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GW2 Top Five Key Players

The Editor 17 Aug. 2017

Headliner – Harry Kane (CHE)

Although the solitary point in gameweek one would suggest otherwise, Kane (12.5), was the most active of the power-four attackers (displayed in the info-graphic below), managing more shots (six), more shots inside the box (five), and joint most penalty area actions (dribbles or passes, in or out of the box) (two), when compared to Agüero (11.5), Lukaku (11.5) and Jesus (10.5). Kane has managed five goals in his last 10 Wembley appearances, so his new home surroundings should not be a negative factor - Most recently scoring versus gameweek two opponent's, Chelsea, at Wembley, in the FA Cup semi-final. Chelsea are experiencing a mini-crisis; With Fàbregas and Cahill banned, Moses returning from suspension, Matic leaving, and title-winning frontline; Pedro (8.0), Costa (9.9) and Hazard (10.5) all missing for one reason or another. So, Spurs should come into this one with more confidence, particularly after winning their last two league games against Chelsea. Our Fix algorithm predicts a score in the region of 5.6 points for gameweek two, and given the circumstances we certainly fancy an 8+ point haul for the two-time golden boot winner, making him a viable captain pick.

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Mohamed Salah (CRY)

Upon analysing the Midfielder numbers in gameweek one, only Spurs' set-piece specialist, Eriksen (9.5), had more shots on goal (six), than Salah's (9.0) five. The Egyptian playmaker was a constant threat down the right against Watford, winning a penalty, and on hand to tap in Firmino's (8.5) lobbed effort over Gomes (4.5), after some fine movement into the box. With Coutinho (9.0) seemingly on his way out, Salah and Mané's (9.5) position in the starting line-up should be less prone to rotation - Solanke (5.0), Origi (7.5) and Sturridge (8.0) are more likely to replace Firmino, unless Klopp chooses to use the Brazilian man on either wing. With limited Premier League data to rely on, it is worth considering that Salah managed an attacking return every 117 minutes in the Serie A, over the last two seasons - With 29 goals and 21 assists in 65 games. A player that perfectly fits the Klopp mould, with interchangeable qualities - Meaning he is comfortable playing anywhere across the front-line and unlikely to be frequently rotated. Our Fix algorithm suggests a score around 6.9 points will be achieved, which tops the projection tables across all positions. With Crystal Palace still trying to find their feet, playing in De Boer’s new formation, Liverpool could score a few, and Salah should be involved.

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Ryan Bertrand (WHU)

In gameweek one, Bertrand (5.5), managed more crosses (six), penalty area actions (seven), and attempted assists (four) when compared to the three heavy hitters displayed in the info-graphic below - Davies (5.5), Alonso (7.0) and Kolasinac (6.0). The English left-back has been showing promise for some time. During the 2016/17 season he averaged more FPL points (4.4), goal assists (0.1), clean sheets (0.4) and shots on target (0.2) per game versus other high profile Defenders in Davies, Bellerin (6.0), Clyne (5.5) and Valencia (6.5). The Southampton man also took three corners during the gameweek one fixture, which further adds to his appeal. Southampton face only one of last year's top-seven clubs in the first 11 gameweeks, making at least one, if not two, Southampton Defender(s) a must during this period. By Southampton’s recent standards, they will be the first to admit that their 2016/17 season was underwhelming. Their woes in front of goal were well-documented, managing just 17 goals at home - Joint second worst in the league. However, Defensively they were as solid as previous successful campaigns under Pochettino and Koeman, keeping 14 clean sheets. Our Fix algorithm suggests Bertrand will secure his owners around 3.8 points, but West Ham should not cause too many problems for the red and whites at this stage, while their new signings gel as a team, so a higher score is a strong possibility.

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2016/17 Data:

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Sergio Agüero (EVE)

Agüero's (11.5) attacking numbers were significantly below his usual high standards away at Brighton in gameweek one. But, only the World's best can fashion a result out of nothing. Nine points (including three bonus points) from just two shots (one on target), is as good as a rabbit out of a hat. If that is what the highly talented Argentinian is capable of, his 11.5 price-tag (the lowest, since he joined Man. City in 2011) may prove to be a snip. No Midfielder or Forward had more shots on goal per 90 minutes than Agüero during the 2016/17 season, with an average of 4.5 shots per game. His pass completion rate was the best (at 81.5%) of those to score more than 12 goals in the league last season, proving that he is more than a simple target-man. Only Sánchez (12.0) managed more successful dribbles, with 2.8 per game, but, Agüero was also impressive with an average of 2.6 a game. Gameweek two sees Man. City play their first home game of the season, in surroundings they are incredibly comfortable with having scored 2.25 per game at home over the last three seasons. Our Fix algorithm believes Agüero is good for a score in the region of 6.0 points, which tops the Forward charts. With Everton likely to be more expansive than Brighton, it could pave way for a high scoring game, and you can bet Agüero will be involved.

2016/17 Data:

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Differential – Henrikh Mkhitaryan (swa)

Mkhitaryan (8.1), was owned by just 6.9% of teams when the gameweek one transfer window closed, last Friday. The Armenian international created more big chances in the opening gameweek of the season than any other Midfielder or Forward, weighing in with two – Both were duly converted to goals, by Lukaku. The Man. United Midfielder attempted six assists during the tie against West Ham, showing he has an eye for a pass, with only Özil (9.5) creating as many. It is these stand-out performances that have finally caught the eye of his manager, José Mourinho, which is timely, given that the Red Devils have been crying out for a creative Midfielder for many years. His effective link-up play, pace and dribbling ability undoubtedly deciding factors. It is also worth remembering that Henrikh managed an attacking return every 142 minutes across 324 club appearances prior to joining United. A level of consistency and attacking returns that deserve the recognition and game time he is finally benefiting from. Swansea were resilient versus Southampton in gameweek one, but the South coast outfit were wasteful and only managed two shots on target from 29. United’s 2017/18 squad is finally equipped with the type of talent Sir Alex was accustomed to, and our Fix algorithm prediction of 4.4 points for Mkhitaryan looks conservative, a score of 6+ could be on the cards, alongside a hike in ownership.

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