Is Haaland worth the price? Pick Rogers or Palmer? Five key FPL questions
Retold by Oddsrama · 18 August 2026
With Fantasy Premier League's new season nearly upon us, managers face some serious decisions about which stars deserve a spot in their squads. The debate around premium assets, differential picks, and new signings is heating up, and getting your selections right from gameweek one can set the tone for the entire campaign.
Erling Haaland's record £15.5m price tag is the elephant in the room. Last season he finished top scorer with 239 points—33 fewer than his career best in 2022-23—yet his value has jumped significantly. The concern is real: a World Cup hangover and abbreviated pre-season could slow his early returns. Still, FPL experts largely agree that skipping him is risky. His captaincy potential in the opening weeks is unmatched, and with fewer premium options available across the board compared to previous years, betting against him early feels like playing with fire. The counter-argument exists—Bruno Fernandes at £12m offers stability—but Haaland's explosive ceiling makes him almost essential for template consistency.
Beyond the obvious premium picks, smart managers are eyeing attacking differentials. Bryan Mbeumo at £8m stands out as a standout alternative, having enjoyed a full pre-season and likely to feature prominently in Brentford's early fixtures against Hull and Ipswich. Defence-wise, promoted sides present genuine clean sheet opportunities; Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw both offer routes into Manchester United's backline at reasonable prices, with Shaw providing exceptional value at £4.5m.
Chelsea's new era under Xabi Alonso throws another wrinkle into selection planning. Morgan Rogers arrived for £117m but must adapt to a new system, while Cole Palmer—assuming he stays fit—offers abundance of creativity but unproven consistency. Joao Pedro could be the sneakier option to unlock Chelsea's attack without overcommitting budget to their settling-in period. Early form will determine whether these Blues assets become bargains or budget traps.
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