Gabriel Jesus is the most selected FPL asset in history, ahead of GW1. (Image: Fantasy Premier League/Twitter)
A new Premier League season is dawning upon us, and with that comes the return of Fantasy Premier League.
The Inner Sanctum has done the hard work for you, hand-picking 50 players we think are worthy of selection ahead of Gameweek 1.
Every position and price point is covered. From new arrivals to old faithfuls, here are 50 of the best selections in our eyes:
Goalkeepers
Ederson – Manchester City (£5.5m)
Due to the price drops of premium goalkeepers, our eyes are drawn to the likes of Ederson from Manchester City. The joint Golden Glove winner of last season has cracking opening fixtures, including six ‘green’ fixtures, according to the Fixture Difficulty Rating (FDR), from GW1-10. At his price, the Brazilian is sought after for GW1.
Alisson – Liverpool (£5.5m)
Liverpool’s Brazilian shot-stopper kept 20 clean sheets from 35 matches last season in the Premier League, the equal-most alongside Ederson. As well as clean sheets, Alisson picked up 15 bonus points last term. At a cut-price, he is one of the most popular goalkeeper picks in FPL to start the season.
Aaron Ramsdale – Arsenal (£5.0m)
Arsenal’s new number one is a cheaper option compared to the premium goalkeepers. Ramsdale is known for his shot-stopping, which brings points to the bank. However, if you are planning on three Arsenal assets, you mightn’t want the goalkeeper to be one of them.
Edouard Mendy – Chelsea (£5.0m)
At the time of writing, Mendy is the most popular goalkeeper pick in FPL. With 14 clean sheets last season, and a good start to the season according to the FDR, Mendy could have a strong start to the fantasy season.
Robert Sanchez – Brighton and Hove Albion (£4.5m)
For a cheaper option, Brighton’s Sanchez is the go-to for FPL players to start this season. The Spaniard made 101 saves last season in a Brighton defence which also kept 11 clean sheets. He not only racked up clean sheet points, but also save points and bonus points.
Danny Ward – Leicester City (£4.0m)
With Kasper Schmeichel one foot out the door, Leicester’s Ward looks primed to take the starting role. Ward would be the cheapest possible starting goalkeeper in the game – a must-have for squads. If you opt for a cheap goalkeeper combo, Sanchez and Ward interchange fixtures well together, according to the FDR.
Defenders
Trent Alexander-Arnold – Liverpool (£7.5m)
Liverpool’s Alexander-Arnold is one of the best, if not the best, FPL asset. Alexander-Arnold top scored for defenders last season with 208 points. Two goals, 12 assists and 17 clean sheets last season, Alexander-Arnold looks to be better value than similarly-priced midfielders. If you pass up on him, you may have to live with FOMO.
Andrew Robertson – Liverpool (£7.0m)
Though Robertson is priced less than Alexander-Arnold, it doesn’t make him any less valuable. The Liverpool left-back was the top scoring defender in the 2020/21 season and he had a cracking second half of last season. The Scotsman appears to be better value than similarly-priced midfield options, pocketing extra cash for managers.
Joao Cancelo – Manchester City (£7.0m)
Statistically speaking, Cancelo comes from the best defence in the Premier League. At his price, Cancelo provides value in attacking threat, just like the Liverpool duo, as well as exceptional clean sheet potential. The exit of Oleksandr Zinchenko only solidifies Cancelo’s position at left back.
Reece James – Chelsea (£6.0m)
Last season, James contributed five goals, nine assists and seven clean sheets. As well as 26 bonus points, James was one of the top scoring defenders last season. He is a lock to appear in Thomas Tuchel’s defence again this season. However, be wary, as Tuchel is experimenting between a back four and back five. This means James could play more defensively in a back four, or more attacking in a back five, unless he starts are centre back. If he can’t get up the pitch as much as previously, it will affect his FPL points output.
Ivan Perisic – Tottenham Hotspur (£5.5m)
Due to his selection in the defence, Perisic will now receive attacking and defensive returns that he provides. The Croatian has played as a winger previously in his career and could get minutes in the front half at times. He is of great value, playing for a defence that shouldn’t be slept on. The only question is how many minutes does he get?
Gabriel – Arsenal (£5.0m)
The Brazilian scored five goals for the Gunners last season, and is a lock to start in Arsenal’s defence. He won’t get up the field as much as his other Arsenal teammates, but the monstrous centre-half offers plenty of threat from set pieces. As a differential pick, with less than 10 per cent ownership, he could provide an opportunity to get ahead.
