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  • FPL 2022/23: Players that went under the radar in Gameweek 1

    FPL 2022/23: Players that went under the radar in Gameweek 1

    The 2022/23 Premier League season has kicked off, and Gameweek 1 had a whirlwind of results. A large number of hugely-owned FPL assets like Mo Salah, Erling Haaland, Darwin Nunez, and Kevin de Bruyne all did well as they were expected to, while some others, like Harry Kane, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Andrew Robertson, shot unanticipated blanks.

    However, a lot of underrated and meagrely-owned assists showed their quality or at least glimpses of it on the pitch. As we gear up for Gameweek 2, here are a few players that went under the radar for a lot of FPL managers:

    ALLAN SAINT-MAXIMIN [£6.5M, BHA (A)]

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    Allan Saint-Maximin has always been a player to watch out for not just in real life but also when it comes to FPL. The Frenchman had a quiet game against Nottingham Forrest in terms of goal contributions but was a definitive threat throughout for the Magpies. The 25-year-old is pivotal for Newcastle’s attacking buildup and had the most touches in the opposition’s penalty box apart from teammate Miguel Almiron.

    The dynamic winger also took four shots in the game while racking up an xG of 0.36 and also pulled off two passes that led to shots along with one key pass, gathering an xA of 0.02. In the run-up to the second goal, he notably supplied the ball on for Joelinton to assist Callum Wilson’s scoring effort.

    Despite Brighton’s resilient defence, Saint-Maximin is certainly a player who can cause issues for the Seagulls’ backline and is overlooked by plenty of FPL managers, giving your team that extra differential advantage over others.

    DANNY WELBECK [£6.5M, NEW (H)]

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    In the Seagulls’ 2-1 victory over Manchester United last weekend, Welbeck played a key role.  At Old Trafford, he contributed an assist and scored two bonus points for a total of seven points.

    The 31-year-performance old’s in Gameweek 1 carried over his strong performance from the previous season. In his final five games of 2021/22, Welbeck collected 41 points from three goals, five assists, and nine bonus points. The underlying statistics illustrate his goal threat for Brighton. From Gameweek 34 onwards last season, Welbeck made eight of his team’s 13 key opportunities. The only other forward with more shots on target was Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur (£11.4m), who had thirteen to Welbeck’s ten.

    Welbeck also picked up an xG of 0.34 and an xA of 0.62 (which is the second-highest of any PL player this season). Despite these statistics, only 0.8% of managers possess the forward for Brighton & Hove Albion’s matchup with Newcastle United at home. The meeting between Brighton and Newcastle marks the beginning of a prolonged stretch of advantageous games that increase Welbeck’s popularity. In their next seven games, the Seagulls don’t play any of the top six teams from the previous season.

    JACK GREALISH [£7M, BOU (H)]

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    Up next is Jack Grealish. With an ownership rate of just 4.4%, the Englishman might just be the best player on this list. He might be one of the least-picked yet fairly popular players who are underrated by a lot of FPL managers. The 26-year-old acquired the most advanced position in Pep Guardiola’s system against West Ham last Sunday and also picked up an xA of 0.55.

    However, his failure to pick up a goal contribution, his lack of dynamism & movement and his xG of just 0.06 certainly did not help muster a lot of faith from FPL managers. However, he had 13.7 advanced carries per 90 and 88 carries into the box last season and is not a player to be overlooked.

    Grealish will likely get the start in each game of the current Premier League season. He will probably generate more opportunities with Erling Haaland on the team and there is less competition for the position he is deployed in. Hence, is an excellent asset for raising your ranks and is one of the more trustworthy differentials.

    BRENDEN AARONSON [£5.5M, SOU (A)]

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    For Leeds United, Brenden Aaronson was at least given 85 minutes, and he followed up a strong preseason with a reasonably respectable league start.

    Although he didn’t create a single chance, the USA international did chuck over five crosses and take a few corners in the 2-1 victory over Wolves, coming just inches short of scoring. He had an xG of 0.03 and no xA at all. But stats sometimes do not reflect the whole picture and Aaronson’s debut was definitely not underwhelming.

    The ex-Salzburg winger seems like he will come good if given a good amount of game time which is extremely likely. His frontline teammates like Jack Harrison (£6.0m), Rodrigo (£6.0m) and Patrick Bamford (£7.5m) who are respectably owned in good amounts by FPL managers all picked up a goal contribution this weekend. Aaronson, who is owned by just 1% of FPL managers seems like a menace and could prove to be one against Southampton come Gameweek 2.

  • Brighton & Hove Albion vs Newcastle United: Match Preview | Premier League 2022/23

    Brighton & Hove Albion vs Newcastle United: Match Preview | Premier League 2022/23

    Brighton & Hove Albion host Newcastle United in their first home game of the season this Saturday as both clubs look to build on their winning momentum from the opening game week. With each side heading into the fixture on the back of commendable performances in their last outing, the tie is likely to provide for an exhilarating watch this weekend.

    A marvellous display of tactical nous and execution saw Brighton & Hove Albion secure an excellent 1-2 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford in their opening fixture of the league campaign. Although having lost a couple of key players ahead of the season, the Seagulls appeared unperturbed in their application on the pitch, with manager Graham Potter expected to continue developing a formidable Brighton team throughout the ongoing campaign.

    Dominant in their 2-0 victory over newly promoted Nottingham Forest last weekend, Newcastle United will be keen on building on their winning momentum over the coming weeks. Having acquired promising signings this summer, manager Eddie Howe will be looking to secure a positive result this Saturday, with Newcastle potentially hoping to secure a top-half finish at the end of the season.

    When & Where?

    Venue: The American Express Community Stadium.
    Date: Saturday, 13th August 2022.
    Time: 15:00 BST.

    Match Officials

    Referee: Graham Scott.
    Assistant Referees: Adrian Holmes, Mark Scholes.
    Fourth Official: Gavin Ward.
    VAR Official: Craig Pawson.

    Team News

    Brighton & Hove Albion

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    Expected to field an unchanged squad following the victory against United last weekend, Potter will be hoping to gain three points this Saturday. Despite an exceptional team display at Old Trafford, wing-back Tariq Lamptey could potentially get the nod ahead of Joel Veltman owing to the opposition’s set-up this weekend.

    Having delivered a commanding performance against United, Danny Welbeck is expected to retain his place in the starting line-up, with the manager unlikely to make changes to the starting line-up against Newcastle this Saturday.

