As the Premier League season enters its final stretch, Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers are strategizing to make the most of the remaining two weeks. With the title race still hotly contested and the race for European places intensifying, every point counts. In this article, I'll be sharing my insights on four players who could provide a significant edge in your mini-league, particularly if you're looking to make a late surge. These picks are based on my analysis of fixtures, team form, and individual player performances, with a focus on players who are currently underowned.
Jordan Pickford: A Reliable Option at Goalkeeping
One of the most reliable options for the final stretch is Jordan Pickford, the Everton goalkeeper. Despite a recent dip in form with no clean sheets in his last five Gameweeks, I believe Pickford can bounce back strongly. The reason for this optimism lies in his upcoming fixtures. Sunderland, who have struggled offensively in recent games, and Tottenham, who have been poor at home all season, are the teams Pickford will face. With Sunderland scoring just once in their last three games and Tottenham's home form being a concern, I anticipate at least one clean sheet for Pickford in the final two Gameweeks. His ability to contribute save and bonus points makes him a solid choice, especially considering his low ownership of 13%.
Konstantinos Mavropanos: A Differential Defender
For those seeking a differential defender, Konstantinos Mavropanos of Arsenal is an intriguing option. With West Ham fighting for survival and Newcastle and Leeds likely to be on the beach, Mavropanos could be a smart pick. Newcastle has underperformed this season, and Leeds at home on the final day is a decent fixture. Mavropanos has been a consistent defensive contributor, averaging 12.0 defensive contributions per game over the past seven Gameweeks. Additionally, he has been a threat from set-pieces, scoring twice against Wolves and nearly scoring against Brentford. His low ownership of 2% makes him an attractive option for those looking to free up funds for other differentials.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall: A Well-Rounded Midfield Option
Another Everton player who has been in great form is Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. He has had a strong season overall and has been particularly impressive in recent Gameweeks, with eight attacking returns in his last 12 games. Dewsbury-Hall's versatility is a key strength, as he has also contributed defensively twice during this period. His low price tag of £5.2m makes him an excellent option for those looking to free up funds for other picks. With fixtures against Sunderland and Tottenham, Dewsbury-Hall could be a key player in the final stretch, offering both attacking and defensive returns.
Viktor Gyokeres: A Penalty-Taker with Haul Potential
Finally, Viktor Gyokeres of Leicester City is a forward with a unique advantage. He is on penalties and has shown his haul potential with two goals and an assist against Fulham in Gameweek 35. With Arsenal having the best fixture in Gameweek 37, facing already-relegated Burnley at home, and the potential for goal difference to play a significant role in the title race, Gyokeres could be a key player. Additionally, his fixture against Crystal Palace on the final day, where the Palace side is likely to rotate ahead of the Europa Conference League Final, provides further potential for points. Gyokeres' low ownership of 16% makes him an attractive option for those looking to make a late surge in their mini-league.
Conclusion: Making the Most of the Final Stretch
As the Premier League season nears its conclusion, FPL managers must make strategic decisions to maximize their chances of success. The players discussed in this article offer a mix of reliability, differential potential, and versatility, all of which are crucial in the final stretch. By carefully considering their fixtures, team form, and individual performances, managers can make informed decisions and potentially gain an edge over their rivals. Remember, in FPL, every point counts, and these players could be the key to a late surge up your mini-league.
In my opinion, the final stretch of the Premier League season is a fascinating time for FPL managers, and these players offer a mix of opportunities to make a difference. From the reliable goalkeeper to the differential defender, the versatile midfielder, and the penalty-taking forward, each player brings something unique to the table. As managers, we must embrace the challenge and make the most of the remaining weeks, using these insights to guide our decisions and potentially secure a late surge in our mini-league rankings.
