FPL 2023-24: Top six highly owned players to avoid

Burnley and Manchester City play the opening fixture

The new Premier League 2023–24 season commences this Friday, and the excitement of the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) also begins. For all the FPL players and enthusiasts, we have prepared a list of six players who have been the hot picks going into game week 1 but might not be the best choices as the season kicks off.

Six highly owned FPL players to avoid:

6. Alexander Isak (Newcastle United) – Owned by 15.6% managers

It is a difficult choice to make before picking any Newcastle United forwards. It is all down to their tricky run-in of fixtures. Not exactly tough on paper, considering the Magpies have invested wisely. But it is more that there are not many goals expected out of them in these early 3–4 fixtures. Picking Isak or Wilson alone is risky; both may limit other Newcastle options.

Plus, Wilson was firing on all cylinders last season, which further thins the Swede’s chances to play a central role. Additionally, new competition from Harvey Barnes on the left adds uncertainty. It’s wise to wait and observe Newcastle players for now, considering their Champions League qualification and playing time security.

5. Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool) – Owned by 13.6% managers

The Big Mac, or the Argentine World Cup Winner Alexis Mac Allister might be well suited for the team’s overall gameplay. But he must be thoroughly watched before the FPL managers decide to pick him. Even though many managers have chosen him for their teams alongside the dependable Mohamed Salah, Mac Allister might not earn you many points. 

In the last few games of the 2022–23 season, he performed well in both the FPL and the Seagulls. But remember, he was on penalties, free-kicks, and corner duties. Making him central to all the action. However, at Liverpool, he might not have as many chances to score or assist in dead-ball situations. So, think about his position and responsibilities before picking him, and consider other safer options for now.

4. William Saliba (Arsenal) – Owned by 17.1% managers

While Arsenal fans worldwide hold Saliba in high regard, he isn’t the best choice for Fantasy League. His Brazilian centre-back partner, Gabriel, outdoes him in almost all departments. Assurance of featuring in more games, he poses a threat from dead ball scenarios with leaping headers.

The Brazilian was also second in expected goals (xG) among defenders last season. Additionally, Saliba, who is returning from injury, might well be looked after by Arteta, as he rates his young French defender highly. Hence, making him a liability in the squad if unable to bring about that surety.

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3. Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal) – Owned by 20% managers

Choosing Arsenal players can be tricky. Fantasy Premier League rules let you have only three players from one team. Managers might really feel this rule hurting this time around. Among the good attacking Arsenal choices, it’s wise to avoid Ramsdale. While he’s not too expensive, selecting him means you’ll have only two picks left from the Arsenal attack and midfield options.

Consider players like Odegaard, Saka, Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Magalhães, etc. To make it clear, Ramsdale will still shine as a goalkeeper, but there are three better Arsenal picks than him waiting to be picked in the squad.

2. Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) – Owned by 27% managers

This might come as a surprise to many, but yes, Bruno Fernandes makes this list. Where most of the FPL managers will not be looking to get three Manchester United players in their team. They will be seeking to sneak in a more reliable option in Marcus Rashford for that one position in the midfield.

Starting the season with a mere £6.5 million, he ended up as the fifth-highest-scoring player in fantasy with 205 points. Shooting his price to £9.0m as of now. With just a difference of 0.5 between Bruno and Rashy, it is safe to pick the latter.

1. Kieran Trippier (Newcastle)- Owned by 34.6% managers

At present, almost 35% of FPL managers have Trippier in their teams. Making him the second-highest-owned defender. Though he was a top scorer last season, accumulating 200 points upon his return to the Premier League,

Newcastle’s initial tough fixtures against teams like Aston Villa, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Brighton make Trippier’s premium price hard to justify. So it may be wise to consider more affordable options like Chilwell, James, Stones, Dias, Shaw, Gabriel, and Estupinan.

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