    Newcastle United

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    Much like the home side, Newcastle are likely to remain unchanged for their trip to Brighton this weekend. Despite having started on the bench against Forest last weekend, new signing Sven Botman is, once again, unexpected to feature in the starting line-up, with manager Eddie Howe likely to gradually integrate the centre-back into the squad over the coming weeks.

    Amongst the absentees, midfielder Jonjo Shelvey remains ruled out until December after undergoing surgery on a hamstring injury. With no incomings this week, Howe is likely to field an identical line-up from the opening game week in a bid to avoid a disappointing result this weekend.

    Match Analysis

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    Expected to produce an exciting match-up, both managers will be keen on sticking to their strengths whilst outsmarting the opposition on Saturday. Heading into the tie on the back of promising victories, both sides will be keen on securing three points this weekend.

    Having impressively nullified United’s ball progression through the midfield alongside impacting their potential overload on the flanks by pinning their wingers on their full-backs, Brighton are expected to employ an identical approach in nullifying Newcastle’s dynamic formation this Saturday. With the hosts expected to focus on being formidable in the midfield whilst progressing the ball through the wide areas, Potter will be looking to employ a high-press focused on retaining the ball higher up the pitch in a bid to create chances whilst drawing fouls with the aiming of maximising their advantage on set-pieces this Saturday.

    Having secured a comfortable victory against Forest last weekend, Saturday’s fixture is likely to emerge as a challenging outing for the Magpies. Facing a tactically fluid Brighton side high on confidence, Newcastle will be keen on nullifying their attacking potential whilst focusing on retaining a healthy chunk of possession on Saturday. With the team having developed into an exciting attacking unit under Howe’s management, the visitors are expected to push for three points away from home, with the team likely to adopt a proactive approach this weekend.

    Key Players

    Moises Caicedo – Brighton & Hove Albion

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    Having commanded the middle-third of the pitch against United last weekend, the Ecuadorian is expected to remain a vital part of the team moving forward. Excellent in physically imposing himself on opponents whilst retaining a healthy level of technical security alongside an impressive understanding of his role, the midfielder’s impact will be vital to Brighton’s chances of securing three points on Saturday.

    Bruno Guimaraes – Newcastle United

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    Essential to Newcastle’s midfield dominance across both defensive and offensive actions on the pitch, the Brazilian’s contributions will be key to the club’s prospects over the season. With Brighton expected to nullify his impact on the game, Guimaraes’ contribution will be key to the visitors’ prospects of maintaining a proactive approach for the majority of the ninety minutes on Saturday.

    Predicted Line-Ups

    Brighton & Hove Albion (3-4-2-1) – Robert Sanchez; Joel Veltman, Lewis Dunk, Adam Webster; Solly March, Moises Caicedo, Alexis Mac Allister, Pascal Gross; Adam Lallana, Leandro Trossard; Danny Welbeck.

    Newcastle United (4-3-3) – Nick Pope; Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schar, Dan Burn, Matt Targett; Joe Willock, Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton; Miguel Almiron, Callum Wilson, Allan Saint-Maximin.

  • Newcastle United vs Nottingham Forest: Match Preview | Premier League 2022/23

    Newcastle United vs Nottingham Forest: Match Preview | Premier League 2022/23

    The weekend, Nottingham Forest ends their 23-year wait to return to the Premier League as they face Newcastle United away at St. James Park. Here’s everything you need to know before kick-off. 

    On Saturday a new era starts for both Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United. Newcastle begins their first full season under the ownership of the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, with high aspirations of finishing in a European spot. After a 23-year absence, Forest are full of optimism following their return to the top-flight. With 11 signings having arrived at the City Ground this summer, Steve Cooper’s side will look to turn a few heads as they aim to cement their place in the Premier League.

    Both sides will be wanting to start the new campaign with a win, aiming to prove to the rest of the league they can walk-the-walk, not just talk-the-talk. Now the richest club in the World, Eddie Howe’s side strengthened their squad over the summer – resigning Matt Targett on a permanent basis, adding Nick Pope from relegated Burnley and signing highly-rated centre-back Sven Botman from Lille. It’s not quite the lucrative window they had in January, but Newcastle are well on their way to building a squad that can compete at the right end of the table.

    It’s been a different story on the banks of the Trent. With a squad core consisting mainly of loan players last season, Forest were forced to replace the likes of; Djed Spence, Keinan Davis, Philip Zinckernagel, and James Garner. It’s safe to say they did exactly that, welcoming 11 new faces this summer, with more rumoured to be on their way. There are some concerns around how long new players will take to gel, or live up to their price tag – but following their Wembley win in May, the Reds will be full of confidence going into the new season.

    A trip up to the North-East and a 3 pm Kick-off at St James Park, it doesn’t get more Premier League than that. Simon Hooper will officiate the fixture and is a familiar face for Nottingham Forest fans, having taken charge of two of their Championship fixtures last season.

    Team News

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    The hosts are without midfielder Jonjo Shelvey, who is side-lined until late August with a hamstring injury. He’s joined in the injury room by Javier Manquillo and Federico Fernandez, whose absence shouldn’t be too damaging to the first team.

    Omar Richards is the only player ruled-out through injury for Nottingham Forest. The left-wingback arrived from Bayern Munich this summer, but a hairline fracture has him ruled out for the next couple of weeks. Harry Toffolo, who also signed for Forest this summer will step-up in his place to make his Premier League debut. Ryan Yates has missed much of pre-season through injury, it’s yet to be known if the Forest academy graduate will miss the opening fixture but it would be a surprise to see him in the starting line-up.

    What can we expect from both teams?

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    Since Eddie Howe arrived on Tyneside, he’s imposed a clear change in Newcastle’s style of play. Traditionally a team who looked to sit back and hoof the ball long, Newcastle now look to build out from the back and move the ball out wide to their attacking players. Their midfield core has started to excel, and their range of passing is crucial to getting the ball forward, but most of their quality comes from the wings. The likes of Allan Saint-Maximin, Ryan Fraser and Kieran Tripper all posing significant attacking threats.

    In midfield, they could sorely miss the presence of Jonjo Shelvey, whose long range of passing has been key to moving his team onto the front foot. The hosts should still dominate in the centre of the park, with the quality of Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton and Joe Willock far exceeding that of Nottingham Forest’s midfield cohort.

    Newcastle are going to turn up as favourites, they’re going to want to dominate the game and limit Forest’s attack as much as they can, which could play directly into their opponents hands. Assuming they will play with less possession, Forest’s ability to break and counter could suit them perfectly in their opening fixture. You’ll expect there to be a lot of situations where Scott Mckenna, Moussa Nikhate and Joe Worrall are required to win back possession, bring the ball out of defence and break the line with their forward passes – bypassing the Newcastle midfield to bring Taiwo Awoniyi, Brennan Johnson and Jesse Lingard into the game.

