FPL pre-season lessons: Managers react after Haaland hat-trick

Man City Striker Shines Against Chelsea; Salah Gains Popularity After Consistent Pre-Season Form

The latest pre-season friendlies have provided key insights for Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers, with notable performances from both Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah influencing player selection.

Haaland’s Hat-Trick Boosts Ownership

Erling Haaland (£15.0m) delivered a hat-trick in Manchester City’s 4-2 victory over Chelsea, prompting a significant shift in Fantasy team selections. Haaland’s recent form has lifted his ownership to 37%, reversing a recent dip caused by his early exits from previous matches due to muscle issues.

In the 2023/24 season, Haaland scored twice and provided an assist in a 4-4 draw at Stamford Bridge, making his potential for high Fantasy returns clear. With City facing Ipswich Town at home in Gameweek 2, Haaland’s performance is a strong reminder of his captaincy potential.

Chelsea’s Changing Dynamics

While Haaland’s stock is rising, Chelsea’s Cole Palmer (£10.5m) is seeing a decline in ownership. Palmer has yet to feature in pre-season due to his participation in UEFA EURO 2024 with England, leading to a 3% drop in his ownership, which now stands just above 50%.

Christopher Nkunku (£6.5m), initially expected to play as a No 8, has been used as a center-forward under Enzo Maresca. Despite not scoring in recent matches, Nkunku has been a standout performer, accumulating three goals and an assist in four games. This form has secured him a spot as a popular mid-priced midfielder, with over 17% ownership.

Budget-Friendly Options

Both Manchester City and Chelsea offer budget-friendly midfielders who have impressed in pre-season. Oscar Bobb (£5.0m) has matched Haaland’s five goal involvements with two goals and three assists. Noni Madueke (£5.5m) has also been effective, with two goals and an assist in his last two games.

Salah’s Rising Popularity

Mohamed Salah (£12.5m) continues to be a popular choice, providing an assist in Liverpool’s 3-0 victory over Manchester United. Salah’s consistent performance—one goal and two assists in his last three matches—has increased his ownership to nearly 35%. This trend suggests he may soon surpass Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon (£7.5m) as the second most-owned midfielder in FPL.

Salah’s full pre-season preparation contrasts with the five most-owned midfielders who were involved in EURO 2024 and may face varying levels of match fitness for Gameweek 1. Salah’s favorable early fixtures, including a Gameweek 1 match against promoted Ipswich Town, further enhance his appeal as a captaincy option.

Liverpool’s Budget Midfielders

Liverpool also offers promising budget-friendly midfield options. Fabio Carvalho (£5.0m) has impressed with goals in consecutive matches against Arsenal and Manchester United. Diogo Jota (£7.5m) provided two assists against United, showcasing his potential for a regular role in the post-Jurgen Klopp era.