Kieran Trippier – Newcastle United (£5.0m)
Trippier enjoyed a fast start to his life on Tyneside, being prominent on both ends during his first spell. He is on set pieces for Newcastle and has established himself to take corners too, meaning his attacking and defensive return potential is high. Early in the season, with Newcastle’s fixtures, he is a hard prospect to turn down.
Oleksandr Zinchenko – Arsenal (£5.0m)
Zinchenko’s move to Arsenal from Manchester City means a lot more game time for him. Under a familiar face in Mikel Arteta, the Ukrainian will be looking to gel quickly at his new club. In pre-season, he was deployed further up the pitch into the midfield. If he continues to play there, his value will skyrocket. Watch this space.
Tyrell Malacia – Manchester United (£4.5m)
The new Manchester United left-back showed his passing range in pre-season for the Red Devils. With Alex Telles having departed the club, Malacia has to contend only with Luke Shaw for that starting left-back spot. If he can prove that he should be starting, he could provide returns at both ends of the pitch.
Diogo Dalot – Manchester United (£4.5m)
Dalot looks to be the choice as Manchester United’s first-choice right back this season, ahead of Aaron Wan-Bissaka. The Portuguese will be looking to impress Erik Ten Hag and keep his spot in the defence. That drive could push him to impress early.
Djed Spence – Tottenham Hotspur (£4.5m)
Spence was integral to Nottingham Forest last season in The Championship, as it gained promotion to the Premier League. As a fullback who can also be deployed in midfield, he has the potential to pick up points defensively and in attack within a new-look team.
Takehiro Tomiyasu – Arsenal (£4.5m)
Tomiyasu played multiple roles in Arsenal’s defence last season, primarily at centre back and right back. Due to his flexibility, he is an attractive asset at just £4.5m. Tomiyasu is expected to continue to get minutes, although they aren’t as nailed in as others, like Gabriel.
Lewis Dunk – Brighton and Hove Albion (£4.5m)
Dunk has been an integral part of Brighton’s tightly-kept defence in recent times. Like last season, Brighton assets are sought after for their cheap prices, even if they sit on your bench every now and again. Dunk will always start for Brighton unless injured, ensuring minutes each and every week.
Neco Williams – Nottingham Forest (£4.0m)
Ex-Liverpool academy graduate Williams secured a move to Nottingham Forest during the summer. He showed glimpses of Alexander-Arnold for Fulham in The Championship last season. Williams appears as if he will collect minutes for Nottingham Forest at right back this season. For his price, you can’t say no.
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Midfielders
Mohamed Salah – Liverpool (£13.0m)
Liverpool’s three time Golden Boot winner is this season’s most expensive FPL asset. Salah acts as the attacking engine for Liverpool on the right wing, getting involved in many attacking plays – justified as he was the top scorer in FPL last season. He takes penalties for Liverpool and since his first Premier League season, he continues to shine under Jurgen Klopp. Next to Alexander-Arnold, Salah is going to be owned by many managers.
Son Heung-min – Tottenham Hotspur (£12.0m)
Last season’s joint-winner of the Golden Boot will be on the radar for many managers in Gameweek 1. Behind Salah, Son was only seven points behind the top scorer last season. More impressively, Son doesn’t take penalties – however, that isn’t favoured in FPL. If the cash is available, Son would be a great addition.
Kevin De Bruyne – Manchester City (£12.0m)
The final premium midfielder on this list is the Premier League’s Player of the Season from last season. De Bruyne provided 23 goals and assists combined last season – despite playing significantly less minutes compared to Salah and Son. The newly-bound link to Erling Haaland, it will be exciting to see if they will compliment each other. Compared to other Manchester City midfielders, De Bruyne is less likely to fall victim to Pep Guardiola’s unique team selection.
Jarrod Bowen – West Ham United (£8.5m)
Jarrod Bowen surprised the FPL community last season when he continually generated points. Bowen’s 29 goals and assists in the Premier League last season has him on the radar of many managers. The Englishman’s price point of £8.5m appears to be difficult to fit him into squads, as some £8.0m options appear more attractive at the start of the season.
Bukayo Saka – Arsenal (£8.0m)
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal appear to be on the rise this season, as many assets look appealing. Saka is only growing more mature every season, complemented by his 20 goals and assists last season. Saka is also suspected to be on penalties for the Gunners, ensuring more points for managers.
