FPL Tips: Things to Consider Ahead of the Christmas Period
After the opening fixtures, the 2020-21 Premier League campaign looks to be one of the most unpredictable in the competition’s history. According to a report from the BBC, English football’s top-flight clubs spent £1.218 billion in the summer transfer window, only £159 million less than the previous year. In turn, fantasy football options are arguably more exciting than ever before. So, let’s take a look at several factors to consider ahead of the Premier League’s busy Christmas period.
Is Liverpool’s Defence Worth Gambling On?
In the first Merseyside derby of the season, the reigning Premier League champions lost Virgil van Dijk for the majority of the campaign after he sustained a Grade 3 anterior cruciate ligament injury following a tackle from Jordan Pickford, as per the Express. In losing the Dutchman, the Reds only have two experienced, natural central defenders in their squad in the form of Joe Gomez and Joel Matip.
However, when pondering whether or not to select a replacement for the Dutchman in FPL, it’s worth noting that – prior to the season-ending issue – Gomez and Matip had never started together as a defensive pairing. Combined with the fact that the Reds shipped seven at Villa Park with Van Dijk, avoiding Liverpool’s central defenders may be wise.
Aston Villa’s Intriguing Midfield Options
One of the league’s most-talked-about sides so far is undoubtedly Aston Villa. Managed by Dean Smith, the Villains have won their opening four matches of the season, including that demolition of Liverpool. In that time, Villa has kept three clean sheets against Sheffield United, Fulham, and Leicester City. However, it’s been their free-flowing attack that has caught the eye.
In the club’s first four fixtures, the captain, Jack Grealish, registered three goals and three assists. Additionally, Ross Barkley, Villa’s loan signing from Chelsea, found the net in both of his first two starts for Smith’s side. Because of their impressive start to the campaign, as of October 21st, the Villains are priced at 11/2 with football betting to achieve a top-six finish come to the end of the season.
Take a Punt on Patrick Bamford
After gaining promotion to the Premier League as the Championship winners, the footballing world had high hopes for Leeds on their return to top-flight football. It’s fair to say that Marcelo Bielsa’s side hasn’t disappointed yet. After narrowly losing 4-3 at Anfield, the Peacocks bounced back with a 4-3 win at Elland Road to Fulham and a home draw to Manchester City.
The Argentine’s attack-minded style has brought the best out of Bamford, who has scored three goals and assisted a further two in his first five league games, according to Transfermarkt. Given that the matches will come thick and fast at the festive period, Bamford will only likely grow stronger as he becomes reaccustomed to the pace and physicality of the Premier League.
Think Outside the Box!
Although making reactionary decisions in FPL is part and parcel of the activity, it’s also pivotal to make informed choices based on form and patterns. As the Christmas scheduling is unforgiving, fatigue will inevitably play a part, thus impacting performance levels. Because of that, it’s essential to think outside the box in an effort to maximise points.
