Premier League Stars in AFCON 2023: A Look at Football’s Finest and Their Impact on Fantasy Football

As the curtains rise for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the glittering stage of the English Premier League (EPL) braces for a temporary but impactful exodus. Some of the biggest names in football are set to depart for their countries, leaving Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers in a whirlwind of tactical recalibrations??. The bettors are also set to interesting times, since many teams will be weakened. The wagers at betking nigeria, review can be found at the link, should be weighed in advance.

Premier League’s African Contingent

Let’s roll out the red carpet for the Premier League stars jetting off to AFCON 2023. Arsenal waves goodbye to Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny, while Aston Villa bids adieu to Bertrand Traore. Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo and Dango Ouattara set off, as do Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa of Brentford. Brighton’s Tariq Lamptey and Simon Adingra, Burnley’s Lyle Foster, and Chelsea’s Nickolas Jackson also join the parade. The list goes on, with players from Crystal Palace, Fulham, Liverpool, Luton, Manchester United, Nottingham Forest, Sheffield United, Tottenham, West Ham, and Wolves all answering their national teams’ calls??.

Spotlight on Mohamed Salah

The Egyptian Pharaoh, Mohamed Salah, currently the second leading FPL points scorer after Erling Haaland, is more than likely to join Egypt. His absence from Liverpool is expected to be filled by Diogo Jota and Gakpo, offering FPL managers a chance to redistribute funds to other key areas. Liverpool, being the second-highest goal scorers in the Premier League, still remains an attractive option for attacking positions??.

The Tottenham Puzzle

Tottenham faces a unique challenge with the loss of key players like Bissouma, Sarr, and the prolific Son Heung-min. This could leave Spurs vulnerable in midfield and affect their goal output. However, the expected return of Maddison could help mitigate the impact. FPL managers might consider switching Son to Saka or downgrading to players like Bowen, Palmer, Gordon, or Sterling to redistribute funds??.

Brentford’s Adjustment

Brentford loses Mbeumo and Wissa, with Mbeumo currently holding the 4th highest points tally among midfielders in FPL. Ivan Toney’s return from suspension could see him taking back the role of penalty taker. This could mean more playing time for players like Maupay, Shade, Damsgaard, and Lewis Potter. FPL managers might pivot to a differential like Doucoure or upgrade to safer picks like Maddison or Martinelli??.

Replacement Strategies

With the absence of players like Hwang Hee-chan, FPL managers might look towards alternatives like Neto, Cole Palmer, Anthony Gordon, or Doucoure. These replacements could offer viable options for maintaining a competitive edge in the fantasy realm??.

The Crystal Palace Conundrum

Jordan Ayew’s departure to join Ghana for AFCON will be felt at Crystal Palace. Known for winning free-kicks in dangerous areas and being a hard worker, his absence might reduce the appeal of Crystal Palace defenders like Joachim Andersen and Marc Guehi in the FPL context??.

Conclusion

As the Premier League’s finest depart for AFCON 2023, their absence will be felt both on the real pitch and in the virtual world of FPL. This presents a unique challenge for FPL managers to find suitable replacements and re-strategize. It’s a dance of tactical nous and quick thinking, a test of managerial mettle in the face of football’s ever-shifting landscape. Whether these stars return with medals or just memories, their journey in AFCON 2023 will surely add another thrilling chapter to the beautiful game’s rich tapestry.