    Forest are likely to field seven new signings on Saturday, which could have a big impact on the final result. Given their performances in pre-season, most arrivals look to have slotted in well, but this weekend will be their first test in a competitive environment – Steve Cooper will need all new signings to be on the same wavelength if he wants any chance of starting the season with three points.

    Key players

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    Nottingham Forest have added a plethora of talent this summer and any one of them could step up to be a key player in this side – however, it’s hard to look past Jesse Lingard. At West Ham, Lingard was one of the important players in the Hammers’ attack. The Englishman often picked the ball up in midfield and drove forwards at the opposition defence creating goalscoring opportunities at will. In this Forest side it’s likely he’ll be a focal point once again playing behind the two strikers. That number 10 role was integral to Nottingham Forest’s system in the Championship and it will be again, but this time with the very impressive Lingard pulling the strings. You can read my full analysis of Jesse Lingard here.

    For Newcastle United, midfielder Bruno Guimaraes is the man to keep your eye on. The midfielder joined the side in January and soon became one of their best players, climatising well to Howe’s midfield three. He’s great at winning back possession and moving his team onto the front foot. Surprisingly he’s also proven to be somewhat of a goal threat – scoring five goals in 17 league appearances. An honourable mention must be given to Joelinton who was a revelation last season, but it’s his fellow countryman who I’m tipping for a big game.

    Whoever wins the midfield battle on Saturday could be the one to come out on top. Newcastle relies heavily on their midfielders to help progress forward and if they dominate Forest’s midfield pairing there could be an endless string of chances for Callum Wilson and co. However, if Lewis O’Brien, Ryan Yates, Orel Mangala, or whoever else Cooper selects for the deeper midfield two, can control the centre of the park then Newcastle might struggle to move the ball into the final third – giving the Reds opportunities to break.

    Predicted Lineups

    Newcastle United (4-3-3):

    GK: Pope.
    DEF: Targett, Burn, Botman, Trippier.
    MID: Joelinton, Guimaraes, Willock.
    FWD: Saint-Maximin, Wilson, Fraser.

    Nottingham Forest (3-5-2):

    GK: Henderson.
    DEF: Mckenna, Nikhate, Worrall.
    MID: Toffolo, O’Brien, Mangala, Williams, Lingard.
    FWD: Awoniyi, Johnson.

  • FPL 2022/23: Impact Forwards for Gameweek 1

    FPL 2022/23: Impact Forwards for Gameweek 1

    For FPL managers looking to significantly increase their performance, having a impact forwards in their Fantasy Premier League squad is essential.

    Here are some of the best options in the forwards’ category of the Fantasy Premier League:

    GABRIEL JESUS (£8M, ARS)

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    Currently, Gabriel Jesus appears to be a particularly popular choice. With good cause, he is presently owned to a 75 per cent stake. He is a much better FPL prospect due to his reasonable pricing and the fact that he transferred to Arsenal. 

    With relatively limited playing time throughout his six seasons with Manchester City, he has accumulated 58 goals and 35 assists.  For City, he was never truly a dead cert, but the Gunners won’t have that problem. 

    The Brazilian has a respectable scoring record, and you would wager that he could increase these totals if he played more frequently. 

    Arsenal are still a solid offensive team even though they are not on City’s level in that department. They finished sixth last season in terms of goals scored with 61 goals and an xG of 62.31. 

    Jesus will almost certainly be starting as the centre forward, hence he will almost certainly score. He might even take over the penalty responsibilities, although that would need to be monitored closely. 

    One thing to consider is the prolific pre-season form of Jesus and Arsenal. The Brazilian has netted 7 goals and produced 1 assist in the Gunners’ preseason games. Crystal Palace away is a great fixture to start the Gunners’ season & Jesus will surely be involved in a goal or two if things go well for Arteta’s men. 

    OLLIE WATKINS (£7.5M, AVL)

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    Ollie Watkins once again had a respectable season, making 33 starts while tallying 11 goals and three assists. His xG and xA values were respectively 11.84 and 5.58. Last season, the Villains finished fourteenth with 52 goals scored and an xG of 48.95 under Gerrard’s leadership. 

    He is one of Villa’s most reliable forwards and is poised to lead the team in goals for the third straight year. He has humbly picked up a goal and an assist in Villa’s preseason tour. 

    It is believed that Villa will be much better moving forward this season – and Watkins will benefit. Steven Gerrard is also assembling a decent group, and now that players like Philippe Coutinho and Emiliano Buendia have had time to settle in, Watkins will definitely profit from it. 

    CALLUM WILSON (£7.5M, NEW)

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    Despite yet another season marred by injuries, Callum Wilson managed to end the year as Newcastle United’s leading scorer. He had an xG of 6.61 and eight goals in just 16 starts. 

    When healthy, he has a great scoring record and could end up being the best forward for £7.5 million. The former Bournemouth forward is a reliable FPL option with 61 goals and 27 assists over his last seven seasons, showing that he is adept at finding the back of the net. 

    Callum Wilson will undoubtedly finish the season as the Toon’s top scorer once more and is likely to rank among the top-scoring mid-priced attackers in the league if he can stay in shape. He does indeed have goals and assists in his bag is guaranteed to start and is currently on penalties. He has also notched up two goals and two assists in 6 preseason games for Newcastle. 

    Newcastle will be a completely different team from last season, and they are now firmly anticipated to finish in the top half of the standings. A fixture against Nottingham Forrest in Gameweek 1 seems like the perfect game to set off Wilson’s season. 

    TAIWO AWONIYI (£6M, NFO)

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    One of Nottingham Forest’s most recent additions is Taiwo Awonyi. He costs £6.0 million and will probably play next to Johnson.  Given that they smashed the club transfer fee record to get him, the ex-Liverpool striker will undoubtedly be given the starting nod. 

    He had a league-high 15 goals and two assists for Union Berlin, good for an xG of 14.31 and an xA of 2.35. 

    It will be intriguing to observe how Johnson and Awoniyi are handled by Steve Cooper. Awoniyi is accustomed to spearheading the line as the most advanced forward in Forest’s style of play, which is comparable to Union Berlin’s preference for playing on the counter. 

    The Nigerian has a career total of 60 goals and 24 assists in 190 outings. He is definitely capable of scoring and providing assists, and at £6.0 million, he appears to be a solid alternative. Newcastle in GW1 does seem like the perfect fixture for the Nigerian to set off his Forrest career.

