Best FPL picks for guaranteed points, bargain, surprise option at each Premier League club

The Premier League season is fast approaching, and it’s time to start thinking about your fantasy football team. This year’s official game has seen a few tweaks, with players now able to save up to five free transfers – a significant increase from the previous limit of two.

As always, there are certain players who are must-haves if you’re serious about topping your mini-league, as well as plenty of bargains to be found. And for those who like to take a risk with a differential pick, there are plenty of options to consider too.

Whether you’re the type to set up your team and then forget about it for weeks on end, or the kind of player who obsesses over every detail, we’ve identified three top picks for each club – a reliable point scorer, a bargain buy, and a wildcard option that others might overlook – to help you assemble your 15-man squad for £100million.

Arsenal

Bukayo Saka (£10m) is as dependable as they come, and despite his £1.5m price hike, he’ll be the first name on many teamsheets. Leandro Trossard (£7m) forced his way into Mikel Arteta’s starting XI with a string of goals towards the end of last season and could prove to be a steal if he can hold onto his place, while Jurrien Timber (£5.5m) was clearly intended to be a regular starter before his injury and should be the cheapest route into Arsenal’s league-leading defence.

Aston Villa

Ollie Watkins (£9m) may find it challenging to surpass his 228 points total from last season, but he should continue to contribute goals and assists. Morgan Rogers (£5m) showed promise in the latter half of last season, while Ian Maatsen (£5m) is known for his attacking prowess from left-back if he secures that position.

Bournemouth

Dominic Solanke (£7.5m) might feel he has something to prove following his Euro 2024 omission, supported by Antoine Semenyo (£5.5m), now a midfielder in game, who appears to be a good enabler option. Milos Kerkez (£4.5m), who is attracting interest from Manchester United, may be a nice alternative at the back if he remains at Bournemouth.

Brentford

Like Solanke, Ivan Toney (£7.5m) is likely to be a popular choice as a second or third striker. Mark Flekken (£4.5m), last season’s top-scoring £4.5m goalkeeper, retains the same price tag. Keane Lewis-Potter (£5m) made his way into Thomas Frank’s team and will aim to build on his three goals from last season.

Brighton

Pascal Gross (£6.5m) emerged as Brighton’s primary creative force in 2023/24, contributing four goals and 11 assists. Joao Pedro (£5.5m) should see more regular starts now that their European commitments are over, and he’s also their penalty taker. Valentin Barco (£4m) could begin the season at left-back due to Pervis Estupinan’s injury.

Chelsea

FPL’s biggest-ever price riser, Cole Palmer (£10.5m) has earned his hefty new price tag as Mr Dependable. Meanwhile, new boss Enzo Maresca reportedly favours Robert Sanchez (£4.5m) as Chelsea’s No. 1, offering excellent value. Christopher Nkunku (£6.5m), who has also transitioned from a forward to a midfielder, is another player to watch.

Crystal Palace

Following Michael Olise’s transfer to Bayern Munich, the spotlight will be on Eberechi Eze (£7m) to spearhead Palace’s attack. Joachim Andersen (£4.5m) appears to be a bargain and poses a greater goal threat than his centre-back partner Marc Guehi. However, Daniel Munoz (£5m), known for his attacking runs from right wing-back, might be worth the extra £0.5m.

Everton

Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford (£5m), who managed an impressive 13 clean sheets in a defence that became increasingly robust under Sean Dyche last season, is a safe bet. Vitalii Mykolenko (£4.5m) is a less expensive alternative with attacking potential. Keep an eye on Neal Maupay (£5m), returning from a loan spell at Brentford, who could solve Everton’s scoring problems after netting six goals.

Fulham

Andreas Pereira (£5.5m) has consistently delivered in attack during his two seasons at Craven Cottage and now has Rodrigo Muniz (£6m) to assist – his one goal every other game last season would be worth £6m. Antonee Robinson (£4.5m) demonstrated his attacking prowess with six assists.

Ipswich Town

One of the most exiting prospects from the newly-promoted teams is left-back Leif Davis (£4.5m), who made an impressive 18 assists in the Championship, following his 14 from the previous season. Omari Hutchinson (£5.5m) was another key player in their second-place finish. Ben Johnson (£4m), signed from West Ham, is expected to be the starting right-back, making him a top budget defender choice.

Leicester City

With Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s departure, more emphasis will be placed on winger Stephy Mavididi (£5.5m) to build on his 12 goals and six assists from their title-winning campaign. Wout Faes (£4m) offers another low-cost defensive option, as could Italy under-21 centre-back Caleb Okoli (£4m), who has been signed from Atalanta.

Liverpool

Mohamed Salah (£12.5m), with over 200 points in each of his last seven FPL seasons, is almost a guaranteed pick for your team. Dominik Szoboszlai (£6.5m) has seen a price drop and could improve on his debut season, while Arne Slot will aim to tap into the potential of fellow Dutchman Cody Gakpo (£7.5m).

Manchester City

Who else but Erling Haaland (£15m)? It remains to be seen if the highest price tag in FPL history will prove its worth. Bargains are naturally scarce for the champions, but Nathan Ake (£5.5m) has demonstrated his goal-scoring ability. Julian Alvarez (£7m) is one of the best finishers around and will be a popular choice if Haaland is ever unavailable.

Manchester United

Even when his team isn’t at their best, Bruno Fernandes (£8.5m) can still deliver the goods and is expected to continue doing so. If he can maintain his fitness, Lisandro Martinez (£4.5m) offers a budget-friendly way into their defence. Meanwhile, Jadon Sancho (£6.5m) could be like a new signing after sorting out his issues with Erik ten Hag.

Newcastle United

Anthony Gordon (£7.5m) was a consistent performer last season despite Newcastle’s battles on all four fronts. Dan Burn (£4.5m) could prove to be excellent value if he continues to start at left-back. Bruno Guimaraes (£6.5m), while not the first Newcastle player that comes to mind for FPL, ended last season as their third-highest scorer.

Nottingham Forest

Morgan Gibbs-White (£6.5m) is the key player for Forest, although Anthony Elanga (£5.5m) may offer better points-per-million. Goalkeeper Matz Sels (£4.5m) helped tighten up Nuno Espirito Santo’s previously leaky defence towards the end of last season.

Southampton

Whether he’s playing on the left or right of defence, Kyle Walker-Peters (£4.5m) is vital to Russell Martin’s Saints. Taylor Harwood-Bellis (£4m) is another guaranteed starter, while new right wing-back Yukinari Sugawara (£4.5m) boasts an impressive record of 14 goals and 29 assists in 198 games for his former club AZ Alkmaar.

Tottenham

Son Heung-min (£10m) has seen a well-deserved price increase, having stepped up in Harry Kane’s absence. Brennan Johnson (£6.5m) will be aiming to build on his tally of five goals and 12 assists, while Micky van de Ven (£4.5m) is the cheapest first-choice defender for Spurs.

West Ham 

Jarrod Bowen (£7.5m) is always their go-to player, with Mohammed Kudus (£6.5m) offering a cheaper alternative on the other flank. In defence, Emerson (£4.5m) stands out as the Hammers’ best option.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Hwang Hee-chan (£6.5m) was a consistent threat last season when fit. Despite contributing two goals and three assists from left-back, Rayan Ait-Nouri (£4.5m) remains at the same price. Pablo Sarabia (£5.5m) could also prove a productive pick if he secures a regular starting spot.