Replacing Richarlison

The boring pick…

Theo Walcott – £6.7 – 11.7%

If you owned Richarlison because you liked having an Everton attacker, then you have the option of a like-for-like transfer to Theo Walcott. Walcott has started the season well in terms of FPL returns, with two goals and one assist in the first three GWs. Moreover, Everton have very good fixtures coming up, with HUD, WHU, ars, FUL, lei and CRY in their next six matches – all games where Walcott could possibly bag FPL returns. However, it is worth noting that Walcott’s underlying statistics have not been impressive to begin the season, with only 4 shots and 3 shot assists in the first three GWs.

The safe pick…

Pedro – £6.6 – 10.2%

If you don’t own Pedro, he is probably the best option to replace Richarlison with. Over the first three GWs, Pedro has been one of the best players in the league. In this time, he has scored 2 goals from 9 shots, and created 4 chances for his teammates. Seemingly a nailed on starter in an attacking Chelsea side, a £6.6 Pedro is too good to ignore, especially given Chelsea’s fixtures (BOU, CAR, whu).

The cheap pick…

N’Golo Kanté – £5.0 – 23.0%

Let’s be honest. Kanté isn’t a great FPL option. However, he is cheap, and this season offers a much increased potential for FPL returns. Under Sarri, Kanté is playing in a more advanced position, averaging 42 forward zone passes per game over the first three GWs. He has also been making regular runs into the box, and although he has netted one goal (from 4 shots), he could have had more. With this said, given Chelsea’s fixtures (BOU, CAR, whu) and the fact that buying him will free up just under £2.0, he could be worth a transfer.

The differential pick…

Demarai Gray – £5.5 – 1.6%

Gray has started the season brightly in his role as Mahrez’s replacement. Gray has averaged 2.1 shots per game over the first three GWs, and has an average position of around the edge of the penalty area near the ‘D.’ This is interesting, as despite playing as a winger, Gray is spending a great deal of time in central areas. Furthermore, after three GWs, Gray ranks 1^st for completed take-ons (11). Given Leicester’s upcoming fixtures (LIV, bou, HUD, new, EVE), Gray has much potential.

The risky pick…

Pascal Groß – £6.9 – 5.2%

Groß demonstrated his FPL capabilities last season, bagging 164 points thanks to 7 goals, 8 assists and 24 bonus points. This season has not begun that well for Groß, only playing 59% of all minutes so far. As a result, his underlying stats are pretty much non-existent. However, he has passed the ‘eye test’ when he has been on the field, looking reasonably threatening with the ball and drifting into good areas without the ball. It also must be pointed out that Groß took Brighton’s penalty again Manchester United whilst Glen Murray was on the field, meaning that he is the side’s first choice taker. So, if Groß can nail down a regular starting spot like last season, he could be a shrewd signing, especially given Brighton’s favourable upcoming fixtures.

If you have some spare cash…

Henrikh Mkhitaryan – £7.1 – 20.2%

Despite Arsenal’s poor form, the Armenian has been a shining light over the first 3 GWs. In this time, Mkhitaryan has registered a shot frequency of 1 shot every 33.75 minutes, and he has created 1 chance every 38.57 minutes. He has also whipped in 12 crosses. Under Emery, Mkhi has been given a roaming licence in attack, and this is highlighted by his average position per game, which is not concentrated in one particular area, but spread out between the wings and central areas. Given that other Arsenal assets such as Aubameyang (£10.9) are struggling for form, Mkhi is be the way to go if you want Arsenal coverage.

Our Personal WFC Picks

@WFC_Seb – Jesse Lingard – £6.9 – 3.4%

One of the cardinal rules of FPL is ‘form over fixtures.’ So, I am replacing Richarlison with Jesse Lingard, a player with no form at all, playing in a team that is completely out of form. Really, this transfer is just based on a feeling I have that Lingard will do something over the next month or so.

@WFC_LS_Potzi – Ikay Gündogan – £5.5 – 2.7%

Gündogan looks nailed on now that De Bruyne is out injured. At £5.5, he is the cheapest of Manchester City’s creative players. Over the first three GWs, the German’s underlying stats have been very impressive, registering 6 shots, creating 2 big chances, and providing 1 assist, as well as picking up 3 bonus points. Moreover, Gündogan have made 42 attacking zone passes per game, indicating his propensity to get involved in the City attack. City still have some amazing fixtures coming up (NEW, FUL, car, BHA), and this coupled with Gündogan’s early season form make him an appealing option as a cut-price route into the dominant City attack.