With Boxing Day fixtures out the way, we have one final gameweek before a sizable break in FPL action. The next two gameweeks are likely to see doubles and possibly more postponements, so as ever, keeping an eye on the schedule is advised. In the meantime, we’ve used our FPL Fixture Tracker to pick out some strong options.
FPL GW 21 Tips – Attack
Leicester
The Foxes have had an interesting week, netting three against Manchester City in a 6-3 defeat before springing a 1-0 surprise win over Liverpool. Brendan Rodgers’ side face Norwich next and could yet be set for back-to-back double gameweeks in 21 and 22.
After a torrid start to the season, James Maddison (6.9m) now leads the way for Leicester thanks to four goals and five assists in six games. Trailing Maddison by three points is nine-goal Jamie Vardy (10.4m), who had played just 25 minutes in three games prior to gameweek 20. Both assets are flagged with muscle injuries at the time of writing but have a 75% chance of playing according to FPL.
Alternatives are scarce in the Leicester ranks. Kelechi Iheanacho (6.9m) produced a 15-point haul in gameweek 19 but isn’t guaranteed starts. Meanwhile, Youri Tielemans (6.4m) has seen his minutes managed since returning from injury and Harvey Barnes (6.4m) is out of action.
Aston Villa
Steven Gerrard has had a transformative effect on a previously struggling Aston Villa side, who are likely to see a double over the next two gameweeks and have a reasonable schedule regardless.
Ollie Watkins (7.8m) is currently Aston Villa’s most obvious attacking pick, contributing four direct goal involvements since gameweek 12. However, the return of Danny Ings (7.7m) saw Watkins shift back out wide, perhaps making the former Southampton striker a more appealing prospect.
In midfield, Emiliano Buendía (6.2m) has underwhelmed in FPL terms, whilst fellow summer signing Leon Bailey (6.3m) is sidelined through injury. John McGinn (6.0m) has proven to be a steady option, but the most appealing picks are undoubtedly the cut-price duo of Jacob Ramsey (4.6m) and Douglas Luiz (4.5m). The Villa pair currently rank 1st and 3rd respectively for sub 4.6m mids.
Leeds
Marcelo Bielsa’s side have had a torrid time of late thanks to injuries, postponements, and a couple of December thrashings. Thankfully, their schedule looks rather appealing and should feature a double in the very near future.
Sadly, that’s where the good news ends for Leeds. Raphinha (6.5m) has undeniably been their best player and FPL pick, but with January looming, is heavily reported to be off to Bayern Munich, making investment a huge risk.
Elsewhere, Stuart Dallas (5.0m) has been a non-option this season and has regularly deputised in defence, whilst Dan James (6.0m) failed to take advantage of a run of starts up front and is now injured. Forwards Patrick Bamford (7.7m) and Rodrigo (6.2m) remain unavailable, presenting us with Leeds’ most appealing option, the affordable, three point-per-game, Joe Gelhardt (4.6m).
FPL GW 21 Tips – Defence
Wolves
A kind run of fixtures coupled with strong defensive form and a possible double make Wolves an appealing prospect.
Max Kilman (4.5m) and Conor Coady (4.5m) are the straightforward, reliable rotation options for your FPL defence, whilst Rayan Ait Nouri (4.3m) is a cheaper alternative nearing a return from injury. Consistent save points and occasional bonus points help elevate José Sá (5.1m) to the top scoring Wolves player – a strong option currently only outscored by Ederson among goalkeepers.
Tottenham
Spurs have improved significantly since Antonio Conte took charge and face a struggling Watford before a likely double gameweek.
Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris (5.4m) is the current leading defensive scorer for Tottenham and is a fair choice in isolation. However, given the other options in the squad, taking up a Spurs spot on him may not be the best route. Sergio Reguilón (5.3m) was hauled off at halftime after picking up a yellow in gameweek 20 but remains the top defensive pick thanks to his attacking intent.
Depending on your Heung-Min Son/Lucas Moura/Harry Kane stance, a defensive double up could be worth considering. Eric Dier (4.6m), Davinson Sánchez (4.5m), and Ben Davies (4.5m) each have very accommodating prices, whilst Emerson Royal (4.9m) displayed strong understanding with Lucas in an 11-point haul in gameweek 19.
Manchester United
We round things off with the Red Devils with goal-shy Wolves up next and their likely doubles to supplement a decent run of games. Manchester United’s first-half display in gameweek 20 hardly wet the appetite for managers looking to invest, but one goal conceded in three games suggests there is value to be had.
In goal, David de Gea (5.2m) is currently United’s joint-top scorer in terms of FPL points (at the time of writing) and provides an unusually high number of saves for a top side. Diogo Dalot (4.5m) has asserted himself as first-choice right-back over Aaron Wan-Bissaka (5.1m) and provides terrific value. Meanwhile, the more expensive Alex Telles (5.0m) has historically provided greater attacking threat and is currently keeping Luke Shaw (5.0m) out of the side.
Photo by Nigel Msipa on Unsplash
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