Also take note, in the next gameweek, we’ve got eight clubs on doubles, so plan for that. They are Burnley, Tottenham, Watford, Crystal Palace, Liverpool, Leeds United, Arsenal and Wolverhampton.
Previous week lessons
Virgil van Dijk has firmed into becoming one of the key defenders to consider with an assist and a clean sheet helping him to 10 points. The Dutchman has an aerial threat from set-pieces, hence he can chip in with attacking points while the Reds are tight at the back. He is now the third highest scoring defender in FPL.
New Aston Villa signing Philippe Coutinho is definitely worth consideration, having tallied 16 points last gameweek, taking his total in three games to 25. He brings something different to Villa’s attack and alot goes through him.
His teammate Jacob Ramsey is having an excellent run under new boss Steven Gerrard, with three double digit scores in the past six gameweeks.
New Options
We need to discuss Manchester United and Brighton players with their double gameweek, led by Cristiano Ronaldo who came off the bench in the 1-1 draw with Burnley, meaning he’s more likely to start both games, to maximise point-scoring opportunities. The Portuguese is the fourth highest scoring forward in FPL but he’s worth 12.2 million which is a lot. He’s also only managed seven points in the past five gameweeks, so fading him isn’t a bad idea.
The next highest scoring forward in FPL is Brighton’s Neal Maupay who comes in 6m cheaper. In the past four gameweeks, he’s scored 5 points three times, so he’s reliable.
The other big option to consider is Bruno Fernandes who top scored in United’s previous double, but he has also frustrated throughout this season given his price. He feels more reliable than Ronaldo, having scored 13 more points and being 500k cheaper. But he’s probably not someone you want permanently, so maybe it’s a free hit option alongside Ronaldo?
There’s no top scoring United defenders, while goalkeeper David de Gea may be worth consideration, having scored 92 points this season at 5.3m, making him the fifth highest scoring stopper. With two home fixtures, against Southampton and Brighton, he’s worth grabbing.
Who to captain?
If you go for a United player like Fernandes or Ronaldo, you’re getting them to captain. Doubling the points of a player on a double is huge. For the aforementioned reasons, we prefer Fernandes.
FPL’s leading scorer Mohamed Salah cannot be discounted either, and he should return to Liverpool’s starting XI after being a sub last gameweek following AFCON duty. Despite missing several weeks with Egypt, he’s still FPL’s top scorer by 38 points.
Injuries
Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister and Leandro Trossard both may miss their doubles due to COVID-19, while Nemanja Matic is out for United due to injury.
Newcastle recruit Kieran Trippier scored a fine goal last gameweek but he’s under an injury cloud, so monitor that before you trade him in.
New Brentford signing Christian Eriksen is nicely priced at 5.5m but he’s not yet ready to make his debut as he builds up his conditioning.