The Best Mid-Priced Forward - Lukaku vs Pelle vs Benteke - Fantasy Premier League Tips
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A common discussion in FPL is often, ‘which premium striker should I choose'? In our opinion, this is one of the most predictable and template picks you will make due to limited options. With Aguero & Costa's fitness up in the air and the likelihood of the pair missing at least GW there appears to be a distinctive split of ownership between Wayne Rooney (33.5%) and Harry Kane (36.1%).
This opens up a void in which the question appears ‘Which Mid-Priced Forward should I pick'? You will most likely want to pair your premium pick with a temporary mid-priced forward until the big guns return firing.
We will discuss your options regarding personnel, fixtures and most importantly, the quality of the player. This last point is invaluable for FPL as many overlook common sense in the frantic over analysis that builds up before kick-off on Saturday.
Romelu Lukaku 8.0m (16.9% Ownership) First up is Everton's target man Romelu Lukaku. The Belgian centre forward is a nailed on starter whenever fit and due to the lack of competition up top (Naismith & Kone) he is relied upon heavily to score the goals. Lukaku is Everton's focal point but only managed 10 goals in the Premier league last season. We feel that this number and his performances were majorly impacted by Everton's busy European schedule. The starting XI was rotated around Lukaku, so the forward struggled to form settled partnerships going forward. This season he will be free of this distraction, which is only a positive in our opinion. Despite this poor return domestically, Lukaku certainly did not have trouble finding the net in Europe with 8 goals in 9 appearances, the majority (8) coming beyond the group stages. If he can start to perform this clinically come the start of this season he could well be an inspired selection for your side. Lukaku's goal-scoring exploits will further be aided by the fact that he has replaced Leighton Baines as the designated penalty-taker, scoring 2 from the spot vs. Hearts last week. We do advise you to be aware of Lukaku's tendency of being an explosive FPL player, so although he could push you up the leaderboard from the off, he could also leave you stranded in your mini-leagues. Although the opening fixtures look tough for Lukaku over his competition, Everton do kick off their season by welcoming newly promoted Watford to Goodison Park. This is the kind of fixture where Lukaku can be considered a potential captain candidate; but approach with caution, as he has the potential to leave you basking in the glory or just as easily pulling your hair out.
Graziano Pelle 8.0m (13.6% Ownership) The slick-haired Italian has earned his place in this battle of the best mid-priced forward. He is a more appealing option fixture wise than Lukaku & Benteke, but despite his prolific goal-scoring history his lacklustre style might put off the bulk of managers. Since the 30-year-old arrived from Feyenoord in July 2014 he has played in just about every minute of action for his side. Ronald Koeman is a big fan of the striker and has experience of working with him at Feyenoord. Pelle racked up an impressive 55 goals in just 66 appearances in the Eredivisie for Feyenoord, so it's no surprise that Koeman is a fan! During his first season at St Mary's he struggled for the same consistency with 12 goals in 38 matches. Pelle has found the net 6 times during pre-season and while delving into his statistical history we did notice something that might excite potential owners; he is a quick starter, as highlighted in the following. 2012/13 = 8 goals in first 9 matches, 2013/14 = 6 goals in first 5 matches & 2014/15 = 6 goals in first 8 matches. Food for thought. Pelle was 4th in the highest points scored by a forward last season and was just a single point adrift of Diego Costa. Yes, he featured significantly more (1212 minutes) than the Chelsea talisman, but this is still a first-rate achievement especially when playing for a team outside the top 6. As stated earlier Southampton have one of - if not - the best opening fixtures of any club with; Newcastle (a), Everton (H), Watford (a), Norwich (H), West Brom (a). Many people doubt that Pelle is ruthless and mobile enough to match the likes of Lukaku or Benteke, but when playing as the most advanced forward in an exciting Southampton side, with these fixtures and seemingly nailed on he is an excellent alternative.
Christian Benteke 8.5m (31.3% Ownership) The final name on the three-man list is Liverpool's new number 9, Christian Benteke. The Belgian striker was popular even before his move but his ownership has now multiplied further. Despite playing barely over an hour of football for Liverpool in pre-season, he is now the sixth highest owned player in the competition. Firstly, that turning swivel and volley to open his account 48 minutes into his Liverpool debut was tremendous. If that was, let's just say Danny Ings, producing that we would be rubbing our eyes in disbelief, but with Benteke it honestly wasn't that surprising. This highlights his quality and demonstrates his ability to turn a game on its head. The 24-year-old has all the physical attributes; he is quick, powerful and strong as an ox. It doesn't end there as Benteke is also technically skilled and provides what Liverpool fans have been seeking; a striker who can hold the ball up and intricately link play, while making intelligent runs. We feel that if Brendan Rodgers can bed in the correct personnel around Benteke, the striker could have a massive impact on Liverpool's top 4 challenge. From an FPL viewpoint, Benteke had an average season last year with a total of 127 points, scoring 13 times and assisting 2. He will be desperate to improve his conversion rate and prove his worth in red. If Harry Kane can score 21, then Benteke - who in our opinion is vastly more talented - can set a target of 20 goals plus. If he settles quickly, he absolutely is a ‘must have' at this price.
