Fantasy Premier League

Oxlade-Chamberlain can be central figure in FPL

By The Scout 3 Sep 2017
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain signs for Liverpool

Move from Arsenal to Liverpool can make the midfielder a top Fantasy option, says The Scout

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Signing vlog: Behind the scenes with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain External Link

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's (£6.0m) arrival at Liverpool is intriguing for Fantasy Premier League managers.

Signed from Arsenal on deadline day, his versatility is vital to his appeal.

He can play in central midfield in Liverpool's 4-3-3 formation, while also offering an option out wide.

Liverpool's dominant trio

FPL managers are flocking to the in-form Sadio Mane (£9.6m), Mohamed Salah (£9.0m) and Roberto Firmino (£8.6m).

Firmino has earned over 410,000 new owners since Gameweek 1, while Mane and Salah have been picked up by 339,000+ and 351,000+ respectively.

But there could be scope to consider Oxlade-Chamberlain as a more budget-friendly alternative.

Jurgen Klopp's side supplied six of the top 18 FPL midfielders for points scored last season.

Georginio Wijnaldum (£7.0m) and Adam Lallana (£7.4m) returned 149 points and 139 points respectively from central roles.

Bonus point darling

Oxlade-Chamberlain's all-round game is suited to the Bonus Points System (BPS), which could give him an edge at his new club.

He is ranked seventh in the BPS for midfielders with a tally of 66, an impressive total considering he is yet to score from one of his nine shots.

All six of the midfielders ranked above him in the BPS have played a part in at least two of their respective teams' goals.

Oxlade-Chamberlain's defensive contribution is a factor behind his bonus point prospects.

His 16 clearances, blocks and interceptions is second only to Burnley’s Steven Defour (£5.5m and 19) among midfielders.

Keeping options open

With managers limited to just three Liverpool players, the current focus on Klopp’s front three is understandable.

And Liverpool’s defensive options should not be dismissed. The back four have kept seven clean sheets in the last nine Premier League matches.

However, last season’s FPL contributions from Wijnaldum and Lallana show we should consider Oxlade-Chamberlain's potential.

Secure regular starts in central midfield, and he could surpass that pair to provide a viable FPL alternative to the big three attackers.

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