As Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers face the absence of Son Heung-min (priced at £9.8 million) due to international duty at the AFC Asian Cup in Qatar, the search for viable replacements becomes imperative. Son has been a standout performer, securing the second-highest point tally in the 2023-24 FPL season with 136 points (Just behind Mohamed Salah) after GW 20.
With the South Korean playmaker set to miss club football during his commitment to the national team, FPL managers are confronted with a significant dilemma in player selection. As they grapple with this challenge, the good news is that there are several alternatives worth considering to fill the void left by Son.
For managers looking to navigate this period without Son, here are five noteworthy alternatives in the Fantasy Premier League. This strategic shift in player selection becomes crucial as FPL enthusiasts aim to maintain competitiveness and maximize point returns during Son’s absence from domestic league action.
Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
For Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers seeking alternatives to fill the void left by Son Heung-min during his international duty, a standout option is Cole Palmer, priced at £5.6 million. Palmer stands out as the most in-form Chelsea player, and the team benefits from favourable fixtures, as indicated by the Fixture Difficulty Rating (FDR) parameter.
In the upcoming matches, Chelsea is set to face Fulham, Wolves, and Crystal Palace, three of which are considered relatively favourable based on FDR. This provides an opportunity for Palmer to further bolster his impressive tally of 92 points in the FPL 2023-24 season.
As managers navigate Son’s absence, opting for Palmer allows for both a cost-effective solution and a player in peak form. With Chelsea’s promising fixtures on the horizon, FPL managers could benefit from Palmer’s contributions, making him a worthy consideration as a temporary replacement for Son Heung-min.
Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United)
An attractive budget-friendly option for Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers seeking alternatives in the absence of Son Heung-min is Alejandro Garnacho, available at a modest £4.8 million. The Manchester United winger has showcased his potential, notably scoring a brace against Aston Villa in a recent fixture.
Garnacho’s affordability becomes a key factor for managers looking to free up budget space for premium players like Erling Haaland (£13.9 million) or Bukayo Saka (£9.0 million) in other positions. This strategic move allows for a flexible squad while still maintaining a player who has demonstrated goal-scoring ability.
Notably, Garnacho’s performance in the last six game weeks has been noteworthy, having taken 24 shots on goal, ranking third highest in the league behind Salah and Son. This goal threat, coupled with his budget-friendly price, makes Garnacho an intriguing option for FPL managers seeking cost-effective solutions without compromising on attacking potential.
Phil Foden (Manchester City)
A compelling choice for Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers seeking alternatives in the absence of Son Heung-min is Phil Foden, priced at £7.8 million. Foden not only strengthens the Manchester City attacking contingent but has also amassed an impressive 96 points in FPL this season.
With favourable upcoming fixtures against Burnley, Brentford, and Everton, Foden becomes an even more enticing option for FPL managers. The Englishman has demonstrated his attacking prowess with five goals and six assists in the league, showcasing a consistent ability to contribute to both goals and assists.
Foden’s versatility, combined with Manchester City’s attacking style, positions him as a key asset for FPL managers during Son’s absence. As he looks set to continue his impressive run of attacking returns, Foden emerges as a brilliant choice for those seeking a reliable and impactful replacement in their midfield.
Leon Bailey (Aston Villa)
For Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers seeking a budget-friendly gem, Leon Bailey of Aston Villa priced at £5.7 million emerges as a standout option. The Jamaica international has been in superb form throughout the season, showing significant growth in influence in recent weeks.
Bailey boasts an impressive stat line, with 11 goal involvements in just eight league starts under Unai Emery’s management. His contribution per 90 minutes, with 1.15 Goals and Assists, stands among the best in the league, surpassed only by Erling Haaland. Additionally, Bailey holds the highest non-penalty Goals and Assists per 90 figure, making him a potent attacking force for FPL managers.
Villa’s upcoming fixtures against Everton (A), Sheffield United (A), and a home clash with injury-hit Newcastle provide a favourable backdrop for Bailey to continue his impactful performances. With Newcastle’s struggles on the road, Bailey presents an excellent budget-friendly option for FPL managers looking to capitalize on his form and exploit favourable matchups in the coming gameweeks.
Richarlison (Tottenham)
In light of Son Heung-min’s departure for the Asian Cup, Ange Postecoglou will rely on his forward line to step up, with Richarlison emerging as a key figure in Tottenham’s plans. As the club’s leading scorer, Son’s absence creates an opportunity for players like Richarlison to fill the void, and the Brazilian has showcased his capability with a notable resurgence in form.
Richarlison, valued at £6.9 million, has experienced a revival in recent weeks, netting five goals in his last five Premier League appearances. The Brazilian forward is expected to lead the line for Spurs in the absence of Son, as the team aims to maintain their push for Champions League qualification.
Despite defensive challenges with key players unavailable, Tottenham faces favourable upcoming fixtures against Manchester United (A), Brentford (H), and Everton (A). Richarlison’s goal-scoring prowess positions him as a crucial asset for FPL managers seeking an impactful and budget-friendly replacement during Son’s absence.