Fantasy Premier League

Clubs to target in FPL: Newcastle United

By The Scout 22 Jun 2024
Newcastle FPL

The Scout explains why Magpies can make a strong start to 2024/25 Fantasy

Related Articles
FPL must-haves for start of 2024/25
FPL experts: 2024/25 midfielder price predictions
Why rotating Palmer and Salah as captains could pay off in FPL

The Scout is using the Fixture Difficulty Ratings (FDR) to determine the sides with the most favourable opening schedules in 2024/25 Fantasy Premier League.

Newcastle United

Eddie Howe’s side have been given a kind run of opponents in the opening five Gameweeks.

Not one of Newcastle’s fixtures in that period scores higher than three on the FDR.

Promoted Southampton visit Tyneside on the opening weekend, while the Magpies’ first three away matches are against sides who finished in the bottom half in 2023/24 - AFC Bournemouth, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Fulham.
 
A home encounter with Tottenham Hotspur in Gameweek 3 won’t hold any fear, either.

Newcastle have scored 10 goals against Spurs at St James' Park across the last two seasons, beating them 6-1 in 2022/23 and then 4-0 in April of the last campaign.

Newcastle's first five matches
GW Opponent FDR*
1 SOU (H) 2
2 BOU (A) 2
3 TOT (H) 3
4 WOL (A) 2
5 FUL (A) 3

*1 = easiest possible fixture, 5 = hardest possible fixture

Here are three Newcastle players backed to make a flying start thanks to their fixtures.

Alexander Isak

The Swedish forward's total of 21 league goals last season, the third-most in the division, is all the more impressive considering he only made 27 starts.

As a result, his average of 5.7 points per match was superior to that of any other Newcastle player.

The underlying numbers show it was no fluke, either. Isak’s totals of 25 big chances and 20.29 Expected Goals (xG) both placed second among forwards in Fantasy.

With a largely favourable opening schedule and a full summer’s rest because he is not at the European Championship, Isak looks like one of the most appealing forwards for the first five Gameweeks - and beyond.

Anthony Gordon

The winger was one of the best budget picks in 2023/24. Returning 28.6 points per million spent, he was the third-best midfielder for value.

His 27 attacking returns, made up of 11 goals and 16 assists, matched the totals of more expensive midfielders like Son Heung-min and Phil Foden

His home form was particularly excellent, with just two blanks in 18 starts on Tyneside.

While a price rise is inevitable, he’ll still likely be available at an affordable price ahead of 2024/25. Considering Newcastle's opening schedule, Gordon should be a standout midfield target for Gameweek 1.

Fabian Schar

Facing Southampton first up, the Switzerland international defender has fond memories of meeting a promoted side on the opening weekend. 

Schar registered a 15-point haul against Nottingham Forest in Gameweek 1 of 2022/23, finding the net in a 2-0 win.

He also has a strong recent record against the teams he will face from Gameweek 2 to Gameweek 5 this season.

He delivered more Fantasy returns against Bournemouth, Spurs, Wolves and Fulham than any other Newcastle player in 2023/24. Schar got one goal, three assists and three clean sheets across eight starts against those four sides.

Against all opponents, the centre-back's total of 35 shots last season was beaten by just three other defenders. Cristian Romero, who netted on five occasions for Spurs, was the only defender to better Schar’s tally of four goals.

Also in this series

Latest Videos

More Videos

Video is currently not available.

13 Dec 2024

All you need to know for FPL Gameweek 16 in 100 seconds

Short of time to sort your Fantasy team? Kelly Somers gives you the top picks, best team and more

Your details have been submitted successfully.

You have already entered this competition. Please check your email for further information.

Your details have been submitted successfully.

Create a Premier League account

Continue

You are logged in as

Enter your details