Haaland's availability for the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Gameweek 17 fixture against Palace is very doubtful and in this blog some of the possible replacement options are compared. Isak is not included as he is a rotation risk, now C. Wilson back in the Newcastle squad.

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Ollie Watkins (bre)

As the above image from our Fix Comparison Matrix shows, Watkins has racked up the most minutes (538) amongst the forwards in the comparison over the last six Gameweeks, he is third for FPL points (27) and shots (17) while he is joint-second for goals scored (three). The underlying numbers are a bit lower than expected, he is fourth for shots on target (SoT) (six) and has been afforded only four 'big chances' (BC) over his last six league matches. However, Villa have had some difficult games recently against Arsenal and Man. City, so the numbers should improve with Villa's schedule turning. As the below image from our Fixture Planner shows, Villa are ranked fifth for Attack Difficulty over the next six Gameweeks.

Darwin Núñez (MUN)

Núñez' minutes (452) have been mixed over the last six Gameweeks with the Uruguayan international benched for Liverpool's midweek fixture against Sheff. Utd. He is bottom for FPL points (15) but the underlying numbers are strong with the 24-year-old top for shots and BC (eight). With the schedule busy for Liverpool in December, he is one for manager's that are not afraid to take risks, as his gametime will likely be managed with Gakpo playing some matches and Jota possibly returning by the end of the month.

Dominic Solanke (LUT)

Solanke has caught the eye over the last six Gameweeks, with the Bournemouth forward second in the comparison for FPL points (32) and is top for goals (four). His underlying numbers match Núñez for shots (22) and BC (eight), while he has consistent minutes to back it up unlike the Uruguayan international. Bournemouth as a team are finally clicking, as the below image from our Stats Sandbox feature shows and the Cherries are ranked fourth for 'Expected Goals' (xG) (8.35) over the last four Gameweeks. Solanke looks like an excellent option that also frees up funds for potential investment elsewhere.

Julián Álvarez (CPL)

Álvarez' form has tailed off after a strong start to the season. The Argentinian international has racked up just 21 FPL points and has taken on a more creative role alongside Haaland as his numbers show. He is top for assists (three) and chances created (16) but is bottom for shots (10) and BC (one). However, he is likely to be playing in the striker role now in Haaland's absence, though the Norwegian international's injury is not thought to be long term so he would only benefit from this position for a few Gameweeks.

Matheus Cunha (whu)

Cunha has been in excellent form for Wolves with 33 FPL points over the last six Gameweeks. The Brazilian international has racked up three goals and two assists over that period and is top for SoT (nine). However, he has only been afforded three BC which means he has relied on clinical finishing for his returns, and this might not be sustainable long term. He is the cheapest option in the comparison at just £5.7m and allows upgrades across other positions.

What do the projections say?

The Fix Algorithm backs Watkins (29.2) to be the highest scoring forward over the next six Gameweeks with Solanke (28.5) in third. Solanke's run looks particularly appealing for the next three Gameweeks with Watkins a great captaincy option for Gameweek 18 against Sheff. Utd. Darwin (24.9) trails the duo significantly with his minutes a huge concern.

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