Evan Ferguson: Top FPL strikers to replace Brighton's injury doubt striker

By Ewan Murray

Over 325,000 FPL managers transferred Evan Ferguson this week following his hat-trick against Newcastle United before the international break – but they may now regret that decision.

The Brighton & Hove Albion striker is a doubt for the trip to Manchester United this weekend after suffering a knee injury, and while Roberto De Zerbi hopes the 18-year-old will be involved, there is no guarantee he will play at ‘Old Trafford.

At just £6.0m, Ferguson is an easy pick, but that will quickly change if he faces a spell on the bench for the Seagulls.

If you have any doubts about what to do with Ferguson, here are some strikers you can replace him with.

Beto-Everton

As we assume you have no funds in the bank and therefore only recommend players worth £6.0m or less, you could do much worse than new ones Everton the striker Beto.

While the Toffees aren’t known for scoring goals and will face Arsenal and Brentford in their next two games, Beto’s lively start to life at Everton means he could be a good differential.

The former Udinese striker scored on his debut against Doncaster Rovers in the Carabao Cup and also showed lively during his premier league bow against Sheffield United. His mix of pace and power will make him a handful for defenders and he will likely thrive in Sean Dyche’s direct system.

At £6.0m, Beto is owned by just 0.2% of managers, potentially giving you an advantage in your mini-leagues.

Eddie Nketiah-Arsenal

Nketiah offers an economical route to Arsenal’s attack who have already amassed 20 points from four games against the Gunners. His final match against Manchester United was the first time he had failed to return all season, having bagged two assists and a goal so far this season.

The only question about Nketiah is his playing time. The return of Gabriel Jesus – who scored against Man Utd from the bench – and the presence of Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz mean the England striker is not a guaranteed starter.

However, at £5.6m and with ownership of just 6.8%, he could be a gem if he continues to get regular minutes.

Odsonne Edouard – Crystal Palace

Having bagged 13 points against Wolverhampton Wanderers just before the international break, Edouard could be an incredibly underrated FPL asset.

Three goals already this season have contributed to a total of 24 points, an average of six per game. The Palace man’s starting place also seems fairly secure given he has played 70 minutes or more in every league game this season.

While the Eagles don’t have the easiest fixture cycle – they face Aston Villa, Man Utd and Newcastle United in their next five – upcoming home games against Fulham and Sheffield United still make it a good option, especially at £5.5m .

Carlton Morris – Luton Town

We all love a double game week, with the season opener already quickly approaching. This is, however, only a double gameweek for Luton and Burnley, which makes Morris a very interesting choice in attack.

Luton‘s next four matches are all rated a two on the FPL match difficulty indicator with clashes against Fulham, Wolves, Everton and Burnley on the horizon.

Morris is worth just £5.5m and has an ownership of just 1.7% despite returning one goal and one assist already this season. The shot he took was also from the spot, another advantage of having the Hatters man in your team.

Joao Pedro-Brighton

Why not just replace a Brighton striker with another Brighton striker?

With Ferguson and Danny Welbeck doubtful for the trip to Man Utd, Pedro is virtually nailed down to start at Old Trafford. The striker’s price has dropped to £5.4m despite him actually rising to £5.6m after his first gameweek, so it could be the perfect time to jump on the Pedro bandwagon.

The Brazilian is also owned by 13.6% of managers, meaning you could lose a lot of points if it pops up.

Raúl Jimenez-Fulham

A better-suited option for the risk-takers out there, Jimenez could be a decent short-term replacement for Ferguson.

The Fulham striker is down to £5.4 million after a slow start to the season, but a home clash with Luton and a trip to Crystal Palace in his next two could provide some return.

Jimenez scored a brace during the international break, albeit against Uzbekistan, but his confidence should be high returning to Craven Cottage.

Antoine Semenyo – Bournemouth

A budget factor who will likely get some minutes, Semenyo is a good alternative to Ferguson if you’re looking to free up funds.

The Bournemouth striker costs just £4.5 million but has played in every game under Andoni Iraola, also producing an assist against West Ham and a goal against Liverpool at Anfield.

Games against Chelsea, Brighton and Arsenal in the next three mean he will most likely be a benchwarmer, but it’s good to know he’ll get at least a point most weeks in case you need him.

Cameron Archer-Sheffield United

After finally moving from Aston Villa to Sheffield United this summer, Archer has suddenly become a potentially invaluable FPL asset.

The £4.5 million striker, who is still owned by just 5.9% of managers, produced a stunning 12-point haul in his first game of the season for the Blades, scoring and getting a classic FPL assist for an own goal by Jordan Pickford.

With upcoming games against Tottenham and Newcastle, Archer will likely offer the same goal as Semenyo, but with greater scoring potential.