    BRENNAN JOHNSON (£6M, NFO)

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    In the Championship, Brennan Johnson put in a fantastic season. The 21-year-old tallied 18 goals and 10 assists during their promotion season, registering a goal every 150 minutes. He was the team’s leading scorer. 

    He had his breakout season during this time and was Nottingham Forest’s go-to player and top penalty taker. At £6.0 million, he appears to be a solid choice because he also handles set pieces, especially direct free kicks. 

    Forest finished fourth in the Championship last year and advanced through the playoffs with 73 goals. They will struggle in the Premier League, and it will rely on their new additions whether they can remain up or not. 

    One thing is certain, though: their top player will continue to lead the line as always. Despite playing for a bad side, he can still be a respectable FPL alternative. He has picked up a goal and an assist in Forrest’s 7 preseason games and feels like a player who could carry a part of his form to the English top flight with a perfect start against Newcastle on the opening weekend. 

  • Premier League winner betting odds 2022/23

    Premier League winner betting odds 2022/23

    Premier League winner betting odds of course fluctuate as the season progresses. This makes an early bet on the 2022/23 EPL winner much more exciting.

    To give you a head-start, we have previewed the chances of each club with a detailed analysis of who might set the league alight. Betting odds on the Premier League winner are complemented by a predicted finishing position for each side:

    Man City

    Odds: 11/18

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    Manchester City have Pep Guardiola and he has created a squad, an environment that wants to win win win. Erling Haaland’s arrival from Borussia Dortmund looks like one of the big signings in the Premier League this season. Kalvin Phillips will also add crucial midfield steel that, at times, was missing last season. Expect fireworks from pillar to post. Odds for the EPL title? Premier League odds of 11/8 for City in the outright winner market look pretty much bang on the money.

    Chelsea

    Odds: 16/1

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    Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea has made some canny signings, not least Raheem Sterling and strong centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly. Goals were an issue last season, but that should not be a problem now – especially if playmaker Connor Gallagher is given the chance to shine. They look primed to have an outstanding campaign.

    Liverpool

    Odds: 5/2

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    Man City aside, Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool were light years ahead of any other Premier League side last season. Sadio Mane’s defection to Bayern Munich was a big blow, though, and it may take record signing Darwin Nunes time to adjust. They should again be firing on all fronts, but there might be a sense that last season’s endeavours have left a mark.

    Spurs

    Odds: 12/1

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    Tottenham finished last season with a real flourish and should again claim a place in the Champions League. Harry Kane and Son Yeung-Min are the best-attacking partnership in Europe, while Yves Bissouma, Richarlison and Ivan Perisic are excellent additions. They should be much stronger at the back this season, too. Expect further progress under the outstanding Antonio Conti.

    Arsenal

    Odds: 33/1

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    Mikel Arteta’s men fell just short last season, but most Gunners fans were satisfied, by and large, by how things went. Arsenal have also done exceptionally good business, with Gabriel Jesus likely to thrive under Arteta. And they have looked strong in the pre-season. Arsenal are showing signs of real growth and the project could soon go bang!

    West Ham

    Odds: 150/1

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    There is so much to like about the Hammers these days, and David Moyes can be trusted to once again deliver the goods. Having retained the core of last season’s squad, it’s awfully hard to see West Ham regressing this campaign. Gianluca Scamacca and Nayef Aguerd will bring respective goals and defensive stability and add heft to what became a thin squad last season.

    Manchester Utd

    Odds: 28/1

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    How much does the Premier League winner get? This was often a question asked by Manchester United’s hierarchy in the glory days. But no longer.

    United fans are cautiously optimistic for the season ahead under new manager Erik ten Hag. Centre-back Lisandro Martinez is an excellent signing, with Christian Eriksen sure to add flair and craft – even if used sparingly. Ten Hag still has his work cut out. Man United were hopelessly disjointed last season and it will take a long time to recover from that collateral damage. They look set for a season of fleeting progress pockmarked by crushing disappointments.

    Newcastle Utd

    Odds: 100/1

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    Perhaps to the surprise of many, Newcastle United have not gone gung-ho with their new-found wealth this summer. Eddie Howe has instead recruited sensibly, with centre-back Sven Botman and goalkeeper Nick Pope the eye-catching arrivals. Newcastle now have a squad to kick on. And if things are not quite going to plan, expect a big splurge in the winter.

    Wolves

    Odds: 500/1

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    A season of steady improvement seems on the cards for Wolves. Bruno Lage’s side would have finished much higher in the league last term had they managed to consistently stick the ball into the back of the net. That remains an issue, but Hee-chan Hwang’s arrival should help no end. They will again be difficult to break down and a threat on the counter to even the elite clubs.

    Aston Villa

    Odds: 250/1

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    Aston Villa are a difficult side to assess. They were wildly inconsistent last season, but should improve upon their 14th-place finish this time. Matt Targett’s departure is a blow, but this looks offset by the arrival of strong centre-back Diego Carlos. Steven Gerrard has a decent squad that will give anyone a game. Fans will nonetheless be happy with a top-half finish.

    Nottingham Forest

    Odds: 750/1

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    Nottingham Forest have been the big movers and shakers in the summer, with Jesse Lingard’s arrival a huge statement of intent. They have made all manner of other big-name signings, too, and have a squad well capable of staying up. Manager Steve Cooper is also excellent. It might take a while to click, but they should be most competitive once it eventually does.

    Leicester City

    Odds: 200/1

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    This looks like a tricky season for the Foxes. They have been stagnant in the summer transfer market and the vultures continue to circle over their marquee players. If Leicester City lose manager Brendan Rodgers to a big European side – that must be taken into account given the lack of transfer activity at the King Power – it could bring with it a sustained spell of uncertainty at the club.

    Brighton

    Odds: 250/1

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    Following last season’s heroics, it was entirely understandable that his big guns became the target of the elite Premier League sides. Yves Bissouma’s departure is a huge loss, but Julio Enciso will bring goals and craft. They have also retained their biggest asset, manager Graham Potter. As long as the goals – such an Achilles heel to the club last season – come, Brighton will be absolutely fine.

    Crystal Palace

    Odds: 500/1

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    Patrick Vieira’s biggest job was to keep hold of Wilfried Zaha, which appears to have been accomplished. Connor Gallagher’s return to Chelsea will hurt Crystal Palace, though. New goalkeeper Sam Johnstone will do more than a job, however, while much will depend upon how holding midfielder Cheick Doucoure adjusts to life in the Premier League. A solid, if unspectacular, campaign awaits.

