The 2019-20 Premier League enters into it’s 8th matchday and things will soon start to shape up as regards the fortunes of players and teams. Matchday 7 provided a change of scenery for FPL users, with the usual culprits not amassing as many points as they normally do.
FPL users have become accustomed to seeing Mohamed Salah, Callum Wilson, Tammy Abraham, Raheem Sterling and Sergio Aguero top the charts for their respective teams. Instead, it was the likes of Joshua King, Georginio Wijnaldum and Jorginho who shined for them.
Matt Doherty was the star of Matchday 7, bagging the most points in FPL (15) for the gameweek. Ricardo Pereira came close, with 13 points to his name.
Matchday 8 will be a battle for FPL users, with many torn between keeping the high-price superstars and going for bargains or going for the mix of medium priced regular contributors. We provide five names that you can consider for your free transfer.
Ashley Barnes (Burnley) – Forward – £6.5
Back in the limelight in terms of differentials after being discarded by a healthy proportion of FPL users, Ashley Barnes is currently still owned by a considerable 7.1%. His drop in price and popularity may stem from the fact that he has failed to contribute in any of his last four league games.
Add to that the fact that his partner-in-crime Chris Wood is starting to recapture his form, there are many who have chosen to dump Barnes in favour of his teammate or for other similarly priced stars. But, Barnes has a favourable schedule in the coming weeks and there’s no telling whether he will start scoring again or continue his slump.
But, for the price and the differential available, Barnes is a gamble worth taking, especially if one considers that the upside is far greater than the downside of using your transfer on him. Up against Everton, Burnley will create chances and Barnes is likely to get himself on the end of at least 1, if not more. Whether he scores or not depends on his form on the day and that of Jordan Pickford.
Jordan Pickford (Everton) – Goalkeeper – £5.5
Almost every team has a mixed bag of a run in the coming weeks. Marco Silva’s side have shown an ability to get stuck in when needed and Pickford seems to be in form this season so far. Their offensive record this season does them no favours, which is why Silva will need Pickford and co. to be on their best form in order to secure a good run of results during this run-in of fixtures.
Up against Burnley, Pickford might not be the best choice for the current gameweek but is definitely one going forward overall. This pick is a suggestion not for this gameweek particularly but one in general, especially with Pickford owned by only 9.6% of the FPL users right now.
Willian (Chelsea) – Midfielder – £7.0
Frank Lampard seems to prefer Willian a lot, especially over summer arrival Christian Pulisic and other wingers in his squad. The Brazilian has bailed out Chelsea twice already this season and given their run, expect the 1.3% owned player to be a hot quantity for FPL users going forward.
Willian has scored in consecutive games for the first time this season, with goals against Brighton and Lille coming at important intervals. The Brazilian can really hit form during the coming weeks and be worth a punt for FPL users, especially with the star seemingly undroppable under Lampard.
Oliver McBurnie (Sheffield United) – Forward – £5.9
Sheffield United do not have that favourable a run-in for McBurnie to be considered a good option. But, given the differential the summer signing provides, with the forward currently owned by just 0.2% of the teams, the Sheffield United star might be worth the gamble, if there are users who are looking for a low-cost option in attack.
Watford are struggling and McBurnie could use the fixture to polish his form and get in his groove, with McBurnie yet to reprise his Championship form at Sheffield United.
Marcus Rashford (Manchester United) – Forward – £8.4
Marcus Rashford is not really offering that much of a differential, currently finding himself in 10.3% of the FPL teams. But, given the common forwards that most people have, Rashford is still an outside choice for FPL users. Manchester United are currently desperate for goals and wins and it is perhaps time that the academy ace steps up amid criticism over his finishing skills and form.
The Newcastle game could prove to be a springboard for Rashford, who really needs a goal from open play to get going. With Pogba doubtful and Martial out, the responsibility will fall on Rashford’s shoulders and it is time the local lad proves himself yet again.
