A rollercoaster campaign has seen FPL managers adapt and bear the fruits of their risky decisions this season. Despite unprecedented postponements and a tiresome international break, Fantasy Premier League managers remain active in their pursuit of improving their ranks, with the fixture schedule set to grow increasingly demanding before the World Cup in November.
With several assets across the board heading into a favourable set of fixtures before the World Cup, FPL managers will be keen on drafting in and keeping hold of players most capable of delivering enticing returns over the coming weeks. While the likes of Mohamed Salah (£12.8m), Reece James (£6.0m and Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.3m) amongst others continue to remain inconsistent in their returns, players such as James Maddison (£8.1), Leandro Trossard (£6.7m) and Kieran Trippier (£5.5m) amongst others, continue to garner attention, with each of them moving into a favourable round of fixtures before the World Cup.
With FPL managers hoping to make the right moves until the break, in this article, we take a look at assets capable of delivering fruitful returns over the coming weeks whilst considering their fixture schedule before heading for the World Cup next month.
KIERAN TRIPPIER [DEF, £5.5m, BRE (H)]
Having delivered favourable returns in recent weeks, Trippier emerges as the pick of FPL full-backs, with the England international having registered a healthy number of clean sheets this season. Despite falling short in delivering attacking returns, a tempting fixture schedule until the World Cup could see the full-back improve his tally of goal contributions moving forward.
Accounting for a goal and solitary assist hitherto, Trippier registers the highest number of passes completed (30) into the 18-yard-box alongside ranking the same for shot-creating actions (25) amongst teammates this season. Moreover, being the team’s primary set-piece taker, the full-back establishes himself as a refreshing prospect capable of significantly improving his attacking returns over the coming weeks.
Facing only three top-six sides side before the break, Newcastle United will be keen on cementing their place in the top half of the table come December. With Trippier expected to feature in the majority of games, the full-back is likely to deliver fruitful returns moving forward.
LEANDRO TROSSARD [MID, £6.7m, TOT (H)]
Amongst the underrated assets this season, Trossard establishes himself as a tempting pick in midfield, with Brighton & Hove Albion heading into a favourable set of fixtures over the coming weeks. Registering four goals and an assist in his last two outings, the Belgian midfielder is likely to continue delivering favourable returns moving forward.
Accounting for eight goal contributions hitherto, Trossard ranks second for expected goals (0.39xG) per game and tops the chart for passes completed (15) into the 18-yard-box amongst teammates this season. Moreover, serving as a competent threat across the final third, the midfielder stands second for shot-creating actions (27) within the team, hitherto.
With the Seagulls having been amongst the most impressive sides this season, the club will be hoping to build on their momentum despite a managerial change in recent weeks. Expected to remain amongst the first names on the team sheet, Trossard emerges as a tempting prospect for FPL managers looking to target and retain reliable mid-budget midfielder before breaking for the World Cup.
WILFRIED ZAHA [MID, £7.3m, LEE (H)]
Arguably, the most tempting prospect considering Crystal Palace’s fixture list before the World Cup, Zaha is expected to deliver fruitful returns over the coming weeks. Despite the team having struggled for consistency this season, the winger is expected to deliver attacking returns over the coming weeks.
Having registered four goals this season, Zaha is likely to improve on his tally of goal contributions over the favourable fixture schedule. Accounting for the third-highest number of expected goals (0.47xG) and second-highest number of expected assists (0.19xG) per 90 minutes, the Ivorian establishes himself as a potent attacking threat within the team. Moreover, ranking second for shot-creating actions (16) amongst teammates, Zaha is expected to improve his attacking returns before the World Cup.
Amongst the FPL assets to monitor over the coming weeks, Zaha will be looking to contribute to the team’s prospects before the break. Having shown potential to improve on this attacking returns in recent weeks, the winger establishes himself as an asset capable of capitalising on the team’s relatively favourable fixture schedule moving forward.
JAMES MADDISON [MID, £8.1m, BOU (A)]
Expected to grow in value over the coming weeks, Maddison is likely to emerge as an excellent asset before the World Cup. Having registered three goals and an assist in his last two outings, the attacking midfielder looks set to improve his tally of goal contributions moving forward.
Despite not boasting a commendable number of expected goals and assists, Maddison emerges as Leicester City’s most potent attacker, having registered five goals and two assists heading into a favourable run of fixtures. Renowned for his attacking potential on set-pieces, the midfielder ranks first for shot-creating actions (28) amongst teammates, with the team heavily reliant on his creative prowess on the pitch.
Facing only one top-six side before breaking for the World Cup, Leicester emerge amongst the teams capable of gaining places in the league table over the coming weeks. With Maddison having proven to be a reliable threat on the pitch, the midfielder is likely to deliver decent returns moving forward.
