Every new FPL season brings a wave of popular picks – but not all of them are worth the hype, writes FPL expert Blake Hurst.
This year, several highly owned assets carry risks that could derail your start to the season. Whether it’s transfer speculation, tough fixtures, reduced minutes, or an unsettled team, the warning signs are there.
In this post, we’ll break down five big names – Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Alexander Isak, Virgil van Dijk, Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa – and explain why avoiding them early on could save you points and precious FPL 2025/26 transfers.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham, £4.5m)
Wan-Bissaka is popular, especially with a good fixture in Gameweek 1 as West Ham visit a Sunderland side expected to struggle.
Beyond that, the full-back’s schedule gets tougher, which could limit his returns. While he offers some attacking threat and solid defensive contribution stats, West Ham’s fixtures after the opener aren’t the easiest.
If you want a Hammers defender, consider El Hadji Malick Diouf instead. Priced the same as Wan-Bissaka but with fewer owners, Diouf has strong attacking potential, making him an intriguing differential pick early on for those wanting to go against the heavily owned AWB.
Alexander Isak (Newcastle, £10.5m)
Isak’s future at Newcastle is engulfed in uncertainty. The striker is refusing to train as he pushes for a move to Liverpool, whose recent bid was rejected.
The Magpies have made clear Isak must stay if the clubs can’t agree, but the Sweden international has reportedly stated he won’t play for them again.
This situation means if he does move, he could be a doubt for both Gameweek 1 and possibly Gameweek 2 for Liverpool.
For FPL managers, this makes Isak a risky option despite his talent, as you may face game time issues or forced early transfers if he moves late or misses some of the opening fixtures.
Owned by a massive 19% of managers, this is a big avoid in GW1.
Virgil Van Dijk (Liverpool, £6m)
Van Dijk remains a strong asset with his goal threat and defensive points potential, but this season Liverpool’s new look backline may take time to gel.
Add in a tough opening three fixtures against Bournemouth, Newcastle, and Arsenal and it might be wise to look elsewhere early on.
While Van Dijk’s leadership and attacking contributions are valuable, the uncertainty around defensive stability plus challenging matches mean FPL managers could find better, calmer waters to start their seasons.
Patience may be required if you stick with him, but early gameweeks suggest exploring other defensive options.
Byran Mbeumo (Man United, £8m)
Mbeumo joins United as part of a revamped attack, but early-season minutes could be limited.
With competition from Mason Mount, Joshua Zirkzee and Amad Diallo for the right attacking midfield role, Mbeumo faces a battle for consistent starts.
Despite his 20-goal campaign at Brentford last year, this new set-up means he may not be nailed on for 90 minutes even with his hefty £65m price tag.
Adding to the risk, Mbeumo no longer has penalty duties, which he took at Brentford. For FPL managers, this uncertainty and rotation risk suggest caution before investing in the FPL veteran early on.
Yoane Wissa (Brentford, £7.5m)
Wissa carries notable risk for Fantasy Premier League managers this season because of transfer uncertainty.
Brentford have rejected multiple bids – including £25m from Newcastle – and Wissa is reportedly keen on a move, with Eddie Howe’s side still interested alongside Tottenham.
The situation could affect Wissa’s focus and match involvement during the early weeks. Even if he stays, Brentford face a period of transition after losing key players such as Mbeumo to and manager Thomas Frank to Tottenham.
That unsettled environment may impact attacking output, making Wissa a risky early pick until his role and future are clearer.
Want more tips? You can also read 101GreatGoals.com’s guides to the best FPL defenders, midfielders, forwards, newcomers and bargain picks.
