Written by Building a successful Fantasy Premier League squad is a game of calculated risks. While the spotlight often shines on the must-have premiums and differential picks, the true art of squad building lies in knowing who to leave out. A single underperforming asset in your starting XI can derail an entire Gameweek, costing you rank and momentum. To help you navigate the minefield of player ownership, we have analyzed the data, fixtures, and underlying metrics to rank the most dangerous traps currently lurking in the market. This guide focuses specifically on the picks to avoid for your dream team, ensuring your transfers and budget are allocated to players who will actually deliver.
The Overpriced Midfielders Draining Your Budget
The midfield is the engine room of any FPL team, but it is also where the most value can be lost. Several high-profile names are currently priced at a premium that their output simply does not justify. Avoiding these players is crucial if you want to maximize your points per million.
The Set-and-Forget Trap: Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford’s underlying numbers have been a topic of concern for several seasons. While his ceiling is high, his floor is dangerously low. The issue is not his talent, but his role in the current Manchester United system. He is frequently deployed wide, tasked with defensive duties that limit his attacking forays. His Expected Goals (xG) per 90 minutes is consistently lower than other midfielders in his price bracket. Furthermore, Manchester United’s unpredictable rotation policy under pressure makes him a liability. You are paying for the name, not the output. For the same price, you could invest in a midfielder who is on penalties and set pieces for a more settled side. Rashford is a classic case of an asset whose historical points are inflating his current value, making him one of the top picks to avoid.
The Rotation Risk: Jack Grealish
Jack Grealish is a nightmare for FPL managers. Even when he plays, his role in the treble-winning Manchester City side is not fantasy-friendly. He is tasked with holding width and controlling possession, rather than getting into the box for the final pass or shot. His goal involvement is sporadic, and his minutes are a constant gamble. Pep Guardiola’s rotation is legendary, and Grealish is often the first name on the team sheet to be rested before a Champions League tie. Owning him means constantly checking press conferences and risking a cameo appearance from the bench. His price tag reflects his real-world ability, but his FPL output is that of a mid-range asset. Avoid the headache and the blank Gameweeks that come with this selection.
Defensive Assets That Offer No Clean Sheet Security
Defenders are often the key to a high-scoring week, but only if they keep clean sheets or offer attacking threat. The following defenders fail on both counts, making them poor investments.
The “Attacking” Full-Back Myth: Trent Alexander-Arnold
This is a controversial one, but the data is shifting. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s set-piece delivery is world-class, but his defensive liabilities are becoming a recurring theme. Teams are actively targeting his flank, knowing they can get in behind him. This forces Liverpool to defend more deeply, reducing his license to push forward. While he can produce explosive hauls, he is equally likely to concede points through goals conceded and yellow cards for tactical fouls. His price is the highest among defenders, and with Liverpool’s defensive solidity waning, the return on investment is poor. Unless Liverpool’s system changes to protect him more, he is a luxury you cannot afford. His ownership is high, but his points per match are trending downwards, making him a prime candidate to avoid.
The Card Magnet: Joachim Andersen
Joachim Andersen is a great real-world defender, but a fantasy nightmare. He is a yellow card waiting to happen. His aggressive, front-foot defending style is perfect for Crystal Palace’s system, but it results in a high volume of fouls and bookings. Additionally, Crystal Palace are not a top-six defensive unit; they are prone to conceding goals in bursts. You are essentially paying for a defender who will get you two points most weeks, with the constant risk of a -1 deduction for a booking. His aerial threat from set pieces is minimal compared to other center-backs. There is no upside here. You are better off selecting a defender from a more stable backline, even if they are less glamorous.
The Forward Line: Where Goals Go to Die
The striker position is the most unforgiving in FPL. You need goals, and these forwards are not providing them.
The False Nine Fiasco: Gabriel Jesus
Gabriel Jesus is the ultimate false nine, but that is precisely the problem. He drops deep to link play, which is excellent for Arsenal’s buildup, but terrible for his FPL returns. He is often the provider, not the finisher. His xG per match is surprisingly low for a starting striker at a top club, because he is frequently outside the box when the cross comes in. Furthermore, his minutes are managed carefully to prevent injury, meaning he is often substituted around the 60-minute mark. This limits his ability to score late goals against tired legs. He is priced as a premium forward, but his output is that of a supporting cast member. You need a poacher, not a playmaker, in your FPL forward line.
The Injury-Prone Gamble: Darwin Núñez
Darwin Núñez is the definition of a high-risk, high-reward asset, but the risk is currently outweighing the reward. His finishing can be erratic, leading to massive point swings. One week he scores a hat-trick, the next three weeks he blanks with multiple big chances missed. This inconsistency is infuriating for FPL managers. More critically, his playing time is not guaranteed. He is often benched in favor of a more tactical setup, and his aggressive pressing style makes him a constant injury risk. He is a differential, but for the wrong reasons. You want your premium forward to be a reliable captaincy option. Núñez is a punt, not a pick. For the sake of your rank, avoid the chaos and opt for a more reliable finisher.
Final Thoughts on Building Your Squad
The key to a successful FPL season is minimizing risk while maximizing potential. The players listed above are not bad footballers; they are simply bad FPL assets given their price and roles. By avoiding these traps, you free up budget and mental bandwidth to focus on players who are consistently involved in goals and clean sheets. Look for players in settled teams with clear, attacking roles. Prioritize those on set pieces and penalties. When in doubt, check the underlying stats—xG, xA, and touches in the box—rather than the player’s reputation. Your dream team is built on the players you leave out just as much as the ones you bring in. Make the hard choices now, and you will reap the rewards in your overall rank come May.
