Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers now have an opportunity to strategically enhance their teams with the addition of five free transfers. This move comes in anticipation of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which is set to commence on December 21, 2023.
Impact of AFCON on Fantasy Premier League
The AFCON will involve 24 participating African nations and will disrupt the regular flow of the Premier League season. It starts mid-season and concludes on January 18, 2024. For FPL purposes, the AFCON matches will correspond with Gameweeks 17 to 22. With the possibility of early departures for some players, managers should be proactive in managing their squads.
AFCON Schedule and Gameweek Breakdown
| AFCON Matches | FPL Gameweeks |
|---|---|
| Group Stage | 17-19 Dec |
| Round of 16 | 3-6 Jan |
| Quarter-finals | 9-10 Jan |
| Semi-finals | 14 Jan |
| Third-place Playoff | 17 Jan |
| Final | 18 Jan |
The additional transfers will be available after the Gameweek 15 deadline, allowing managers to respond to potential player departures. This adjustment not only helps maintain squad strength but also mitigates the risk of price drops as rival managers react to early exits.
Planning for FPL Chips
FPL managers are encouraged to consider their chip strategies during this time. With only four Gameweeks remaining to utilize chips, the five free transfers should be factored into overall planning. For instance, combining the Wildcard and Bench Boost chips can maximize point gains if executed correctly.
Key Players Departing for AFCON
- Mohamed Salah (Liverpool, Egypt) – £14.1m
- Bryan Mbeumo (Manchester United, Cameroon) – £8.6m
- Ismaila Sarr (Crystal Palace, Senegal)
- Iliman Ndiaye (Everton, Senegal)
- Alex Iwobi (Fulham, Nigeria)
- Dango Ouattara (Brentford, Burkina Faso)
- Lyle Foster (Burnley, South Africa)
- Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest, Nigeria)
Due to Ghana’s failure to qualify, AFC Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo (£7.8m) and Tottenham Hotspur’s Mohammed Kudus (£6.5m) will remain available to their clubs, as will Brighton & Hove Albion’s Yankuba Minteh (£6.2m).
With careful planning and the advantage of additional transfers, FPL managers can navigate the upcoming AFCON disruptions and optimize their team selections accordingly.
