In an annual ritual to get the juices flowing a bit, Official FPL has tagged a handful of players with prices, as anticipation is sure to build regarding the remaining vast majority. Whom did they choose to include in the early reveal, and how do the prices look to fantasy managers?
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Bournemouth Midfielder Ryan Fraser (£7.5m)
Fraser was a fantasy favorite last season with a breakout campaign of 181 points, ranking #6 among midfielders thanks to his brilliant play-making and finishing ability, along with a clean bill of health throughout the campaign. The impressive production came despite starting at only £5.5m, so those who got in on him early reaped serious rewards as his price climbed to £6.4m by the finish of the season. His £0.9m increase tied for third-most in FPL, less than only Wolverhampton’s Raul Jimenez and Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero. The Cherries’ standout was one of the best budget buys last year, but will you bite at the apple again now that his price has risen up into the mid-tier level at the position?
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Liverpool Defender Andrew Robertson (£7.0m)
Chances are that you fondly recall Andrew Robertson leading his defender position with 213 points last season, as his price rose from a pre-season £6.0m to a final £6.7m, meaning that he’s a full £1.0m more than his budget-friendly opening price tag from a year ago. Is he worth it, or do you think teammate Virgil van Dijk or Trent Alexander — or a player from a different squad — will instead prove a better investment as your #1 defender?
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Leicester Defender Ricardo Pereira (£6.0m)
In his first season in the EPL, Pereira burst onto the scene by scoring 146 points, ranking 10th among defenders. His lack of name recognition brought him into the FPL game at only £5.0m, but like fellow wing defender Robertson, now Pereira’s 2019 price tag is £1.0m more than a year ago. Do you think he can improve in his second season with the Foxes, or is he destined to suffer the sophomore slump?
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Newcastle Defender Matt Ritchie (£5.5m)
You read that right, it’s Newcastle United DEFENDER — not midfielder — Matt Ritchie. Ritchie was not exactly a prime performer last season, but the position change could prove tempting, as he should remain on set pieces and will gain three points per clean sheet bonus at his new position (four at defender compared to one at midfielder), which can really add up over a full season. With the side set to welcome a new manager to replace the departing Rafa Benitez, could a possible push back into attack prove enough for you to reward the Magpies’ stalwart with a nibble?
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West Ham Goalkeeper Lucasz Fabianski (£5.0m)
The Fab Man enjoyed a fine first campaign with the Hammers, scoring 143 points to rank #6 among keepers. He racked up the most saves in the league (148, seven more than Neil Etheridge who is no longer in the EPL). The West Ham backstop arrived at £4.5m last August and finished at £4.7m, which means you would pay only £0.3m more than his end of season cost to have him next season. Is that a bargain for a known quantity, or would you rather take a more speculative (and cheap) route in trying to find next season’s version of him at £4.5m?
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How excited are you that FPL has made its initial announcement of five player prices? Take the poll below and let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Poll
Which player are you most likely to buy at his initial price?
This poll is closed
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11%
Lucasz Fabianski
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11%
Ryan Fraser
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2%
Ricardo Pereira
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14%
Matt Ritchie
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45%
Andrew Robertson
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13%
None, won’t consider any of them
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