After bouncing back from relegation at the first attempt, Newcastle United’s key players will be on the summer radar of many Fantasy Premier League managers.
Manager Rafael Benitez steered the Magpies back to the Premier League by registering the most wins (29) of any Championship side.
They scored a joint-most 85 goals and their average of 5.4 shots on target per match was top for the division.
Their ability to score did not affect their defence, though.
The Tynesiders produced 19 clean sheets and, set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation to break quickly on the counter, their total of 11 shutouts away from home was more than any Championship side.
Leader of the four-man backline, Jamaal Lascelles has thrived since being handed the captaincy by Benitez.
The centre-half started 41 of 46 fixtures and was Newcastle's top performer for clearances, blocks and interceptions (CBI), with 434.
Lascelles also boasted the greatest goal threat of any Newcastle defender, registering 24 shots and three goals.
FPL managers must also monitor the raids of right-back DeAndre Yedlin. In only 27 appearances he supplied a goal and five assists – only Tottenham Hotspur’s Kyle Walker, with six, managed more assists in the Premier League.
Signed from AFC Bournemouth last summer, Matt Ritchie’s contribution was key to the Magpies’ promotion.
Playing on the right wing, he started 40 times and recorded 12 goals and seven assists.
Benitez’s decision to acquire Dwight Gayle from Crystal Palace was also pivotal.
Gayle scored 23 goals in only 32 appearances to earn the PFA Fans’ Championship Player of the Season award.
Which strikers will be on 🔥 during 2017/18?
— FPL (@OfficialFPL) June 2, 2017
The Scout suggests a certain @NUFC star 👉 https://t.co/H2C43Am64t pic.twitter.com/RRzHCRcsgv
Key Newcastle FPL targets
Jamaal Lascelles
Number one for CBI and shots on goal among the Newcastle defence, the Magpies captain offers the most secure route into Benitez’s backline.
DeAndre Yedlin
An average of 61 minutes per key pass and 39.2 minutes per tackle were better than any promoted defender. If he can cement a regular role, Yedlin will rival Lascelles for our attentions.
Matt Ritchie
The Scotland international produced more shots (112) than any team-mate in 2016/17, averaging an effort every 31 minutes – quicker than any promoted midfielder. Crucially, Ritchie is Newcastle’s set-piece and penalty-kick taker.
Dwight Gayle
Firing a shot every 24 minutes on average, Gayle’s pace up front is ideally suited to the tactics of Benitez. Gayle appears to be the standout forward among the promoted sides but managers must be wary of the hamstring problems that limited him to just 26 starts.
