The Oxford dictionary does not contain enough superlatives to describe Harry Kane’s (12.8) talent. The 24-year-old is truly cementing his place among world football’s elite. Further recognition of his ability came in the form of a nomination for the Ballon d'Or this week, but being the consummate professional he is, this praise will not go to his head. Business as usual for the Spurs’ man. Kane, has had an average of 6.3 shots per game so far this season, and with Bournemouth conceding 14.3 shots per game, it looks ominous for the Cherries. It was revealed earlier this week that Kane has scored more goals per game in 2017 (here), than Messi and Ronaldo. Nothing more needs to be written. Bournemouth have faced two top-six clubs this season, conceding five goals to Arsenal and Man. City, which suggests Spurs can score at least two in this one. Harry Kane has scored 43% of Spurs’ goals so far this season, so, put your house on Harry coming away with attacking returns here. Our Fix algorithm forecasts a score of 6.6 points.
Focus appears to have evaded De Bruyne (10.0) during the international break. The debate has centred on his teammates, which is understandable, given their more attractive price tags. But, no player in the game has attempted more assists than De Bruyne (10.0), with 24. Sané (8.3) and Sterling (8.0), have attempted nine and seven goal assists, in comparison. Silva (8.5) is a close second with 23 to his name, but that is where his threat starts and ends, having only managed a measly two shots on target over seven league games. De Bruyne is also head and shoulders above his Man. City counterparts when it comes to accurate crosses and through balls, with 2.7 and 0.3 a game respectively. Silva, Sané and Sterling have managed significantly less, which can be seen in our info-graphic below. De Bruyne’s numbers suggest a big double point haul is not far away. The Belgium could be the perfect placeholder if you are on wildcard and wish to see his international teammate, Hazard (10.5), kick start before investing. Stoke have conceded six goals in their last two games against top-six sides, while Man. City have scored 19 goals in their last five, at an astonishing average of 3.8 goals a game. With De Bruyne’s ever impressive underlying numbers, our Fix algorithm projects a score of 5.9 points.
Ben Davies (5.9) stats are absolutely mind-blowing and it is only a matter of time before he is worth 6.0+ in the game. The Welsh wing-back has attempted 16 assists already this season, at more than two a game. Creswell (5.0) and Holebas (5.0), are next in line with 11 and 10 respectively. With five Fantasy Premier League (FPL) involvements (goals/assists) to his name already, along with three clean sheets, he is impossible to ignore. Bournemouth have failed to trouble most side’s defences so far this season, having only scored four goals in seven games. When you consider that they have played three sides who finished tenth or below in 2016/17, as well as a newly promoted side, you do not need to be a statistical genius to realise that the Cherries have a goal scoring dilemma. So, Davies owners rejoice, a clean sheet alongside attacking returns looks likely. Our Fix algorithm predicts the Spurs’ left-back will score 5.6 points in gameweek eight, which appears to be more than achievable given his glorious form.
Sterling, is among a catalogue of players that Pep could just as easily throw to the bench, or into the starting eleven, depending on which side of the bed he woke that day. Although Sterling’s starting berth may not be guaranteed, one thing is for certain, there is no doubting his impact when called upon. Raheem is averaging an FPL involvement every 0.8 games played currently, which is better than Eriksen (9.7), Sané and Alli (9.5). Additionally, he has averaged more shots per game with 3.2, when compared to other high profile players in the form of Sánchez (11.9), Mané (9.4), and Mkhitaryan (8.5), who have averaged 3, 2.4 and 1.6 between them. With doubts around Jesus (10.6) and Agüero (11.5) pitch-time for gameweek eight, as a result of extensive international minutes for the Brazilian and injury for the Argentine, Sterling could be the perfect tonic for those only able to afford a cheaper Man. City asset. Sterling’s direct style is a deal breaker, over the more conservative creative force that is, Silva. Stoke have not been as formidable defensively as they once were, conceding 1.57 goals a game so far this season. Sterling, has been involved in 23% of Man. City’s goals, which is mightily impressive, when you factor in the tally of 22 team goals. Our Fix algorithm predicts that Man. City will score 3.36 goals in gameweek eight, so even partial minutes could be enough for Raheem to register an attacking return.
As Gabriel Jesus did in 2016/17, Richarlison (6.2), currently owned by just 6.9%, has burst onto the Premier League scene in a similar fashion to his Brazilian buddy. The young South American, who has currently only been capped at under-20 level for his native Brazil, has made quite an impression in the first seven gameweeks. Watford’s left-winger has five FPL involvements to his name already this season, which is a better return than Alli, Ramsey (7.0), and Pedro (7.9). Richarlison, has managed more shots (23) than Eriksen, Sterling and Mkhitaryan who have fired off 20, 19 and 11 shots, respectively. A fine gameweek seven display which earned Richarlison his second double point haul of the season against West Brom, means he cannot be ignored any longer. Arsenal are riding a wave of resurgence at the minute, conceding no goals in their last four Premier League games, which includes Chelsea away. However, those results were largely down to strong performances from Koscielny (6.0) and Mustafi (5.4) – But, both are not likely to feature in gameweek eight. With further question marks around Kolasinac’s hip, what better chance for the in-form Richarlison and Watford to capitalise.
Join 89% of our members who won their main mini-league last season.
GET IT NOWAlready a Premium user? Login here
