What to do with James Maddison?
Up next in our ‘What to do’ series, we look at Leicester’s James Maddison. Specifically, should FPL managers keep or sell him?
What to do?
The ownership of James Maddison has escalated over recent weeks. Highly bought for popular Free Hit activations in Gameweeks 30 and 33, his 818,000 ‘regular’ owners of Gameweek 31 are already up to 1.38 million. He was the most-bought player of Gameweek 33 (652,000 buys) and second-most the week before (299,000) because of the high quantity of Leicester fixtures remaining. Although it also helped that seven goals and six assists arrived in 14 matches between Gameweeks 13 and 30.
Player’s Form
Typically, in true FPL style, his returns have dried up over the last few appearances. 21 points from five outings, with a pair of assists followed by three blanks.
Whilst only three players have created more than his 16 chances since Gameweek 29, he seems to be playing wider in recent matches. That collaborates with only two players producing more crosses since Gameweek 31 – James Ward-Prowse and Christian Eriksen.
One of these set up Kelechi Iheanacho’s equaliser at Man United and they seem to be the main source of Maddison’s attacking threat. For example, his four shots inside the box and 15 penalty area touches have been beaten by many since Gameweek 29.
Team’s Fixtures
These fixtures are part of what has made Maddison so appealing in recent weeks. One of three teams to double-double over Gameweeks 36 and 37, the hosting of Everton and Norwich is particularly attractive. However, his recent benching at Newcastle highlighted the big problem. Leicester are prioritising their Europa Conference League semi-finals, which sandwich Gameweek 35’s trip to Spurs.
They continue to play every three-to-four days until the season finishes, so tiredness and rotation are already a factor. Even when Maddison plays all 90 minutes – such as their last two league games – are both he and the team fatigued?
FPL Alternatives
Some FPL managers may already be thinking of an exit route, despite the nice fixture run. Because Leicester isn’t the only side to have one. Aston Villa’s Philippe Coutinho could resurrect his huge loss of ownership ahead of meetings with Norwich, Crystal Palace and Burnley (twice). Maybe his cheaper team mate Jacob Ramsey offers a tempting downgrade, just like the double-double of Everton’s Anthony Gordon.
Those interested in Chelsea midfielders are likely to have already done so but Phil Foden was rested on Saturday. Man City’s enticing fixtures and the pressure of Liverpool’s chase means they can’t afford any slip-up. On the other hand, perhaps Wilfried Zaha could be a maverick, rank-climbing pick.
Thoughts from the FPL community
Meanwhile, Prop Joe believes the popular Chelsea midfielders are just as prone to rotation as Maddison.
And FPL Rohitz also sees Coutinho as an intriguing way to sell Maddison.
