Fantasy Premier League

FDR Analysis: Schedule can spark Palace revival

By The Scout 25 Jan 2020
Manchester City v Crystal Palace - Premier League

The Scout says a kind run of matches can help improve Crystal Palace's fortunes and prospects of players like Jordan Ayew

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The Scout looks at teams with strong schedules according to the Fixture Difficulty Ratings (FDR) and players who can benefit in Fantasy Premier League.

Crystal Palace

A 2-0 home defeat by Southampton in Gameweek 24 was only the second loss in 11 matches for Crystal Palace.

Roy Hodgson's side have struggled for victories in that period, claiming six draws and winning on only three occasions.

But their upcoming schedule suggests they can turn their form around.

According to the FDR, their next six matches score no more than three.

Crystal Palace's next six matches
GW Opp FDR GW Opp FDR
25 SHU (H) 3 28 BHA (A) 3
26 EVE (A) 3 29 WAT (H) 2
27 NEW (H) 2 30 BOU (A) 3

Here are some players who can bring in big points over that run.

Vicente Guaita (£5.1m)

The Palace goalkeeper has been largely overlooked by FPL managers this season.

Guaita's average of 3.9 points per match (ppm) is more than any team-mate, while his total of 86 points is joint-top at Palace. Yet he is found in only 2.5 per cent of squads.

The Spaniard's save-point potential is a big part of his appeal. He has claimed 16 points from saves alone over his 22 appearances.

Martin Kelly (£4.4m)

After starting the season at just £4.0m, Kelly has been a handy cut-price option for managers this season. Kelly has averaged 3.4 ppm, more than any Palace defender.

The right-back is the team's most popular player, owned by 29.4 per cent of FPL managers, and many should consider starting him in his coming matches as Palace look to add to their six clean sheets.

The attacking potential of Patrick van Aanholt (£5.5m) means he is one to watch when he recovers from a hamstring injury. Owned by only 4.4 per cent, the Dutchman could prove a powerful differential.

Jordan Ayew (£5.0m)

The Ghanaian's £5.0m price tag makes him a tempting option as a third striker for managers who prefer to play a 3-5-2 formation and to keep a cheap forward on the bench.

Ayew has matched Guaita's 86 points, thanks to six goals and an assist.

His value of 17.2 points per million is second only to the 18.0 of Teemu Pukki (£6.5m) and Danny Ings (£7.0m) among FPL forwards.

Having produced 23 points in his last three matches at Selhurst Park, he could be a viable starter over Palace's trio of home fixtures.

Also in this series

Part 2: FDR Analysis: Double up on Sheff Utd defence?
Part 3: FDR Analysis: Arteta's Arsenal can deliver as differentials
Part 4: FDR Analysis: Fixtures can boost Newcastle momentum

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