An exciting year of Fantasy Premier League gets back underway on Friday as Burnley host Manchester City for this season’s opener. This means that managers only have four days to get their starting squads in order for the new campaign.
Millions of players around the world will be looking for a handful of ways to get the upper hand on their rivals for mini league and overall glory. One way of trying to accomplish this is scouting players who might be most utilised in a different position than what they are assigned in FPL - as in forward players who have been listed as midfielders or players who just play in more advanced positions.
Here are some of the assets to look out for in 2023-24.
Oleksandr Zinchenko - Arsenal
Full-back Oleksandr Zinechenko gave a good first impression in his first year as an Arsenal player in 2022-23. More often than not the Ukrainian would slide into midfield when the Gunners were in possession which would see him venture higher up the pitch in more central areas. He was able to grab one goal and two assists last year.
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Trent Alexander-Arnold - Liverpool
A similar role was handed to Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold towards the back end of last season after the defender’s defensive frailties were getting exploited regularly. No one has ever been able to question Alexander-Arnold’s passing capabilities, though, and if he plays a more midfield-based role, you can expect him to better his two goals and 11 assists from last term.
Bryan Mbeumo - Brentford
Brentford’s French attacker Bryan Mbeumo’s position change from forward to midfielder was particularly surprising. This is because he has partnered Ivan Toney up front for the Bees in most of his Premier League appearances. Mbeumo scored nine goals last term and the extra point a midfielder gets for a goal would be most beneficial for managers if he gets a similar return this year.
Brennan Johnson - Nottingham Forest
There is a lot of interest in Brennan Johnson from Brentford this summer. The exciting young Wales international scored eight goals and registered five assists for Nottingham Forest last year and he has been moved from a forward to midfielder in FPL this time around. If he can match those figures in his new listed position this campaign, FPL bosses will be elated.
Diogo Jota - Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp’s Portuguese attacker Diogo Jota has been switched from a forward to midfielder for 2023-24, which will be music to the ears of many. Despite suffering a lengthy injury before the World Cup last season, Jota still ended the campaign with seven goals and four assists. He will likely have a much bigger role to play this year for the Reds.
Julio Enciso - Brighton & Hove Albion
Julio Enciso grabbed our attention late last season as he looked sharp for Brighton & Hove Albion as they sealed their historic sixth-place finish. The Paraguayan finished the season with four goals and three assists, including a goal of the season stunner against Manchester City. FPL have changed him from a forward to a midfielder.
Richarlison - Tottenham Hotspur
He may have had a debut season to forget in north London with just one league goal but Richarlison could be in for a much improved second year with Tottenham Hotspur. Manager Ange Postecoglou is wanting to implement an expansive style of football which might suit the Brazilian. He certainly appears like a more attractive asset to bring into your team now he is registered as a midfielder rather than a forward. And with speculation continuing over where Harry Kane will be playing his football come 1 September, there could be an opportunity for Richarlison to be the main man in attack.
