Fantasy Premier League: Three tips for Palace v Liverpool
Two factors make Sadio Mane a particularly attractive option for Fantasy Premier League managers this weekend.
Liverpool’s No.10 boasts an outstanding record versus his side’s opponents on Saturday, Crystal Palace.
Mane has scored in four consecutive games against the Eagles – matches all won by the Reds – and, with seven goals and four assists in the Premier League so far this season, he is the FPL’s top-scoring midfielder with 83 points to his name.
At a price of £12.1 million, the Senegalese does not come cheap. But history and form suggests he could well be worth every penny this weekend – as well as being a strong captaincy candidate, too.
Speaking ahead of the Premier League leaders’ trip to Selhurst Park, Jürgen Klopp praised the recent performances of Dejan Lovren.
“Good, very good – but I’m not surprised. Dejan Lovren is the highest quality centre-half,” said the boss.
The Croatian’s form, along with the fact Joel Matip remains a doubt due to a knee injury, means his fourth consecutive top-flight start is in the offing.
Therefore, at £5.3 million, Lovren may represent a smart addition for FPL bosses looking for a Liverpool presence in their defence this weekend.
Palace head into the game as the division’s joint-lowest scorers at home in 2019-20, with Roy Hodgson’s side having netted four times in their six outings at Selhurst to date.
Meanwhile, Lovren’s four Premier League appearances so far this season have included just one yellow card and he has previous in terms of goalscoring in south London, too – the No.6 netted in a 4-2 victory at Palace in 2016-17.
Value for money could also be found in the selection of Divock Origi.
Klopp told the media on Friday that a late decision will be made on the availability of Mohamed Salah, who missed Egypt’s games during the international break due to an ankle issue.
And should the No.11 be deemed unfit to face Palace, the likelihood of Origi playing surely increases.
The Belgian has featured in all but three of Liverpool’s Premier League fixtures this term and started in place of Salah when his ankle problem caused him to miss last month’s 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.
At £5.2 million, Origi may be a cost-effective option for FPL managers seeking a modestly-priced forward who plays for an in-form team.