Following a riveting gameweek 25, we shift our attention to a much-awaited double gameweek as FPL managers look to strike a working balance in their squads heading into a pivotal phase of the season. With the race to gain rank set to grow increasingly competitive, Fantasy Premier League managers are likely to look at the midfield as a position capable of providing consistent returns over the coming weeks.
Raheem Sterling (£10.7mn) delivered another compelling performance; scoring 18 points last weekend. On the other hand, Jarrod Bowen (£7.1mn) too, emerged as an appealing asset, delivering his second consecutive double-digit haul in GW15. Additionally, with Mohamed Salah (£13.0mn) back in the mix, the roster of midfielders at one’s disposal is set to grow increasingly varied over the remainder of the campaign.
Hence, with the FPL managers needing to find the right balance in their midfield, in this article, we look at three midfielders capable of providing substantial returns this weekend whilst also considering their upcoming fixture schedule vis-à-vis assessing their long-term potential.
BUKAYO SAKA [£6.4M, BRE (H) & WOL (H)]
Having registered four goals in his last five league outings, Saka emerges as an appealing option for FPL managers looking for long-term potential over the coming weeks. Although having not registered an attacking return in his last two league outings, the youngster is likely to improve his returns heading into a favourable set of fixtures.
Saka currently accounts for the third-highest number of expected goals (4.7xG) and second-highest number of expected assists (3.4xA) at the club this season. Additionally, the youngster is Arsenal’s top goal-contributor (11) in the ongoing campaign whilst also ranking first for shot-creating actions (77) and second for passes completed into the 18-yard-box (22) amongst his teammates this season.
With the Gunners facing a Brentford side having kept only one clean sheet in their last five league outings, Saka will be hoping to register his name on the scoresheet this weekend. Given Arsenal’s hunger for top-four, Saka is expected to play a vital role in deciding the team’s prospects heading into a favourable set of fixtures over the coming weeks.
JARROD BOWEN [£7.1M, NEW (H)]
Having grown in value over recent weeks, Bowen is expected to provide substantial returns after registering six goal contributions in his last five league outings ahead of the weekend. With West Ham looking likely to challenge for top-four despite heading into a challenging set of fixtures, the winger is expected to play a vital role in providing the goods upfront over the coming weeks.
Bowen currently registers the second-highest number of goal contributions (21) across the Premier League in the ongoing campaign. Additionally, the winger is West Ham’s joint-top goal scorer (8), registering the highest number of expected goals (8.6xG) and second-highest number of expected assists (4.7xA) amongst his teammates this season. Further, Bowen accounts for the joint-highest number of shot-creating actions (74) whilst accounting for the highest number of carries into the 18-yard-box (25), at the club, in the ongoing campaign.
Given West Ham’s desire for top-four amidst their recent inconsistency, Bowen is expected to play a vital role in the team’s prospects over the coming weeks. Facing a Newcastle side desperate to avoid relegation – having registered only their third clean sheet of the season last weekend – Bowen is likely to improve on his tally of goal contributions in gameweek 26.
PHIL FODEN [£7.9M, TOT (H)]
Although having registered only two goals in his last five league outings, Foden is expected to improve his tally over the coming weeks. With Manchester City sitting comfortably at the top of the table, the young midfielder is likely to play several games heading into a favourable set of league fixtures over the coming weeks.
Foden currently ranks second for expected goals (6.2xG) and expected assists (4.3xA) amongst his teammates this season. Additionally, he also registers the fourth-highest number of carries (27) into the 18-yard-box whilst being a constant threat across the attacking third in possession.
While Pep Guardiola is likely to rotate his frontline for the upcoming set of league fixtures, Foden will be keen on increasing his contributions over the coming weeks. Facing a Tottenham Hotspur side yet to find a victory in three league outings whilst having kept a single clean sheet in their last five league fixtures, Foden will be keen on providing an attacking return whilst making an impression this weekend.