    Fulham

    Odds: 1000/1

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    The Cottagers breezed to promotion from the Championship and look to finally have a squad capable of holding their own in the Premier League. Fabio Carvalho’s move to Liverpool could be damaging, but Marco Silva has shored up his back-line with some smart moves that include Bernd Leno from Arsenal. They will need to dig in at times, but Fulham ought to enjoy a decent return back into the top flight and should defy their short odds in the Premier League relegation market.

    Everton

    Odds: 500/1

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    Having stayed up by the width of a cigarette paper last season, it’s hard to imagine how things could get much worse at Goodison Park this time. Be that as it may, Everton are now without Richarlison and look very thin from an attacking perspective. It might not be as bad as it was, but Frank Lampard and supporters will not be expecting miracles. Not by a long shot.

    Southampton

    Odds: 750/1

    Southampton have continually flirted with relegation, and it’s hard to make a case for this season to be any different. Ralph Hasenhuttl is a fine manager and has had money to spend this summer – with striker Sekou Mara the big name to arrive at the club. How his new players adjust to life in the Premier League remains to be seen. They might struggle once again.

    Brentford

    Odds: 750/1

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    Thomas Frank worked wonders last season – most notably towards the back-end when they looked to be edging towards a relegation tussle. Centre-back Ben Mee will bring consistency at the back, while Keane Lewis-Potter has the attacking awareness to do some damage at this level. Brentford, however, could be a textbook example of the dreaded second-season malaise in the Premier League – especially if the much-in-demand Ivan Toney leaves the club.

    Bournemouth

    Odds: 2000/1

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    Scott Parker did well to get AFC Bournemouth back up last season, but they had a massive budget compared to everyone other than Fulham and this is an entirely different ball game. Marcus Tavernier will do well on the left wing, but this is, by and large, the same squad that achieved promotion. They will also need to adjust their game under Parker into a more defensive unit. That will take time. By then, it might be too late.

    Leeds United

    Odds: 500/1

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    Leeds fans will point towards a raft of injuries as being a major factor behind last season’s torrid campaign. That is true to a certain extent, but they never seemed to learn their lessons at the back and only just scraped home. Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha are now long gone and it’s hard to make too much of a compelling case for their expensive new recruits. If Leeds United defends like they did last season, it will be a long old slog to survive. Though Marsch and his team of assistants look solid to change the vows of last campaign.

    *Odds subject to change and were correct at the time of publication ( August 4, 2022)

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  • FPL 2022/23: Best Budget Midfielders

    FPL 2022/23: Best Budget Midfielders

    When selecting your Fantasy Premier League players for the 2022-23 season, there will be new anxiety about how to obtain the best value for your money. Many FPL teams will be supported by players like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah, and Erling Haaland, but the affordable options can have a major impact once the points start coming in for managers.

    There are many players that scored a tonne of points last year who are almost certainly going to be first-team regulars this year, providing potential for discounts everywhere.

    Keeping that in mind, here are a few budget midfield picks for you to pick for your FPL squads to pave the way for premium signings:

    PEDRO NETO (£5.5M, WOL)

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    Pedro Neto of Wolves is one of the most well-liked budget midfielders right now. 19 per cent of managers presently own him.

    The Portuguese has made five starts after returning from a devastating knee injury in February of last year. Nevertheless, he recorded a goal and an assist. Neto started 30 games in the 2020–21 campaign, notching five goals and eight assists for an xG and xA of 6.11 and 6.99, respectively.

    He had the most goals, assists, xG, and xA among his colleagues at the end of the season. He will undoubtedly be Wolves’ strongest offensive option and excellent value at £5.5m if he can regain that form.

    However, Wolves need to work on improving in the final third because they aren’t the best moving forward. Even though they only finished last season with 38 goals and an xG of 44.23, Neto can still be a strong FPL option.

    They have stellar opening-round opponents in Leeds United (away), Fulham (home), Newcastle United (home), Bournemouth (away), and Southampton (home). They will undoubtedly score a few goals during this period, and Neto will have an opportunity to prove himself.

    He has already contributed to one assist and two goals in three preseason games at the time of writing.

    GABRIEL MARTINELLI (£6M, ARS)

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    Last season was Gabriel Martinelli’s breakout campaign for Arsenal. In just 21 starts, he produced six goals and seven assists with an xG of 7.62 and an xA of 4.75. He secured a place in Arsenal’s first 11 players following Christmas, starting 19 of 25 games.

    When the Brazilian plays, his overall statistics are outstanding, but there are concerns about his playing time. Emile Smith Rowe, a player he kicked off Mikel Arteta’s first team last season, is vying for his spot. Martinelli has played 5 games and recorded a goal and five assists thus far in the Gunners’ preseason.

    The Brazilian has a decent probability of taking penalties while on the field. He converted the last one on the final day of the campaign, and some Arsenal reports suggest that he is the preferred penalty taker over Bukayo Saka (£8.0m). However, this isn’t guaranteed.

    Additionally, Mikel Arteta’s group has favourable matchups to start the year. In their first five games, they take on Crystal Palace (away), Leicester City (home), Bournemouth (home), Fulham (away), and Aston Villa (home). These are fantastic attacking matchups, and if the 21-year-old can maintain a stretch of starts, he will represent incredible value at £6.0m.

    LEON BAILEY (£5M, AVL)

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    After moving from Bayer Leverkusen to Aston Villa, Leon Bailey struggled to make an impression. He came in with strong expectations, which he might of course still meet, but this was owing to an injury.

    His career totals are 55 goals and 49 assists in 251 games, which includes an astounding nine league goals and nine assists for his old team in 2020–21. He is a solid player and possesses all the qualities to be a great FPL option.

    With solid performances in each of Villa’s preseason games with three goals and an assist, he appears to be a favourite of Steven Gerrard. Right now, it appears as though he will not lose the position, but it will be prudent to monitor events during the initial run of games.

    If he can get a starting position in this squad, he might be one of the best £5.0 million options in the league and one of the finest affordable midfielders.

    He has a lot of potential and can both score and assist. He does have competition from Philippe Coutinho (£7.0m) and Emiliano Buendia (£6.0m), so he’s possibly one to watch for the time being.

    ANDREAS PEREIRA (£4.5M, FUL)

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    Andreas Pereira (£4.5m) is the fourth-most attractive midfielder in FPL right now, with an ownership rate of 21.6 per cent.

    The Brazilian scored seven goals and provided two assists while playing on loan for Flamengo in his home country and Lazio in Serie A over the course of the previous two seasons.

