The Premier League fixtures are relentless, and FPL managers are feeling the pressure. While Gameweek 31 isn’t even over yet, it’s time to start thinking about Gameweek 32, which brings some exciting matchups, like Manchester United versus Liverpool. The recent success of midfielders, highlighted by Phil Foden’s hattrick in Manchester City’s last match, has left many managers pondering their selections. It’s causing some headaches, but fortunately, there’s no shortage of options to consider.
Phil Foden (£8.1m)
Who wouldn’t want Phil Foden in their team right now? The midfielder has thrived this season for Manchester City and is arguably their player of the season. For FPL managers, few players have been as valuable as Foden has because with an incredible 183 points, he’s amongst the top scorers.
In fact, thanks to his hattrick against Villa, Foden overtook Bukayo Saka for the most points and is the highest scoring FPL asset going into GW 32. But hattricks tend to schew FPL results and yet for Foden, it has only added to his allure. The English international has netted six goals in his last five games for club.
It’s an impressive record for the forward and given his consistency for the club, the chances of the forward getting points is high. But that’s going forward though as since City play Champions League football soon, Foden might get rested this weekend. It doesn’t make him a risky pick by any margins
Dwight McNeil (£5.4m)
With an advantageous home match against Burnley and a potential double gameweek in Gameweek 34, Dwight McNeil (£5.4m) of Everton appears poised for success. The 24-year-old midfielder boasts an impressive record of creating a chance every 35 minutes at home, compared to every 55 minutes away, setting the stage for a promising matchup against the Clarets this Saturday.
Vincent Kompany’s Burnley side has struggled defensively in their recent away matches, conceding 16 goals in their last six outings and failing to secure a clean sheet in 13 consecutive Gameweeks. Despite maintaining an unbeaten run, they have yielded more big chances (15) than any other team in the last four games.
McNeil’s proficiency in delivering corner kicks adds an extra dimension to Everton’s attacking threat, potentially making him a valuable differential. Even without set pieces, McNeil, owned by just 0.3% of FPL managers, is expected to play a central role as Everton’s primary creative force from open play.
Ben Brereton Diaz (£5.0m)
With four goals and one assist in his last five Premier League appearances, Ben Brereton Diaz (£5.0m) of Sheffield United seems to be finding his rhythm in the top flight. Despite a hamstring setback earlier, he’s proving to be a valuable midfield option, averaging 7.0 points per match since joining on loan from Villarreal in January.
During this period, Brereton Diaz has formed a fruitful partnership with Oliver McBurnie (£5.4m), with McBurnie’s target man role drawing defenders and creating space for Brereton Diaz to exploit. With promising fixtures ahead, including a potential double gameweek in Gameweek 34, Brereton Diaz could serve as an effective differential not only for the upcoming match but also for the long term.
Brennan Johnson (£5.8m)
While a lot was expected from Brennan Johnson when he first signed for Tottenham, things haven’t gone quite right for the young star at the club. However, that has changed recently, as Johnson has found a lovely vein of form for the club. The midfielder has contributed to six goals (2 goals, 4 assists) in his last five games including three goal contributions in his last two games.
It has been an impressive showing from Johnson and it has earned him consecutive starts for Spurs which has only added to his underlying stats. That includes an xG of 2.62 and an xA of 1.35 which are impressive stats and the forward has re-paid the faith. Still, he walked off the field with a knock and at the moment, the FPL’s official website does give him a 75% chance of playing which is the only knock on him right now.
Harvey Barnes (£6.2m)
While Alexander Isak has taken up the limelight at Newcastle United, Harvey Barnes has turned up recently and the former Leicester City star has done well. He managed a brace in a 23 minute appearance off the bench against West Ham United and assisted a key goal against Everton. It’s been an interesting few games for Barnes and he has shot up a few lists because of that. His underlying stats also reads something similar with an xG of 1.4 and a xA of 0.61 which has impressed a few managers as Barnes has found his name on more than a few teams.