Fantasy Premier League 2021 – 13th-17th Place Preview

Newcastle

Fixtures

Attack 41%

Defence 45%

Another team with a mixed bag, but with some interesting options emerging! Newcastle have had a busier summer than most with the failed Saudi takeover, and they’re now making up for lost time in the transfer market.

On the day I’m writing they have announced Jamal Lewis from Norwich City, as well as Callum Wilson and Ryan Fraser, both joining from Bournemouth where they had a very fruitful partnership until last season. They could be the dark horses to make the top half if they can get past the injury issues that plagued them last season.

Main Pick

Callum Wilson (FWD, Price TBC)

Callum Wilson joins Newcastle and is instantly in my thoughts for FPL. There’s less than a week to go before the Magpies open their season against West Ham. Maybe Wilson won’t start as he gets to know his new teammates and surroundings.

With Gayle facing a long injury lay-off and Carroll always around the corner from another injury, Wilson could be thrown in at the deep end. Provided he costs less than 7.0m I’m interested!

Differential Pick

Miguel Almiron (MID, 6.0m)

Almiron started his life at Newcastle as almost a running joke! However, last season he finally showed some of the promise that persuaded Newcastle to spend £21m on him in 2019. He got 4 goals across the season, 2 after lockdown, and had 2 assists in the season as well (although that could have been more if he hadn’t been setting up Joelinton).

Defensive Pick

Jamaal Lascelles (DEF, 4.5m)

Newcastle’s defence can offer some FPL potential (11 clean sheets in each of the last 2 seasons), as long as you can find the right cheap asset. Unfortunately, they also suffer a lot of injuries, so pinning one down can be hard! Lascelles should be nailed on when fit seeing as he is club captain.

Steer Clear

Joelinton (FWD, 6.0m)

Poor, poor Joelinton. It hasn’t quite worked out for him on Tyneside. He obviously tried hard and puts in the effort, but the phrase couldn’t hit a barn door springs to mind whenever he plays football!

Last season he scored just 2 goals and got 2 assists, this season he is going to be behind Wilson and probably Gayle (when he is fit) in the pecking order. Best avoided until some semblance of form appears (if it ever does)!