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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 despite his young age, he already claims to have 11 years experience as a fantasy football manager. It all started for him way back in primary school and over the years, he’s become more and more obsessed, playing all sorts of fantasy football games, including those for the Eliteserien, Allsvenskan, League of Ireland, EFL Championship, and of course Fantasy Premier League.
Unlike the frustrated Fantasy players we have in the FotMob office, though, Jonas did something we could only dream of in last season’s FPL. He finished first, ahead of 11 million other managers in Fantasy Premier League for the 2023/24 season, with what he describes as a “baffling 51 point gap to second place overall. Something that I never thought would have happened, but here I am.”
Who better then, to provide us with some expert advice each week.
The Eye Test vs. The Stats
Gameweek 5 was a pretty decent week for a lot of managers, with highly owned assets such as Palmer, Salah, and Haaland all delivering with a respective 9, 6, and 9 points. As we approach Gameweek 6, I would like to compare the eye test to the stats from Gameweek 5. While statistics like expected goals (xG) and assists provide concrete data, watching games might offer deeper insights into players’ form and overall influence. Some players may shine in the stats, but underperform on the pitch, while others can catch the eye with potential that numbers can’t fully capture. Balancing both approaches can help guide you to better FPL decisions and that was a crucial part of my strategy last season.
Bryan Mbeumo (7.2m) looked really sharp in a tough game against Tottenham, always looks threatening and is Brentford’s main man with Ivan Toney having moved to Saudi Arabia. It looks like he’s their target for almost every counterattack. In this case Mbeumo is a player that has stats to back him as well, against Spurs he missed two big chances and racked up a total of 0.66 xGI (expected goal involvements). With Brentford having played three very tough away fixtures in the first five gameweeks – against Liverpool, Man City and Spurs – their fixtures are now turning and he is definitely one I would recommend for your FPL team. On top of that he should be their penalty taker as well!
So far this season, a perfect example of a player that has passed the eye test, but has neither the stats, or the returns, to back that up it is Morgan Rogers (5.2m). He has looked lively, playing in an advanced role, and was fortunately rewarded with two assists in their game against Wolves, his first two goal contributions for the season. A very popular chip strategy this season is to play your wildcard ahead of Gameweek 6. Morgan Rogers has played 90 minutes in all Villa’s Premier League games this season and is the perfect enabler for your midfield.
Long shot
Dominic Calvert-Lewin (6.0m) has a great run of fixtures up until Gameweek 15, takes penalties for Everton, and will likely start every game for the Toffees. At the time of writing he is owned by less than 5% of FPL managers. He is a player to really consider if you want to own a differential and get ahead of your mini league rivals at work or among your mates.
Upcoming games to follow
Gameweek 6 looks like a great week from an FPL perspective and I have looked at a few players who I think are going to do well. Arsenal face newly promoted Leicester at the Emirates. A game that I think will be very one sided. I believe Arsenal will keep a clean sheet, so it’s definitely worth targeting Arsenal defenders, in particular Gabriel (6.1m) who has scored in his last two Premier League games. Bukayo Saka (10.0m) averages 0.66 xGI per 90 this season and the Leicester defence is not the greatest, averaging 1.64 xGC (expected goals conceded).
Last, but not least, I just can’t ignore Erling Haaland (15.3m) who has scored a mightily mpressive 10 goals in just five games and although Newcastle should provide decent opposition for Man City this weekend, I believe Haaland will continue his great form against the Magpies. He’s a player who is owned by over 70% of the game but someone I just can’t see myself going against.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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