With the Premier League season fast approaching, Fantasy Football managers are putting the finishing touches to their squads, weighing up premium stars alongside value picks who could deliver a significant return on investment. Beyond the obvious selections like Erling Haaland and Bruno Fernandes, several players stand out as smart additions capable of boosting a squad's points tally without draining the budget.
Florian Wirtz, priced at £7.5m and owned by around 14% of managers, is being tipped as a shrewd differential at Liverpool. New manager Andoni Iraola appears set on using the German as a genuine number 10 operating close to striker Alexander Isak, a role that should increase his involvement in the final third. With only a fraction of the ownership enjoyed by teammate Dominik Szoboszlai, Wirtz offers a lower-risk route into Liverpool's attack.
Speaking of Szoboszlai, the Hungarian remains a strong option himself at £7m after finishing last season as Liverpool's second-highest scorer in the game with 160 points, trailing only Virgil van Dijk's 175. He contributed 13 goals across all competitions, including four direct free-kicks, and Liverpool's opening fixtures against Newcastle, Nottingham Forest, Ipswich, Fulham and Bournemouth look kind. Though his exact position under Iraola is uncertain with Wirtz likely occupying the number 10 role, his versatility should keep his minutes secure.
In midfield, Brighton's Pascal Gross at £5.5m has become more appealing following Danny Welbeck's move to Chelsea, which should hand Gross penalty-taking duties. He already converted a spot-kick in pre-season against Strasbourg and set up a goal from a free-kick in the same match, adding to his existing set-piece responsibilities. Owned by fewer than 11% of managers, Gross offers a reliable floor at a low price under Fabian Hurzeler's attacking system.
Between the posts, Tottenham's Antonin Kinsky at £4.5m looks like one of the better budget goalkeeper options. The Czech stopper started every match under Roberto de Zerbi to close out last season and appears to have the manager's trust, even with Guglielmo Vicario back fit. If Kinsky retains the number one jersey, his combination of clean sheet potential and save points makes him strong value.
Up front, Chelsea's Joao Pedro is highlighted as an standout pick at £7.5m following a debut campaign that produced 15 goals and nine assists, ranking him fourth among forwards in points last season. He recorded 63 shots in the box and 26 big chances, and with no European competition to manage this season under new boss Xabi Alonso, he is well placed to build on that output, though competition from summer signing Danny Welbeck is worth monitoring.
Leeds United's Dominic Calvert-Lewin, priced at £6m, is the third most-owned forward behind Haaland and Joao Pedro. Despite Leeds underperforming their expected numbers last season, Calvert-Lewin still scored 14 goals from 15.57 expected goals and generated 33 big chances, the fourth-highest tally in the division. He remains on penalty duty and rarely gets substituted, while Daniel Farke's side have strengthened their creative options over the summer.
In defence, Nottingham Forest's Neco Williams at £5m could benefit from new manager Oliver Glasner's tactical approach. Forest kept 13 clean sheets last season, and Williams ranked third for fantasy points among the squad, leading all Forest defenders in shots with 46. A potential switch to a wing-back system could push him further forward.
Arsenal's Riccardo Calafiori, at £5.5m, offers a cheaper entry point into English football's stingiest defence. Having established himself as first-choice left-back for much of last season, his place appears secure heading into the new campaign, provided he avoids injury.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.