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Welcome, FPL managers, to another insightful edition of our blog! In the world of Fantasy Premier League, making transfers is not just a routine task; it’s a strategic move that can make or break your team’s fortunes. As we navigate the ever-changing landscape of player form, injuries, and fixtures, it’s essential to identify which transfers are worth the plunge and which ones are better left on the bench. In this edition, we’ll dissect recent FPL transfers into three distinct categories: The Good, The Bad, and The Avoid. Let’s dive in and uncover the gems, the traps, and the pitfalls awaiting FPL managers in the transfer market.

The Good

1. Erling Haaland

Erling Haaland is a must-have for any FPL manager, landing straight into “The Good” category without hesitation. Whether you acquire him this game week or hold out for the double game week, Haaland is an essential addition to your squad. He’s not just another forward option; he’s THE forward option, poised to dominate as the best captain choice for Gameweek 25 and potentially the entire season. With Kevin De Bruyne feeding him chances, Haaland’s potential is boundless. Expect regular flood of FPL points. When Haaland is firing on all cylinders alongside Manchester City’s top talent, he’s unrivaled in the game.

2. Phil Foden

Phil Foden earns a spot in the coveted “The Good” transfer category, showcasing his value despite occasional positioning shifts. While his role widened with De Bruyne’s resurgence, Foden’s upcoming favorable fixtures, coupled with a promising double gameweek in 25, make him a worthy asset. Expect consistent minutes and the potential for impactful contributions, making him a solid addition to your FPL squad.

3. Kevin De Bruyne

Kevin De Bruyne remains a stellar transfer option, especially given Manchester City’s favorable upcoming fixtures. With a promising gameweek 24 clash against Everton followed by a double gameweek, De Bruyne’s inclusion brings significant advantages. While not yet guaranteed 100% game time, his potential impact from set pieces, creativity, and long-range shots is undeniable. Partnered with Erling Haaland, their synergy could reignite Manchester City’s formidable form from last season, making De Bruyne an enticing prospect. While not an absolute must-buy, he stands among the top-tier picks in FPL currently, particularly for managers considering a switch from players like Son or Salah.

4. Diogo Jota

Diogo Jota emerges as an immediate standout transfer option, especially with the double gameweek in sight. In Salah’s absence, Jota’s role as a mainstay in Liverpool’s starting lineup solidifies his appeal. With exceptional form and potential captaincy credentials for gameweek 24 against Burnley, Jota offers enticing short-term rewards. While long-term prospects remain uncertain, his current momentum makes him a sizzling addition to FPL squads.

5. Trent Alexander-Arnold

Despite his recent injury setback limiting his minutes against Arsenal, he’s set to bounce back stronger. With a promising fixture against Burnley on the horizon, Trent’s potential for clean sheets and attacking returns makes him a standout transfer. Factor in his prowess from set pieces and creativity, and you’re looking at a player primed for a big score. Plus, with a double gameweek on the horizon, Trent offers a short-term burst of points before a planned benching in gameweek 26.

6. Ivan Toney

Ivan Toney secures a spot in the “The Good” category. With an upcoming away fixture against Wolves followed by a double gameweek and no blank in gameweek 26 or 29, Brentford’s fixtures align favorably. Toney’s versatility makes him fixture-proof, offering consistency regardless of the opposition. Though priced at 8.1 million, his value is justified by his reliability and potential returns. As one of the most desirable forwards in FPL currently, Toney promises to be a valuable asset for your squad.

7. Ollie Watkins

Despite recent debates over his comparative value against other forwards like Solanke, Watkins shines brightly in Gameweek 23. With an enviable fixture list ahead, Watkins’s potential for point accumulation becomes undeniable. While his price tag may raise eyebrows, his knack for consistent returns and potential for explosive performances outweighs the cost. The looming uncertainty of Aston Villa’s involvement in Gameweek 29 may give managers pause, but if the fixtures align favorably, Watkins becomes an enticing prospect once again.

