Midfielders Shine Bright in Fantasy Premier League 2023/24: Is 3-5-2 the Ultimate Formation?
The start of the new season has unveiled a winning strategy for Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers: the 3-5-2 formation. This tactical move puts midfielders in the spotlight, and here’s why it’s becoming the go-to choice for FPL enthusiasts.
The brilliance lies in pairing star striker Erling Haaland (£14.0m) with a more affordable forward, freeing up resources to strengthen the midfield lineup.
As the dust settles after the first three Gameweeks, an interesting trend emerges – midfielders are stealing the show. In fact, the top five spots in the player rankings are dominated by midfielders. Solly March from Brighton & Hove Albion (£6.6m) and Rodrigo from Manchester City (£5.7m) are jointly leading the race with an impressive 26 points each.
Gameweek 3: The Midfielder Takeover
Here’s a snapshot of players who’ve gathered 20 or more points so far:
| Position | Number of Players |
|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | 0 |
| Defender | 3 |
| Midfielder | 8 |
| Forward | 2 |
The numbers don’t lie – eight midfielders have crossed the 20-point mark, while only two forwards and three defenders have managed the feat.
Remarkably, the crème de la crème of midfielders are not breaking the bank, with all seven top-scoring midfielders priced at less than £8.0m. This revelation shines a spotlight on the enticing value they offer.
Rising Stars: Sterling and Maddison
Two midfield maestros, Raheem Sterling from Chelsea (£7.1m) and James Maddison from Tottenham Hotspur (£7.6m), are making waves. Their impressive performances in Gameweek 3, racking up 19 and 10 points respectively, have earned them a strong following.
Sterling, the standout, is leading the charge with 509,000 new managers acquiring him, closely trailed by Maddison at 372,000. Alongside them, Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford (£6.7m) is ready to capitalize on their early-season momentum.
Strategies Unfold: Patience Rewarded
Value assets are not just a flash in the pan; they’re here to stay. Savvy managers are finding room for valuable players, allowing them to wait and watch as their pricier midfielders find their form.
A case in point is Marcus Rashford (£9.0m), the most-traded midfielder in Gameweek 4. Despite slow beginnings, his revival in Gameweek 3, coupled with a change in position, has rekindled interest. His two assists against Nottingham Forest earned him a solid seven points.
Another tale involves Bukayo Saka (£8.7m). Although he faced a sell-off by 92,000 owners before facing Fulham, he bounced back with a penalty goal. Saka’s ability to share penalty-taking duties with Martin Odegaard (£8.5m) adds intrigue to his FPL journey.
The Salah Factor
With funds freed up from shrewd investments, Mohamed Salah (£12.5m) is emerging as a game-changer. Quietly making his case for a spot in the five-man midfield lineup, Salah has consistently delivered. With a goal and two assists in the first three Gameweeks, he’s the sole player in FPL 2023/24 to both start and contribute to attacking returns in each round. This trend isn’t new – since Liverpool shifted formation last season, Salah has blanked only once in 13 appearances, amassing an impressive 93 points in the process.
In this unfolding FPL season, midfielders are the stars of the show, and the 3-5-2 formation appears to be the winning strategy. Will the trend continue? Only time will tell as managers analyze, strategize, and aim for FPL glory.
