Written by Alex “The Analyst” Potier from The Transfer Algorithm

Welcome back, FPL-addicts! Following a short break during a heavily-disrupted season, the Premier League is set to kick off again on the 12th of September 2020 and FPL Managers can now start to build their squads with unlimited transfers until the start of Gameweek 1. There aren’t many significant rule changes to note aside from an earlier deadline each gameweek, now an hour and half before the first match kickoff which may perhaps help deter some rumour-mongering around starting lineups. In addition, there are some player transfers and new arrivals in the league, along with several position and price changes which will impact the appeal of certain FPL assets especially in a budget-constrained environment.

We begin by covering the Midfielders in our first article of the 2020-2021 season, and encourage our readers to sign up for the full Transfer Algorithm available on Patreon where we will present in detail the best FPL assets every week. Membership is available for as little as $3.50/month and includes active discussion with our creator Mikkel Tokvam, the analyst group, and some of the best FPL players in the world. Come join our growing community and enhance your overall PFL game.

1. Mohamed Salah

For the 4th consecutive season since his return to the Premier League, Mo Salah tops the tables as our undisputed number one midfielder. Massively favoured by the Transfer Algorithm for the armband as top captaincy option most gameweeks, he is a must-have in your squad, even at a hefty price tag of 12.0m. While some FPL Managers will point to his progressive decline over the past few seasons in terms of overall FPL points, he still has the best underlying stats of all players in the Premier League, starts almost every match, takes penalties, and is one of the focal points of attack for Liverpool who will seek to defend their title. What’s not to like?

FPL price: 12.0

Expected minutes per GW: 85

Weighted underlying PPM: 0.087

Expected points per GW: 7.43

Budget-constrained value: 0.56

2. Marcus Rashford

Despite missing quite a few minutes last season due to injury, Marcus Rashford’s stock has been on the rise over the past several seasons as he’s helped lead a rejuvenated Man United attack that showed real signs of life at the end of the last campaign. Sharing penalties with teammate Bruno Fernandes, he contributed 17 league goals along with 8 assists, proving his versatility as a leader and playmaker. This season, FPL have reclassified the young attacker as a midfielder which will further boost his potential through additional points for goals and clean sheets, even with the price increase compared with last season. A word of caution though: Man United have no fixture in GW1 due to extended break following the Europa League, so FPL Managers may want to hold off for now.

FPL price: 9.5

Expected minutes per GW: 86

Weighted underlying PPM: 0.071

Expected points per GW: 6.05

Budget-constrained value: 0.52

3. Heung-Min Son

The Tottenham talisman has certainly proven his potential since his arrival in the Premier League five seasons ago and has been a steady contributor for the Spurs’ attack. Often taking a very advanced position on the pitch, the speedy South Korean has demonstrated extreme versatility with his ability to create opportunities when deployed on the wing or lead the line as a striker when teammate Harry Kane has been sidelined through injury. This season, Son benefits from a price reduction in FPL which will further enhance his appeal.

FPL price: 9.0

Expected minutes per GW: 82

Weighted underlying PPM: 0.068

Expected points per GW: 5.54

Budget-constrained value: 0.49

4. Raheem Sterling

Since his move from Liverpool in 2015, Raheem Sterling has firmly established himself as a key player with explosive potential in a relentless Man City attack. Kicking off last campaign with a hat trick in GW1, the English youngster saw a dip in form during the middle of the season which may have frustrated FPL Managers with inconsistent returns, in addition to the occasional risk of rotation for the now infamous Pep-roulette. But a series of prolific returns to end the campaign reminded us all of his sky-high potential. Unfortunately Man City will also not feature in GW1 due to extended Champions League participation, but certainly an asset worth consideration.

FPL price: 11.5

Expected minutes per GW: 81

Weighted underlying PPM: 0.082

Expected points per GW: 6.61

Budget-constrained value: 0.48

5. Bruno Fernandes

The playmaking poster-boy of Portuguese productivity, Bruno Fernandes has certainly taken the Premier League by storm since his arrival at Man United during the middle of last season. Taking over set-pieces and sharing spot duties with teammate Marcus Rashford, his creativity was a significant factor in the club’s end of season surge as the Reds secured a pivotal 3rd place finish to claim a spot in next season’s Champions League. While he may have over-performed at times, Fernandes does remain an integral part of the Man United attack, though FPL Managers should once again be mindful of the initial blank in GW1.

