Brighton FPL Gameweek 1: Dunk, Webster and a budget-enabling defence

By coming ninth, the Albion achieved their highest ever Premier League finish last season. Brighton players were attractive Fantasy Premier League (FPL) options at varying points throughout the campaign, but especially their cost-effective defence.

As we head into gameweek one of 2022-23, not much has changed in that regard. If Brighton can repeat their success of the previous year, then there a number of assets from the Amex who FPL managers should be considering.

The case for the defence
Apart from reigning WAB Player of the Season Marc Cucurella (£5.0 million) – and who knows where he will end up by the time the transfer window closes – all current Brighton defenders are priced at £4.5 million in FPL.

Their 11 clean sheets were amongst the best in the Premier League in 2021-22. Just 44 goals were conceded as the the Brighton defence proved the bedrock of success for both their impressive league position and many FPL teams, helping overcome the fact that just four teams scored fewer goals.

This makes investing in the Seagulls defenders an attractive option, especially at their budget-enabling price tags.

Both Lewis Dunk (£4.5 million) and Adam Webster (£4.5 million) had good underlying stats for attacking threat last season, most notably from aerial positions. In addition, both scored headed goals in Brighton’s recent 5-1 pre-season victory over Espanyol.

Tariq Lamptey (£4.5 million) also registered a pre-season attacking return, with an assist against Reading. The wing back has however had his game time carefully managed, with 45 minutes in that win over the Biscuitment and just 29 versus Espanyol.

This suggests that head coach Graham Potter is being cautious after a couple of injury-hit seasons for Lamptey. He managed just two assists from 16 starts in 2021-22.

That is not to say Lamptey is not worth keeping an eye on. If he can stay fit, the defender could be a great differential for FPL managers. He is one to monitor in the early weeks.

The case for the attack
Leandro Trossard (£6.5 million) was Brighton’s highest-scoring FPL asset last season. The Vampire of Genk registered 141 points from eight goals, four assists, 11 clean sheets and 16 bonus points.

At the weekend, Trossard bagged a hat-trick inside 14 minutes against Espanyol, also finding time to assist Dunk’s goal. His listing as a midfielder despite Potter using him as a striker for much of last season adds to his appeal.

FPL managers will be hoping that new signing Deniz Undav (£5.5 million) plays regularly for the Seagulls. The forward has had his time managed during pre-season, with 28 and 29 minutes against Espanyol and Reading.

He will need time to adjust to English football as the step up to the Premier League from Belgium is huge – despite scoring 25 times and notching 10 assists during last season’s 33 league appearances for Jupiler Pro League side Union SG

If Undav gets regular Premier League minutes and adapts to life in England’s top flight, he could soon be the go-to budget forward for FPL managers.

Captains
FPL is blessed with a wealth of good captaincy options ahead of the gameweek one deadline. Mo Salah (£13.0 million) faces newly-promoted Fulham, having scored in all five of his previous opening weekends.

Averaging 13.6 points per match, four of these openers brought double-digit hauls, thanks to seven goals, four assists and nine bonuses.

Tottenham’s Harry Kane (£11.5 million) will also likely be a popular option for managers who own him. The forward faces Southampton, against whom he has a fantastic record.

Kane averages 7.29 points per match against the Saints and, in 14 games, he has registered 17 attacking returns (11 goals, six assists). His excellent pre-season has resulted in five goals.

WAB FPL Mini-League
We are going to attempt to take FPL a little more seriously at WAB this season, including our own mini-league with regular updates and maybe even some (crap) prizes.

If you would like to join, then the private league code is x7vgui.

You can pick up expert advice throughout the 2022-23 Fantasy Premier League season with Fantasy Football Scout