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Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Season 2024/25 – Gameweek 1

Among the intriguing Gameweek 1 fixtures of the Premier League was Brentford’s clash with Crystal Palace. This match, steeped in history, promised excitement, and it certainly delivered.

Brentford, seeking their first win over Palace in nearly five decades, managed to break the deadlock with a late winner, shaking up early season expectations.

In this post, we’ll break down the key moments from the match and explore the implications for Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers looking to get ahead in the new season.

Match Review

A Competitive Start with a Historical Backdrop

Brentford and Crystal Palace have a knack for close encounters. The last three meetings ended in 1-1 draws, so this game had a familiar feel.

Brentford’s manager, Thomas Frank, decided to leave out his star striker Ivan Toney. With transfer rumors swirling around Toney, the stage was set for Mbeumo and Wissa to step up.

First Half: Early Goals and Controversy

The first half didn’t disappoint. Brentford drew first blood through Bryan Mbeumo. Yoane Wissa, who had already become a key figure, provided a clever flick to set up Mbeumo. The forward made no mistake, curling the ball past Palace’s goalkeeper, Dean Henderson. The home crowd erupted, sensing a possible breakthrough against their London rivals.

But the drama didn’t stop there. Crystal Palace almost leveled the score with an outstanding free-kick from Eberechi Eze. It seemed like a sure goal, but the referee ruled it out due to a foul just before the ball crossed the line. Palace fans were left frustrated, and Eze was understandably disappointed.

“I was told [by the referee] that he blew too early and made the mistake,” Eze said.

A few minutes later, things got worse for Palace as Brentford pushed forward again. Yet, just before halftime, an unfortunate own goal from Brentford’s Ethan Pinnock gave Palace a lifeline. The teams went into the break level at 1-1.

Second Half: A Tight Contest with a Late Twist

The second half saw more intense action. Brentford came close to doubling their lead several times. However, it was the late stages of the game that brought the decisive moment. With 14 minutes left, Wissa capitalized on a loose ball in the box and forced it into the net. This goal ended nearly 50 years of frustration for Brentford against Palace.

Palace had their chances to equalize. Mark Flekken, Brentford’s goalkeeper, pulled off some vital saves to keep his team in the lead.

As the final whistle blew, Brentford celebrated a hard-fought 2-1 victory. It wasn’t just a win; it was a statement.

FPL Implications

Yoane Wissa: The Standout Performer

Yoane Wissa was the hero of the day. With Ivan Toney out of the picture, Wissa stepped up big time. His assist for Mbeumo’s goal and his own late winner made him the standout performer.

While Wissa doesn’t have penalties, and with only three forward spots, he might not be a top pick for everyone. However, at a price of just £6.0m, and Toney’s situation remains uncertain, he’s definitely on the radar and could be a bargain if he keeps delivering performances like this.

Bryan Mbeumo: Worth Considering

Bryan Mbeumo is another player who deserves attention. He’s already opened his account with a goal, and his partnership with Wissa looks promising. Mbeumo offers good value, especially with penalty duties.

If you’re looking for a reliable pick at a reasonable price, Mbeumo could be your man. You still have a few weeks to keep an eye on him before his good run of fixtures.

Mark Flekken: A Budget Goalkeeper

Mark Flekken had a solid game between the posts. He made some crucial saves, especially late in the match, to secure the win for Brentford. For FPL managers hunting for a budget goalkeeper, Flekken is worth considering. He could rack up some save points throughout the season.

Eberechi Eze: A Frustrating Day but Still Promising

Eberechi Eze had a tough day. His disallowed free-kick was a bitter pill to swallow. However, he was still Palace’s most influential player. Eze came close several times and was a constant threat.

You should keep faith in him. His creativity and set-piece duties make him a valuable asset, despite the rough start.

Crystal Palace Defense: Concerns Ahead?

Palace’s defense had a mixed performance. Marc Guéhi was solid but couldn’t prevent Brentford’s goals. Tyrick Mitchell had his moments but was caught out of position for Brentford’s opener. If you’re considering Palace defenders for your FPL team, proceed with caution. There might be better options out there, especially after this performance.

Conclusion

Gameweek 1 gave us a thrilling encounter between Brentford and Crystal Palace, with Yoane Wissa’s late goal stealing the spotlight.

Brentford’s first victory over Palace in nearly 50 years wasn’t just a historical moment but also one filled with FPL insights. From Wissa’s promising display to the potential of players like Mbeumo, there’s plenty for FPL managers to consider.

For more in-depth analysis, transfer planning, and player comparisons, Download the We Play FPL app. It’s packed with tools to help you optimize your team and stay ahead of the competition. 

May your arrows be green, and your captaincy choices be spot on. Until next time, happy managing!