Gameweek 31 is still some way off, but our latest selections have kind match-ups this weekend and are also in teams guaranteed to play in the round of fixtures that will be heavily affected by the FA Cup quarter-finals.
Two attack-minded defenders earn our seal of approval, while a cheap forward option at Everton is backed to deliver against Crystal Palace for a second time this season.
Oumar Niasse
We’ve been pondering Oumar Niasse’s potential as a budget third striker for a number of Gameweeks.
He’s started the last two matches for Everton and while Dominic Calvert-Lewin could push for minutes this weekend, the promising fixture with Crystal Palace appears to favour Niasse once again.
He turned the match in the reverse encounter, producing a goal and an assist back in Gameweek 12.
Despite making just seven starts this season, Niasse is second to only Wayne Rooney (10) for goals in the Toffees squad, with six.
Rooney, along with Gylfi Sigurdsson were left out of the side for the trip to Arsenal in Gameweek 26, but the pair both look set to be restored to the starting XI this afternoon.
Along with Theo Walcott, they can help provide Niasse with the service he needs to inflict further misery on the Eagles.
Sat in just 5.5% of FPL squads, Niasse is priced at just 4.8 and can, at last, become that perfect budget enabler, with the fringe benefit of offering a potential Gameweek 31 fixture at Stoke City.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
The news that Joe Gomez is set to miss Liverpool’s trip to Southampton means that we’ve turned back to Trent Alexander-Arnold, backing him for a profitable Sunday afternoon at St Mary’s.
The 19-year-old, who costs just 4.2 in FPL, has registered a goal and an assist over his last three Gameweek starts and has caught the eye this season with his attacking raids down the right flank.
His impressive underlying statistics showcase the potential.
Alexander-Arnold has produced a key pass every 61 minutes, superior to fellow full-backs Alberto Moreno (90), Andrew Robertson (105) and Gomez (125).
His attacking threat can reap rewards against a Saints side that have registered just one clean sheet in 13 home matches and have conceded more crosses down the left flank than any side over the last four Gameweeks.
The Reds defender has averaged four points per match over nine appearances, highlighting the fact he has been very productive when given the pitch-time.
What’s key regarding the right-back situation at Liverpool is the fact that Alexander-Arnold and Gomez may well rotate in a predictable fashion, with their European campaign recommencing on Wednesday night.
That could unlock one of Gomez or Alexander-Arnold as a secure picks in league matches.
As the more attacking of the two players, Alexander-Arnold may just get the nod for the “easier” home fixtures where Liverpool will be required to break down their opponent.
Given his budget price tag and the upside he offers, the 2.8%-owned Reds defender looks an ideal gamble for Gameweek 27, which may just have the staying power to reward beyond Sunday’s clash.
Daryl Janmaat
With three goals and one assist from just 13 appearances this season, Watford’s Daryl Janmaat has been one of the most potent defenders in FPL.
He scored a stunner in the 4-1 win over Chelsea, playing as a wing-back in the 3-4-2-1 system used by new Hornets head coach Javi Gracia.
Kiko Femenia remains sidelined through injury, so Janmaat now has the chance to cement his berth.
In terms of secure starters among defenders, only Chelsea’s Marcos Alonso (43.8) can better the Dutchman’s rate of a shot every 60 minutes this season.
That attacking threat could be a factor against West Ham United this afternoon as they have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last eight matches.
Janmaat’s appeal is also boosted by the fact that Watford have favourable home match-ups against Everton and West Bromwich Albion in Gameweeks 28 and 29.
In addition, the prospects for defensive returns appear strong – the only goal the Hornets have conceded in the three matches since Gracia took charge was Eden Hazard’s sublime effort on Monday night.
Priced at 4.8 in FPL, and with an ownership of just 0.4%, Janmaat is another canny differential in defence.
