Two low-cost midfielders it’s essential to sign up FPL forward of early switch deadline
To misquote the rapper Nas, “another FPL column, another dollar”. That’s right, with the dust only just settling on another weekend of Premier League action, we’re back to help you squeeze every last point out of your Fantasy Premier League team.
Manchester United, Newcastle and Sunderland continue to look rubbish, Arsenal defenders remain worth their weight in gold, and Tottenham are still looking suspiciously like a decent football team. Thankfully, after the injury hell of last week, things are looking a little more relaxed ahead of Gameweek 10. But be warned, there’s another early deadline, with managers needing to finalise their teams by 6.30pm on Friday, November 6.
For those who burned through their free transfers dealing with last week’s injury crisis, this might be the perfect opportunity to roll one over. But for anyone itching to make a move, here’s where we’d be looking.
Did last week have you feeling like this? (Image: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
Cherries ripe for picking
Like last season, Bournemouth appear to have started slowly before suddenly remembering they’re actually quite good at football.
And with a lovely run of fixtures, beginning with a trip to Ipswich, the Cherries are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
Evanilson (£6.4m) has looked a different player in recent weeks, with his improved form taking him to 52 FPL points. But we’re still scarred by the Brazilian’s seemingly endless two-pointers last season to fully throw our weight behind him.
Bournemouth have fit form after a shaky start (Image: Getty Images)
At the back, we’re big fans of Lloyd Kelly’s replacement as Bournemouth’s defensive talisman, James Hill (£5.5m).
A defensive contribution magnet, goal threat and bonus-point collector, Hill has plenty of routes to points. But his centre-back partner Antonio Silva (£5.1m) offers similar appeal for £0.4m less.
Further forward, Rayan (£6.3m) has endured a relatively quiet start, although we’re backing the Brazilian to eventually find his feet.
We actually prefer Justin Kluivert (£5.9m), who has already shown just how explosive he can be. The Dutchman enjoyed a remarkable purple patch during the 2024/25 campaign, including two away hat-tricks, one of which saw him score three and assist another in a 4-1 demolition of Newcastle.
Justin Kluivert could be a smart pickup
However, Marcus Tavernier (£6.6m) remains our standout pick.
The winger has already collected 55 FPL points, and his involvement in corners and free-kicks gives him another avenue to returns.
At that price, and with Bournemouth’s fixtures looking increasingly attractive, he’s one of our favourite midfield options.
Cut throat villains
Like Bournemouth, Aston Villa have developed a habit of taking their time to get going.
But Unai Emery’s side are finally kicking into gear, and their upcoming fixtures make them an appealing source of FPL points.
We backed Nicolas Jackson (£7.0m) as the obvious replacement for the injured Joao Pedro last week, and the Senegalese striker duly rewarded our faith.
McGinn could be a great option for the next few weeks(Image: CameraSport)
Villa’s next assignment is a trip to a struggling Manchester United side, and there’s little reason to abandon Jackson now.
For managers seeking something a little different, John McGinn (£5.4m) is an intriguing gamble.
The Scotland international has a decent eye for goal, can contribute defensively and offers a cheaper route into Villa’s midfield.
Johan Manzambi (£6.1m) is another player worth considering, having quietly accumulated 38 points already.
Neither is necessarily a must-buy, but with so many managers flocking towards the same handful of players, both could provide a useful differential.
Something to Kons-ider
Arsenal’s defence has been an absolute goldmine this season, and one of the biggest beneficiaries has been Ezri Konsa (£4.8m).
The former Aston Villa man has enjoyed a brilliant start to life in north London, returning 49 FPL points at a price that looks increasingly ridiculous.
However, William Saliba (£5.9m) is nearing a return, and when the Frenchman is back to full fitness, Konsa’s place in Mikel Arteta’s starting XI could come under threat.
Arsenal defenders are worth their weight in gold (Image: Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)
We wouldn’t expect Arteta to immediately rip apart a defence that’s performing so well, and so Konsa is absolutely worth holding for as long as possible.
There are several options we would consider if you are getting an itchy clicking fixture.
At the budget end, Coventry’s Bobby Thomas (£4.0m) remains an attractive option, while Bournemouth’s Silva (£5.1m) and Hill (£5.5m) offer more expensive alternatives.
Jan Paul van Hecke (£5.0m), now at Tottenham, is another option worth exploring, alongside Leeds defender Tarik Muharemovic.
But there’s one fairly obvious problem with selling Konsa: you’ll probably want another Arsenal defender.
David Raya (£6.2m) remains an excellent option between the sticks, while Jurrien Timber (£6.5m) could become appealing if he establishes himself back in the starting XI.
Riccardo Calafiori (£5.9m) is another outstanding asset.
Our advice would be to not rush, hold Konsa at least until next week, and save a transfer if possible and work out how to triple up on the Arsenal defence when the time comes.
Sold Trafford
Man United are obviously terrible (Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United look horrible – we can’t currently recommend a single one of their players, and if you do have any then get rid now.
Bruno Fernandes (£11.7m) is simply too expensive to justify when there are so many better-value midfielders elsewhere.
Bryan Mbeumo (£7.9m) is hardly cheap either, and the Red Devils’ miserable performances are making both players increasingly difficult to defend.
