BetKing_NG_FPL during AFCON.jpg

The Africa Cup of Nations is set to kick off on January 13, and over 40 Premier League players are expected to participate in the tournament. This is poised to significantly impact Fantasy Premier League teams, prompting managers to search for viable solutions. 

With AFCON on the way, and Premier League games coming thick and fast, BetKing, Nigeria’s best online sports betting site, is here to provide you with everything you need to know about your FPL teams and strategies. 

 

**How long will players be away at AFCON 2024?** 

AFCON kicks off on January 13 and concludes on February 11, 2024. The tournament will coincide with FPL Gameweeks 21 to 24, posing the risk of players missing several matches based on their countries’ performance. Players who reach the final stage will be absent for a minimum of four games. 

It’s worth noting this season’s winter break (the first PL mid-season break ever) takes place during Gameweek 21, which means players eliminated in the group stages might only miss one gameweek. 

 

**Teams most and least affected by AFCON 2024** 

Nottingham Forest will lose six players to the African Cup of Nations, weakening the squad and making them vulnerable targets. To make matters worse, their upcoming fixtures in Gameweeks 21 to 24 include matches against Brentford, Arsenal, Bournemouth, and Newcastle.  

On the other hand, Manchester City and Newcastle United won’t be affected as they have no players participating in the tournament. 

Brentford will lose two key forwards, Mbeumo and Wissa, with the latter already called up to represent DR Congo. However, there is a silver lining as Ivan Toney (£7.9m) will return just in time for Gameweek 21 as his ban for betting breaches finally comes to an end. Mbeumo would have been a guaranteed starter for Cameroon and a big loss to FPL managers, but an injury picked up in the 2-1 defeat to Brighton will rule him out until after AFCON 2024. 

Can Cameroon go deep at AFCON without Mbeumo? BetKing has the best betting offers backed by the best odds for the Indomitable Lions. 

● Bet on Cameroon to reach the final of AFCON 2024 

**10 Key players unavailable due to AFCON 2024** 

1. Simon Adingra (Ivory Coast & Brighton)  

2. Andre Onana (Cameroon & Man Utd) 

3. Mohamed Salah (Egypt & Liverpool) 

4. Nayef Aguerd (Morocco & West Ham) 

5. Mohammed Kudus (Ghana & West Ham) 

6. Nicolas Jackson (Senegal & Chelsea) 

7. Yoane Wissa (Congo & Brentford) 

8. Yves Bissouma (Mali & Tottenham) 

9. Alex Iwobi (Nigeria & Fulham) 

10. Dango Ouattara (Burkina Faso & Bournemouth) 

 

**How to deal with AFCON absences?** 

**Mo Salah’s absence** 

The most popular player jetting off to AFCON is undoubtedly Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah. His price is set at £13.1m, and there are not many players that can deliver the same level of production as the Egyptian. He ranks #1 for points per game at 7.4 and will certainly be a huge miss, both for Liverpool and FPL managers.  

Take advantage of BetKing’s high odds by backing Salah to lead Egypt to AFCON glory. 

● Bet on Egypt to win AFCON 2024 

However, West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen has scored 11 goals this season and averages 6.0 FPL points per game, making him an excellent replacement at £7.9m. Swapping Salah for Bowen allows you to save £5.2m, gives you a high-quality goal-scorer & creator AND allows you to improve your squad with the extra money. 

**Is Onana’s absence a blessing in disguise?** 

Manchester United will lose up to three players, including Morocco’s Sofyan Amrabat, Ivory Coast’s Amad Diallo, and most importantly, Cameroonian shot-stopper Andre Onana. The goalkeeper’s absence will be keenly felt with no suitable replacement in sight, but his absence could open the door for second choice Altay Bayindir (£4.0m) to make his debut. 

Cameroon are one of the favourites to go all the way, so Bayindir could be a viable affordable, short-term option for FPL managers.  

Another possible replacement for Onana is West Ham’s Alphonse Areola (£4.2m). The French shot-stopper is ranked 8th of all goalkeepers in the PL this season, averaging 3.9 points per game, which is actually higher than Onana (3.7). 

 

**Mohammed Kudus will definitely be missed** 

Mohammed Kudus has been a revelation since joining West Ham from Ajax for £38m. He has scored 6 goals since joining, with 3 of those coming in his last 3 appearances. So, who could replace the Ghanaian attacking midfielder? Well, at 4.8 points per game, Kudus (£6.9m) ranks 15th out of 336 midfielders in the game and is 2nd on current form with 27 points in his last 3 games. He will not be easy to replace. 

BetKing has the best odds for Kudus and Ghana at AFCON. 

● Bet on Kudus to lead Ghana to finish top of Group B at AFCON 2024 

A great option to replace the Black Star is Chelsea’s Cole Palmer (£5.6m). Palmer is averaging 4.6 points per game with 6 goals and 4 assists in just 11 starts. He also ranks 20th out of 336 midfielders — an excellent choice. 

**Nicholas Jackson** 

Finally, polarizing Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson, will be away with Senegal. The Blues should be unaffected by his absence as Christopher Nkunku will slot seamlessly into that role, but he will be a miss for some FPL managers. 

Valued at £6.9m, Jackson has offered some value with 3.4 points per game from his 7 league goals so far. However, an excellent replacement is Brighton’s Joao Pedro (£5.4m) who also has 7 goals this season, averaging 3.6 points per game.  

Pedro is also the Seagulls’ penalty taker, which is noteworthy when picking strikers, as it boosts the chance of accumulating more points. 

Looking for the best odds? Then back our bet of the day; which is for Jackson and Senegal to reach the AFCON final. 

● Bet on Senegal to reach the final of AFCON 2024

**In conclusion…** 

As well as monitoring the players, it is important to keep track of the teams losing multiple stars to AFCON, which can impact their performance in the league. Also, stay informed of tournament schedules to know when key players will be back.  

Finally, when taking out a premium asset like Salah, plan strategically so you have the option to transfer him back in when he returns, because the high cost may put you in a position where you need to shake the team around to accommodate him or use your wildcard early. 

** Enjoy the holidays with family and friends and remember; you can bet on your favourite teams at AFCON and enjoy the best odds.** 

** All you need to do is [sign up on Betking](link) to get started.** 

 

Curious about how best to set up your FPL team with AFCON 2024 looming and still win big? Then check out this guide our experts have compiled, just for you!

News

How to set up your FPL team during AFCON 2024

● Bet on Cameroon to reach the final of AFCON 2024

● Bet on Egypt to win AFCON 2024

● Bet on Kudus to lead Ghana to finish top of Group B at AFCON 2024

● Bet on Senegal to reach the final of AFCON 2024