Fantasy Premier League

Atsu can be a surprise FPL package

By The Scout 8 Aug 2017
Christian Atsu, Newcastle

The Scout selects some attractive Newcastle United options of which Ghanaian midfielder is a stand-out

Related Articles
When is deadline for FPL Gameweek 1?
Fantasy budgets: The midfield approach
Fantasy budgets: The forward approach

Christian Atsu (£5.0m) is a new name for Fantasy Premier League managers to consider.

The Newcastle United midfielder boasts an early run of opponents to maintain his exciting pre-season form.

When building an initial squad, it is always wise to look ahead at the next six Gameweeks and consider those handed a favourable run of opponents.

Atsu is part of a Magpies squad handed a kind re-introduction to the Premier League.

An opening fixture with Tottenham Hotspur will be a stern test.

But following that, Rafael Benitez's men have five successive matches which all score only two in the Fixture Difficulty Rankings (FDR).

GW Opponent FDR
1 TOT (h) 4
2 HUD (a) 2
3 WHU (h) 2
4 SWA (a) 2
5 STK (h) 2
6 BHA (a) 2


Striker Dwight Gayle (£6.5m) looked well-placed to attract investment and, with an ownership of 5.5%, remains their most popular outfield player.

But having missed the pre-season victory over Hellas Verona with a hamstring problem, Gayle is an early doubt for Sunday's Spurs encounter.

Meanwhile, FPL managers have flocked to Rob Elliot (£4.0m) as a cheap goalkeeping option.

He is owned by 15.2% and could be the only stopper priced at £4.0m to be named in a Gameweek 1 starting line-up.

In front of Elliot, Florian Lejeune (£4.5m) has emerged as the key target in the Newcastle back four.

The Frenchman has shown imperious form in pre-season and looks set to start the campaign alongside Ciaran Clark (£4.5m).

Matt Ritchie, Newcastle United
Matt Ritchie's prowess at set-pieces make him a worthy target over Newcastle's early run of benign fixtures

But it is in midfield where FPL managers can perhaps find the strongest value.

Matt Ritchie's (£6.0m) set-piece delivery and penalty kicks mark him out as a viable target.

That said, Atsu's form has been eye-catching.

The Ghanaian has produced two goals and four assists over the summer.

Having started the final two pre-season friendlies - scoring in both - he looks set to see off the claim of new signing Jacob Murphy (£5.5m) and feature against Spurs.

If he can establish himself in Benitez's XI, Atsu could be the first big midfield value option to break out in 2017/18.

Reminder - GW1 deadline is Friday 11 August, 18:45 BST

Latest Videos

More Videos

Video is currently not available.

14 Nov 2024

FPL Pod: 'Why I'm picking Palmer over Saka'

Fantasy expert Sam Bonfield reveals why she favours the Chelsea midfielder to the Arsenal star

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