Get ahead of the Group Chat thanks to our new regular column from FPL expert Jonas Sand Låbakk.
By FotMob, in conversation with Jonas Sand Låbakk
Introducing our expert
Jonas is a 21 year old student who, like FotMob, hails from Norway, but unlike the frustrated Fantasy Premier League players in the office, he did something we could only dream of last season. He finished first, ahead of 11 million other managers in the 2023/24 season.
Who better then, to provide us with some expert advice each week.
*Don’t forget the FPL deadline for this round – make your transfers and sort your team out before 11:00 GMT on Saturday*
The Eye Test vs. The Stats
Alexander Isak (8.4m) was a player I mentioned a few weeks back. There were some uncertainties around his inclusion in GW14, but he ended up playing and did really well against Liverpool. Newcastle had a ton of chances and they could have scored more goals. Isak ended up with a goal and an assist, which resulted in 11 FPL points. His goal was a fantastic strike from outside the 18 year box, which only came with an xG of 0.06. Isak and Newcastle gave Liverpool a real challenge and they really impressed me. The main reason I’m still pushing Isak as a suggestion for your team is the Magpies’ upcoming fixtures: Brentford, Leicester, and Ipswich. Those three teams have conceded the second, third, and sixth highest xG this season. This should definitely mean goalscoring opportunities for Isak and I expect him to do really well. His Expected Goal Involvements (xGI) stats over the season are also good, with 0.6 xGI per 90.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (6.9m) is by far the most expensive defender in FPL and for good reason. Historically Trent has been a crucial part of the Liverpool attack with his crosses from the right hand side and ability to invert and get into good shooting positions with his great right foot. Against Newcastle Trent started on the bench after being injured in GW11 and 12 and starting against Manchester City. I wouldn’t worry about it though, as I think it’s purely game time management in the midst of a busy schedule. Trent came on, played 23 minutes, and did not disappoint. He recorded an assist after just a minute and ended his cameo with another to his name, which gives us an indication of the offensive threat he provides.
Over the season, Trent hasn’t delivered the same attacking output as you would expect from a defender priced that high, but Liverpool do have the best defence in the league and Trent gives you added attacking threat. Especially with his input from set piece. He remains a very good option if you can afford him.
Long shot
Evanilson (6.1m) averages the same xGI per 90 this season as the aforementioned Alexander Isak. Bournemouth were really impressive against Spurs on Thursday and they accumulated a whopping 3.71 xG! The Cherries could have and probably should have scored a few more goals. Their Brazilian striker has four goals and four assists so far this season, from 5.6 xG and 0.7 xA. He has also won the most penalties of any player in the division (five!). Despite those strong numbers, Evanilson is still only owned by 3.5% of FPL managers. And with Ipswich and West Ham up next, there’s two games where I expect Bournemouth to score a few more goals.
Upcoming games to follow
Everton vs. Liverpool is the first match of the gameweek. Merseyside Derbies usually have a life of their own and it might be hard to predict what is going to happen. But at this point and with his current form, a positive points return for Mohamed Salah (13.3m) seems inevitable. Players like Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez will also be interesting to watch. Liverpool should win fairly comfortably, but you never know.
Sunday’s meeting between Leicester and Brighton is another interesting game this week. That’s mainly due to Brighton players being very good value in my opinion; João Pedro, Kaoru Mitoma and even their defenders. With the most interesting one being Pedro who is priced at 5.8m.
The last game I’d pick out is West Ham vs. Wolves on Monday night, two teams who have struggled quite a bit recently. I have no idea what to expect from the game, but that’s what makes it interesting! Matheus Cunha, Jørgen Strand Larsen, and Rayan Aït-Nouri from Wolves and Jarrod Bowen from West Ham are the players I will be paying extra attention to.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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