FANTASY PREMIER LEAGUE TIPS
Romelu Lukaku 8.0m (16.9% Ownership) First up is Everton's target man Romelu Lukaku. The Belgian centre forward is a nailed on starter whenever fit and due to the lack of competition up top (Naismith & Kone) he is relied upon heavily to score the goals. Lukaku is Everton's focal point but only managed 10 goals in the Premier league last season. We feel that this number and his performances were majorly impacted by Everton's busy European schedule. The starting XI was rotated around Lukaku, so the forward struggled to form settled partnerships going forward. This season he will be free of this distraction, which is only a positive in our opinion. Despite this poor return domestically, Lukaku certainly did not have trouble finding the net in Europe with 8 goals in 9 appearances, the majority (8) coming beyond the group stages. If he can start to perform this clinically come the start of this season he could well be an inspired selection for your side. Lukaku's goal-scoring exploits will further be aided by the fact that he has replaced Leighton Baines as the designated penalty-taker, scoring 2 from the spot vs. Hearts last week. We do advise you to be aware of Lukaku's tendency of being an explosive FPL player, so although he could push you up the leaderboard from the off, he could also leave you stranded in your mini-leagues. Although the opening fixtures look tough for Lukaku over his competition, Everton do kick off their season by welcoming newly promoted Watford to Goodison Park. This is the kind of fixture where Lukaku can be considered a potential captain candidate; but approach with caution, as he has the potential to leave you basking in the glory or just as easily pulling your hair out.
Graziano Pelle 8.0m (13.6% Ownership) The slick-haired Italian has earned his place in this battle of the best mid-priced forward. He is a more appealing option fixture wise than Lukaku & Benteke, but despite his prolific goal-scoring history his lacklustre style might put off the bulk of managers. Since the 30-year-old arrived from Feyenoord in July 2014 he has played in just about every minute of action for his side. Ronald Koeman is a big fan of the striker and has experience of working with him at Feyenoord. Pelle racked up an impressive 55 goals in just 66 appearances in the Eredivisie for Feyenoord, so it's no surprise that Koeman is a fan! During his first season at St Mary's he struggled for the same consistency with 12 goals in 38 matches. Pelle has found the net 6 times during pre-season and while delving into his statistical history we did notice something that might excite potential owners; he is a quick starter, as highlighted in the following. 2012/13 = 8 goals in first 9 matches, 2013/14 = 6 goals in first 5 matches & 2014/15 = 6 goals in first 8 matches. Food for thought. Pelle was 4th in the highest points scored by a forward last season and was just a single point adrift of Diego Costa. Yes, he featured significantly more (1212 minutes) than the Chelsea talisman, but this is still a first-rate achievement especially when playing for a team outside the top 6. As stated earlier Southampton have one of - if not - the best opening fixtures of any club with; Newcastle (a), Everton (H), Watford (a), Norwich (H), West Brom (a). Many people doubt that Pelle is ruthless and mobile enough to match the likes of Lukaku or Benteke, but when playing as the most advanced forward in an exciting Southampton side, with these fixtures and seemingly nailed on he is an excellent alternative.
Christian Benteke 8.5m (31.3% Ownership) The final name on the three-man list is Liverpool's new number 9, Christian Benteke. The Belgian striker was popular even before his move but his ownership has now multiplied further. Despite playing barely over an hour of football for Liverpool in pre-season, he is now the sixth highest owned player in the competition. Firstly, that turning swivel and volley to open his account 48 minutes into his Liverpool debut was tremendous. If that was, let's just say Danny Ings, producing that we would be rubbing our eyes in disbelief, but with Benteke it honestly wasn't that surprising. This highlights his quality and demonstrates his ability to turn a game on its head. The 24-year-old has all the physical attributes; he is quick, powerful and strong as an ox. It doesn't end there as Benteke is also technically skilled and provides what Liverpool fans have been seeking; a striker who can hold the ball up and intricately link play, while making intelligent runs. We feel that if Brendan Rodgers can bed in the correct personnel around Benteke, the striker could have a massive impact on Liverpool's top 4 challenge. From an FPL viewpoint, Benteke had an average season last year with a total of 127 points, scoring 13 times and assisting 2. He will be desperate to improve his conversion rate and prove his worth in red. If Harry Kane can score 21, then Benteke - who in our opinion is vastly more talented - can set a target of 20 goals plus. If he settles quickly, he absolutely is a ‘must have' at this price.
