As the new Premier League season kicks off, Fantasy Premier League managers are once again hunting for budget-friendly gems—and the promoted trio of Leeds United, Burnley, and Sunderland offer intriguing possibilities. But how well will they actually perform in the top flight, and which players might be worth a punt?
🟡 Leeds United: Goals Galore, but Can They Defend?
Leeds stormed the Championship last season, scoring a whopping 95 goals and topping the xG charts. Daniel Farke’s attacking philosophy delivered fireworks, but his previous Premier League stint with Norwich ended in relegation. That cautionary tale looms large.
Joel Piroe, the Championship’s top scorer with 19 goals, is a tempting FPL pick, but Leeds are actively recruiting strikers, suggesting his starting spot isn’t guaranteed. Midfielders like Crysencio Summerville and Archie Gray could offer value if priced kindly, especially given Leeds’ tendency to dominate possession and create chances.
Defensively, though, Leeds remain suspect. Unless they shore up the backline, clean sheets may be rare—making attacking assets the safer bet.
🔴 Burnley: Defensive Juggernaut or Premier League Casualty?
Scott Parker’s Burnley side broke records last season, conceding just 16 goals and keeping 30 clean sheets. Their 4-2-3-1 setup was disciplined and relentless, with pressing from the front and a rock-solid back four.
But here’s the rub: Championship defensive dominance doesn’t always translate to Premier League success. Burnley’s xGC overperformance suggests regression is likely, and key players like Maxime Esteve and James Trafford may be on the move3.
Still, defenders like Connor Roberts and Jordan Beyer could be budget-friendly options, especially early on. If Burnley can retain their shape and intensity, they might surprise with a few clean sheets—particularly against fellow bottom-half sides.
⚫ Sunderland: Counter-Attack Kings with FPL Potential
Back in the Premier League after eight years, Sunderland are the wildcard. Regis Le Bris transformed them into a lethal counter-attacking unit, and their playoff run showed grit and late-game heroics.
Tom Watson, the local lad who scored the Wembley winner, is one to watch. Midfielders like Pierre Ekwah and Abdoullah Ba could emerge as differential picks, especially if Sunderland’s fixtures align with their counter-attacking strengths.
However, their end-of-season form was patchy, and they’ll need to adapt quickly to the pace and physicality of the top flight. Expect volatility—but also potential for explosive returns.
Final Thoughts
Promoted teams often start strong before fading, so early fixtures and form will be key. Leeds offer attacking upside, Burnley bring defensive structure, and Sunderland could be the surprise package. For FPL managers, the trick is timing: jump on the right assets before the rest of the league catches on.
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