The Scout assesses the sides with the most favourable opening schedules in 2023/24 Fantasy Premier League.
Brentford
Thomas Frank’s side have the fixtures to offer strong value in Fantasy in the early stages of the new season.
According to the Fixture Difficulty Ratings (FDR), five of Brentford's opening seven matches score only two.
In addition, they are one of only six sides to have four home fixtures in the first six Gameweeks.
Brentford’s first seven matches
| GW | Opp | FDR | GW | Opp | FDR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | TOT (H) | 3 | 5 | NEW (A) | 4 |
| 2 | FUL (A) | 2 | 6 | EVE (H) | 2 |
| 3 | CRY (H) | 2 | 7 | NFO (A) | 2 |
| 4 | BOU (H) | 2 | |||
Mark Flekken
The summer signing from Freiburg is expected to take over from David Raya as Brentford’s new No 1 in 2023/24.
Raya was the top-scoring goalkeeper in 2022/23 Fantasy but reports suggest he could depart the club this summer, with Brentford manager Frank saying the Spaniard's price tag is £40m.
Brentford’s style of play was a key part in Raya’s success, with his totals of 154 saves, 39 save points and 20 bonus points all more than any other 'keeper.
If Flekken comes in at £4.5m in Fantasy, he could be the go-to goalkeeper for many managers’ opening squads.
Ben Mee
Brentford’s run of matches at the Gtech Community Stadium looks encouraging for the centre-back’s prospects.
Mee was the third top-scoring defender in home matches in Fantasy last season, amassing 90 points thanks to three goals, an assist and seven clean sheets.
He boasted a major goal threat, with his total of 28 shots in the box placing third in his position.
That marks out Mee as a big source of returns at both ends of the pitch in the early Gameweeks.
Bryan Mbeumo
The absence of Ivan Toney through suspension can help the Cameroonian enjoy a productive start to 2023/24.
Mbeumo was a huge success in the five matches his fellow forward missed last season, producing attacking returns on each occasion.
He amassed 48 points across those encounters, scoring five goals and supplying three assists.
A starting cost of under £7.0m could make Mbeumo a popular third forward for opening squads.
Also in this series
Part 1: Arsenal
Part 3: Brighton
Part 4: Chelsea
Part 5: Liverpool
Part 6: Luton Town
Part 7: Man City