Luis Diaz – Liverpool (£8.0m)
Diaz has both good upside and downside. The upside is at the start of the season, he will get minutes. Diogo Jota’s injury and Sadio Mane’s exit leaves the left wing vacant. But are there better Liverpool options? Some managers have been tossing and turning between Robertson and Diaz, begging the question: who is more valuable?
Riyad Mahrez – Manchester City (£8.0m)
The Algerian featured prominently in Guardiola’s squad last season, particularly in the Champions League where he picked up seven goals and two assists in 12 matches. With Raheem Sterling now at Chelsea, Mahrez should see more game time on the right of City’s front three. However, be cautious with ‘Pep Roulette’, as City’s squad depth means not many players are safe from rotation.
Phil Foden – Manchester City (£8.0m)
Foden is a versatile player for Manchester City, able to be deployed across the front three, as well as in midfield. With City’s favourable fixtures to start the season, as well as Foden’s relatively low ownership, he could be one to take a punt on to get a headstart early. City play newly promoted Bournemouth at home and Nottingham Forest at home in their first five matches, meaning Foden has potential to score some big points in those fixtures.
Philippe Coutinho – Aston Villa (£7.0m)
Coutinho shone under his former Liverpool teammate, Steven Gerrard, after his loan move from Barcelona last season. He racked up five goals and three assists since his January move and blossomed under Gerrard. If he can recapture his best form, he will be a dangerous proposition this season.
Harvey Barnes – Leicester City (£7.0m)
Barnes has impressed for Brendan Rogers’ side in pre-season, and he sits as a good differential pick ahead of GW1 at £7.0m, with an ownership of just four per cent. He provided 12 goals and four assists for Leicester City last season. However, with transfer speculation linking him with a move to Newcastle United, his place could be up in the air.
Wilfried Zaha – Crystal Palace (£7.0m)
Zaha remains one of Crystal Palace’s biggest threats in attack. He will be hoping to thrive under Patrick Vieira this season. However, in Palace’s first 10 fixtures, they face Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea. Keep in mind though, Zaha did score against Arsenal, United and City last season, among his 14 goals.
Bernardo Silva – Manchester City (£7.0m)
Silva was a pivotal part of Guardiola’s title charge last season, as he took up an attacking role in midfield. He provided eight goals and four assists, and largely played the 90 minutes whenever he was on the field. However, he is currently being linked to Barcelona, so keep up to date with this news before the first deadline this season.
Jack Grealish – Manchester City (£7.0m)
Another City player prone to Pep Roulette, Grealish had a tough start to his time in Manchester last season, managing just three goals and three assists from 26 matches. His link up with Erling Haaland will determine how valuable of an asset he is amongst his City teammates for FPL this season.
Marcus Rashford – Manchester United (£6.5m)
Rashford will be looking to hit the ground running this season as he pushes for a World Cup starting position for England in the coming months. He is £1.0m cheaper than Jadon Sancho, making him the best value choice of United’s midfielders.
Gabriel Martinelli – Arsenal (£6.0m)
Martinelli has been influential for Arsenal during pre-season. The Brazilian created five goals for teammates and scored one for himself, from five pre-season fixtures. If Arsenal’s pre-season performances tell you anything, it’s that Martinelli is playing consistent minutes and having a positive effect. For 6.0m, he could be another crazy cheap option.
Eberechi Eze – Crystal Palace (£5.5m)
The electric English midfielder Eze had his season at Crystal Palace disrupted last season due to injury. Limited to just 13 appearances last season, he will be looking to have a breakout year under Patrick Vieira. Hoping to link up well up top with Michael Olise and Wilfried Zaha, at £5.5m, he is one to watch this season.
Pedro Neto – Wolverhampton Wanderers (£5.5m)
Neto is one of the most popular assets under £6.0m this season. Four ‘green’ fixtures in the first six games is promising, as Neto is primed to play across all aspects of Wolverhampton’s front three. His price point and opening fixtures has him in almost a fifth of squads; one of them could be yours.
Miguel Almiron – Newcastle United (£5.0m)
Miguel Almiron has experienced a timid start to Premier League life, but that could be about to change. Almiron admitted a shift in his style, as he seems to be getting forward more often. His confidence will be flourishing, after six goals in pre-season. At his price point, there is little risk – with plenty of similar options to turn to if things go south.
