Best FPL XI without Mohamed Salah for the 2024/25 season

If you’re thinking what could be your best FPL XI without Mohamed Salah for the 2024/25 season, you’ve landed at the right place! With the new Fantasy Premier League (FPL) season just around the corner, managers are finalizing their squads and

One of the biggest decisions this season is whether to include Salah – one of the most expensive players in the game.

However, by omitting Salah, you can spread your budget across a well-rounded squad that can compete at the highest level.

Sportsdunia takes a look at a well-rounded team, that could give you an edge without relying on the Premier League star.

Erling Haaland is a must-have in any FPL team. Despite his hefty £15.0m price tag, the Norwegian striker offers consistent returns that make him worth every penny. Haaland’s position in Manchester City’s starting lineup is secured, especially with the departure of Julian Alvarez. Surrounded by world-class players like Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden, and Bernardo Silva, Haaland will continue to receive plenty of scoring opportunities. Additionally, as City’s penalty taker, he provides an extra avenue for points.

City’s early fixtures are also favourable, starting with a match against Chelsea, followed by games against Ipswich, West Ham, and Brentford. These fixtures offer Haaland plenty of opportunities to rack up points, making him the ideal captain for Gameweek 1.

How to choose the Best FPL XI without Mohamed Salah for the 2024/25 season?

Playing Safe with Popular Picks

Building your squad around popular players is a smart strategy that reduces the risk of falling behind early in the season.

Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak (£8.5m) is currently the most-selected player, appearing in over 56% of squads. Isak had a strong pre-season scoring three goals, and is a top captaincy pick for Gameweek 1 when Newcastle faces promoted Southampton.

A Balanced Defense

A solid defense is crucial in FPL along with the goalkeeper, and this team does not disappoint.

• Lukasz Fabianski (£4.0m): With some uncertainty surrounding Alphonse Areola’s future, Fabianski could emerge as a £4.0m starter. Although this is more of a hopeful pick, keeping the goalkeeper spend minimal allows for more investment elsewhere.
  
• Josko Gvardiol (£6.0m): Gvardiol was a standout in the second half of last season, leading defenders in penalty-box touches. He’s also a threat in front of goal, ranking third for Expected Goal Involvement (xGI) behind only Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson
  .
• Daniel Munoz (£5.0m): Munoz was impressive last season, creating 21 chances, the fifth most among defenders. Priced at £5.0m, he offers value and consistency.
  
• Ezri Konsa (£4.5m): Konsa’s versatility makes him a reliable pick, especially with Unai Emery likely to rotate his squad due to European commitments. Konsa’s ability to play in multiple positions should secure his place in the starting lineup.
  
• Antonee Robinson (£4.5m): Robinson created 32 chances last season, more than most defenders priced at £4.5m or less. His six assists and strong pre-season make him a solid budget option.
  
• Valentin Barco (£4.0m): Barco could be a steal at £4.0m, especially if he plays left-back for Brighton while Pervis Estupinan is injured. His role in taking corners during pre-season adds to his appeal.

Midfielders to Watch

• Bukayo Saka (£10.0m): Saka is a reliable source of points, consistently delivering goals and assists for Arsenal.
  
• Anthony Gordon (£7.5m): Newcastle’s opening fixtures are promising, and Gordon is expected to start despite limited pre-season minutes. After a breakout campaign last season, he could be even more effective this time around.
  
• Eberechi Eze (£7.0m): With Michael Olise out, Eze will take on even more responsibility for Crystal Palace, including set-pieces and penalties. The arrival of new signings should also boost his points potential.
  
• Christopher Nkunku (£6.5m): Nkunku has been undervalued this season. He has been in great form during pre-season, scoring three goals. His versatility makes him a perfect fit for Chelsea’s system, especially after Gameweek 1.
  
• Harry Winks (£4.5m): Winks is a budget midfielder who is likely to be a bench option most weeks, but at £4.5m, he’s a good enabler for the rest of the squad.

Forward Line: The Best Offense

• Erling Haaland (£15.0m): Haaland is the cornerstone of this team. His goal-scoring record speaks for itself, and with City’s favourable fixtures, he’s the obvious choice for captain most weeks.
  
• Alexander Isak (£8.5m): Isak’s ownership and pre-season form make him a must-have. His attacking potential, especially in the early fixtures, is hard to ignore.

Best FPL XI without Mohamed Salah – Starting Lineup:

Goalkeeper:

• Henderson (£4.5m)

Defenders:

• Gvardiol (£6.0m)
• Muñoz (£5.0m)
• Konsa (£4.5m)

Midfielders:

• Saka (£10.0m) – replacing Salah
• Gordon (£7.5m)
• Eze (£7.0m)
• Nkunku (£6.5m)

Forwards:

• Haaland (C) (£15.0m)
• Isak (£8.5m)
• Muniz (£6.0m)