With less than a couple of hours before Gameweek 28 is thrust upon us, we roll out a trio of overlooked alternatives for your consideration. Liverpool’s fit-again playmaker, United’s new goal sensation and Sunderland’s rampaging left-back all make the grade this time around.
Philippe Coutinho
Although Philippe Coutinho (8.0) has delivered attacking returns on a sporadic basis this term, there’s no doubting his capacity to post big scores when he’s in the mood – despite being sidelined for eight matches, the Brazil international still boasts five double-figure hauls. Since returning from injury, there are signs that Coutinho could prove a superior option to team-mate Roberto Firmino, with the former Inter Milan man serving up two goals and a trio of assists in three domestic starts.
Looking at the FPL numbers, Coutinho’s average of 5.4 points per game has been bettered by only four regular midfielders this season and sits just below the likes of Dimitri Payet and Kevin de Bruyne, with 5.5 apiece. Given that his average of 19.6 minutes per attempt is surpassed only by Sergio Aguero (19.3 minutes), the Brazilian’s eye for goal could come to fruition as Jurgen Klopp looks to finish strongly in his first season at the helm.
Next up for the Merseysiders is a home tie against a Manchester City side that thwarted their efforts to claim a record ninth League Cup. Notwithstanding the outcome of that head-to-head, the Sky Blues are reeling in the wake of back-to-back defeats against fellow title challengers, exposing a defensive vulnerability that Liverpool and Coutinho already proved they could exploit by way of their 4-1 triumph in the reverse fixture. Although the Reds have a blank Gameweek 30, the prospects of two doubles further down the line will surely keep their little Brazilian on many managers’ plans for the run-in.
Marcus Rashford
Having complemented his brace against Danish minnows FC Midtjylland with another just three days later against Arsenal, Manchester United teenager Marcus Rashford (4.6) has been thrust into the limelight. Rashford’s auspicious start to life in the top tier brings to mind Harry Kane’s rise to prominence as a budget pick-up, ensuring that the 18-year-old ranks top for “transfers in” this week. Indeed, the nominal nature of his fee limits the inconvenience of the Red Devils’ blank in Gameweek 30, allowing investors to explore his immediate potential.
Although Anthony Martial has recovered from his hamstring injury in time to face Watford on Wednesday, Louis van Gaal will be loath to displace the red-hot Rashford right now. Instead, we reckon it’s likely that Memphis Depay will miss out in such a scenario, with Martial reverting to a wide role and allowing the in-form youngster to torment the Hornets backline.
Across the last four Gameweeks, Man United ranked joint-top for goals (eight), third for shots on target (23), top for shot accuracy (45%) and second for shot-conversion rate (15.7%), which suggests that now could be the time to reconsider that’s been devoid of viable pick-ups for much of the campaign. With a Watford outfit that’s mustered just two road clean sheets next on Man United’s agenda, there’s certainly scope for Rashford to compose another chapter in this emerging fairy tale. Whether he retains that role for the remainder of the season is very much questionable but for those looking for a Gameweek 28 gamble, the youngster may well fit the bill.
Patrick van Aanholt
With four goals and two assists to his name over the past eight Gameweeks, Patrick van Aanholt (4.7) represents the most potent defender in the second half of the season. Ultimately, the Dutch full-back has suffered from the fact that the Black Cats rank joint-bottom for clean sheets this term (three), yet they displayed signs of resilience across the their last quartet of match-ups (a period that included meetings with both Manchester clubs and Liverpool), which bodes well for their shut-out prospects on the eve of a fixture shift.
Exploring the underlying statistics, Van Aanholt charted joint-second among defenders for attempts (seven) across the previous four Gameweeks, with only the out-of-position Eric Dier unleashing more efforts (nine). Moreover, the ex-Chelsea recruit ranks second throughout the entire campaign for attempts (29), illuminating his penchant for marauding bursts down the left flank.
Given that Crystal Palace make the trip to the Stadium of Light on Tuesday evening, the Wearsiders will fancy their chances of securing their first shut-out in 14 outings; the Eagles rank bottom for goals since Gameweek 18 (six), while only five teams have conceded fewer goals at home (14) than Sunderland. In addition, the visitors placed joint-second for goals conceded (eight) and joint-third for big chances conceded (nine) over the last four Gameweeks, revealing their current inability to stifle opponents.
