Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers are always looking for the next big budget enabler or bargain player who can deliver points while freeing up cash for premium stars like Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah. Recently, Everton assets like Dominic Calvert-Lewin (DCL) and Dwight McNeil have crept into discussions as potential budget players due to Everton’s relatively easy upcoming fixtures. But are they really worth the risk? Let’s break it down.
Everton’s Fixtures: A False Sense of Security?
When FPL managers look at fixture difficulty rankings, Everton’s next few games appear to be an enticing opportunity. However, it’s important not to get carried away just because the fixture list looks kind. Everton, despite those blue-coloured easy matches on the fixture ticker, are still Everton — a team that’s been struggling for much of the season.
They have their fair share of injuries, especially in defence, and a wobbly backline often leads to more pressure on the attack to deliver. Relying on a couple of Everton players for a run of fixtures could easily end in disappointment. They might have some favourable matches coming up, but will they capitalize on those opportunities? That’s a big if.
DCL: A Risky Punt
Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has been plagued by injuries in recent seasons, is being touted by some as a potential budget-friendly forward option. While DCL has shown the ability to score goals in bursts, he is by no means a consistent option. In fact, his xG (expected goals) and xA (expected assists) stats over the past two seasons show a similar performance to previous years when Everton were less than impressive.
Sure, the upcoming fixtures against teams like Luton and Sheffield United might be tempting, but do you really trust DCL to come in clutch, especially with three away games in the next four? Away fixtures, even against struggling teams, are tricky. These teams will fight hard in front of their home crowds, and DCL has a track record of disappearing when you need him most.
Ultimately, DCL is a punt — and punts in FPL are fine as long as you recognize them for what they are. Just don’t go overboard and expect consistent returns.
McNeil: A Trap?
Image Source: BBC
Dwight McNeil is another player catching attention. His role at Everton has changed somewhat, and he’s seen as a player who could theoretically turn over a new leaf and start delivering more goals and assists. But are we really expecting McNeil, a player who’s averaged just under 10 goal involvements in the past two seasons, to suddenly become the best £5-6 million midfielder in the game?
It’s important to remain realistic. McNeil might pop up with the odd assist or goal, but he’s unlikely to transform into a reliable FPL asset. He’s a decent budget filler, but there’s a danger in overhyping him simply because Everton have some favorable fixtures on paper.
The Enabler Dilemma: Picking the Right Budget Players
With the rise in prices for premium FPL assets, finding budget-friendly enablers is more crucial than ever. Players like Haaland, Saka, or Trent Alexander-Arnold take up significant chunks of your budget, so naturally, you’ll need to find some cheap players to balance your squad. Everton assets like DCL and McNeil can fit into that category, but tread carefully.
It’s worth remembering that just because a player is cheap, it doesn’t mean they’re guaranteed to deliver. Many FPL managers are opting for lower-priced forwards like Ndiaye or Semenyo, and both of them offer low-risk, high-reward potential — but again, they’re punts.
If your team is filled with high-value stars and you need to save money somewhere, taking a risk on an Everton player like Mykolenko at £4.3 million might make sense. Mykolenko is cheap, has some decent fixtures coming up, and may even provide the odd clean sheet. But doubling or tripling up on Everton players because of their fixtures? That’s risky business.
Conclusion: Stay Cautious
At the end of the day, picking DCL or McNeil is about balancing your risk. If you’re comfortable with a short-term gamble, then go ahead — but don’t expect miracles. Everton’s form remains shaky, and while fixtures are important, so is the quality of the team and the players involved. Take a punt if you must, but don’t rely on Everton assets as long-term solutions.
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