Backing Paul Pogba early paid off handsomely last weekend, and, this time around, we’re looking to one of his Man United team-mates to take advantage of another favourable home fixture
Elsewhere, a Watford defender who has gone under the radar for much of this season gets our seal of approval, while West Ham’s star man takes our fancy for David Moyes’ first home match in charge this evening.
Juan Mata
Handed the No 10 role at the expense of Henrikh Mkhitaryan for Manchester United’s 4-1 win over Newcastle United, Juan Mata now looks a different prospect ahead of tomorrow’s home meeting with Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Spain international registered two key passes, including one big chance that was converted by Romelu Lukaku in Gameweek 12.
Crucially, the playmaker, who is priced at just 6.9 in FPL, has started five of Man United’s six home matches and has returned a goal and an assist in his last two outings at Old Trafford.
Even with a peripheral role so far, often starting down the right flank, Mata has created a chance every 41 minutes. That’s a better rate than the likes of Brighton’s Pascal Gross (42) and Manchester City’s Leroy Sane (43).
With the return of Paul Pogba reigniting the United attack, Mata could now flourish.
Brighton arrive at Old Trafford on a five-match unbeaten run, but have lost 2-0 in each of their two previous encounters against top-six sides, at Arsenal and at home to Manchester City.
Man United’s schedule over the medium term, particularly between Gameweeks 17 and 23, is very favourable, further adding to the appeal of the 2.1%-owned Spaniard.
Providing we continue to see the goals flow with Pogba in the starting line up – United have averaged 3.2 goals per match with the France international in the side, compared to 1.6 without – Mata can be a factor.
For FPL managers who are unable or unwilling to stretch their budget to Pogba and Lukaku, the Man United schemer looks to be one to consider.
Kiko Femenia
Watford defender Kiko Femenia was forced off with a leg injury during last Sunday’s 2-0 over West Ham United.
But having been declared fit by Marco Silva, he gets our vote ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Newcastle United.
The Spaniard has enjoyed an impressive debut campaign so far and really caught the eye playing at right wing-back in Gameweek 12.
Silva could stick with the 3-4-2-1 formation against the Magpies, changing the profile of the 4.6%-owned defender.
Throughout the season, Femenia has offered a real threat down the right flank – he is second to only Richarlison for passes received (149 to 187) in the final third among Hornets players.
In terms of touches per minute, only Abdoulaye Doucoure is busier among Watford’s regular starters, while only Jose Holebas – who was dropped against the Hammers – has put in more crosses than Femenia, whose 35 attempts have all come from open play.
He is also strong in the Bonus Points System (BPS), and has impressively registered seven bonus points in the four matches where Silva’s side have produced a clean sheet.
Although the shut-out last weekend was Watford’s first since Gameweek 4, the match-up with Newcastle looks favourable from a defensive perspective.
Rafa Benitez’s side have only scored twice over the last four Gameweeks, creating just two big chances.
In both categories, they rank last among all 20 clubs.
Watford’s schedule is also kind in the medium term, so Femenia, who sets us back just 4.5 in FPL, can be an effective differential for some time to come.
Manuel Lanzini
Back from injury, and having completed 90 minutes in each of the last four Gameweeks, West Ham United’s Manuel Lanzini can get Gameweek 13 off to a flyer.
The Hammers host Leicester City tonight and the Argentine scored in the corresponding fixture last season.
Lanzini’s performances since returning from injury have been encouraging.
No West Ham player has had more shots (nine) or efforts on target (five), while his six key passes can be matched only by Pablo Zabaleta.
And his penchant for a long-range effort could be set to profit against a Foxes defence that have allowed 92 efforts outside the box – only Burnley (102) have allowed more.
With eight goals, three assists and an impressive 20 bonus points to his name last season, Lanzini has proven FPL pedigree.
If David Moyes’ side are to turn things around, the 6.8-valued midfielder will surely be the driving force.
Given that Leicester have earned just a single clean sheet on their travels, and only three teams have allowed more than their 35 shots on target, there’s optimism that the Hammers can enjoy success this evening.
After netting his first goal of this campaign in his last home fixture against Liverpool, Lanzini, who is sitting in just 0.6% of FPL squads, can be a key differential in Gameweek 13.
