Following an industrious Fantasy Premier League gameweek 30, we bring our attention to the weekend as FPL managers look to prepare for the final stride of the season as Premier League football returns following a two-week international break this Saturday. With mouth-watering double-game weeks to look forward to amidst a captivating race for the title and Champions League spots, the remainder of the campaign is likely to provide FPL managers with a much-needed boost in employing their strategies moving forward.
A refreshing weekend saw mid-priced midfielders steal the show in game-week 30. Besides Bukayo Saka (£6.8mn) and Heung-Min Son (£10.9mn), the likes of James Maddison (£6.8mn) and Trincao (£5.6mn) too, registered double-digit hauls, with all four players heading into favourable fixtures this weekend.
Additionally, with the midfield expected to deliver substantial points over the coming weeks, FPL managers will be keen on opting for impactful choices, starting this weekend. Hence, with the aim of shortlisting midfielders capable of providing favourable returns, in this article, we take a look at three options most likely to deliver substantial points vis-à-vis fixtures and potential moving forward.
SAID BENRAHMA [£5.9M, EVE (H)]
West Ham’s most impactful playmaker in recent outings, Benrahma is likely to deliver favourable returns this weekend. Having registered three-goal contributions in his last two league appearances, the Algerian will be keen on making an impact as the Irons look to secure a European spot over the coming weeks.
Besides accounting for a decent number of expected goals (4.1xG) and assists (2.7xA), Benrahma ranks second for passes completed into the 18-yard-box (27) at the club this season. Additionally, the midfielder also ranks fourth for shot-creating actions (59) whilst having registered the third-highest number of carries (19) into the 18-yard-box amongst his teammates.
Facing an Everton side keen on points in hopes of avoiding relegation, West Ham remains favourites for three points this weekend. With Benrahma in exceptional form heading into the fixture, the Algerian emerges as a player capable of delivering substantial returns on Sunday.
DEJAN KULUSEVSKI [£6.3M, NEW (H)]
Amongst Spurs’ most impressive performers in recent weeks, Kulusevski is expected to improve his tally of goal contributions over the coming weeks. With the North-London club keen on challenging for a place in the top-four, the winger’s knack for goal contributions could prove vital to the team’s prospects moving forward.
Although having only arrived in January, Kulusevski currently tops the chart for expected assists (0.31xA), per game, amongst his teammates, hitherto. Additionally, the Swede also ranks third for carries into the 18-yard-box (14) whilst having accounted for six goal contributions this season.
With Antonio Conte’s side heading into a favourable set of fixtures as they look to secure a place in the top-four, the team will be keen on securing a comfortable three points against Newcastle this weekend. Provided the hosts deliver a compelling performance, Kulusevski is likely to deliver favourable returns on Sunday.
KAI HAVERTZ [£7.9M, BRE (H)]
Chelsea’s most impactful player in recent fixtures, Havertz is likely to continue delivering favourable returns over the coming weeks. Having accounted for four goals and an assist in his last three league outings, the German is likely to remain an integral part of the team’s prospects over the coming weeks.
Havertz currently ranks second for expected goals (5.5xG) and carries into the 18-yard-box (25) amongst his teammates this season. Additionally, having been primarily deployed as a striker, the German is likely to improve his tally of goal contributions, with Chelsea heading into a set of favourable fixtures moving forward.
Facing a Brentford side inconsistent in keeping clean sheets, Chelsea are likely to secure three points this weekend. Provided the hosts secure a victory, Havertz is more than likely to register his name on the scoresheet this Saturday.
