Best FPL XI without Erling Haaland for the 2024/25 season
As the new Fantasy Premier League (FPL) season kicks off many managers are faced with a tough decision: whether to include the most expensive player in the game – Erling Haaland.
While Haaland’s goal-scoring record is undeniable, his hefty £15.0m price tag raises the question – could that money be better spent elsewhere?
Let’s explore a well-balanced FPL XI for the 2024/25 season of the Premier League that doesn’t rely on Haaland.
Best FPL XI without Erling Haaland
Why Consider a Haaland-Free Squad?
Haaland’s new price reflects his incredible potential, but it also limits flexibility in your squad.
By choosing not to include him, you can distribute funds across the team creating a more balanced lineup that can compete effectively week after week.
Key Forwards: Isak and Watkins
Without Haaland you have the freedom to invest in other top-performing forwards. Alexander Isak (£8.5m) of Newcastle United is a popular choice with over 56% of FPL managers selecting him. Isak had a strong pre-season scoring three goals, making him a prime captain pick for Gameweek 1.
Ollie Watkins (£9.0m) from Aston Villa is another excellent option. Watkins was the top-scoring forward last season collecting 228 points just edging out Haaland. Both Isak and Watkins are solid choices that offer consistent returns at a fraction of Haaland’s cost.
Midfield Power: Palmer and Salah
Chelsea’s Cole Palmer (£10.5m) and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah (£12.5m) form the backbone of your midfield. Palmer was a revelation last season leading the player standings with 244 points. Salah though slightly more expensive offers a balanced combination of goals and assists making him a valuable asset.
By choosing Salah over Haaland, you gain an extra £2.5m to spread across your team. This strategy allows you to invest in other high-performing midfielders like Bukayo Saka or Phil Foden enhancing your squad’s overall strength.
Defense: Solid and Budget-Friendly
Arsenal’s William Saliba (£6.0m) is a key player in defense known for his consistency and clean sheets. Saliba is complemented by a set of budget defenders including Aston Villa’s Pau Torres and Everton’s Vitalii Mykolenko both priced at £4.5m. These defenders offer good value and have favourable fixtures early in the season.
In goal, rotating between Brentford’s Mark Flekken (£4.5m) and Chelsea’s Robert Sanchez (£4.5m) provides flexibility. By selecting the goalkeeper with the easier fixture each week you can maximize points while minimizing costs.
Captaincy Choices Without Haaland
A squad without Haaland doesn’t lack in captaincy options. Players like Salah, Son Heung-min (£10.0m), and Foden are all capable of delivering double-figure returns. These players also have favourable matchups in the opening weeks, making them reliable alternatives for the captain’s armband.
Conclusion: A Balanced Approach
Opting for a Haaland-free FPL squad gives you the chance to build a more balanced team. With strong options across the pitch from forwards like Isak and Watkins to midfield powerhouses like Salah and Palmer this strategy can help you start the season on the right foot.
By spreading your budget wisely you can create a squad capable of competing at the highest level without breaking the bank.
Best FPL XI without Erling Haaland for the 2024/25 season
- Mark Flekken (Brentford) – £4.5m
- William Saliba (Arsenal) – £6.0m
- Vitalii Mykolenko (Everton) – £4.5m
- Pau Torres (Aston Villa) – £4.5m
- Cole Palmer (Chelsea) – £10.5m
- Son Heung-min (Tottenham Hotspur) – £10.0m
- Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) – £12.5m
- Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest) – £6.5m
- Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa) – £9.0m
- Alexander Isak (Newcastle United) – £8.5m
- Kai Havertz (Arsenal) – £8.0m