Fantasy Premier League

Palace winger Townsend makes his mark

By The Scout 19 Sep 2016
Crystal Palace v Stoke

Summer signing combines creativity and a fine goal in Gameweek 5, tempting FPL managers to invest

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The Bonus Points

Crystal Palace claimed seven of the top eight places in the Fantasy Premier League Bonus Point System (BPS) as they earmed a 4-1 win over Stoke City.

Andros Townsend (£6.3m) came out on top with his first FPL returns of the season, rewarded by a maximum three points.

The winger provided an assist and a superb solo goal, along with four completed dribbles and six recoveries to collect 42 BPS.

James McArthur (£4.9m) sealed a pair of bonus points following a rare goal, accompanied by a combative midfield display.

Crystal Palace v Stoke
McArthur celebrates his first Premier League goal of the season

The Scot made eight clearances, blocks and interceptions (CBI), registered 12 recoveries and won three tackles for a BPS tally of 36.

Jason Puncheon (£5.5m) supplied the assist for McArthur's goal, and another for Scott Dann's first-half (£5.5m) header.

He completed 96% of his passes and also pitched in with 12 recoveries.

The ICT Index

Townsend's eye-catching performance is also evident in the ICT Index. He topped the ranks in this match with 12.0 overall.

A constant source of creativity, Townsend supplied 10 crosses and created two chances for team-mates, in addition to firing in two on target efforts himself.

But Puncheon was the Eagles' most inventive supplier, mainly from set-pieces.

The former Southampton man provided 12 crossed balls, with 10 arriving from dead balls, laying on four goalscoring opportunities.

He scored 10.1 in the Index, a total surpassed by Wilfried Zaha (£5.4m) on the opposite flank with 10.8.

Having scored in the 2-1 win at Middlesbrough in Gameweek 4, Zaha failed to get on the scoresheet but registered 91 Threat in the Index.

Crystal Palace v Stoke City - Premier League
Zaha continued his recent resurgence with a fine display against Stoke

Zaha had four attempts on goal, all from within the Stoke City penalty area.

The Scout Notes

Townsend's display and 10-point return calls for a re-assessment of his FPL potential in a week that saw his price drop to just £6.3m.

But Scott Dann remains the real attraction in Alan Pardew's ranks.

The central defender headed his second goal of the campaign and, with 10 attempts so far this season, has been Palace's most potent threat.

Notably, Dann had three efforts on goal in this match with new signing Christian Benteke (£7.6m) failing to register a single attempt in the 4-1 victory.

Palace may not deliver consistent clean sheets but, such is their effectiveness on set-plays, Dann would appear to have the potential to go on providing goals.

As for Stoke City, they will turn to the fixture list for some comfort after suffering another damaging defeat.

Mark Hughes' men enjoy a run of kinder fixtures in the next five Gameweeks, with West Bromwich Albion, Sunderland and Swansea due at the bet365 Stadium.

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