Fantasy Premier League has returned for another season and managers can now begin assembling their squads for gameweek one.
The recent release of player price-tags has sent FPL players into a frenzy, as fantasy coaches look to find value and build a successful team.
The 2023/24 campaign has seen several intriguing positional changes, with a number of leading names reclassified ahead of the new campaign.
We’ve looked at the most interesting positional changes in Fantasy Premier League this season.
Kai Havertz – Midfielder
Arsenal’s summer signing has been reclassified as a midfielder, having featured predominantly as a forward during his time at Chelsea. Havertz is expected to feature in a deeper role at Arsenal following his cross-capital switch, but the German international is likely to roam into more advanced positions during the course of the campaign.
A return of seven goals and one assist last season means Havertz is far from a go-to pick for FPL coaches, but the additional points midfielders acquire for scoring goals and clean sheets make the 24-year-old a more appealing option this season.
A day to remember! Thank you for all the messages, can’t wait to get started ❤️ @Arsenal pic.twitter.com/lwDcz4q4mM
— Kai Havertz (@kaihavertz29) June 29, 2023
The talent has long been there for Havertz (£7.5m), with Mikel Arteta now tasked with coaxing consistency from his latest recruit. One to watch in an Arsenal side who will hope to challenge for the title once again.
Bryan Mbeumo – Midfielder
Bryan Mbuemo is another who has been moved from forward to midfield, a change that will make the Cameroon international a popular pick at his price-tag of £6.5m.
Mbuemo scored nine goals and provided eight assists in the Premier League last season, the sort of return that would be welcomed from midfield for FPL managers. Ivan Toney’s suspension until January is set to increase the pressure on Mbuemo for goals, while there’s a strong chance that the winger will take penalties until Toney’s return in the new year.
🥶 Ice-cold @Bmbeumo19@safetyculturehq pic.twitter.com/3NF9Tsa7P1
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) January 2, 2023
Mbuemo featured 15 times as a centre-forward last season and could have increased minutes in a central role in 2023/24. Team-mate Yoane Wissa (£6m) has been reclassified in the opposite direction, with the 26-year-old named as a forward for the upcoming campaign.
Diogo Jota – Midfielder
Diogo Jota (£8m) has been named as a midfielder for the Fantasy Premier League season, despite the expectation that the Portugal international will combine roles as central forward and from the left.
The Portugal international had a challenging campaign last term, but ended the season in fine form with six goals in his last nine Premier League appearances.
“Jota is BACK in business for Liverpool!!” ✅🔴 pic.twitter.com/Q8ClpFwRNg
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 17, 2023
Jota’s minutes will need to be monitored before deciding to go with the 26-year-old however, with Liverpool boasting arguably the most competitive frontline in the division as Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo and Jota compete for three places.
Jurgen Klopp is a firm admirer of the intensity Jota brings however, and he returned to favour across the run-in. Cody Gakpo (£7.5m) has been reclassified as a forward for the new season, after impressing as a false nine since his switch to Liverpool in January.
Brennan Johnson – Midfielder
Brennan Johnson impressed during his first campaign at Premier League level with the Wales international a key contributor as Nottingham Forest secured survival.
Despite a strong return of eight goals and five assists, Johnson’s price-tag has remained at £6m. However, the 22-year-old is now classified as a midfielder and will earn extra points for goals and clean sheets.
🗣️ “Just when you were ready to write Nottingham Forest off”
IT’S BRENNAN JOHNSON AGAIN 👏 pic.twitter.com/YXjK7MhQbe
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 5, 2023
That could prove a useful boost to his point return, if Steve Cooper continues to use the versatile forward in a front two alongside Morgan Gibbs-White. Brentford and Aston Villa are also said to be keen on signing Johnson this summer.
Richarlison – Midfielder
Richarlison’s debut season at Tottenham was once to forget, with the Brazilian enduring a barren run that saw him wait until Gameweek 34 to score his first Premier League goal for the club.
The £60m addition from Everton struggled to meet expectations, but will hope a full pre-season under new head coach Ange Postecoglou can reignite his fortunes. He had scored 43 league goals across the previous four Premier League campaigns.
Dream debut double for Richarlison ⚽️⚽️@SpursOfficial || #UCL pic.twitter.com/IUBb4Q38EF
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) September 13, 2022
Richarlison’s reduction in price to a tempting £7m and reclassification as a midfielder will aid his appeal despite a disappointing campaign last term, while the prospect of Harry Kane leaving could lead to a regular role at centre-forward.
Only Son Heung-min, Raheem Sterling and Dominic Calvert-Lewin have had a greater reduction in price than Richarlison.
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