The Scout looks at the key questions facing Fantasy Premier League managers ahead of the final weekend of pre-season, when the line-ups often offer a big clue as to who is likely to start in Gameweek 1.
How many big-hitters will return to action?
As a result of the summer international tournaments, a host of big names have yet to feature during pre-season, including England trio Cole Palmer (£10.5m), Phil Foden (£9.5m) and Ollie Watkins (£9.0m).
Bukayo Saka (£10.0m) was the first of the Three Lions’ premium picks in Fantasy to feature in pre-season, playing 45 minutes against Bayer Leverkusen in midweek.
That’s in stark contrast to Erling Haaland (£15.0m), Mohamed Salah (£12.5m), Son Heung-min (£10.0m) and Alexander Isak (£8.5m), whose lack of international commitments have allowed them to build up their match sharpness over pre-season.
The potential return to action of those big-hitters – and the comments of their managers – are likely to heavily impact player ownership levels heading into Gameweek 1.
Where will Nkunku play for Chelsea?
Playing mainly as a No 8, Christopher Nkunku (£6.5m) has been Chelsea’s standout attacker under Enzo Maresca over the summer.
The Frenchman’s three goals and an assist have taken him to 18 per cent ownership, making him the most-picked midfielder priced at £6.5m and under.
Certainly, if Nkunku secures a place alongside Palmer as one of the two No 8s in Maresca’s 4-3-3 system, he could more than justify his popularity.
Yet with possibly more regulars returning this weekend, there's still some uncertainty over the versatile Nkunku's position in Maresca’s XI for 2024/25.
Is Rogers the best budget midfielder?
Three goals and two assists have made Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers (£5.0m) a popular cut-price midfielder, with nearly eight per cent owning the versatile attacker.
He has featured as a No 10 during pre-season and even played up front in their last friendly due to Watkins’ late return.
A temporary role up front would surely raise his popularity further, although it’s fair to say Rogers is not without competition in the sub-£6.0m bracket.
Oscar Bobb (£5.0m) has matched the five goal involvements of Rogers and, indeed, his Manchester City team-mate Haaland, scoring two goals and assisting three. And if he keeps his place for Gameweek 2, he can benefit from an enticing fixture at home to promoted Ipswich Town.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United's Jacob Murphy (£5.0m) has four goals and three assists to his name over pre-season, while Southampton’s Ben Brereton-Diaz and Fulham’s Emile Smith Rowe (both £5.5m) enjoyed goalscoring debuts over the last week.
Is Nott’m Forest’s attack worth investing in?
Nottingham Forest pair Callum Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga (both £5.5m) can also be added to that budget midfielder list.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side enjoy a kind start to the season and both their wingers offer a cheaper option than playmaker and penalty-taker Morgan Gibbs-White (£6.5m).
Alternatively, it could be up front where the solution lies - Chris Wood has three goals and two assists this summer and costs just £6.0m.
Who lines up in Arsenal’s attack?
In the absence of Saka and Declan Rice (£6.5m), Gabriel Jesus (£7.0m) has seized his opportunity to build up minutes and form with three goals and an assist this summer.
The versatile Kai Havertz (£8.0m) has played as a No 8, yet has still delivered two goals and two assists in two pre-season outings.
While playing in midfield is likely to be a temporary measure until Mikel Arteta’s regulars build up their match sharpness, it may put Brazilian Jesus in pole position to start in Gameweek 1.
Over on the left flank, the competition between Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli could offer a great mid-price route into Arsenal’s attack, with the pair both costing £7.0m.
Can Barco secure a starting role?
A £4.0m starting defender on set-pieces? Brighton & Hove Albion’s Valentin Barco could be ticking both those boxes for managers in Fantasy after impressing under new head coach Fabian Hurzeler.
The Argentinian missed the Seagulls’ last friendly as a precaution, but if he returns to the first XI, he could be more than just a handy cut-price pick to stick on your bench.
Barco’s appeal is also boosted as his rival for the left-back role Pervis Estupinan (£5.0m) misses the start of 2024/25 through injury.
