Cole Palmer, the rising star in the world of football, has been a fantasy football sensation following his exceptional debut season at Chelsea. The 22-year-old midfielder was the highest points-scorer in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) for the 2023/24 season, starting out at a bargain price of £5m. His impressive performances on the field have captured the attention of football fans and fantasy managers alike, making him a must-have player for many FPL teams.
Despite Palmer’s phenomenal rise in popularity, his fitness ahead of the new season is now a cause for concern. After an intense summer representing England at Euro 2024, where he played a key role in the team’s journey to the final, Palmer has only recently returned from a well-deserved break. While he appeared in Chelsea’s pre-season match against Inter Milan, coming on as a substitute in the second half, it is clear that he may need more time to regain full match fitness.
As Chelsea prepares to face Manchester City in their opening Premier League fixture, there is uncertainty surrounding Palmer’s availability for selection. Manager Enzo Maresca acknowledged the need for Palmer and several other players to reach peak fitness levels before the start of the season. While Palmer’s importance to the team suggests that he may feature in some capacity, there is a possibility that he could be used as a substitute given Chelsea’s depth in midfield options.
For FPL managers contemplating whether to include Cole Palmer in their Gameweek 1 squad, it is important to consider alternatives. With Palmer’s price now significantly higher at £10.5m, other premium midfielders such as Mohamed Salah, Bukayo Saka, and Son Heung-min offer viable options. These players come with their own set of advantages and are worth considering for FPL teams looking to make an impact from the start of the season.
Alternatively, midfielders like Phil Foden, Kevin De Bruyne, Bruno Fernandes, and Martin Odegaard provide quality options at more affordable price points. Each of these players plays a crucial role for their respective teams and has the potential to deliver impressive points returns throughout the season. FPL managers should weigh their options carefully and consider the form and fitness of players when selecting their Gameweek 1 squad.
In conclusion, while Cole Palmer’s fitness remains a concern for FPL managers ahead of Gameweek 1, there are several alternative midfield options available to consider. Whether Palmer will feature in Chelsea’s opening fixture against Manchester City is uncertain, but savvy managers will have a contingency plan in place to ensure a strong start to the new FPL season. As the excitement builds for the return of Premier League action, the decisions made in the fantasy football realm could prove crucial in determining success as the season unfolds.
