3 Players to pick and drop for Gameweek 26 | FPL Tips 2020

Gameweek 25 was a strange one where most of our teams registered 50+ points but most of these came from Liverpool assets. This sums up the season so far really, no team besides Liverpool is delivering returns on a consistent basis and the problem there is they are owned by nearly all managers so it’s difficult to make up ground.

The template defence of Soyuncu, Rico, Kelly and Lundstram is in tatters as well with the last two no longer regular starters. A lot of managers are looking to deploy their wildcard this week to rejig their defence but personally I think it’s best left for another week.

With the new ‘winter break’, games are spread out over two weeks with eight teams in action this weekend and the other twelve the weekend after. So there are going to be no press conferences before the deadline for 12 teams, which makes planning and picking up injury news quite difficult.

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3 Players to Pick

1. Mohamed Salah (NOR)

Liverpool FC v Southampton FC - Premier League

With five goals over the last six gameweeks, Mohamed Salah looks back to his best and the Egyptian has taken a staggering 27 shots over that period, nine more than second-placed midfielder Kevin De Bruyne (18). In fact, the Egyptian is top for shots in the box (SiB), (22), ‘big chances’ (seven), shots on target (SoT) (11) and ‘big chances’ created (seven). He trails only Maddison (20) for chances created (18).

No team has scored more goals than Liverpool’s 14 or registered more ‘big chances’ (23) over the last six gameweeks and they are second for SoT (41) only to Leicester (43). Norwich have conceded nine goals over the aforementioned period, only Bournemouth (12), West Ham (13) and Villa (14) have been more porous. They are ranked seventh-worst for SoT conceded (27) and 10 th for ‘big chances’ conceded (11). An easy captain pick once again.

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2. Kevin De Bruyne (WHU)

Manchester City v Sheffield United - Premier League

The goals may have dried up for De Bruyne with just one strike in the past six gameweeks, but it has not been for want of trying, the Belgian has attempted 18 shots over the aforementioned period, second only to Salah amongst midfielders. As always his creativity numbers are excellent, only Maddison (20) has created more chances than his 18 and only Traore, Perez (both five) and Salah (seven) have created more ‘big chances’.

Man. City have scored 13 goals over the last six gameweeks, only Liverpool (14) have been more prolific. They lead the way for shots (116) and SiB (75). Only Villa (14) have conceded more goals than the Hammers’ 13 over the same period and only Newcastle (37) allowed opponents more SoT than their 35. They are also joint-bottom with Villa for ‘big chances’ conceded (23). The defending Champions are likely to come roaring back after their defeat to Spurs last week and the Belgian is a great pick.

3. Heung-Min Son (AVL)

Tottenham Hotspur v Southampton FC - FA Cup Fourth Round: Replay

Heung-Min Son has now registered back-to-back goals in the last two gameweeks and is providing the majority of Spurs’ goal threat in Kane’s absence. Only De Bruyne (18) and Salah (27) have attempted more shots amongst midfielders over the last six gameweeks and he is also ranked fourth for SiB (11) trailing only Mane (12), Mahrez (12) and Salah (22). Only Armstrong (seven) and Salah (11) have landed more SoT than the Korean’s six.

Although Spurs have scored only six goals in as many gameweeks, four of these were in their last two matches indicating that they have found a bit of form. They are ranked 11th for shots (73) and 10th for SoT (26) over that period.

Villa’s defensive statistics give plenty of reason to think they can improve on those numbers. No team has conceded more goals (14) or allowed opponents more SiB (63) than the Birmingham side over the past six gameweeks. They are also bottom for ‘big chances’ conceded (23).

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3 Players to drop

1. Raheem Sterling (WHU)

Manchester City v TSG 1899 Hoffenheim - UEFA Champions League Group F

Raheem Sterling picked up an injury late on in Man. City’s game with Spurs in gameweek 25 and though there is no official statement from Guardiola yet, various press reports expect him to be out for a 2-3 week period. The winger’s form has slumped miserably of late, with no goals or assists in his last seven Premier League fixtures.

He notched just 10 FPL points over that period. He is expected to miss their next two Premier League matches and gameweek 28 is a blank for them anyways with their participation in the Carabao Cup final that week. At 11.7m he is too expensive to leave on your bench and should be sold right away.

2. John Lundstram (BOU)

Sheffield United v Burnley FC - Premier League

An FPL legend, I never thought I would be writing about “The Lord” as a player to drop but unfortunately, it appears his time has come to an end. He was benched for Sheff. Utd’s last two fixtures, the first one for Besic and the second time for Berge, the Blades’ record signing. Berge is a very highly rated prospect who was courted by the top European clubs so he is likely to be a regular on the team sheet.

Oliver Norwood and Fleck are also favoured by Wilder which means that Lundstram will be restricted to cameo appearances off the bench or the odd start depending on the opposition. Hopping onto one of their other defenders – Egan, O’Connell etc looks a good move as they still have great defensive fixtures to come, even with the blank in gameweek 28.

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3. Martin Kelly (EVE)

Crystal Palace v AFC Bournemouth - Premier League

Owned by over 27% of managers, Kelly has been a popular budget pick right from gameweek one but gameweek 25 saw him benched in favour of the returning Joel Ward. Hodgson has gone on record stating that he views Kelly as more of a centre-back than a full-back and the former Liverpool defender was only filling in while Ward was injured.

His performances at right-back were poor as well, he offered very little going forward and was culpable for the goal that Redmond scored in gameweek 24. With blank gameweek 28 approaching, managers can ill-afford players who no longer play and a switch to the budget Tanganga appeals.