Gameweek 13's headline player Mané (9.1) has this week been shortlisted for Africa's player of the year. An award dominated by Yaya Toure (7.6) in recent years. The recognition is nothing less than the Senegalese man deserves, having contributed to an enormous 97 goals (including assists) in his last 141 league appearances. More importantly, he has managed to contribute to 40 in 78 Premier League games at a better rate than one in two. Mané hits top spot for us this week off the back of his stand out home form so far this season, where he has averaged over nine points per game, which is more than both Coutinho (8.8) and Firmino (8.8). In Liverpool's last home clash against Watford, Sadio managed to unleash three shots, two attempted assists and four penalty area actions. All of which was achieved in just two thirds of the game before he was subbed. Mané has converted a very impressive 22.2% of his shots this year - Devilish efficiency that strikers in England’s top flight would love to boast, none more so than fellow “GW13 Top Five Key Player”, Mr Ibrahimovic (11.1), whose goal to shots ratio is somewhat out of character at present. He's also heavily involved in the opposition's box across all gameweeks played, with 72 penalty area touches to Firmino's 74 and Coutinho's 55. So, it appears that Sunderland will have their work cut out in gameweek 13 when both sides lock horns that are at the opposite ends of the goal scoring table - Liverpool at home are averaging 3.4 goals (1st) while Sunderland away from home are shipping in an average of 2.2 (20th). With Mané's goal involvement when playing at home the highest of all the Liverpool players at 43%, we are laying down our chips on him this weekend.
Alonso's (6.1) first Premier League start came just six gameweeks ago, so naturally he has been an integral part in Chelsea’s upturn in form over the last six gameweeks. In that time Chelsea have won every game, keeping six clean sheets in the process. The marauding left-wingback has averaged 7.5 points over the last six weeks, largely due to Chelsea's solidarity in defence, but also in part due to his attacking threat - Weighing in with one goal and one assist in that period. His attacking intent is no flash in the pan either, during the last three gameweeks he has attempted three assists and six shots on goal, demonstrating more than just clean sheet value to potential new suitors. And he has been doing it for several years at his various clubs – Over his last 116 league appearances he has weighed in with 22 goals/or assists. That’s an attacking return every 5.29 games, which is approximately seven attacking contributions across a 38 game season. With 26 games left he could still offer new managers five more goals/assists, if he continues in the same vein. His attacking numbers should even make midfielders envious, since he is currently attempting shots on target every 50.4 minutes on average, in addition to setting up chances every 67.2 minutes. An all London affair is on the cards this gameweek and although a home tie against Tottenham looks like it has the potential to upset, Chelsea's formidable form since changing to 3-4-3 should minimise Spurs attacking threat, particularly since they have only managed to find the back of the net twice in the last three away games (Bournemouth, West Brom and Arsenal). Grab Alonso now before the price hikes around gameweek 15, when Chelsea’s fixtures look glorious.
Ibrahimovic (11.1) the self proclaimed "King of Manchester" might have re-located his lost crown in gameweek 11 with two goals against a struggling Swansea side, but he still needs to retrieve it and place it back on his bonce with another strong performance in gameweek 13. At the beginning of the season Ibra featured in around one in two sides. Now he sits in a measly one in ten (active teams) after a one week suspension and a barren run that saw the big Swede blanking in six league games in a row (something he hadn't done since 2010). It's already been a big week for Zlatan, after he won his 10th Swedish player of the year award as well as being informed that a statue was to be erected in his honour. So, with all this positivity it's time to pick up where he left off in the last gameweek against the Hammers this weekend - A side who are averaging over 2 goals conceded per game on the road. Zlatan hasn't simply lost it over night, he has actually been a tad unlucky and could shock his non-owners over the next few gameweeks. His numbers are better than hot property Costa (10.6) when it comes to shots on target (21 vs. 19), minutes per attempt (17.7 vs. 27.5) and through balls (6 vs. 4). So, we are expecting him to explode back onto the scene imminently, and what better chance than up against a side that are struggling to keep the goals out.
Walcott (7.8) and Arsenal alike have an eye-catching fixture in gameweek 13 up against a Bournemouth side who themselves like to play a pressing, expansive, passing game under Eddie Howe. In that respect goals shouldn't be too hard to come by, given the space Arsenal may well be presented with. Theo could be the man to turn to across the Gunners front four in gameweek 13 and is the third most expensive choice out of the regular starters, which is great for FPL managers looking for Arsenal coverage on a budget. And while the purse-strings won't need to be loosened as much for this acquisition versus Özil (9.6) and Sánchez (11.3) you will still possess a player that is packing a considerable attacking punch. Not only is he 3.5 less than Sánchez he has very similar stats in the last few gameweeks, and even eclipses Alexis as well as other premium midfielders in areas. He is currently averaging more points, shots and goals than the Chilean at home this season which is shown below. And to all the critics that say he isn’t efficient enough in front of goal (which we disagree with, anyway) Theo is also demonstrating that his shot accuracy (51.5%) and minutes per attempt (30.1) is also better than Sánchez (whose numbers are 41.2% and 30.9 mins respectively). If you aren’t sold already, then here’s something to finish on, Walcott has actually managed to fire off more shots on target (17) across all gameweeks compared to Sanchez (14). If Theo was a commodity being traded on the stock market, his graphs would be going in an upward direction, if nothing else.
Sigurdsson (7.2) who is owned by just 2.2% of ‘active teams’ is this week's differential to help you make up a points deficit or enhance your lead in your mini-leagues. The Icelandic midfielder has found some form in the last five games averaging six points per gameweek. These numbers are higher than other "popular" midfielders (who still sit in a huge number of teams), Antonio (9.4%), Son (6.3%) and Sterling (14.4%). The Fix graphic below also highlights his strong shooting numbers, where he has averaged a very impressive three shots per game in the last five gameweeks. Swansea are yet to win at home this season but they host Crystal Palace in gameweek 13 who have conceded 11 goals on their travels (with only the bottom four clubs possessing a worse record). If Bob Bradley is to turn their home fortunes around he (and equally us FPL managers) should look no further than Gylfi, who has contributed to 60% of the Swans goals so far this season. Surprisingly Siggy has also managed more shots on target (18), than his “GW13 Top Five Key Player” brother, Walcott (17), Hazard (16) and Firmino (16) across the 12 gameweeks. His minutes per attempt is also very encouraging at 28.8 minutes versus Firmino (30.0), Walcott (30.1) and Hazard (30.3). A solid differential pick, if we say so ourselves.
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