8. Dominic Solanke

Dominic Solanke earns a spot in the coveted “The Good” category for his consistent performance and upcoming favorable fixtures. Despite facing some tougher matchups, Solanke remains the heartbeat of Bournemouth’s attack, boasting both skill and penalty duties. With a potential double gameweek on the horizon, featuring an enticing clash against Luton, Solanke promises to be a valuable asset for FPL managers. While he may not hold the title of the best forward in the game, his reliability and potential make him a solid addition to any FPL squad.

9. Richarlison:

Richarlison emerges as the hype pick of Gameweek 23, carrying his form into Gameweek 24. Despite concerns over a blank in Gameweek 26, his consistency shines through. His explosive potential makes him a fantastic FPL option. While players with doubles hold an edge, Richarlison remains a top choice, especially for free hitters in Gameweek 26. Consider him a valuable addition to your squad, albeit slightly below top priority targets.

10. Cunha:

Cunha finds himself in the “The Good” transfer category after his recent hat-trick heroics. While he may have flown under the radar, his stellar performance in Gameweek 23 showcases his potential. Priced affordably, Cunha’s consistency and recent goal-scoring spree make him a worthy addition, especially for managers with budget constraints. Despite the upcoming fixtures, his goal-scoring prowess remains undeterred. Although he may not outshine premium forwards like Haaland or Watkins, for those seeking value in the forward position, Cunha emerges as a standout choice.

11. Garnacho:

Garnacho lands in the realm of “The Good” for FPL managers eyeing a budget-friendly gem. Priced at just £4.8m, he offers enticing potential. While Gameweek 24 might not be the optimal moment due to Aston Villa’s fixture, the young talent promises future returns. With Manchester United potentially dodging a Gameweek 29 blank, Garnacho could serve as a valuable bench asset. Consider him for upcoming weeks or as a wildcard differential. Garnacho’s future prospects make him a tantalizing FPL prospect worth monitoring closely.

12. Cole Palmer

Cole Palmer finds himself in the “The Good” category, albeit towards the lower end of the spectrum. Facing Crystal Palace, there’s a decent chance for FPL returns. While he’s been a standout for Chelsea, their overall performance has been middling. With upcoming fixtures against Manchester City and a subsequent blank gameweek, Palmer’s appeal diminishes slightly. However, at his price point, he offers excellent value. Yet, it might be prudent to hold off on acquiring him until further clarity on Chelsea’s gameweek 29 status. Stay tuned for updates!

The Bad

1. Kieran Trippier:

While Trippier’s attacking prowess is undeniable, his defensive reliability is questionable amidst Newcastle’s struggles. Despite recent flashes, clean sheets remain elusive. At his price, both attacking threat and defensive solidity are necessary. Until Newcastle’s defense shows improvement, Trippier’s potential may be overshadowed by uncertainty. Proceed with caution.

2. James Maddison:

James Maddison finds himself in “The Bad” category for now. While he might offer some returns in the upcoming gameweeks, it’s essential to prioritize players with better immediate prospects, especially considering blank gameweek 26. With other enticing options available, Maddison’s potential upside doesn’t quite justify the investment at the moment.

3. Rasmus Hojlund:

Manchester United fans are buzzing with anticipation over Rasmus Hojlund’s recent form, making him a tempting transfer target. However, while he’s undoubtedly a good pick, there’s a caveat to consider. With other forwards boasting better fixtures and potential double gameweeks, Hojlund may not be the absolute best option at the moment. For those unswayed by allegiance, exploring alternatives could yield more fruitful results. Nonetheless, for devoted Manchester United fans, Hojlund’s promise makes him a viable addition to the FPL squad.

4. Pedro Porro: 

Pedro Porro, once hailed as an enticing option, now finds himself slipping down the FPL radar. With Spurs’ defensive woes persisting and Porro’s creative spark dwindling, managers are questioning his value. The return of key players like Maddison has overshadowed Porro’s impact, making him a less appealing choice. While not a must-sell, Porro’s diminishing returns suggest better options elsewhere.

