.1m) of Manchester City. Both have contrasting starts to the new season, but who truly deserves a place in your squad?

Salah vs Haaland: Early Performances

Liverpool’s talisman Salah has repaid his 53 per cent ownership with 16 FPL points, producing a goal, an assist and one bonus point. Importantly, both of his attacking returns came late in matches after Hugo Ekitike (£8.7m) and Florian Wirtz (£8.4m) had been substituted, showing he can still influence games regardless of his role in Arne Slot’s evolving system.

By comparison, Haaland has been far more explosive. The Norwegian has already netted three goals, added six bonus points, and accumulated 24 points overall. Yet, somewhat surprisingly, only 32 per cent of Fantasy squads currently include him, despite his proven pedigree as a reliable captaincy option.

Who Offers the Greater Goal Threat?

Underlying statistics shine a light on just how dominant Haaland has been in front of goal. He has registered 14 shots in total, with 13 of them inside the box. Both figures are more than triple Salah’s four efforts, emphasising the gulf in their current roles.

In terms of big chances – opportunities where a player is expected to score – Haaland leads the league with six already. Salah, meanwhile, has had none. This underlines the difference in their attacking positions and also reflects Liverpool’s tactical adjustments.

So far, Liverpool as a team have created only five big chances in total. It suggests that Slot’s 4-2-3-1 system is still in transition, with Salah not yet enjoying the same level of goal-scoring opportunities as in previous campaigns.

All-Round Potential: Creativity vs Finishing

While Haaland clearly dominates the goal threat, Salah’s creativity gives him a different edge. The Egyptian has carved out four chances for team-mates, three of which were categorised as big chances. Although he is yet to fashion one for himself, this means he has been directly involved in three big chances overall.

Haaland, on the other hand, has created just one opportunity for a team-mate. However, when combined with his six big chances, it puts his involvement at seven – more than double Salah’s tally. This reinforces Haaland’s standing as the more dangerous all-round asset in FPL right now.

Assessing the Other Premium Options

Looking beyond Salah and Haaland, several other premium players have had mixed starts. Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins (£8.9m) is a particularly frustrating case. Despite blanking in all three matches so far, he ranks third in the league for shots in the box, with eight. His underlying numbers remain positive, but patience is wearing thin among Fantasy managers.

Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes (£9.0m) has been the most creative player in the league, producing 12 key passes to set up team-mates. He has also had eight shots of his own, including two big chances – both from penalties. Fernandes’ dual threat of creativity and spot-kick duties makes him a premium midfielder worth serious consideration.

Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres (£9.0m) has been efficient, scoring twice from just three shots, including one penalty. His limited volume of chances raises doubts about sustainability, yet his returns show he can be clinical when given the opportunity.

Elsewhere, premium assets remain on the periphery for now. Alexander Isak (£10.4m) is yet to feature this season following his move from Newcastle to Liverpool, though his return could soon shake up the market. Chelsea’s Cole Palmer (£10.4m) has played only once and remains a doubt for Gameweek 4 through injury. Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka (£9.9m) is sidelined with a hamstring problem, removing him from contention for the time being.

Fixture Analysis for Premium Picks

Fixtures always play a major role in FPL planning, and Aston Villa’s Watkins currently has the best run among the premium options. Over the next four Gameweeks, Villa’s average Fixture Difficulty Rating (FDR) sits at 2.5. They face two promoted teams in this period, travelling to Sunderland in Gameweek 5 before hosting Burnley in Gameweek 7.

Salah also enjoys a favourable schedule, with Liverpool’s matches averaging 2.8 on the FDR scale. His next two include Burnley away and Everton at home, both rated two for difficulty, offering a chance for attacking returns.

Both Haaland and Fernandes also have enticing fixtures. Manchester City host Burnley in Gameweek 6, while Manchester United take on Sunderland in Gameweek 7. These fixtures could prove pivotal in deciding captaincy choices across that spell.

Final Verdict: Who Are the Best Premiums?

At this stage of the season, Haaland’s superior goal threat and overall involvement make him the standout premium option. His consistency and ability to generate big chances cannot be ignored, making him essential for most Fantasy squads.

Salah remains a valuable asset due to his creativity and penalty-taking potential, but Liverpool’s tactical shift and influx of new attackers suggest it may take time for him to rediscover peak form.

For those already owning Watkins, the upcoming fixtures are strong enough to justify holding him for now. His underlying numbers show promise, though bringing him in may feel like a risk compared to cheaper forwards such as Joao Pedro (£7.7m) and Jean-Philippe Mateta (£7.5m), who are currently in better form.

Fernandes, despite lacking an assist so far, remains a reliable option due to his creativity, penalty responsibility and defensive contribution points. With two defensive returns in three outings, he provides steady FPL output and could serve as a reliable captain when fixtures align.

In summary, Haaland is the must-have premium, Salah offers creativity but carries system-related risk, Fernandes brings balance and flexibility, and Watkins is a hold with promising fixtures. FPL managers must decide how to allocate their budgets, but the Norwegian’s dominance makes him the first name on the teamsheet.