    Prior to his summer move, he had spent the last 11 years with Manchester United, where he had made 75 outings for the first team. Erik ten Hag’s presence at Old Trafford, however, has reduced his possibilities there, thus he has left for Fulham for a sum that is thought to be about £10 million.

    Pereira, who has spent the majority of his career as an attacking midfielder, appears to be a respectable replacement for Fabio Carvalho (£5.5m, LIV). He has failed to regularly establish himself in the Premier League, but at under £4.5 million, he would represent fantastic value if given a midfield position in Marco Silva’s system.

    BRUNO GUIMARAES (£6M, NEW)

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    Following the acquisition last year, Bruno Guimaraes was the first of Newcastle United’s “big” signings; yet, the Magpies’ outstanding performance made it difficult for him to break into the starting lineup initially.

    The Brazilian excelled as soon as he was given an opportunity from the beginning and swiftly won the hearts of the crowd. Bruno started eleven games for the Magpies in the league, contributing to five goals and one assist.

    The 24-year-old should succeed in the forthcoming season and is set to play a significant role in Newcastle’s anticipated stellar season now that he has completed a full preseason on Tyneside.

    Bruno is a midfielder who can score goals and maybe a lot less expensive option than his Big Six clubs’ peers.

    PABLO FORNALS (£5.5M, WHU)

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    For a midfielder who cost £5.5 million, six goals and four assists is a very respectable contribution, although Fornals’ assist ability stands out. His 117 points last season, which was actually a greater points-per-£m yield than Mo Salah’s, came from playing in 36 of the 38 league games. He can be envisaged maintaining his ongoing good form throughout the ensuing season.

    Despite Bowen’s bizarre assist totals from the previous season, Fornals leads the per-90 metrics in terms of creativity. The West Ham player played more crucial passes per 90 minutes, generated more significant opportunities per 90 minutes (West Ham’s highest), and had just 0.01 xA per 90 minutes less than Bowen, who had 17 assists.

    In West Ham’s preseason, Moyes has given him substantial playing time. Fornals provides an excellent differential alternative for 2022–23 thanks to the aforementioned factors as well as a favourable stretch of games starting in GW-2.

  • Newcastle United linked with Real Betis’ Nabil Fekir

    Newcastle United linked with Real Betis’ Nabil Fekir

    It was not that long ago when Nabil Fekir was linked with Europe’s top following a remarkable career at Lyon, and at one point was close to joining Liverpool. However, an injury ruled out the move and he later ended up joining Real Betis where he could not display the magic he had previously shown at Lyon.

    Nabil Fekir is predominantly an attacking midfielder with France manager Didier Deschamps saying, “He plays in a different role to the others. He can score and set up others to score well.”

    Fekir has a lot to offer to Newcastle United, a team that lacks creativity through the centre.

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    Following the takeover, the Magpies have indeed signed a handful of players, however, none enough to take them higher up on the table. Signing Fekir can strengthen their squad comprehensively as they look for a better Premier League showing and with the Frenchman being available at 35 million euros it is a no-brainer.

    Having started his senior career at Lyon, Fekir scored 54 and assisted 34 in his 145 games over the period of 6 years, which is quite a good return. He won the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year and was inducted into the Team of the Year in 2015 and a couple of years later went on the captain the club. In his last season at the club, he scored 18 goals and formed a formidable trio with Depay, who scored 19, and Mariano who scored 18. At Betis, however, his G+A ratio was cut in half as he scored 18 and assisted 21 in 99 games and in spite of signing a new deal in February is ready to move on.

    Nabil Fekir is a dead ball specialist and is capable of moving out of tight spaces with his silky feet and close possession. He is a composed finisher, a trait even more dangerous with his creativity and knack for defence-splitting passes. His versatility enables him to play anywhere across the attacking line, in midfield, on the wings, or even as a striker. One drawback is his injury history and playing in the ever-so-physical Premier League he runs the risk of being further injured.

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    At Newcastle, the Frenchman would be a key figure, tasked with both scoring and creating either from the central midfield or from the right. The Magpies lineup with a straight line of attackers and midfielders with Almiron, Saint-Maximin, and Callum Wilson forming the attack and Guimaraes, Joelinton, and Longstaff in midfield. The areas for improvement are in Almiron and Longstaff. If Eddie Howe was to replace Almiron, Fekir would fit in without any tactical tweak, but if he were to replace Longstaff, Fekir would play a more attacking role with Guimaraes and Joelinton forming a double pivot.

    The question is, therefore, does Howe switch his formation to play Fekir in his dominant position or play the same formation but have Fekir play in his secondary position?

    Whatever Eddie Howe’s decision may be, if Newcastle do get the transfer over the line, they have a massive signing on their hands, someone in his prime with something to prove who maybe sees this as an attempt to get into the French squad for the 2022 world cup. Fekir has shown glimpses of his talent and skill in the past and if managed carefully and tactfully he may just be the beginning of Newcastle’s quest to reach the top.

  • What are the greatest rivalries in the Premier League?

    What are the greatest rivalries in the Premier League?

    The English Premier League is one of the most competitive and popular leagues in the world. The competition and rivalries between teams is intense as bettors regularly surf through sports odds to determine which team is at the top. England has seen some of the fiercest and most competitive rivalries – almost majority of them go beyond football has have a historic foothold, it has got bullets, gangs, fights, almost everything you think about.

    Here are some of the greatest rivalries in the English Premier League:

    Manchester United vs Liverpool

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    Man United & Liverpool are arguably the biggest rivals in the English Premier League. They are two of the most successful teams in the history of the league, with Manchester United having won 20 titles and Liverpool 19. The rivalry between these two teams is based on historical, geographical, and cultural factors. Both the clubs, at the time of writing, are tied at 66 trophies each – so you can imagine the next one being a big thing for the fans, media, and players to get that upper hand on their arch-rivals. When these two teams push shoulders, it gets bigger than some of the local derbies around Europe.

    Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur

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    North London has been a breeding ground for this rivalry to rise on. Looking at the history, Arsenal has always had an upper hand on their next-door neighbours and yet both of them always keep on pushing for the next claim. There is not a doubt that the Gunners lead Spurs in the title bout, though Tottenham are up and coming to look eye-in-eye with Arsenal. The North London Derby, as its called, gets one of the most intense battles between not only the supporters but also the players. You can smell that haterade that the lads carry not only in games against one another but also beyond.

