How should FPL managers invest in Newcastle?

With Newcastle fixtures continuing to have some appeal, FPL managers are seeking their best players to own.

This international break has come at the right time for the Magpies. An extremely difficult set of opening games brought three losses from four until form turned around with a trio of successive wins. As of now, they’ve coped well with the demands of Champions League football but injuries are starting to pile up.

Currently eighth, Newcastle are set to continue a nice-looking run of fixtures. It ranks first on Fantasy Football Scout’s Season Ticker between Gameweeks 9 and 19.

Whether it’s with a Wildcard or standard free transfers, here are a few good ways to purchase some Newcastle coverage.

NEWCASTLE FPL ATTACKERS

Gameweek 6’s 8-0 win at Sheffield United ensures they rank well in several attacking statistics. Newcastle have the second-highest number of goals (20) and the league’s most big chances (31) and expected goals (xG, 17.48). Quite clinical so far, they’re down in ninth for total attempts (117).

It’s just difficult knowing how to invest, as the rotation between forwards Alexander Isak (£7.5m) and Callum Wilson (£7.8m) is frustrating to FPL managers.

The Swede has bookended the early weeks with two 13-point hauls and his six goals sit joint-second overall. Only Erling Haaland has better xG (5.41) and big chances (10) numbers.

Yet, after quickly rising to £7.7m in price, Isak is already back to £7.5m due to the presence of Wilson. Both sit joint-third with 11 shots on target, with the latter chosen as the starting forward in Gameweeks 5 and 6. He netted in both, collecting seven big chances in just 293 minutes. Whilst both are fit, it’s hard to truly recommend either despite both having superb stats.

Instead, managers may look at cheap midfielder Anthony Gordon (£5.6m) as the better route in. He’ll be back in Gameweek 9 after serving a one-match suspension and the toe injury of Harvey Barnes (£6.3m) will limit his own rotation. Although it could still happen once both Joelinton (£5.8m) and Joe Willock (£5.3m) are available.

Gordon has followed his encouraging summer with England Under-21s by producing two goals and four assists from seven outings. His five big chances created rank joint-fourth.

NEWCASTLE FPL DEFENDERS

Eddie Howe’s side had lost 1-0, 2-1 and 3-1 by the end of Gameweek 4 but had still allowed the second-fewest big chances to opponents (four). They’re now the best in this area (seven), having followed it up with three consecutive clean sheets. Additionally, they are third-best for shots conceded (87) and expected goals conceded (xGC, 8.20).

It follows on from last season’s strong defence that pulled them into Champions League football. Star man Kieran Trippier (£6.8m) landed a huge price rise from £5.0m to £6.5m but – in such brilliant form – he’s still being bought by the masses. 46.5% ownership, rising three times.

2022/23’s best FPL defender has 44 points, five assists and 10 bonuses from the last four matches. This includes 18 points in the 8-0 thrashing. Overall, throughout all positions, Trippier is number one for chances created (27) and successful crosses (23). Only Mohamed Salah has set up more big chances than his six.

However, to fit in Salah, Haaland and other desired assets, many managers are looking to sacrifice Trippier’s attacking output for cheaper Newcastle coverage at the back. Dan Burn (£4.6m) and Sven Botman (£4.7m) both scored at Sheffield United and rank well amongst in their position for penalty area shots.

Then there’s Fabian Schar (£5.2m). The defender with last season’s most attempts, big chances and shots on target didn’t net beyond its opening weekend. He’s also without a league goal so far, although recently scored a screamer against Paris Saint-Germain.

Elsewhere, any temptation to go cheap with Jamaal Lascelles (£3.9m) gets ruled out once Botman recovers from his minor knee issue. Goalkeeper Nick Pope (£5.5m) is too expensive.