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By FotMob, in conversation with Jonas Sand Låbakk
Introducing our expert
Jonas is a 21 year old student who, like FotMob, hails from Norway, but unlike the frustrated Fantasy Premier League players in the office, he did something we could only dream of last season. He finished first, ahead of 11 million other managers in the 2023/24 season.
Who better then, to provide us with some expert advice each week.
The Eye Test vs. The Stats
As we approach each gameweek, I always like to compare the eye test to the stats from the previous gameweek (GW7). While statistics like expected goals (xG) and assists provide concrete data, watching games offers deeper insights into players’ overall form and influence. As we know, some players shine in the stats, but underperform on the pitch, while others catch the eye but don’t yet have the numbers to back that up. Balancing this approach can help guide you to better FPL decisions and that was a crucial part of my strategy last season.
Liam Delap (5.6m) has scored 4 goals this season, with three of them coming in the last two gameweeks. He looked sharp against West Ham and was rewarded with a goal and nearly scored a second. The Tractor Boys are up against Everton (H), Brentford (A) and Leicester (H) in their next three games, who all are teams with a tendency to leak goal, conceding a respective 1.69, 1.87 and 2.14 xG per 90. If you still have João Pedro (5.5m) in your side, who will be out injured for a while, or if you planning on playing your wildcard, I would seriously consider getting Liam Delap in as your budget forward.
Although it sounds boring, I just can’t get around talking about Erling Haaland (15.4m) who is the Premier League top scorer with 10 goals. Although Haaland didn’t get his usual amount of chances against Fulham in GW7, he is still, in my opinion, by far the best captain for GW8 when City travel to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday. Wolves looked really poor against Brentford and conceded 4.25 xG. They also really struggled to defend crosses, something that makes the case for the giant Norwegian even better.
Long shot
Having just mentioned Wolves’ tough fixture this weekend, I’m still backing Rayan Aït-Nouri (4.4m) as a possible long shot. Looking beyond GW8, Wolves’ upcoming games appear a little easier, and Aït-Nouri scored and got an assist, alongside creating 4 chances last time out against Brentford. He is also playing in some sort of an advanced left wing role, definitely one to consider if you are using your wildcard as you can play him in almost every game between gameweeks 9 and 17. Wolves aren’t great defensively, but he is one to target for the returns he offers you offensively.
Upcoming games to follow
In GW8 there aren’t that many games that I am really looking forward to from an FPL perspective, but there still are a few; Spurs play West Ham in the early kick-off as the league returns after the international break. I have mentioned Dominic Solanke (7.6m) the last two gameweeks, but I will do it again! Throughout this week we will probably get more information about Heung Min-Son’s injury situation, but if the Korean remains out of contention then I’m backing Solanke even more, especially if he 100% guaranteed to be Spurs’ designated penalty taker.
Another game that will be interesting is again, Manchester City’s trip to Wolves. Phil Foden (9.2) got his first Premier League start of the season in the last game week and if he starts again, it will be intriguing to see how last year’s player of the season performs. Without a doubt, he is someone to watch out for.
The last game I am following closely this week is Bournemouth vs. Arsenal. Once again I am focusing on Arsenal players before their fixtures turn in GW9. I expect both their defence and their more offensive players to perform well against the Cherries, a side who have failed to score in three of their last four Premier League games.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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