Fantasy Premier League

Brunt threat from set-pieces can make difference

By The Scout 16 Nov 2016
West Bromwich Albion's Chris Brunt in action with Leicester City's Andy King

Listed as a defender, West Brom player can be crucial to his manager and those in FPL, says The Scout

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After months on the sidelines with a knee injury, Chris Brunt's (£4.9m) return to action coincides with a fine set of fixtures for West Bromwich Albion, offering Fantasy Premier League managers an intriguing differential.

Having stepped up his fitness with a couple of substitute appearances, Brunt has started each of the last two Gameweeks, with Tony Pulis's men somewhat hampered by recent injuries and suspensions.

Classified as a defender in FPL, the versatile Brunt has been used in midfield by Pulis, playing on the flank in the recent 2-1 win over Leicester City.

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According to the Fixture Difficulty Rankings, four of the Baggies' next five matches score two or less, with home encounters with Burnley, Watford and Swansea City in addition to a trip to Hull City between Gameweeks 12-16.

Although it remains to be seen where Brunt will fit in once the Baggies' head coach has a full quota of players to pick from, there is no doubting that his ability from dead-ball situations is a vital weapon.

West Brom have scored six of their 12 goals from set-piece scenarios over the first 11 Gameweeks, only Liverpool (eight) have registered more.

No side have scored more often from corner-kick situations than the Baggies' five goals.

In addition, West Brom's (29) are second only to Chelsea (35) for attempts direct from corners.

West Brom set-piece statistics

    Rank
Goals from set-pieces (exc pens) 6 2nd
Goals direct from corners 5 1st
Attempts direct from corners 29 2nd
Headed attempts from set-pieces 16 3rd

 
Over the previous two seasons, Brunt has supplied 14 assists, one more than Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho (£8.7m), the most owned player in FPL.

West Bromwich Albion v Everton - Premier League
Gareth McAuley is owned by 24.3% of FPL managers and could benefit from Brunt's supply from dead-balls

His form is also on the rise ahead of next Monday's home match with Burnley.

He provided a goal and an assist in Northern Ireland's 4-0 win over Azerbaijan during the international break, teeing up club-mate Gareth McAuley (£4.7m) to find the net.

While McAuley is the fourth-most popular defender in FPL and resides in 24.3% of squads, only 0.1% have taken a punt on Brunt.

But with a home fixture against a Burnley team ranked worst for attempts conceded from set-pieces (56) and second-bottom for headed efforts conceded (29), he could be in line to profit from both attacking and defensive returns.

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