Best 8 Million FPL Midfielders Comparison ahead of FPL GW17

FPL managers now have unlimited free transfers (a wildcard) before the Premier League resumes for GW17. Therefore, the dilemma of which 8 Million FPL midfielders (although price changes have altered this) to choose has arisen again. The options have slightly narrowed, as Luis Díaz is now ruled out until March with a knee injury, and Riyad Mahrez has had just 4 starts so far this season so we have taken him out of the analysis.

The options I will be analysing are:

• Phil Foden (£8.3m)
• Bukayo Saka (£8m)
• Dejan Kulusevski (£8m)
• Mason Mount (£7.5m)
• James Maddison (£8.2m)

Link to all our FPL Gameweek 17 blogs including Confirmed Double Gameweek announcements, Initial GW17 Drafts, Teams and Players to target, Predicted GW17 Lineups, Differentials, players to target, fixture analysis, Captaincy metrics, transfer trends, and more. Completely free to access as well!

8 Million FPL Midfielders Comparison ahead of FPL GW17

Before we dive into the stats, it’s important we note the difference in playing time between these assets – particularly Kulusevski, whose data will be more skewed compared to the others:

• Foden: 11 starts, 915 minutes
• Saka: 14 starts, 1163 minutes
• Kulusevski: 7 starts, 619 minutes
• Mount: 13 starts, 1031 minutes
• Maddison: 13 starts, 1094 minutes

Foden’s statistics make his benching risk even more frustrating for FPL managers. He matches Maddison with 7 goals despite playing 179 minutes less than him – this is an overperformance on his xG, but he has been very clinical in front of goal. Out of these players, he has had the most big chances (5), and the most shots on target (14), and comes in third for goal attempts (27). His assist potential is also very positive, and he is third among these assets for chances created (21) and joint-second for big chances created (3). In particular his data per 90 minutes comes out very strong, and it is clear that he is a very exciting asset – but one that comes with risks.

Here’s a superb read on all things Man City from our City correspondent Alex: Man City GW1-16 Review & Best Man City FPL assets from GW17

Saka is a more assured starter who is also on penalties, having scored 1 so far this season. His xG and xGI data here include his penalty-related data, but his non-penalty xG (3.83) and xGI (5.84) still put him first among these assets. He and Foden both have 76 points – 1 behind Maddison – and has a solid 4 goals and 6 assists (the most among these options). His assist number has over-performed his xA of 2.01, but he has proved to be a reliable asset with both great goal-scoring and assist potential. He is second for goal attempts (29), third for shots on target (9), and second for big chances (4). Also, he is second for chances created (29), and has created 2 big chances (matching Mount with the least). With the benefit of being on penalties, Saka will definitely be expected to continue ticking over with FPL points.

There is a smaller pool of data to analyse for Kulusevski, but it is clear that has very exciting potential. He falls behind on goal-scoring potential, but with 5 assists already this season he is proving to be a brilliant creator. Per 90 minutes, he has created 2.57 chances (with only Maddison having a higher number here) and 0.58 big chances (the most of any player here). He has been a minutes risk this season, but with Richarlison now predicted to be out for around five or six weeks, he is definitely an exciting option to consider.

It is clear that Mount falls behind the other assets here – never once appearing the top three among any of the data shown here – and has the least goal contributions (4). He is fourth for goal attempts (22) and shots target (6) – with only Kulusevski registering less for both figures – and (along with Maddison and Kulusevski) has had 1 big chance. His assist potential has also fallen behind the other £8m midfielders, being fourth for chances created (18) and, along with Saka, has created the least big chances (2). He has played less minutes than Saka and Maddison, yet his figures are not immensely appealing when comparing him with the other options here.

Maddison proves to be a very underrated pick, being one of the highest scoring FPL assets so far. He and Foden come out on top with 7 goals, and he has the most goal contributions (11) out of all these assets. He has greatly overperformed his xG (2.55) more than any other asset, but this does show that Maddison has been very clinical. Of all assets here, he is first for goal attempts (39) – and joint-second among all midfielders – second for shots on target (13), with only 1 big chance. In terms of assist potential, he has created the most chances (31) out of these players and is joint-second for big chances created (3) – highlighting the fact that he has the highest xA here. Overall, he has been a very reliable asset despite Leicester’s rocky start to the season.