    Manchester United vs Manchester City

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    Four miles separate the place they call home, and yet they never find one another with a friendly face and they always find a way to stitch up the City of Manchester in Reds and Blues. As Sir Alex Ferguson said: “Sometimes you have a noisy neighbour. You cannot do anything about that. They will always be noisy. You just have to get on with your life, put your television on and turn it up a bit louder.” Well, Manchester City have not only been noisy but also have found a way to get back at the Red Devils as they look a better team on paper since the turn of the last decade. But do they always turn up at the Derby?

    Liverpool vs Everton

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    Possibly the closest that rivals stay, unless you got a bout with your next door neighbour. Once upon a time, this game was termed as the friendly derby – with about majority of the families segregated into one of the two clubs. In 1984, in a cup final at Wembley both the supporters even shared a mix sitting area and chanted for Merseyside rather. We’re not in the 1980s anymore and the rivalry has intensified big time since then. This game has seen the most red cards since the creation of the Premier League, this stat alone helps us ascertain how un-friendly things are on the pitch. While the Reds have taken a major stride in their whereabouts, Everton are still finding their feet to match up Liverpool and rub-shoulders equally going into games.

    Manchester United vs Leeds United

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    This one goes beyond just football and dates back to centuries. Manchester and Leeds were two of the most prominent cities in 18th and 19th Century England and when the country was undergoing a major crisis, Leeds was surprisingly gaining fleets owing to their woolen industry and that’s where the Industrial revolution and Manchester come in. There also has been a strong rivalry between the counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire. The derby nicknamed Roses rivalry, and with Leeds United back in the Premier League – its time for some Guns and Roses once again. A stomping Elland Road or a loud Old Trafford, the passion never fails.

    Newcastle United vs Sunderland

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    A derby that has experienced football hooliganism over the decades, and there have been times where propositions were made to stop one or the other side of fans from attending the games for them being too dangerous. There have been incidents where gang members have been involved. Despite Newcastle’s gold history and a bright future, their fixtures have been called “some of the worst football-related fighting ever witnessed in the United Kingdom” in the early 2000s. Sunderland do have a long way coming back to the Premier League and with the new owners that Newcastle United boasts – it will definitely be a long way to compete shoulder-to-shoulder.

    Southampton vs Portsmouth

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    Another one of those that has been long lost in the history books, both the team have had mixed fortunes with one or the other struggling at some point while the other competing big time. You might not know, owing to recent history, but Portsmouth has won more titles of the pair with them boating two league titles and two FA Cups while Southampton donning only one silverware (i.e. FA Cup). Portsmouth fans cheekily term the S’oton fans as scum which has evolved out of a fictitious acronym standing for Southampton City (or Corporation) Union Men.

    West Ham vs Millwall

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    With both of the clubs established on either side of the river Thames and the historic origin of their supporters being mainly Dockers – this one is termed the Dockers derby. The one is one of the most bitter and historic derbies in English football. Two clubs that are similar in a lot of with – supporters, culture, outlook, and location, but they are like two violent brothers. Although both clubs have relocated into state-of-art stadiums, they still remain four miles apart.

    “The volatility of the fixture reflected a warped social history. The rivalry had soured, mutated. It defied rational analysis of the fault lines between dockers and shipbuilders, founding fathers of each club. The heresy of scab labour, early in the last century, was given a murderous dimension in a subsequent generation by gangland wars involving the Krays and the Richardsons. The game was a tribal ritual, an end in itself.” —Michael Calvin, from his book Family: Life, Death and Football.

    It’s been long since West Ham & Millwall have met one another, having met last in 2011. And the next time they meet is going to be historical and as bitter as the books show us to be.

    Aston Villa vs Birmingham City

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    With Birmingham being the second City of the UK, its termed the Second City derby. And yet again like most local derbies, more than on the football pitches this one lives on the streets, shops, offices, and building sites. The hate has passed on from generation and generation like family silver and things were born owing to the development of the city that was rapid, at an uneven pace, and was in search of a penchant. Philip Gooderson in his book detailed how gangs like Peaky Blinders and the Whitehouse Street Gang dominated the city and how they ended up getting absorbed in the rivalry. “The princes against the paupers,” Robbie Savage’s classification of the rivalry. Both the clubs Aston Villa & Birmingham have different goals at the moment but this one is still lived beyond the turfs.

    Swansea City vs Cardiff City

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    Two clubs that has shone through the history of Welsh football, this one again has a depth to it that goes beyond football turf. It got so intense at a point where away supporters weren’t allowed in the derbies from 1993 to 1997 owing to the Battle of Ninian Park where Swansea faithful tore up seats to hurl at the Cardiff City fans who ended up invading the pitch which resulted in a further confrontation. And the escorting of away fans was much like military operations when they were attending. This one is one of the most intense and competitive of the rivalries with no team having done a double over the other in history. Wales has some beautiful landscapes but is absolute bonkers when it comes to backing the Swans or the Bluebirds.

  • Out of favor Timo Werner scouted by Juventus and Newcastle United

    Out of favor Timo Werner scouted by Juventus and Newcastle United

    Juventus have approached Chelsea on signing their out of favor star Timo Werner with Newcastle United also monitoring the situation of the centre-forward.

    HOW HAS TIMO WERNER’S MOVE TO CHELSEA BEEN LIKE?

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    As the reports lately suggest, Timo Werner is already looking out the doors at Bridge following two years of highs and lows in the Blue. The German forward joined Chelsea in the summer of 2020 from RB Leipzig for £47.5m. He was a nightmare for Bundesliga defenders scoring 95 times in nearly 160 appearances for the recent DFB-Pokal champions. Big things were expected from the German but in the past two seasons, he has looked nearly a shadow of himself.

    Under Lampard, he did have a slow start but still managed a decent output under the former Chelsea boss. But under his countryman Thomas Tuchel, Timo has failed to showcase and is now behind the pecking order in both wing and centre-forward positions.

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    All his raw numbers are still excellent but it is his lack of confidence in front of goal that has hampered his time at Stamford Bridge. 23 goals in 89 appearances say it all about the German international who now feels its time for a new adventure.

    Thomas Tuchel has come out and criticized the former RB Leipzig player saying, “I’m surprised, I would be very happy as a young guy having a contract at Chelsea football club. I would be one of the happiest people on the planet. He needs to get his game time. He has to show quality, take your place and defend your place. I would be one of the happiest people on the planet having a contract with Chelsea. If he said this, I do not understand.”

    It’s clear that the two individual’s ideas do not match, so probably we could see Timo leave Chelsea.

    WHAT ARE HIS OPTIONS?

