Following a boisterous weekend of Christmas fixtures, we turn our attention to gameweek 20, as FPL managers prepare for a quick turnover amidst the palpable fear of unforeseen postponements over the coming weeks. While boxing day lived up to the expectations of many, GW19 provided a glimpse into the potential of numerous Fantasy Premier League assets moving forward.
The weekend proved to be fruitful for numerous players across the league table. Amongst the defenders, Kieran Tierney (£4.9mn), Emerson Royal (£4.9), and Aymeric Laporte (£5.5mn) emerged as the picks of the backline, with each of them registering double-digit hauls on boxing day. Further, the midfield, yet again, proved to be vital amidst postponements, with each of Lucas Moura (£6.4mn), Buyako Saka (£6.3mn), and Jorginho (£5.6mn), among others, delivering key returns in game-week 19.
While the defenders and midfielders stole the show on Christmas weekend, it was forwards who posed difficult questions moving forward. Amidst the lack of consistent players across the frontline, Kelechi Iheanacho (£6.9mn) and Alexandre Lacazette (£8.5mn) emerged as surprise assets, with each of them registering double-digits on boxing day. With the fixture list only set to grow increasingly unpredictable amidst the possibility of double gameweeks, the forward line is likely to emerge as a determining position moving ahead. Hence, in this article, we take a look at three forwards most likely to improve their returns whilst remaining a regular name on the team sheet over the busy period of fixtures.
ARMANDO BROJA (£5.2M) [TOT, (H)]
Having delivered three returns in his last four league outings heading into game-week 20, Broja emerges as a promising asset over the coming weeks. The Southampton talisman has already registered four goals and two assists in the ongoing campaign and is expected to serve as a valuable asset, given the Saints’ favourable run of fixtures over the coming weeks.
The Albanian currently boasts the second-highest number of expected goals (0.34xG) per game and ranks the same for carries into the 18-yard-box (14) amongst his teammates this season. Additionally, the striker has also started each of the club’s last four league fixtures and is expected to remain a first-team regular over the coming weeks.
Facing a Tottenham side entering a promising vein of form, Tuesday’s fixture will likely prove to be a challenging outing for the Saints. However, having taken an indispensable three points against West Ham on boxing day, Southampton will be confident in securing a result, with Broja expected to play a vital part in proceedings over the coming weeks.
NEIL MAUPAY (£6.4M) [CHE, (A)]
Having netted thrice in his last four outings, the Frenchman emerges as an appealing option over the coming weeks. Maupay remains integral to Brighton’s attacking prowess, having already registered seven goals this season, and is likely to increase his tally given the club’s favourable run of fixtures in January.
The team’s highest goal-scorer in the ongoing campaign, Maupay boasts the second-highest number of expected goals (0.40xG) per game amongst his teammates. In addition, the Frenchman also registers an impressive number of goals/shots on target ratio (0.67) alongside standing fifth for shot-creating actions (28) at the club this season.
Facing a Chelsea side struggling to keep clean sheets, Brighton will be hopeful of securing a result at Stamford Bridge. Provided the Seagulls make it difficult for the Blues on Wednesday, Maupay could potentially play a part in delivering the desired outcome in game-week 20.
CALLUM WILSON (£7.4M) [EVE, (A)]
Amongst the few reliable assets within a struggling Newcastle side, Wilson is likely to increase his contribution given the club’s fixture list over the coming weeks. The striker remains the club’s highest goal-scorer (6) in the ongoing campaign and is expected to play a crucial role if Eddie Howe is to keep the Magpies in the first division at the end of the campaign.
Wilson unsurprisingly registers the highest number of expected goals (0.35xG) per game, amongst his teammates in the ongoing campaign. Further, he also registers the second-highest number of carries into the 18-yard-box (11), whilst registering a decent number of goals/shots on target (0.56) ratio at the club this season.
Facing a vulnerable Everton side mid-week, Newcastle will be sensing a decent result on the cards. The Magpies remain in desperate need of points, and Wilson is expected to emerge as a crucial asset if the team is to gain momentum heading into a pivotal period of fixtures over the coming weeks.
