Fantasy Premier League: Premium Assets Fixture Comparison

Gameweek 1

Liverpool’s season starts with a game against Norwich at Carrow Road, and the last time Klopp’s Liverpool played at Carrow Road ended up in a one-nil win for the reds. Liverpool’s record against the Canaries has been excellent in the past under Klopp. Norwich City pressed the teams well in the Championship but not as aggressively as some of the other sides in the Championship according to per PPDA (Passes Allowed Per Defensive Action). Norwich City has been one of those teams that leave spaces behind while on transitions as their full-backs tend to stay high. The Canaries conceded 31 goals this season, which was the second-lowest in the league, their xGA was far worse, at 53.36. Their xGA total was the 11th highest in the Championship, which perhaps makes a case for them having been quite lucky defensively. Salah would look forward to exploiting these spaces as he has the attacking prowess to kill such kinds of games. Although Salah’s numbers dropped a bit in terms of successful dribbles, he still has been able to score enough goals to trusting him again for the start of the season.

For the first game of the season, Manchester United go against their arch-rivals Leeds united. In the 2 matches against Leeds United last season Bruno Fernandes provided a goal and an assist each. Leeds United who improved their defense towards the end of the last campaign still don’t have a great defensive record. With their expansive football and high pressing game, united could struggle but they have an attack with pace and could exploit the spaces in behind the leeds’ defensive line on the counter-attack.

Harry Kane is priced at 12.5 million and had scored 242 points in the previous season. He was one of the most popular options amongst the strikers, but is not a popular one as of now as his future still remains unsure. Even if he stays at Spurs, the fixture against Man City is not suitable due to many circumstances as he would coming to the training camp after a hectic journey in the Euros.

Gameweek 2

The second game week will bring joy to the fans as Liverpool play Burnley at Anfield after such a long time. The game will be a great way to judge Liverpool as Burnley would set up defensively as they have been doing for many years. Burnley would try to stay very compact in their 4-4-2 setup, and this could only mean that Liverpool will rely on crosses into the box and how many shots the players take from inside the box. Salah scored 20 goals from inside the box in the previous season and had taken 2.57 shots per 90 mins. Sadio Mane, on the other hand, had taken 2.13 shots per 90 mins and had scored all of his goals from inside the box. Although Mane is not a popular option after his performances from the previous campaign but could prove to be a great punt against Burnley as he has scored four goals and provided one assist in his eight matches against them.

As Manchester United plays Southampton at Saint Mary’s Stadium, Bruno looks to be a great option as it’s the kind of game where Southampton will play a high line and leave space for United’s attack to exploit. Bruno Fernandes was the top scorer in the Fantasy premier league with 244 points and thus is a trustable asset. Bruno Fernandes had overperformed his npxG by a narrow margin of 1.2 goals and has produced an xA of 11 goals. Bruno Fernandes has scored two goals and gave three assists in three matches against Southampton.

Harry Kane’s Spurs will take on Wolves at Molineux stadium as Nuno Espírito Santo would love to beat his former club comfortably. Harry Kane has not been able to showcase his attacking prowess against Wolves in the recent seasons which thus could make it difficult for the managers to trust him.

Gameweek 3

Liverpool plays Chelsea at Anfield in the third game of the campaign and could prove to be a difficult test for them as Thomas Tuchel has rejuvenated Chelsea since his arrival in January. Salah’s past record has not been like he would have hoped for, scoring one goal against the blues out of eight outings for them. On the contrary, Mane has been more than just good as his runs were crucial against the blues in the previous season. Chelsea’s game is the one in which anything can happen and thus is unpredictable.

The red devils play Wolves in the third game of the season and would be another big test for Bruno Lage as Wolves start to the new season is very challenging. Fernandes has been vital for Manchester United from the open play, but his record against Wolves has not been satisfying. His record might not matter though, as Bruno Lage has started to use a four at the back-formation. Thus he could be a much more suitable asset as he also tends to score goals from penalties.

In the third game of the season Spurs will take on the promoted Hornets and thus could be a great game to take a punt on Harry Kane. In a way the first two fixtures could be great for Harry Kane himself as it would be vital for him to gain some fitness before taking him in your team. Harry Kane was the top scorer in the league in the previous season and was also vital for the Lilywhites in providing assists for the team. In the past, Watford has been shaky at the back in the premier league and thus Watford may concede handful of goals if Nuno makes some changes in the system and allow Kane and Son to play their game.

Gameweek 4

Leeds host Liverpool at Elland road and thus could prove to be a tricky game for the reds as Leeds United have a remarkable record against the top six. They have only conceded three goals, have drawn five games and won one. Although Leeds have a reliable defensive record, the game against Liverpool could take a toll as Liverpool will try to make a significant comeback from the previous season. Liverpool looks to start the season effectively as all the players look to be fit as of now. Salah could be an efficient option against Leeds if Liverpool plays him as an inside forward and allow Trent Alexander Arnold to go high and put those crosses in. Klopp would have to allow his team to build the play fast so that the players can find spaces between the lines. Salah scored a hattrick at Anfield and proved his worth when his team played at a higher intensity. Salah also scored a penalty which is a plus point to keep him in your team at a hefty price of 12.5 million. Mane could also prove to be a great option against Leeds as he is a notable aerial threat in the box. He could be a differential buy as he owned by 3 percent of the managers until now.

Manchester United will face Newcastle United at the theatre of dreams. Bruno Fernandes likes to play against the Magpies scoring 2 goals and providing 2 assists in 2 games last season. Newcastle United could prove to be a tough nut to crack for the red devils but this would be a pretty straightforward game and could result in a convincing win for United Bruno Fernandes could provide a hefty return for his owners in this particular match.

Harry Kane will take on Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, although he has a great record against the opposition in the past seasons, the eagles are one of those sides who are yet to be judged as Viera has taken charge. Harry Kane’s record at Selhurst Park is one of a kind as he has scored 5 goals and provided 1 assist in 7 games.

Gameweek 5

Liverpool hosts Crystal Palace at Anfield, which could prove to be a famous victory for them yet again. Liverpool has been exceptional against the Eagles, especially at Anfield, as they manage to score several goals. Both Mane and Salah have remarkable records against Crystal Palace, especially Mane, who has scored eight goals in the past four seasons. Though Mane had an xG of 14 goals, he only scored 11, thus underperforming his xG by 3 goals. Whereas, Salah has been vital in creating many chances and has proved to be more of a consistent figure in Liverpool’s lineup.

In gameweek 5, Manchester United will be playing West Ham at the London stadium. manchester united won this game last season in a convincing 3-1 victory. Bruno Fernandes was yet again the orchestrator in the team as he provided the assist for Pogba’s equalizer. He could prove to be essential this time around against the hammers as he is also on set pieces and could be vital as united poses a threat with the likes of Maguire and Cavani.

Verdict

Mohammad Salah has been a consistent performer for FPL managers. With the fixture run Liverpool have, he is the most attractive option from that Liverpool attack. He can also prove to be a very good captaincy pick in all the first 5 games except Chelsea in gameweek 3 as they have a very good defense. On the other hand, Mane could prove to be a very good differential pick and could be brought in for Gameweek 4 against Leeds United for those who are chasing their mini-leagues. If you need a consistent Manchester United player who you can trust, look no further than the Portuguese magnifico Bruno Fernandes. He also has a good start to the season in terms of fixtures and can be brought in alongside salah or mane.  Harry Kane could be a differential as there are limited premium Forward options and if Nuno Espirito Santo finds an effective way to play him he could be an exciting pick for FPL managers as he is also on penalties. 

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