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    Juventus are said to be interested in the German if they fail to land their primary target Álvaro Morata from Atlético Madrid. He was offered by Chelsea as a part of the failed De Ligt pursuit but Juventus had refused and wanted a straight cash deal. His huge wages of £275,000 a week are a big problem. Newcastle are also said to be monitoring his situation.

    Reports have suggested that it would be a loan move instead of an outright sale. If Chelsea part company with Werner it would be a big risk as there is a shortage of forward options at Chelsea clearly seen in their 4-0 defeat to Arsenal with now only Sterling, Havertz and Broja capable of the position.

  • FPL 2022/23 Price Reveals: Whom Should You Target Amongst Newcastle United’s Assets?

    FPL 2022/23 Price Reveals: Whom Should You Target Amongst Newcastle United’s Assets?

    A palpable buzz around Fantasy Premier League continues to grow with the game having officially released its updated version for the 2022/23 season last week. With fans looking forward to their respective teams’ pre-season fixtures whilst anticipating the arrivals of several talents alongside catching a glimpse of newer additions before the start of the campaign, FPL managers have already begun creating their first drafts as they look forward to locking a formidable team on road to the first game-week of the new season.

    Steady improvement following Eddie Howe’s appointment as club manager saw Newcastle United exceptionally recover from relegation form; securing an 11th placed finish last season. With the club expected to aim for a top-half finish in the upcoming campaign, the Magpies boast a handful of promising assets, likely to deliver favourable returns over the coming season.

    Callum Wilson (£7.5m) emerges as the most expensive of Newcastle’s assets, with winger Allan Saint-Maximin (£6.5m) following suit. The defence emerges as the team’s most promising department, with the likes of Sven Botman (£4.5m), Kieran Tripper (£5.0m), and Matt Target (£4.5) cementing themselves as tempting prospects within their price bracket. Moreover, in Bruno Guimaraes (£6.0m), the club possesses an exciting option while shot-stopper Nick Pope (£5.0m) could also prove to be a viable asset between the sticks.

    With prices of every registered player having been revealed following the official release, the upcoming campaign is expected to continue delivering intriguing competitions for places across the board. However, while most managers are likely to contemplate drafting in the most noticeable names, the focus for seasoned managers, as ever, remains on drafting in understated assets capable of delivering sustainable points over the course of the upcoming season.

    JACOB MURPHY (MID, £4.5)

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    An exciting prospect within his price bracket, Murphy emerges as a tempting differential for FPL managers looking for a reliable fifth-choice midfielder for their drafts. Having registered 33 appearances in the league last season, the Englishman is likely to remain a part of Howe’s first-team plans moving into the new season.

    Contributing with a goal and four assists, Murphy emerged as an impactful substitute for the Magpies last season. Although unlikely to gain a first-team spot, the 25-year-old’s underlying number makes him a viable option in the midfield. For instance, Murphy ranked fourth-highest for passes completed (19) into the 18-yard-box and ranked the same for expected assists (0.19xA) per game last season. Additionally, the versatile midfielder stood fifth for shot-creating actions (45) despite registering only 13 starts at the end of the 21/22 campaign.

    While unlikely to emerge amongst Newcastle’s coveted assets, Murphy is capable of providing adequate cover for FPL managers looking to channel the funds elsewhere within their drafts. Having been a reliable presence on the pitch, the midfielder could provide a handful of favourable returns this season.

    NICK POPE (GK, £5.0)

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    Amongst the new arrivals at the club, the former Burnley shot-stopper is expected to emerge as the manager’s first-choice keeper next season. With Newcastle having bolstered their backline, Nick Pope could emerge as a tempting prospect considering the club’s initial fixtures moving into the season.

    Having registered nine clean sheets for Burnley last season, Pope remained a reliable figure between the sticks for the now relegated side. Alongside registering the second-highest number of league starts (36) for Burnley, the 30-year-old also registered an impressive number of saves (73.6%) despite the team’s defensive frailties at the end of last season. Moreover, with Newcastle likely to improve on their defensive numbers this season, Pope establishes himself as a proven option within his price bracket.

    Considering Newcastle’s relatively favourable run of fixtures from opening game week, the Englishman is more than capable of bagging valuable clean sheet points at the start of the season. Provided the Magpies display defensive solidity, the shot-stopper could emerge as an exciting option for FPL managers, moving into the season.

    KIERAN TRIPPIER (DEF, £5.0)

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    An exciting start to his journey at Newcastle saw Trippier bag two goals in five starts before an unfortunate injury saw the England international miss out on a handful of fixtures, following his arrival in January. Now, expected to play a vital role for Howe’s side this season, the full-back could prove to be amongst the surprise packages of the upcoming campaign.

    Whilst unable to boast a significant sample size at Newcastle, Trippier’s ability on set-pieces combined with his creative instincts in the attacking third could see him deliver favourable returns this season. Moreover, having averaged 5.6 points per start over his five outings last season, Kieran Trippier could cement himself as Newcastle’s most exciting asset, provided the team continues improving on their defensive number in the upcoming campaign.

    Given Newcastle’s exciting run of fixtures, Tripper has the potential to return in each of the first three games at the beginning of the campaign. Boasting a significant threat on set-pieces, the full-back could prove to be a bargain moving forward.

    BRUNO GUIMARAES (MID, £6.0)

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    Amongst Newcastle’s coveted assets, Guimaraes boasts the potential to improve on his numbers this season. Having been an impactful figure following his arrival in January, the Brazilian midfielder cements himself as an exciting prospect within his price bracket.

    Accounting for five goals and an assist in 11 league starts last season, the midfielder significantly contributed to the team’s improvement in results under Howe’s management. Guimaraes registered the second-highest number of expected assists (0.16xA) per game alongside ranking fifth for carries into the attacking third (23) amongst teammates last season. Moreover, with the team likely to depend on his playmaking skills moving forward, Guimaraes has the potential to deliver a handful of favourable returns this season.

    ALLAN SAINT-MAXIMIN (MID, £6.5)

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    Newcastle’s highest-scoring (116 pts.) FPL asset last season, Allan Saint-Maximin emerges as a viable option within his price bracket. With the team expected to improve on their goal difference this season, the Frenchman could be vital to Howe’s attacking plans for the campaign.

    Accounting for the highest number of passes (32) and carries (53) into the 18-yard-box alongside ranking the same for shot-creating actions (114), the forward cements himself as the team’s most viable attacking asset alongside Callum Wilson moving into the season. Moreover, having been the team’s highest goal-contributor (10) last season, Saint-Maximin is likely to emerge as a tempting asset provided the Magpies capitalise on their favourable set of fixtures to begin their season.