A palpable buzz around Fantasy Premier League continues to grow with the game having officially released its updated version for the 2022/23 season last Tuesday. With fans looking forward to their respective teams’ pre-season fixtures whilst anticipating the arrivals of several talents alongside catching a glimpse of newer additions before the start of the campaign, FPL managers have already begun creating their first drafts as they look forward to locking a formidable team on road to the first game-week of the new season.
Having escaped relegation by only three points last season, Leeds United have been exceptionally active in the transfer market in a bid to address the squad’s weaknesses this summer. With Jesse Marsch expected to work around a squad riddled with promising youngsters across the board, the Yorkshire outfit could emerge amongst the surprise packages this season; offering FPL managers an opportunity to consider a number of exciting talents moving into the campaign.
Patrick Bamford (£7.5m) emerges as the most expensive of Leeds’ assets with midfielder Raphinha (£7.0m) and Luis Sinisterra (£6.5m) following suit. Winger Jack Harrison (£6.0m) cements himself as a proven asset in midfield, while the likes of Illan Meslier (£4.5m) and right-back Rasmus Kristensen (£5.0m) could emerge as promising assets provided the team capitalise on their favourable run of fixtures moving into the season.
With prices of every registered player having been revealed following the official release, the upcoming campaign is expected to continue delivering intriguing competitions for places across the board. However, while most managers are likely to contemplate drafting in the most noticeable names, the focus for seasoned managers, as ever, remains on drafting in understated assets capable of delivering sustainable points over the course of the upcoming season.
ILLAN MESLIER (GK, £4.5)
Although having conceded the second-highest (79) number of goals within the league last season, Meslier emerges as a tempting prospect given Leeds’ exciting run of fixtures through the initial phase of the season. Having bolstered their defence ahead of the campaign, Marsch will be keen on improving the tally of clean sheets, with Meslier expected to play a crucial role in proceedings next season.
Whilst having accounted for only five clean sheets last season, the 22-year-old Frenchman started every league game for the Yorkshire club. Registering a healthy save percentage (65%) considering the team’s defensive weaknesses throughout the 21/22 campaign, the young Frenchman is expected to increase his returns provided the team succeeds in improving their defensive displays.
Having shown promising potential since Leeds’ promotion to the Premier League, Meslier will be keen on increasing his tally of clean sheets in the upcoming campaign. Moreover, amongst the keepers possessing the most favourable run of initial fixtures within his price range, the Frenchman could emerge as a reliable prospect moving forward.
RASMUS KRISTENSEN (DEF, £4.5)
Amongst the exciting arrivals at Leeds United this summer, the 25-year-old Danish international is likely to catch the eye of FPL managers provided he hits the ground running from the opening game-week of the season. With Luke Ayling unlikely to feature in the first game of the season against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Kristensen is likely to be deployed as Marsch’s starting right-back for the new campaign.
Having registered a commendable 10 goals and eight assists for RB Salzburg across all competitions last season, Kristensen arrives on the back of a notable reputation across Europe. Known for his crossing and technicality in possession, the Danish full-back boasts exceptional ability on the attack, with a notable weakness emerging in his tackling while carrying out defensive duties. Additionally, with the ability to serve as a right-sided midfielder, Kristensen emerges as a versatile figure likely to establish himself as a first-team regular under Marsch next season.
With the £4.5m price bracket emerging as a tempting arena for FPL managers, Kristensen emerges as an overlooked asset within his price range. Provided Leeds capitalise on their excellent run of fixtures, the Danish full-back could deliver favourable returns moving into the season.
JACK HARRISON (MID, £6.0)
Leeds’ second-highest scoring (117 pts.) FPL asset last season, the 24-year-old’s contributions proved pivotal to the club avoiding relegation last season. Having been a vital part of the side since gaining promotion to the English top-tier, the winger is likely to continue remaining a part of the first-team line-up moving into the new season.
Accounting for eight goals and an assist in the league last season, Harrison finished as the club’s joint-second highest goal-contribution at the end of the campaign. Although not the team’s chief creator, the winger ranked second for shot-creating actions (79) and carries into the final third of the pitch (57) amongst teammates last season. Moreover, with Raphinha poised to leave the club, Harrison could emerge as the team’s creative force moving in from the flanks next season.
Having been a vital piece of Leeds’ attack in recent seasons, the 24-year-old emerges as a tempting prospect given the club’s relatively favourable run of fixtures from the opening game week. Provided the Yorkshire outfit delivers a set of notable results, Jack Harrison is likely to be involved in the goals next season.
LUIS SINISTERRA (MID, £6.5)
Amongst the exciting additions to the squad ahead of the season, the Colombian forward arrives on the back of a notable reputation in the Eredivisie. Regarded as a replacement for the outgoing Raphinha, the 23-year-old winger emerges as an exciting prospect for FPL managers, provided he finds himself amongst the goals during the upcoming season.
Having registered a commendable 12 goals and seven assists for Feyenoord last season, Sinisterra emerges as a winger primarily serving as a technically sound forward within the team. Regarded for his dribbling, finishing, and ability to link up with his teammates on the pitch, the Colombian is likely to flourish under Marsch’s tutelage at Leeds. Although weak in his delivery of crosses, Sinisterra makes up for the shortcoming in his ability to function as an explosive yet intelligent attacker, moving in from the flanks.
With several tempting options within the £6.5m price bracket, Sinisterra establishes himself amongst those capable of delivering substantial returns over the season. However, considering the forward’s lack of Premier League experience, the Colombian could struggle in delivering consistent returns during the initial phase of the season.
