GW8 Ones to watch: Riyad Mahrez

The Scout is tipping five players to produce big points in Gameweek 8 of Fantasy Premier League.

Riyad Mahrez (MCI) £8.5m

The Algerian has climbed to joint-fourth among FPL midfielders thanks to a series of strong all-round performances.

Mahrez has provided two goals, two assists and 25 points over the last two Gameweeks.

His improving output highlights why he is earning more minutes in Manchester City's starting XI this season. 

The winger has produced two goals and five assists in total over his four starts, recording double-digit FPL hauls on three of those occasions.

And with Kevin De Bruyne (£10.0m) an injury doubt for Sunday's home match against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Mahrez could become even more important for Pep Guardiola's side.

The underlying statistics over the last four Gameweeks further strengthen Mahrez’s claim for a regular role.

His total of nine shots on target is more than any midfielder in FPL in this period, and second only to the 10 of Tammy Abraham (£7.6m).

That tally also fares well when assessed against his team-mates.

Sergio Aguero (£12.2m) and Bernardo Silva (£7.9m) are his nearest rivals, with five shots on target apiece.

Unlocking defences

Mahrez has also been a major creator in these recent matches.

His total of 15 key passes is joint-top along with De Bruyne and Gylfi Sigurdsson (£7.6m).

Compared with last season, the Algerian’s creativity has improved significantly.

He is supplying a key pass every 20 minutes, down from an average of 56 minutes in 2018/19.

A home encounter with Wolves gives Mahrez the chance to get more points.

Indeed, sitting in just 3.6 per cent of squads, his potential for goals and assists raises his appeal as a major captaincy differential for Gameweek 8.

Also in this series

Part 2: GW8 Ones to watch: Emiliano Buendia
Part 3: GW8 Ones to watch: Wilfried Zaha
Part 4: GW8 Ones to watch: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Part 5: GW8 Ones to watch: John McGinn