Liverpool Players to Target in Fantasy Premier League

As the Premier League season kicks off, fans look forward to the fantasy game just as much as the real one.

Liverpool have finished 3^rd, 2^nd, and 2^nd in goals scored and 3^rd, 1^st, and 1^st in goals conceded each of the past three seasons. As such, they have demonstrated consistently effective options in both attack and defence.

In this article, we evaluate Liverpool players who should be targeted in Fantasy Premier League—specifically, players who are likely to outperform their price.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (Price: ₤7.5)

Despite being the most expensive defender in FPL, Alexander-Arnold will be well worth it. In what was considered a disappointing season by his standards, he still finished 6^th in the league in chances created. Thus, we should expect an improvement on his 7 assists, which were still good enough for 12^th in the league.

As mentioned in this article, Alexander-Arnold’s struggles last season were understandable. With little protection from Mohamed Salah in front of him and injuries at centerback, Alexander-Arnold lacked the liberty that he normally has to maraud along the right flank.

Improved health should also benefit Alexander-Arnold. The returns of Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, and Joel Matip along with the singing of Ibrahima Konate will lead to more clean sheets. A healthy Diogo Jota also provides perhaps the most well-suited target for Alexander-Arnold’s crosses.

At ₤7.5, Alexander-Arnold costs only ₤1.5 more than Joao Cancelo and ₤2 more than Kurt Zouma, Benjamin Mendy, and Marcos Alonso. Pay the extra pound or two.

Nat Phillips (Price: ₤4.5 million)

While Nat Phillips is seemingly fifth in the pecking order at centerback for Jurgen Klopp, this price could be one to jump on if he moves to another Premier League team. Phillips has been linked to numerous Premier League sides throughout the summer. He was held out of recent friendlies at Anfield in anticipation of a possible transfer.

Phillips should have the opportunity to contribute right away to the teams that he has been linked with. He would presumably be an immediate starter for Newcastle and Brighton, both teams focused on being defensively resolute. He may find playing time harder to come by at Burnley or West Ham, but could still provide valuable contributions.

Liverpool conceded just 0.65 goals per game in Phillips’ 17 Premier League appearances last season. He picked up just two yellow cards and averaged 4 FPL points per contest. At 24, he should continue to develop at another club. As a fifth defender, Phillips would be a shrewd purchase.

Jota (Price: ₤7.5 million)

Jota’s description as a midfielder is as much of a blessing as it is a ridiculous decision by the FPL regulators. However, it allows him to benefit from increased point awards for the bevy of goals that he is likely to score.

Jota blazed onto the scene last year for Liverpool, providing an immediate impact to the side. His contributions were sorely missed when he went down with an injury in November. With Roberto Firmino perhaps declining and just recently returning from the Copa America, Jota will likely have the first claim to the starting striker position—a spot that he may never relinquish.

The Portuguese forward scored 9 goals in 19 Premier League appearances last season. In a fully healthy season, this would have put him on pace for 18 goals, which would have only been eclipsed by Harry Kane and Mohamed Salah. Also just 24 years old and entering his second season with the club, there’s no reason for Jota to slow down now.

Mohamed Salah (Price: ₤12.5 million)

How could the most expensive player in FPL be considered a bargain? Well, because he’s shown us that he is the only player in the league that consistently puts up ridiculous stats and avoids injuries. While stalwarts such as Harry Kane and Kevin de Bruyne are just as influential, both have missed months of time in recent seasons.

Salah has enjoyed a summer free of international commitments, providing an opportunity for him to recharge. He is hungry, eager to earn a new deal and make amends for the team’s shortcomings last season. A resurgent season from Sadio Mane, Andy Robertson, and Trent Alexander-Arnold should also lead to enhanced service.

Yes, ₤12.5 is a hefty price. But you could pay ₤6-8 each for two strikers who may or may not score 10 goals a season or pay ₤12.5 million for Salah, who has scored at least 19 goals each of the past 4 seasons. Oh, and he is also classified as a midfielder for whatever reason, adding on to the delight.