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

What better way to end Gameweek 1 than with a clash between Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur? This match had everything we love about football: drama, unexpected turns, and a bit of classic Jamie Vardy mischief.

Despite being sidelined for much of the preseason, Vardy made a surprise appearance and left his mark in a game that saw Leicester snatch a 1-1 draw from a dominant Spurs side.

For Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers, this match wasn’t just an entertaining watch; it was a reminder of the old guard’s enduring value and a showcase of new opportunities. Let’s dive into the key moments of this match and what they mean for your FPL squad.

Match Review

First Half: Spurs in Control

Tottenham came out strong, completely dominating the first half. They held over 70% possession and kept Leicester pinned in their own half. Pedro Porro’s goal in the 29th minute was a perfect example of Spurs’ early control.

James Maddison, facing his former club, was pulling the strings in midfield. He delivered a pinpoint cross, and Porro finished with a neat header. At that point, it seemed like Spurs were on track for an easy win.

Leicester, on the other hand, struggled to get going. They managed only one shot in the entire first half. Jamie Vardy, who was a surprise starter after missing most of preseason, was barely involved. Spurs’ defense kept him quiet, and Leicester looked out of ideas.

The first half ended with Spurs comfortably in the lead, and it seemed like they would cruise to victory.

Second Half: Vardy Turns the Tide

But football is full of surprises, and the second half was a different story.

Leicester came out with more energy and intent, and it was Vardy who sparked the comeback. Just 12 minutes after the break, he found himself in the right place at the right time. Abdul Fatawu whipped in a cross, and Vardy, ghosting behind Cristian Romero, nodded it home.

Suddenly, Leicester were back in the game.

The equalizer rattled the Spurs. Their early dominance faded, and Leicester began to grow in confidence. Vardy had another chance later in the game, but Spurs’ goalkeeper, Guglielmo Vicario, pulled off a crucial save.

The match ended 1-1, with Leicester almost stealing the win in the final minutes. Despite the draw, the game felt like a victory for Leicester, thanks to Vardy’s decisive impact.

Key Moments and Turning Points

The injury to Rodrigo Bentancur was a big blow for Spurs. He had to be stretchered off, disrupting Spurs’ rhythm. This gave Leicester a chance to regroup, and they took full advantage in the second half.

Another crucial moment was Vardy’s second chance. Vicario saved it nicely, but it showed that even at 37, Vardy still has the sharpness to create and finish chances.

In the end, both teams had opportunities to win, but a draw was a fair result. Leicester will be the happier side, though, having clawed back from a poor first half to secure a point.

FPL Implications

Jamie Vardy: The Evergreen Threat

Jamie Vardy might be 37, but he’s still got it. His goal against Spurs wasn’t just crucial for Leicester—it also sent a clear message to FPL managers.

Vardy’s knack for popping up in the right place at the right time is unmatched. He only needed two shots to make his mark, and that efficiency is what FPL managers love.

If you’re looking for a differential budget forward who can deliver big moments, Vardy should be on your radar, and guess what, he is priced at only 5.5m.

He could still need some time to build up some fitness, but as we saw, he’s still got the movement and instinct to cause trouble for defenses.

James Maddison: Creative Engine

James Maddison was Spurs’ standout player. He set up the opening goal with a beautiful cross and was involved in almost everything good for Spurs.

Maddison’s creativity is exactly why he’s a valuable FPL asset. He’s on set pieces, plus corners from both sides. With Spurs attacking football, Maddison could rack up both goals and assists. His connection with Son Heung-min and Solanke is one to watch.

Son Heung-min: A Ticking Bomb

Son didn’t get on the scoresheet against Leicester, but he was heavily involved. He linked up well with Maddison and was a constant threat.

Son is one of those players who can explode with points at any time, and he remains a key asset in FPL. While he might not have delivered in this match, his underlying stats and involvement in attacking plays suggest that it’s only a matter of time before he rewards his owners.

Dominic Solanke: Budget Forward Option

Dominic Solanke had a mixed game. He had chances to score, but his finishing let him down. Despite this, he was active in Spurs’ attack and was in good positions to score.

What was interesting is that Postecoglou chose to sub Johnson, Maddison, and Son, but not Solanke. Even when Richarlison and Werner were on the pitch, Solanke stayed as number 9 for 90 minutes.

For FPL managers, Solanke represents an option who could offer good value, especially if he starts converting those chances. He’s not a must-have yet, but keep an eye on him.

Brennan Johnson: Versatile and Promising

Brennan Johnson missed a big chance to make it 2-0 for Spurs, but his overall play was encouraging. He’s versatile, able to play across the front line, and that could lead to more starts and opportunities as the season progresses.

If he nails down a regular starting spot, Johnson could be a valuable, low-cost FPL option, particularly for managers looking for a differential pick.

Spurs’ Defense: Caution Required

Pedro Porro scored and looked dangerous going forward, but Spurs’ defense was shaky, especially in the second half. They allowed Leicester back into the game, and that’s a red flag for FPL managers considering Spurs defenders.

Porro offers attacking potential, but Spurs’ ability to keep clean sheets is in doubt. If you’re banking on Spurs’ defenders, it might be wise to reconsider or limit your investment to those with attacking upside like Porro.

Conclusion

The 1-1 draw between Leicester and Spurs was a reminder that even seasoned players like Jamie Vardy can still change the course of a game—and your FPL season. On the flip side, Spurs’ shaky defense could pose challenges for those banking on their defensive assets.

As we move forward in the season, it’s crucial to stay flexible with your FPL picks. Keep an eye on how these players perform in the coming weeks, especially those showing promise but not yet delivering big points. Adjust your team accordingly, and don’t be afraid to take calculated risks with differential picks.

If you’re looking for more in-depth analysis, transfer planning, or just want to compare players, make sure to Download the We Play FPL app. It’s packed with tools to help you make informed decisions and optimize your team for the best results.

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