Mr Premier League is back! But, the question is, will Kane (12.8) finally string a run together which we all know he is capable of? Kane’s goals against Stoke saw him overtake Morata (10.8) to become the current top point scoring forward in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) with a total of 94 points – at an average of 6.3 points per game. His averages per game of 5.8 shots, 3.7 of those from inside the box and 2.1 shots on target is more than any other player in the game. Over the last four gameweeks Kane has managed four goals, leading the rest of the pack alongside Salah (9.9). The England international has managed seven shots on target during the last four gameweeks which is on par with Hazard (10.8) and more than Salah’s six. After registering his fifth brace of the season in gameweek 16 it fills us with confidence going into a tie with Brighton this gameweek. The seagulls have conceded 10 goals in their last five games, winning none and Kane’s projection of 5.4 via our Fix algorithm could be annihilated.
Coutinho (9.0) was controversially afforded a breather in gameweek 16, starting the Merseyside derby from the bench. However, this should mean it is all systems go in midweek for the South American who will be keen to keep himself in the Barcelona shop window. The midfield magician contributed to four goals (one goal and three assists) against Brighton in his previous start and has been directly involved in nine league goals this season; with six FPL involvements (goals/assists) during his last four appearances coming in the form of two goals and four assists. Only Kane who has 5.8 to his name has averaged more shots per game than Coutinho’s 3.9. West Brom face the daunting task of travelling to Anfield in gameweek 17 having not won a game in their least 14 league appearances. The Baggies have also conceded 10 goals in four games versus “top six” sides this season, so the outcome for them looks ominous. While Liverpool have scored eight goals in their last four league games with our Fix algorithm predicting that Coutinho will score 5.5 points.
Christensen (5.5) looks to have nailed down the centre spot in a back three during recent weeks, at the expense of Luiz (5.8), who is not seeing eye to eye with Conte and is rumoured to be carrying a back “injury” at present. Over the last four gameweeks Christensen has won more aerial duels, 13, made more ball recoveries, 28, and clearances, 16, than any other Chelsea defender He has had four efforts on goal from inside the box during that period, which is on par with Otamendi (5.9), Kolasinac (6.2) and Clark (4.5). Chelsea have kept seven clean sheets so far this season which is on par with Man. City, Burnley and Arsenal - while only Man. Utd have kept more, with nine. Although Chelsea have kept just one clean sheet during their last four games they have only conceded two big chances which is fewer than every other team in the league. So, expect more clean sheets with their kind run of fixtures. With doubts still remaining over Luiz position within the team, Christensen should continue at the back away at Huddersfield in gameweek 17. The Terriers have only scored six goals in their last 10 league games and with Chelsea conceding just three goals in their last seven league games we expect defensive returns from Christensen.
When given starts, Son (7.9), rarely fails to deliver the goods for Pochettino and FPL managers alike. Over his last 17 league games where he has started the Spurs midfielder has 10 goals and four assists. An FPL involvement (assists/goals) ratio that most strikers would find hard to comy by, let alone a moderately priced midfielder. The South Korean international’s total of five shots on target over the last four gameweeks is on par with Sterling (8.2) and Sanchez (11.8) and only one fewer than both Salah and De Bruyne (10.2). The eight attempted assists he has to his name during the same period is equal to Hazard, Eriksen (9.3) and Coutinho. Tottenham host Brighton for gameweek 17 and with Spurs in need of points to stay in contention we expect Pochettino to name an unchanged side. The Seagulls have conceded 10 goals during their four games versus “top six” sides this season and Spurs will be looking to build on their heroics from gameweek 16 where Son was the star. We expect him to take his chance again here.
Gayle (6.1) just edges it over Austin (6.1) this week based on probability of starts during the festive period. The Newcastle man has returned a FPL involvement every 154 minutes across four seasons playing in the Premier League, but, is a player that has never quite got going as a result of inconsistent game time. After starting the last two games, bagging two goals and one assist in the process, he will know this is his chance to cement himself in the side.When looking at forwards only Rooney (7.3), Austin (6.1) and Kane have scored more goals than Gayle’s three over the last five gameweeks and Gayle has played one less game.The underlying numbers during this period are suggestive of a clinical edge for the Newcastle forward having scored from every shot on target, whilst also providing an assist from just two attempts.Gameweek 17 sees Everton travel to St. James’ Park to face a Newcastle side that can count themselves a little unlucky having picked up just one point after scoring six goals in their last three league games. Everton are looking rejuvenated with Rooney back in the side and the change of management, but, it is still virtually the same side who have conceded 10 goals in their last six league games. So, Gayle should be able to capitalise on a relatively new-look defence amid injuries.
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