Dec 14

Gameweek 7 Preview

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Our Jack Woodfield gleans the data from the top-scoring strikers so far in his Gameweek 7 preview, with an eye to identifying the best short-term options, while there are also tributes to Cesar Azpilicueta and Oumar Niasse. It can feel like a cruel (yet fair) joke that we're only allowed three strikers in FPL, and the current wealth of in-form forward options often necessitates leaving out someone who probably scored a hat-trick last weekend. And that, of course, pertains if you already have three premium strikers; things get trickier if your pricier midfield requires a budget striker. So which of the high-flying strikers so far represent the best short-term investments? Ahead of Gameweek 7 I've assembled some of the salient pros and cons of the top seven-scoring strikers, all of whom have scored four or more goals so far, and analysed the stats which exhibit their value. The strikers are Sergio Aguero (£11.7m), Alvaro Morata (£10.3m), Romelu Lukaku (£11.7m), Jamie Vardy (£8.5m), Gabriel Jesus (£10.5m), Harry Kane (£12.5m) and Alexandre Lacazette (£10.3m). None are cheap; all are in good form. The season is still in its infancy, so this analysis is directed solely with the next few fixtures in mind. Fixture Difficulty Rating (FDR) is the only predictive factor; the other stats are steered towards gauging our top seven's underlying metrics from their respective goalscoring runs. Forwards Stats First 6 Gameweeks

Sergio Aguero

The game's leading point scorer was benched by Pep Guardiola in GW 3, but responded with five goals and three assists in three Premier League games. Rotation under Pep is a customary risk, but Aguero's metrics are good � he has the third highest shots per game of the striker cohort - and three of Man City's next five league fixtures are at home. The Citizens have won 5-0, 6-0 and 5-0 in their last three Premier League games, and Aguero is currently as much an essential striker as anyone else.

Alvaro Morata

The Spaniard's sumptuous hat-trick against Stoke likely verified his credentials to any lingering doubters that he will score regularly this season. While his shooting accuracy is the second-lowest of the cohort, Morata's metrics are fairly similar to Aguero's � very consistent. Chelsea's upcoming fixtures are delicious opportunities for Morata too: after Man City (H) in GW7, the Blues face Palace (A), Watford (A) then Bournemouth (A).

Romelu Lukaku

Having played the most minutes compared to his rivals, it's a logical assumption that Lukaku will be higher up regarding shooting statistics. And he is. His 14 shots on target can't be bettered, and he's second for shots per game and shooting accuracy. However, after a straightforward start, Man United's league fixtures are toughening up. Palace (H) in GW7 is the calm before a storm of Liverpool (A), Tottenham (H) and Chelsea (A) in their next four.

Jamie Vardy

Oft left out of premier FPL striker conversations, Vardy's stats are impressive when you consider Leicester's wretched start to the season. His 62% shooting accuracy is better than all his rivals, despite having the second lowest shots. He probably shouldn't cost £4m less than Kane, and that penalty miss against Liverpool aside, he's scored seven of his nine Premier League spot-kicks.

Harry Kane

No FPL asset has been more scrutinised this season than Harry Kane. And his stats make for complex analysis. While his 33% shooting accuracy appears woeful, it should be noted that he's hit the woodwork a staggering FIVE times. Still, he has the second-highest shots on target, and his remarkable 39 shots illustrate a man brimming with confidence. Spurs' mean FDR is a tad misleading, however. After Huddersfield (A) this week they've three of their next four games at Wembley. And many of us have been stung enough to know that, for now, Kane is incapable of scoring league goals (and likewise Spurs winning league games) at Wembley.

Alexandre Lacazette

An omission from this analysis prior to his brace against West Brom on Monday, Lacazette has scored all four of his league goals at the Emirates, and upcoming home ties with Brighton and Swansea will inevitably yield further opportunities for the Frenchman. His two shots per game is concerning, but his 58% shot accuracy shows he is still finishing impressively when the chances come his way.

Gabriel Jesus

Ostensibly a sure starter under Pep Guardiola, Jesus' benching and lack of any action for Man City against Crystal Palace was a bombshell for his owners. Moreover, his 323 minutes of game time so far is the lowest amongst his rivals by some way. A tremendous talent, for sure, but Jesus arguably represents the biggest risk of all the premium strikers.

Verdict

Kane and Lukaku's GW7 fixtures are likely to return big rewards for the duo based on their current form, but Morata is unavoidable from GW8 onwards. Chelsea's fixtures ease up, as do Arsenal's, and Morata and Lacazette offer a more affordable interim partnership for those looking to cash in on Kane or Lukaku after GW7. Vardy too represents worthwhile value; Jesus is more of a gamble.

Essentials collection

Cesar Azpilicueta Cesar Azpilicueta is quietly stealing Marcos Alonso's status as the most valuable defender in FPL. With four assists in three games � all for Morata - the Spanish connection is garnering hefty rewards. Azpilicueta hasn't yet missed a minute of Premier League football this season; he's second only to Antonio Valencia for overall points among defenders.

GW7 risk factors

Oumar Niasse Oumar Niasse, incredibly, was only added to FPL following his two goals against Bournemouth in GW6. He wasn't owned by a single player beforehand. He is now, though. And with Everton's next two games against Burnley (H) and Brighton (A), expect Niasse to lead the line following Sandro Ramirez's struggles. The former Hull loanee is a cheap option with a point to prove if you're looking to bolster your more expensive midfield options. Follow Jack for more FPL insight...

More FPL Gameweek Tips

Wondering who to pick as as your Gameweek 7 Captain? @FPLHolly discusses the best options in her weekly GW7 Captain tips article. Follow Us for more #FPL tips, picks and expert opinion. [/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type="1_6" layout="1_6" spacing="" center_content="no" hover_type="none" link="" mer_position="all" padding="" dimension_margin="" animation_type="" animation_direction="left" animation_speed="0.3" animation_offset="" last="no" element_content=""][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]