Fantasy Premier League

Pedro demands attention in Fantasy

By The Scout 30 Mar 2017
Pedro, Chelsea

The FPL value offered by Chelsea winger puts even Costa and Hazard in the shade, says The Scout

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Eden Hazard (£10.2m) and Diego Costa (£10.7m) have been the go-to Chelsea attacking assets, but it is Pedro (£7.2m) who now calls for major Fantasy Premier League investment.

The Spaniard has produced two goals and a pair of assists in the Blues’ last four matches, averaging 7.5 points per match.

So, with the fitness of both Hazard and Costa set to be assessed ahead of Saturday’s home encounter against Crystal Palace, Pedro presents a secure and profitable route into Chelsea’s attack.

The Palace match-up may prove troublesome for Antonio Conte’s side, given that Sam Allardyce's team travel to Stamford Bridge on the back of three successive victories and clean sheets.

But Chelsea have averaged three goals per match at home this season, more than any other side, indicating that even Allardyce's newly robust defence will be stretched.

The Eagles are also likely to be without first-choice left-back Patrick van Aanholt (£5.0m) again, with Jeffrey Schlupp (£4.7m) set to deputise and tasked with shackling the pace and trickery of Pedro.

Over the last four Gameweeks, the winger has been a central figure in Chelsea’s title charge.

Jeffrey Schlupp, Crystal Palace
Jeffrey Schlupp (right) will be charged with negating the threat posed by Pedro

Pedro has recorded nine shots, more than any other Blues player, and is joint-top for efforts on target, with three.

He has also turned provider, ranking joint-second for key passes with five recorded over the four-Gameweek spell.

In addition, Pedro has scored or assisted 33% of Chelsea’s goals at Stamford Bridge over the season, heightening his appeal ahead of the Eagles' visit.

In terms of FPL value, he has also excelled, delivering 17.2 points per million, superior to both Hazard's 16.0pts and Costa's 14.5pts.

Pedro, Chelsea
Pedro has scored or assisted 33% of Chelsea’s home goals this season

Starting seven of the last eight Premier League matches, Pedro has seen off the challenge from Willian (£7.0m) for the right-flank role, with the Blues’ remaining schedule also promoting investment.

Six of Chelsea’s final 10 matches, including a home fixture against Watford that will form a Double Gameweek at a later date, score a Fixture Difficulty Ranking (FDR) of two or less.

With the title run-in in sight, the search for differentials is intensifying as FPL managers look to make up ground on mini-league rivals.

Found in just 10% of squads, Pedro provides a proven solution.

The credentials of both Hazard and Costa as prized assets is not in doubt, but the outstanding value offered by their often-overlooked team-mate is deserving of greater interest.

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