Fantasy Premier League

FPL Scout's club review: Back Newcastle defence at home

By The Scout 2 Aug 2020
Federico Fernandez, Newcastle United

Seven clean sheets at home matched Liverpool and Man Utd in first season under Steve Bruce, says The Scout

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The Scout assesses the star performers from each club in the 2019/20 Fantasy Premier League season, and what managers should look out for as they prepare for the game to launch ahead of the 2020/21 season start on 12 September.

Newcastle United

The Magpies boasted one of the strongest home defences in FPL in their first season under Steve Bruce.

They claimed seven clean sheets at St James' Park, level with champions Liverpool and third-placed Manchester United.

Indeed, only Manchester City, with 10, bettered that total by more than one.

Newcastle's top FPL performers
Player Position Points
Dubravka GKP 143
Almiron MID 109
Shelvey MID 105
Fernandez DEF 102
Saint-Maximin MID 92

Martin Dubravka's displays between the posts were crucial.

Newcastle's No 1 made 139 saves, more than any other goalkeeper in FPL. He earned 36 of his 143 points this season from saves alone.

The introduction of Federico Fernandez to the Magpies' starting XI in Gameweek 10 also proved significant.

The Argentinian offered multiple routes to FPL returns, combining two goals, three assists and eight clean sheets with 13 bonus points.

Fernandez goal v Southampton
System key to Ritchie appeal

Bruce's occasional use of a wing-back formation boosted the potential of Matt Ritchie.

Listed as a defender in FPL, his average of 4.1 points per match was more than any team-mate.

The 30-year-old also appears to be on penalties.

Value in attack?

Further forward, the end-of-season form of Allan Saint-Maximin and Dwight Gayle looks encouraging for 2020/21.

Saint-Maximin produced three double-figure hauls in his final nine matches, while Gayle scored all four of his goals this season during the last eight Gameweeks.

The pair could appeal as value picks next term, particularly if Newcastle are handed a favourable opening schedule.

Tomorrow: FPL Scout's club review: Henderson exit could force Blades rethink

See: The Scout's 2019/20 FPL club reviews

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