The Unconventional Fantasy Premier League Picks: A Season of Surprises?
The Fantasy Premier League (FPL) season is upon us, and while many managers are busy assembling their teams around the usual suspects like Bruno Fernandes and Erling Haaland, I find myself drawn to the less-traveled paths. What makes this season particularly intriguing is the potential for certain players to emerge as game-changers, not just in their respective teams but also in our FPL squads. Let’s dive into some of these picks and explore why they might just be the key to a successful campaign.
The Midfield Maestro: Florian Wirtz
Florian Wirtz at Liverpool is a player I’m keeping a close eye on. Priced at £7.5m, he’s a mid-priced differential with only 14% ownership, which is surprising given his potential. What many people don’t realize is that Wirtz’s role under new manager Andoni Iraola is evolving. He’s being deployed as a proper number 10, operating close to striker Alexander Isak. This shift is crucial because it means more touches in the final third and a greater share of Liverpool’s goal involvement.
Personally, I think this is a game-changer. Last season, Wirtz showed glimpses of brilliance but didn’t fully maximize his output. With a manager who seems determined to get the best out of him, combined with a second year in the Premier League, the outlook is promising. If you take a step back and think about it, Wirtz offers a cleaner route into Liverpool’s attack than many of the more popular midfield options. This raises a deeper question: are we underestimating his potential impact?
The Budget Enabler: Pascal Gross
Pascal Gross at Brighton is another player who catches my attention. At £5.5m, he’s a budget midfielder with fewer than 11% ownership, but his role has significantly improved this summer. With Danny Welbeck’s departure, Gross is likely to take over penalty duties, which is a massive boost. He’s also involved in corners and other set-pieces, providing multiple routes to returns that most budget midfielders simply don’t have.
What makes this particularly fascinating is how Gross fits into Brighton’s system under Fabian Hurzeler. The team continues to generate chances, and Gross remains central to their ball progression and dead-ball strategies. For managers building around expensive premiums, Gross is a practical enabler who can quietly accumulate points without demanding a large slice of the budget. In my opinion, he’s one of the most underrated picks this season.
The Goalkeeping Bargain: Antonin Kinsky
Antonin Kinsky at Tottenham is a goalkeeper I’m seriously considering. At £4.5m, he doesn’t need to produce huge returns to justify his place in your team. What’s interesting is his position as Roberto de Zerbi’s first choice, even with Guglielmo Vicario still at the club. Kinsky finished last season strongly, starting every game under De Zerbi and delivering several excellent performances.
One thing that immediately stands out is the value he offers. If he can hold on to the starting spot, the combination of clean sheet potential, save points, and a low price makes him an excellent option. What this really suggests is that sometimes the best picks aren’t the most glamorous ones but the ones that provide consistent value. Kinsky could be that player this season.
The Versatile Star: Dominik Szoboszlai
Dominik Szoboszlai at Liverpool is an intriguing option at £7m. Last season, he finished as Liverpool’s second-highest scoring FPL player with 160 points, only behind Virgil van Dijk. His versatility is a key factor, especially with Wirtz likely to slot into the number 10 position. This could actually work in his favor, ensuring his minutes remain reasonably guaranteed.
A detail that I find especially interesting is Liverpool’s appealing opening fixtures. Starting with Newcastle, followed by Nottingham Forest, Ipswich, Fulham, and Bournemouth, Szoboszlai has plenty of opportunities to rack up points. His ability to score goals, provide assists, and contribute defensively makes him a well-rounded pick. However, the question remains: how will Iraola utilize his versatility? If you take a step back and think about it, Szoboszlai’s adaptability could be his greatest asset.
The Focal Point: Joao Pedro
Joao Pedro at Chelsea is a key pick for fantasy forward lines. After an impressive debut season with 15 goals and nine assists, he’s well-placed to replicate this output under Xabi Alonso. Chelsea’s lack of European football also means more focus on domestic competitions, which could benefit Pedro.
What many people don’t realize is that Pedro is £2m cheaper than Cole Palmer, making him a more budget-friendly option as the clear focal point in Chelsea’s attack. The only concern is competition from Danny Welbeck, but Pedro’s proven track record suggests he’ll remain a key figure. In my opinion, he’s a must-have for any serious FPL manager.
The Defensive Solidifier: Neco Williams
Neco Williams at Nottingham Forest is an intriguing defensive selection. With a potential change in formation under Oliver Glasner, Williams could play a more advanced role as a wing-back. This gives him a huge advantage, especially considering Forest’s defensive solidarity last season, with 13 clean sheets.
What makes this particularly fascinating is Williams’ potential for goal involvements. Last season, he ranked third for fantasy points among Forest players, with five goal involvements and leading the way for shots among defenders. If Glasner adopts a wing-back system, Williams could thrive even more. This raises a deeper question: are we underestimating his attacking potential?
The Long-Term Hold: Riccardo Calafiori
Riccardo Calafiori at Arsenal is a cheap route to the elite Arsenal defense. At £5.5m, he’s a solid pick, especially with Gabriel now out of most managers’ budgets. Calafiori’s place in the starting XI feels secure if he can stay fit, and with a full pre-season under his belt, many expect immediate rewards from the attacking-minded full-back.
One thing that immediately stands out is Arsenal’s defensive record. They have the best defense in the league by some distance, which bodes well for Calafiori’s clean sheet potential. While there’s competition from Piero Hincapie, Calafiori’s attacking prowess gives him an edge. In my opinion, he’s the better long-term hold.
The Penalty Specialist: Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Dominic Calvert-Lewin at Leeds United is a player who gets the chances. Priced at £6m, he’s the third most-owned forward in the game, and for good reason. Last season, he scored 14 goals from 15.57 expected goals and earned 33 big chances, the fourth highest in the division.
What makes this particularly fascinating is his role on penalties and his rarity of being substituted. With good fixtures and a well-oiled machine under Daniel Farke, Calvert-Lewin is set to benefit from Leeds’ impressive transfer window, particularly with the addition of Harry Wilson. If you take a step back and think about it, Calvert-Lewin’s under-pricing makes him a steal.
Final Thoughts
This season’s FPL promises to be one of surprises, with several players poised to outperform expectations. From Wirtz’s evolving role to Gross’s budget efficiency, and from Kinsky’s goalkeeping value to Pedro’s focal point status, there’s no shortage of intriguing picks. Personally, I think the key to success this season will be in identifying these under-the-radar players who can deliver consistent returns without breaking the bank.
What this really suggests is that FPL isn’t just about picking the big names; it’s about finding the right balance and spotting the potential in players who might not be on everyone’s radar. As we head into the new season, I’m excited to see how these picks perform and whether they can help us climb the ranks. After all, isn’t that what makes FPL so captivating?
