Fantasy Premier League

FDR Analysis: Fixtures can boost Newcastle momentum

By The Scout 26 Jan 2020
Matt Ritchie, Newcastle Utd

The Scout says Magpies can profit from kind schedule to extend improving form

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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.

Newcastle United

Steve Bruce's side have improved their form in recent Gameweeks.

Newcastle are unbeaten in their last three matches, having drawn at Wolverhampton Wanderers and Everton and won 1-0 at home against Chelsea.

They are now set to embark on a favourable run of opponents that could raise their appeal at both ends of the pitch.

According to the Fixture Difficulty Ratings, five of their next seven matches score just two.

Newcastle’s next seven Gameweeks
GW Opp FDR GW Opp FDR
25 NOR (H) 2 29 SOU (A) 2
26 ARS (A) 4 30 SHU (H) 3
27 CRY (A) 2 31 AVL (H) 2
28 BUR (H) 2  

Here are the best Newcastle options for FPL managers to consider.

Federico Fernandez (£4.4m)

The centre-back offers strong all-round potential in the cut-price bracket.

Fernandez has combined two goals and two assists with three clean sheets over his 15 Gameweek starts.

And his seven bonus points are more than any other Newcastle defender.

When named in the starting XI, he has averaged 3.7 points per match.

Yet in spite of his low price, the Argentinian can be found in a mere 0.8 per cent of FPL squads.

Matt Ritchie (£5.3m)

The Scotland international returned from long-term injury in Gameweek 23.

Playing as a wing-back, Ritchie's deliveries from the flank can be a key factor.

Despite featuring in only five matches this season, his total of seven successful crosses ranks second for the Magpies.

His potential for assists is also lifted by his role as first-choice set-piece taker.

Indeed, he has taken all five of Newcastle's corners since his first-team return.

Miguel Almiron (£5.8m)

His improving eye for goal could tempt FPL managers seeking a cut-price differential in midfield.

Almiron has scored all four of his goals this season in his last nine matches across all competitions.

Yet he is owned by just 0.7 per cent of managers ahead of his Gameweek 25 home match against Norwich City.

The underlying numbers highlight the Paraguayan's influence on Newcastle’s attack.

Almiron's 37 shots are more than any team-mate, while his 25 shots in the box are narrowly second behind the 26 of Joelinton (£5.5m).

Also in this series

Part 1: FDR Analysis: Schedule can spark Palace revival
Part 2: FDR Analysis: Double up on Sheffield United defence
Part 3: FDR Analysis: Arteta's Arsenal can deliver as differentials

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