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

The Premier League’s opening weekend always brings excitement, but the clash between Everton and Brighton had an extra layer of significance. For Everton, it marked the final opening day at Goodison Park after 132 years, while Brighton’s young new manager, Fabian Hürzeler, made his debut in the dugout.

Brighton eventually dominated and spoiled the party for the Toffees. As we break down this game, we’ll also dive into what it means for Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers looking to gain an edge early in the season.

Match Review

First Half Overview

Everton started the match with real intent. They were pressing high, showing the kind of energy that saw them win five straight home games at the end of last season. Jack Harrison, on loan from Leeds, had an early chance. He forced a save from Jason Steele, and moments later, he found the net. Unfortunately for the Toffees, Harrison was clearly offside, and the goal was disallowed.

Brighton, on the other hand, took a more cautious approach in the first half. They didn’t create many chances but showed glimpses of their attacking potential. João Pedro came close, hitting the post with Jordan Pickford beaten. Still, Everton seemed to have control, until the game suddenly shifted.

Turning Points

The turning point came out of nowhere. Brighton, who had been on the back foot, struck first. Yankuba Minteh, a summer signing, burst down the left wing and delivered a perfect cross to Kaoru Mitoma. The Japanese winger made no mistake, tapping home to give Brighton the lead against the run of play. This goal was a gut punch to Everton, who had been the better side up to that point.

Then came the controversy. Early in the second half, Everton thought they had a lifeline when Dominic Calvert-Lewin was awarded a penalty after a collision with Lewis Dunk. However, the decision was overturned by VAR, with the referee ruling that Calvert-Lewin had actually stepped on Dunk’s foot. The decision deflated Everton and gave Brighton even more confidence.

Second Half Domination

Brighton came out strong after the break, taking full control of the game. Danny Welbeck doubled their lead, capitalizing on a mistake by Idrissa Gueye. Welbeck picked up the ball, drove at the retreating defense, and curled a beautiful shot past Pickford. Everton’s hopes were fading fast.

Things went from bad to worse for Everton when Ashley Young, their veteran full-back, was shown a red card. Young had been having a tough afternoon and his mistimed challenge on Mitoma sealed his fate. Reduced to ten men, Everton could do little to stop Brighton’s relentless attack. Simon Adingra, a substitute, capped off the scoring, making it 3-0. Brighton could have had more, but the final scoreline was bad enough for the home side.

The match ended with a clear statement: Brighton are a force to be reckoned with this season, while Everton have a lot to think about.

FPL Implications

Brighton Assets on the Rise

Brighton’s impressive display against Everton was encouraging, but FPL managers should approach their assets with cautious.

Mitoma, who found the net and was a constant threat, remains a solid option due to his affordable price. However, Brighton’s upcoming fixtures are mixed in difficulty. This means that while Mitoma is a good pick, you might need to bench him against tougher opponents.

Danny Welbeck’s goal was a reminder of his quality, but with João Pedro available and talks of Brighton in the market for a striker, makes him a riskier option. If you’re looking for a differential, Welbeck could be worth a punt. However, consider carefully before relying on him as a regular starter.

As forMinteh, despite his pre-season hype and exciting assist, He was forced off due to an injury during the match, and not clear yet what is the extent of his injury. It’s worth monitoring his situation, but there are safer bets available.

Everton Concerns

For those who invested in Everton’s defense, this match was a wake-up call. They were all over the place, especially in the second half. If you have Everton defenders, you might want to reconsider. The clean sheets that were so frequent at the end of last season now seem like a distant memory.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is another concern. He looked sharp at times, but his injury history is a worry. The overturned penalty could have boosted his confidence, but instead, it’s another frustration.

Ashley Young’s red card adds another layer of uncertainty. With him suspended, there could be changes in Everton’s backline. This makes it harder to rely on any of their defenders for consistent points. It might be wise to look elsewhere for defensive stability.

Conclusion

Brighton’s strong performance under new management shows promise, but their upcoming mixed fixtures mean we should manage our expectations. On the other hand, Everton’s shaky start raises concerns, particularly in defense, making it wise to steer clear of their assets for now.

As the season unfolds, keeping an eye on form and fixtures will be crucial. Make sure to adjust your FPL teams accordingly, balancing risk and reward. And remember, this is just the beginning—there’s plenty more drama to come in the Premier League.

For even more help with your FPL decisions, don’t forget to Download the We Play FPL app. It’s your go-to tool for transfer planning, player comparisons, and points predictions, giving you the edge you need to optimize your team.

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