The Scout assesses the sides with the most favourable opening schedules in 2023/24 Fantasy Premier League.
Brighton & Hove Albion
A run of matches at Amex Stadium can help Brighton make a strong start to the new season.
The Seagulls are among only six sides to have four home fixtures in the first six Gameweeks, hosting Luton Town, West Ham United, Newcastle United and AFC Bournemouth.
Notably, they were far more reliable in defence at the Amex last season, recording nine of their 12 clean sheets in home encounters.
Brighton’s first six matches
| GW | Opp | FDR | GW | Opp | FDR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | LUT (H) | 2 | 4 | NEW (H) | 4 |
| 2 | WOL (A) | 2 | 5 | MUN (A) | 4 |
| 3 | WHU (H) | 2 | 6 | BOU (H) | 2 |
Pervis Estupinan (£5.0m)
The Ecuadorian was Brighton’s standout performer in defence under Roberto De Zerbi last term thanks to his multiple routes to returns.
Estupinan combined a goal and six assists with nine clean sheets and 14 bonus points after the Italian took charge in Gameweek 9.
Indeed, his total of 116 points in that period ranked sixth among defenders and was bettered by just three other Brighton players.
The underlying statistics also show Estupinan’s all-round threat from his left-back spot.
His 28 shots and 46 chances created both placed third in his position in Fantasy, from the point of De Zerbi’s arrival.
Kaoru Mitoma (£6.5m)
The Japan midfielder was a huge success in home matches in his debut Fantasy campaign.
Mitoma averaged 6.0 points per start at the Amex in 2022/23, producing four goals and six assists in those fixtures.
He returned 134 points from Gameweek 9 onwards, more than any other Brighton player.
Although he scored just seven goals for the new head coach, Mitoma still boasted a significant threat.
His 46 shots and 16 big chances also placed first under De Zerbi.
Solly March (£6.5m)
The winger’s fortunes in Fantasy were transformed in 2022/23 thanks to De Zerbi’s attacking style of play.
March was involved in 16 of his side’s goals when selected, scoring six and assisting a further 10.
That helped him amass 147 points, surpassing his previous best-ever total by over 50 points.
Despite missing Brighton’s final five fixtures through injury, March still supplied a team-high 16 big chances under De Zerbi.
Furthermore, his 57 shots, 39 shots in the box, 24 shots on target and 63 key passes all ranked second from Gameweek 9 onwards.
Also in this series
Part 1: Arsenal
Part 2: Brentford
Part 4: Chelsea
Part 5: Liverpool
Part 6: Luton
Part 7: Man City