Foden’s Maps

• Foden has played mostly on the left
• He can also take corners

Saka’s Maps

• Saka plays on the right
• As well as penalties, he can also take corners

Kulusevski’s Maps

• Kulusevski has predominantly played on the right-hand side
• He can also take corners

Mount’s Maps

• Mount plays as an attacking midfielder
• He can also take corners

Maddison’s Maps

• Maddison plays as an attacking midfielder, mostly centrally and on the right
• He takes corners and free kicks

Team Stats Analysis Ahead of FPL GW17

They are not top of the table, but Man City comfortably come out on top in terms of attacking stats. This means that taking a risk on someone like Foden who could possibly be rested and rotated could pay off greatly. These figures highlight the huge upside on offer in City attackers, as we have seen in Haaland’s amazing figures and Foden’s great numbers when he has played.

Arsenal are also having a brilliant season, currently sitting at the top of the table and registering some great attacking numbers. This highlights that, as well as Saka, popular pick Martinelli and the more differential Odegaard will be great picks to consider for GW17. FPL managers will be faced with a difficult dilemma of who to pick from the Arsenal midfielders, and how many they choose to go with.

Tottenham consistently come in third among these teams, showing them to be a solid attacking team. This is evident in Kane’s brilliant start to the season, and if you don’t have space for him in your team then Kulusevski becomes a cheaper route into the Spurs attack. However, with 12 goals, Kane has proven to be the talisman of that team. Still, Kulusevski’s creative numbers look great for potential points going forward, especially if Spurs continue their solid form.

Although Leicester’s attack is not as strong as the other teams, Maddison has one of the highest goal involvements (52%) among midfielders, and the highest goal involvement of all the £8m assets. Therefore, he could still be a viable option despite Leicester’s record being poorer than other teams here.

Despite being ahead of Leicester in the league table, Chelsea come out at the bottom in the vast majority of attacking stats, meaning choosing Mount over someone like Foden or Saka is risky when Chelsea yet to hit the form they had last year.

Further Read: Best Midfielders To Consider For FPL GW17 | Price Point Wise

Fixture Analysis Analysis Ahead of FPL GW17

Man City	Arsenal	Tottenham	Chelsea	Leicester
lee	WHU	bre	BOU	NEW
EVE	bha	AVL	nfo	liv
che	NEW	cry	MCI, ful	FUL
mun, TOT	tot	ARS, mci	CRY	nfo
WOL	MUN	ful	liv	BHA
tot	eve	MCI	FUL	avl

Man City have a great opening two games, and owning three of their assets as the league restarts looks to be a great strategy. They do face tougher opponents in GW19 and DGW20, but have proved they can still get great results in these tougher fixtures, and City players are as ‘fixture-proof’ as you are going to get.

Arsenal have quite a mixed bag of fixtures when the league starts up again. Brighton, Newcastle, Tottenham, and Man United could prove to be tricky opponents, but Arsenal have definitely proved themselves so far this season. Despite the tougher fixtures, their attackers have been in great form and could still provide great value, but whether or not to double-up on both Saka and Martinelli will be a common dilemma.

Tottenham have some great opening fixtures – Brentford, Villa, and Palace will all be fairly favourable fixtures for a strong attack. Kulusevski may be particularly tempting if you are not opting for Kane to cover the Spurs attackers. Their double gameweek is not overly tempting, but will still be a good chance regardless to accumulate points.

Chelsea have two great opening fixtures against Bournemouth and Forest – defences that have struggled. After that, it’s a fairly mixed bag. Their double gameweek does include a game against Man City

Unfortunately, despite Maddison’s great record Leicester come up against strong defences in their opening two games, before more favourable fixtures against Fulham and Nottingham Forest. While it may be tempting to bring in Maddison for these games, Brighton will be a tough defence to crack in GW21, and many of the other assets here will have double gameweeks during this time.

Further Read: Best FPL GW17 Drafts with Fixture Analysis & Players to Target

£8m Midfielders Comparison – Final Thoughts Ahead of FPL GW17

Foden’s brilliant numbers mean that he has exciting potential going forward. The downside is the benching risk. However, as a cheaper route into their attack, he has the potential for huge upside. Whether or not you choose Foden depends mostly on team structure and if you opt for De Bruyne’s premium price, who remains a great pick and has had a more assured starting place in the Man City team.

Foden is currently part of my GW17 draft despite being benched for three consecutive gameweeks and it is a risk I am currently willing to take given my intended team structure. However, I am well aware that ‘Pep Roulette’ could strike, and it is likely a dilemma that I will continue to debate up until the deadline.

Saka is a great, reliable asset who has the advantage over the other assets of being on penalties. He will be a fairly popular pick, and I think most will expect him to continue ticking over with points. The reason he is not in my draft is because Martinelli has provided great value (starting at £6m), and has so far accumulated 1 more point than Saka.