5. Udogie:

Udogie finds himself in a precarious position amidst the Tottenham defensive woes. While he may occasionally contribute to the attack, banking on Spurs for defensive solidity seems risky. With blank gameweeks looming, prioritizing Liverpool assets over Spurs seems prudent. Udogie’s potential for attacking returns might not outweigh the lack of clean sheets and upcoming blanks.

6. Neto:

Neto finds himself in “The Bad” category, despite offering decent returns at a budget-friendly price of 5.6 million. While his recent performances have been commendable, his fixtures and potential for rotation make him a risky pick. With plenty of other midfield options boasting higher potential, Neto might not be the most exciting or top-tier choice for your squad. Consider him a differential option at best, with safer and more promising alternatives available in the midfield department.

The Avoid

1. Fabian Schär:

Fabian Schär finds himself in “The Avoid” category this week. While he showed promise with a couple of goals in Gameweek 22, Newcastle’s defensive woes were glaringly exposed in Gameweek 23. Despite being a stalwart defense in the past, this season has seen them struggle. With limited potential for clean sheets and a hefty price tag of 5.3 million, it’s wise to steer clear of Schär for now.

2. Álvarez:

Alvarez swiftly lands in “The Avoid” category due to looming uncertainty over his game time. While he’s seen significant minutes this season, it’s largely been due to injuries to key players like De Bruyne and Haaland. With their return, Alvarez’s role becomes precarious. He’s adept at filling in for them, but when they’re fit, his minutes will likely diminish. Despite tempting fixtures against Everton and a double gameweek thereafter, Alvarez’s rotation risk outweighs the potential benefits. Instead of banking on his uncertain playing time, it’s wiser to triple up on Manchester City assets in a more secure manner. Alvarez’s situation makes him a risky choice, warranting a place firmly in “The Avoid” category.

2. Ross Barkley:

While Luton Town’s recent performance against Newcastle turned heads, investing in their players, like Barkley, falls into the “The Avoid” category. Despite tempting fixtures against Sheffield United and a double gameweek thereafter, the looming blank gameweek in 26 poses a significant risk. Loading up on Luton players alongside essential assets from Liverpool, Spurs, and Chelsea could lead to benching dilemmas and strategic headaches. While using the free hit chip in gameweek 26 might justify bringing in Luton assets for some, it’s a niche strategy that won’t suit every manager’s plans. With priorities elsewhere, it’s best to steer clear of Luton Town players for the time being.

3. Doughty:

Doughty joins Barkley in the “The Avoid” category due to similar circumstances. While facing Sheffield United offers a glimmer of hope for defensive returns, the subsequent double gameweek against tougher opponents poses a challenge. Doughty’s potential for creativity and crosses adds allure, especially at a reasonable price, but investing in Luton players remains a gamble. Unless you’re light on Liverpool, Spurs, or Chelsea assets, or you’re considering a gameweek 26 free hit, Doughty might not be the optimal choice for your FPL squad.

4. Adebayo:

Adebayo joins his Luton teammates in “The Avoid” category. While his underlying numbers show promise, the looming blank gameweek poses a significant risk. Considering whether to back him against Sheffield United in the double gameweek is a tough call. The potential need for hits or even the use of the free hit chip in gameweek 26 makes him a risky proposition. Proceed with caution or perhaps consider alternative options.

As we wrap up our analysis of FPL transfers, remember that each decision holds the potential to shape your team’s destiny. Whether you’re eyeing the gems, sidestepping the traps, or avoiding the pitfalls, strategic planning is key. Keep a keen eye on player form, fixtures, and upcoming blanks and doubles to stay ahead of the curve.

As you mull over your next transfers, consider leveraging our We Play FPL app. It’s your all-in-one companion for making plans, comparing players, predicting points, and optimizing your team for success.Download the app now and take your FPL journey to new heights!

May your arrows be green, and your captaincy choices bring you glory. Until next time, happy managing!