Leon Bailey – Aston Villa (£5.0m)
Bailey has come back to Aston Villa in pre-season as a “different player” according to manager Steven Gerrard. He will be looking to improve and impress in his second season with the Villans. His form in pre-season on the comeback from injury and his cheap £5.0m price tag makes him a great budget enabling midfielder who could offer up high returns.
Andreas Pereira – Fulham (£4.5m)
After two loan stints, Andreas Pereira has found a new permanent home, in Fulham. Andreas is expected to be a frequent starter for Fulham and with this comes the expectancy to grow in price. Again, at his price, there is little risk and at times he will sit on your bench.
Forwards
Erling Haaland – Manchester City (£11.5m)
Haaland is the premier striker for Manchester City and will be looking to justify his potential £85.5 million price tag. His performances in pre-season left a lot to be desired, particularly in the Community Shield against Liverpool, but the Norwegian striker has the talent to turn that form around. However, at 11.5m, he may be a bit too expensive, especially considering he is a new signing, making the likes of Harry Kane a more dependable option.
Harry Kane – Tottenham Hotspur (£11.5m)
The old, faithful Harry Kane is most certainly going to be a popular selection this season. Kane alongside Haaland are the most expensive strikers, but for a reason. 28 goals and assists last season is astounding, and on top of this, he is Tottenham’s penalty taker. Due to Haaland’s introduction, Kane’s ownership percentage has dropped considerably, making him an appealing option.
Darwin Nunez – Liverpool (£9.0m)
Liverpool’s new Uruguayan has impressed in pre-season, scoring five goals, including four in one match. He played an impactful role off the bench in Liverpool’s Community Shield victory, winning a penalty and scoring the sealer. Despite this, Liverpool have plenty of attacking options, leaving managers questioning his minutes. Like we saw in the Community Shield, he only featured for a little over half an hour.
Gabriel Jesus – Arsenal (£8.0m)
Jesus has a new lease of life at Arsenal, playing under former Manchester City assistant coach Mikel Arteta. The Brazilian scored a hat-trick for the Gunners in his home debut and has been electric since his arrival. He is the most picked player in FPL history, his ownership a staggering 73.5 per cent.
Callum Wilson – Newcastle United (£7.5m)
Newcastle will enjoy a good start to the season according to the FDR, with 7 ‘green’ fixtures in its first 10 matches. He finished as Newcastle’s top goal-scorer with eight and was involved in 50 per cent of its goals when he played. With 3.2 per cent ownership and Nottingham Forest in GW1, he could be a gem of a differential pick.
Anthony Martial – Manchester United (£7.0m)
Martial looks to revive his Manchester United career this season, with many managers hopeful he will rack up minutes. A doubt cloud still remains over the head of Cristiano Ronaldo, and if he exits, the door swings open for Martial at striker. Even if Ronaldo chooses to stay, Martial can still put in a shift on the left wing. His price point does come with risk, as there may be better, cheaper options from Manchester United.
Aleksandar Mitrovic – Fulham (£6.5m)
Mitrovic lit up The Championship again last season, providing 43 goals and seven assists across 44 matches. He led the league in goals, 14 more than second best, Dominic Solanke of Bournemouth on 29. Be wary as previous seasons in the Premier League have shown that Championship form does not always convert to Premier League form. This was the case for Mitrovic in the 2020/21 season, where he managed just three goals and three assists from 27 matches in the league. But, if he starts the season bright, he could be worth a punt as a low-mid priced FPL striker.
Bryan Mbeumo – Brentford (£6.0m)
If you have money to spare, Mbeumo is worth a punt. The Brentford attacker was complimented by Ivan Toney last season, producing many opportunities. Mbeumo was known to be frustrating last season for the amount of chances that hit the woodwork. If he continues his ways and converts his chances, he will be one of the better value picks.
Cameron Archer – Aston Villa (£4.5m)
Aston Villa fans are excited about this one. Archer looks set for more minutes this season, after only playing 24 minutes last season. For his value, he is worth having as a third striker with no risk attached. If more minutes are acquired, you can’t go wrong with this selection.
Sam Greenwood – Leeds United (£4.5m)
20-year-old Greenwood signed a new deal with the club recently and speculation of him leaving on loan has ended. This means if the versatile forward can nail down a starting spot, he could be the ultimate budget enabler for Leeds. However, he has a very high ownership, with 24.6 per cent, meaning if he doesn’t play or perform well, he could face a price drop if managers start selling. Be wary and avoid for now if he is just filling your bench, as there are other budget-enabling options.
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