Martinelli will definitely remain in my team, and I think I would like to invest in other teams rather than doubling up on Arsenal’s attack considering they have some tougher fixtures coming up soon. However, they are at the top of the table for a reason, and I don’t think a double-up on the Arsenal midfielders would be a bad choice at all.

Kulusevski is an asset that could offer huge upside. With Richarlison now thought to be out for five to six weeks, he could definitely be a viable differential and could help cover the Spurs attack in some great upcoming fixtures. Overall, he’s an exciting choice and will be an enticing differential. Like a lot of FPL managers, he is an asset I wish I had room for, but with the amount of midfield options going forward I will personally be going without him.

Although Chelsea’s next two games and Mount’s cheaper price tag compared to the others may tempt you to take a risk on him, it isn’t a risk I will be taking due to Chelsea’s poor form and Mount’s poorer statistics.

I think Maddison will remain an underrated pick in FPL. He is key to Leicester’s attack, but although he has proven himself against tougher teams Leicester’s opening games against Liverpool and Newcastle personally put me off – and I think that’s the reason he isn’t as popular in GW17 teams. I will personally be targeting assets who have more favourable upcoming fixtures from teams that have registered stronger attacking stats, but I still think he is a great pick and will surely be a differential choice.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this, and good luck for GW17!

Further reads from ALLABOUTFPL ahead of FPL GW17

Drafts and Fixture Analysis/Players to Target

Best FPL GW17 Drafts with Fixture Analysis & Players to Target
FPL Players and Teams to Target from FPL Gameweek 17
A Guide To FPL GW17 Team Structure With Drafts | FPL Restart
Five Must-Own Players to Have in your FPL GW17 Team
Best FPL GW17 Upside Picks from Teams Outside the ‘Top 7’
Dissecting The Twitter FPL GW17 Wildcard Template Team

Hot topics & Must-Read Content for FPL GW17

Latest Injury news and Press Conference Updates for all 20 teams at one place
FPL GW17 Scout Picks based on Stats and Matchups
FPL GW17 Differential Picks To Consider(<10% TSB)
Fantasy Premier League- Expected Goals Allowed(xGA) Table GW17-23
Top FPL Gameweek 17 Captain Picks Based on Analysis & Metrics
Fantasy Premier League- Expected Goals(XG) Table GW17-GW23
FPL GW17 Tips- Preview And Dilemmas Answered

Position Wise Analysis

Best FPL Goalkeepers to Consider From FPL GW17 | GK Analysis
Best 8 Million FPL Midfielders Comparison ahead of FPL GW17
Best Forwards To Consider For FPL GW17 | Price Point Wise
Best Midfielders To Consider For FPL GW17 | Price Point Wise
Best FPL GW17 Defenders to Target from Each Price Range

Team Previews

Man City GW1-16 Review & Best Man City FPL assets from GW17
Best Newcastle Players to Consider from FPL GW17

FPL Gameweek 17/FPL Restart Stream

Check our FPL Restart stream which covers fixture analysis, players to target, double gameweek news, suspensions, and more with the latest relevant information. Do consider subscribing to our channel, it would mean a lot to us:)

Timestamps added for easy viewing!

Available as Podcasts on all popular audio platforms including as a video podcast on Spotify: Listen Now(Automatically opens in your preferred audio platform)

General FPL GW17 News and Updates

FPL GW17 Restart- Confirmed Double GWs, Injuries & Suspensions
FPL GW17 Ultimate Guide: Tips, Differentials, Captaincy & More

Link to all our FPL GW17 blogs including Fixtures to target, Predicted GW17 Lineups, Differentials, Captaincy metrics, transfer trends, and more. Completely free to access as well!

Thanks for reading the “Best FPL GW17 8 Million FPL Midfielders” blog. Keep checking allaboutfpl.com for regular blogs. Also, follow our 110000+community on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to stay updated with regular FPL news and updates.

What’s next from ALLABOUTFPL ahead of FPL Gameweek 17 of the 2022/23 FPL Season?

We’ll be covering player comparisons, differential picks, transfer trends, player-to-target, best drafts with pros and cons, fixture analysis, captaincy metrics, FPL GW17 tips, and more. Keep checking allaboutfpl.com for all our blogs and subscribe to our free newsletter through the link below. We’ll also be posting regularly about the same on our social media accounts so follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook keep our notification ON.

Our content is always free and if you like our content do drop a comment, follow, subscribe, and support us. Your love is what keeps us going:)

Our content is always free and if you like our content do drop a comment, follow, subscribe, and support us. Your love is what keeps us going:)

FPL Gameweek 17 FPL Deadline Countdown

Login and set your team for FPL GW17 now!