Bruno Fernandes (£8.2m) has left Fantasy Premier League managers in a quandary after receiving a red card against Spurs last Gameweek.
With the Manchester United talisman now suspended, it's time to explore some enticing alternatives. Let's dive into the potential replacements that could fill the void in your midfield.
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At the time of writing, over 130,000 FPL managers have transferred out the Portuguese midfielder, making him the fifth most transferred-out player.
The top three transfer combinations for Fernandes, according to the Transfer Analytics tool, show that the most popular replacement is Palmer (£10.7m). After his 25-point haul against Brighton, it's no surprise. However, for many Fernandes owners, this would require multiple transfers, as the Chelsea talisman is more expensive.
On the other hand, Mbeumo (£7.4m) and McNeil (£5.5m) are both within budget, and we cover them in more detail below.
Price: £7.4m
Ownership: 22.3%
Bryan Mbeumo has been nothing short of sensational in the first six gameweeks of the 2024/25 season. The Brentford midfielder has been in scintillating form, netting an impressive 5 goals and accumulating 43 points. His underlying statistics are equally impressive, with 8 shots on target from 14 total attempts, showcasing his clinical nature in front of goal.
Mbeumo's expected goals (xG) of 1.76 suggests he's outperforming expectations, which could be a sign of his improved finishing or a potential regression to the mean. However, his creative side shouldn't be overlooked, with 4 big chances created and 11 attempted assists, indicating his all-round contribution to Brentford's attack.
By using the Predicted Points & Stats feature and filtering for midfielders over the next three gameweeks, we find that only Saka (18.9), Palmer (17.8), and M. Salah (17.5) are projected to score more points than Mbeumo (17.1).
With favourable fixtures against Wolves, Ipswich, and Bournemouth in the next five gameweeks, Mbeumo could be an excellent Fernandes replacement for those looking to free up funds while maintaining high point potential.
Price: £7.4m
Ownership: 5.5%
Despite West Ham's tough start to the season, Jarrod Bowen has been a reliable asset, averaging 4 FPL points per game according to the Opta Heatmaps tool. His low ownership of just 5.5% makes him an intriguing differential pick.
In the opening six gameweeks, Bowen has amassed 24 points, scoring once and providing two assists. While these numbers might not jump off the page, his underlying statistics suggest there's more to come.
With 4 shots on target from 10 attempts, Bowen has been getting into good positions. His expected assists (xA) of 1.29 indicates he's creating chances for his teammates, and with 14 attempted assists, he's clearly a key creative outlet for the Hammers.
West Ham's upcoming fixtures include matches against Ipswich, Manchester United, and Nottingham Forest, offering Bowen opportunities to build on his solid start to the season.
Price: £6.8m
Ownership: 18.9%
Eberechi Eze has been a bright spot in Crystal Palace's midfield in recent seasons He has accumulated 21 points in the first six gameweeks of 2024/25. While he's only found the net once so far, his underlying numbers suggest he's been unfortunate not to have more returns.
Eze's 25 total shots, second only to Semenyo (28) among midfielders according to the Opta Stats Sandbox tool, with 7 on target, demonstrate his eagerness to take on opportunities.His expected goals (xG) of 2.66 is particularly eye-catching, suggesting he's been unlucky not to score more. With 12 attempted assists, Eze is also contributing to Palace's attacking play.
Although Palace face Liverpool and Tottenham in their next five fixtures, matches against Nottingham Forest, Wolves, and Fulham could provide Eze with chances to improve his output.
Price: £7.3m
Ownership: 11.0%
Anthony Gordon has been making waves at Newcastle United, racking up 28 points in the first six gameweeks. The young midfielder has found the net twice, showcasing his goal-scoring ability.
Gordon's expected goals (xG) of 1.96 and expected assists (xA) of 1.12 suggest he's been involved in high-quality chances. With 14 attempted assists, he's proving to be a creative force in Newcastle's attack.
Interestingly, Gordon played as a center forward against Man City, as shown by Newcastle's average player position in the Match Centre tool. This change was due to Isak's injury absence, and the England midfielder also took a penalty.
While Newcastle's upcoming fixtures look challenging, with matches against Brighton, Chelsea, and Arsenal, Gordon's form and potential make him an interesting option for those looking to differentiate their midfield.
Price: £5.5m
Ownership: 4.7%
Dwight McNeil has been a surprise package this season, offering excellent value at just £5.5m. With 39 points from the first six gameweeks, including 3 goals and 2 assists, McNeil has been outperforming many higher-priced midfielders.
His creative stats are particularly impressive, with 5 big chances created and 20 attempted assists. An expected assists (xA) of 2.56 suggests his creativity is sustainable, making him an attractive option for those looking to free up funds for investments elsewhere.
As shown in the Match Centre tool, McNeil has been integral to Everton's attack over the last five games. He ranks either first or second for goals, expected goals, shots on target, assists, and attempted assists during this period.
Everton's mixed run of fixtures, including games against Newcastle, Fulham, and West Ham, could provide McNeil with opportunities to continue his fine form.
As FPL managers look to replace Bruno Fernandes, each of these midfielders offers unique advantages. Whether you opt for the in-form Mbeumo, the consistent Bowen, the creative Eze or Gordon, or the budget-friendly McNeil, consider how each player fits into your overall team structure and strategy.
Remember to keep an eye on team news as you make your decision. While Fernandes' absence is a challenge, it also presents an opportunity to reshape your midfield and potentially gain an edge over your mini-league rivals.
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