With GW16 having concluded and another GW deadline just hours away, it’s time to go over some of the talking points that will occupy the discussion in the short turnaround we have.
As we head into the midweek GW17 fixtures, here are five points we should take into account.
Penalties equals Points
It was a record-breaking weekend in the league when looking at the number of goals scored from the penalty spot.
Only 9 games went ahead following the Brighton Tottenham postponement but there were 8 penalties scored. This is the most in any single GW this season.
Three of the eight penalties came from the Chelsea vs Leeds match, with Jorginho scoring twice alongside Leeds’ talisman Raphinha.
The others who managed to score from the spot were Bryan Mbeumo, Raheem Sterling, Mohamed Salah, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Youri Tielemans.
Only one of the eight penalties was scored from a forward-listed player (Ronaldo) in the game. Players who are on penalties are a good way to source FPL points from set-piece takers.
Antonio’s demise continues
Another dull 0-0 affair at Turf Moor, saw Clarets and the Hammers share the spoils on Sunday afternoon at Turf Moor.
It was another blank for Michail Antonio, which has headlined the discussion. The 40% of fantasy managers that own him will feel frustrated with yet another blank.
That now makes it one return in his last seven game weeks, with his sole return being an assist against Chelsea in GW15.
He recorded his lowest xG & xA so far this season too, both being 0.07.
Current managers patience is understandably being tested. However, four of West Ham’s next six are rated as a two in the FDR.
The Ramsdale Revolution
Arsenal’s timely three-nil victory against the Saints on Saturday portrayed another reminder of why Aaron Ramsdale is one of the best keepers in the game for value.
Furthermore, it was his seventh clean sheet secured in his 12 starts this campaign. The former Bournemouth man’s 11-point haul was his highest GW score for the season.
His haul coincided with six saves (two save points) as well as picking up maximum bonus points for the first time this season.
Out of any starting keeper, he has the most points per match (PPM) with 5.4. He is now two points behind the leading keeper in the total-points goalkeeper standings, with Alisson having 72.
Gegenpress method showing value in defence
Man United’s 1-0 away win to Norwich saw the Red Devils keep back-to-back cleansheets under new management.
Since Rangnick has come in, United have kept as many cleansheets as they did in their first 14 league games. And with their upcoming fixture run, there comes no better opportunity to build on it.
Three of Manchester United’s next six fixtures are rated two in the FDR. Saturday also recorded David De Gea’s second double-digit return this season, coming away with 10 points against the Canaries. This included five saves and receiving maximum bonus points.
For non-owners in Ramsdale, De Gea is a decent alternative in a way to climb up the ranks. As of writing the GW17 Brentford Man Utd match is going ahead.
Beware the suspension tightrope
As we draw the GW16 curtains close, it’s also a good opportunity to take stock on players who may be at risk of a one-match suspension.
One of the popular fantasy assets currently, Man City’s Joao Cancelo will be one of the culprits serving his suspension. Owned by 37% of fantasy managers, this will be a pain. Also, this point emphasizes how important a good squad depth is through the festive period.
- See more: GW17 Premier League Clean Sheet Odds
Wolves’ Raul Jimenez will also miss his GW17 trip to Brighton, after receiving two yellow cards in 30 seconds on Saturday against Man City.
There are too a handful of relevant players who are one booking away from a suspension. Headlined players are Reece James, Raphinha, Conor Gallagher, Callum Wilson, and Bruno Fernandes.
The suspension threshold is increased to 10 yellow cards after GW19.