FPL price: 10.5

Expected minutes per GW: 85

Weighted underlying PPM: 0.072

Expected points per GW: 6.11

Budget-constrained value: 0.48

6. Kevin De Bruyne

After enduring an injury-ridden spell during a disappointing 2018-2019 campaign, the brilliant Belgian Kevin De Bruyne (KDB) bounced back for Man City last season and ended with much fanfare as the top-scoring FPL asset. Finishing with a career-best 13 goals and 23 assists, the all-purpose midfielder showcased creativity and leadership all across the pitch with masterful set pieces, impactful goals, and even appears to have claimed spot-kick duties as he stepped for most of City’s late-season penalties. Despite occasional rotation from Pep-roulette, KDB starts most matches due to his importance for City, so he will rack up plenty of minutes! Still though, FPL Managers need to be mindful of the Man City blank to start the season.

FPL price: 11.5

Expected minutes per GW: 83

Weighted underlying PPM: 0.075

Expected points per GW: 6.22

Budget-constrained value: 0.45

7. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang enjoyed another fantastic season in the Premier League with the Arsenal talisman finishing with 22 goals as runner-up in the Golden Boot race. While often deployed on the left wing, he would sometimes take a central position in an advanced role when teammate Alexandre Lacazette was benched. Although his contract expires at the end of next season, he looks set to sign an extension to keep him at the club for a few more years. This season, FPL have reclassified him as a midfielder and, despite the higher price tag, we expect the Gabonese attacker to continue flourishing under new manager Mikel Arteta along with a new partnership to be formed with recent club addition, Willian.

FPL price: 12.0

Expected minutes per GW: 87

Weighted underlying PPM: 0.073

Expected points per GW: 6.39

Budget-constrained value: 0.44

8. Willian

While many Chelsea supporters may feel heartbroken over the departure of long-time favourite Willian, the Brazilian international hasn’t gone too far after completing a move to London rivals Arsenal on a free transfer. During a very inconsistent season for the Blues, the set-piece specialist stepped up his game during the later stages of the season to help Chelsea secure a crucial 4th place finish for the final Champions League spot. He’ll be sure to create plenty of opportunities for his new teammates including the lethal Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. But he is not assured a starting spot in Arsenal’s star-studded front line, battling it out with the likes of Pepe and Lacazette for a place.

FPL price:8.0

Expected minutes per GW: 75

Weighted underlying PPM: 0.062

Expected points per GW: 6.64

Budget-constrained value: 0.44

9. Phil Foden

A breakout season for the Manchester City youngster finally put Phil Foden firmly on our radar, especially towards the end of the season, despite limited playing time earlier in the campaign. The departure of teammate David Silva should result in more minutes for the 20 year-old, though he will still face serious competition for playing time with a very deep Man City squad. Nevertheless, his underlying stats are among the best and he should still provide ample FPL returns, even with reduced minutes. At a budget-friendly price tag of 6.5m for a Man City midfielder, Phil Foden is certainly worthy of strong consideration.

FPL price: 6.5

Expected minutes per GW: 58

Weighted underlying PPM: 0.068

Expected points per GW: 3.96

Budget-constrained value: 0.44

10. Mason Greenwood

Another Manchester youngster who flourished towards the end of the season, Mason Greenwood really made a strong impact for Manchester United during their end of season run to secure a Champions League spot. Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer placed his faith in the 18 year-old by rewarding him a place in the starting lineup for most of their final matches, resulting in key contributions for the club and helping Greenwood finish the campaign with 10 league goals. As mentioned before, Man United start off the 2020-2021 season with a blank, and the Reds may not be finished with their spending during the Summer transfer window, so it remains to be seen if Greenwood can maintain his position in the Starting XI.

FPL price: 7.5

Expected minutes per GW: 72

Weighted underlying PPM: 0.061

Expected points per GW: 4.38

Budget-constrained value: 0.44

Check out our other previews of the upcoming Premier League Fantasy Football 20/21 season:

- Top 5 Forwards

- Top 5 Goalkeepers

- Top 5 Defenders