Fantasy Premier League

FPL promoted picks: Ajayi goals can offer value

By The Scout 6 Aug 2020
Semi Ajayi, WBA

The Scout on why West Brom centre-back could prove a handy source of cut-price points in 2020/21 Fantasy

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The Scout looks at the defensive and attacking prospects of the three promoted sides for 2020/21 Fantasy Premier League.

West Bromwich Albion

The goal threat of Semi Ajayi (£5.0m) could provide FPL managers with a tempting option in defence.

West Brom's centre-back scored five goals in their promotion-winning campaign.

That total matched both Virgil van Dijk (£6.5m) and John Lundstram (£5.5m), who led the way for goals among 2019/20 FPL defenders.

Furthermore, Ajayi's 24 shots inside the penalty area were bettered by only eight defenders in FPL last term.

He also looks a secure pick, starting 43 of their 46 matches in the Championship, more than any other Baggies defender.

Ajayi goals in 2019/20

Kyle Bartley (£4.5m) combined two goals with two assists over his 38 appearances at centre-back.

His defensive contribution could earn him bonus points whenever the Baggies keep a clean sheet.

Bartley's 171 clearances, 32 blocks and 45 interceptions were all team-leading totals.

Versatile full-back Dara O'Shea (£4.5m) and goalkeeper Sam Johnstone (£4.5m) could also earn interest from FPL managers.

O’Shea scored three goals in 16 starts, while Johnstone’s 111 saves were top among goalkeepers from the three promoted clubs.

Home struggles a concern?

However, West Brom's defensive record suggests they may not appeal to managers who prefer to rotate their picks home and away.

Although they managed 14 clean sheets, the Baggies struggled to keep out their opponents when playing at The Hawthorns.

Slaven Bilic's side managed only five shutouts in 23 home matches.

But Ajayi's goal threat can still warrant investment, albeit at the slightly prohibitive cost of £5.0m.

Also in this series

Part 2: Pereira the star of West Brom attack
Part 3: Bryan best option in Fulham defence
Part 4: Mitrovic the focal point of Fulham attack
Part 5: Attacking Leeds full-backs to shine
Part 6: Bamford the leading threat for Leeds

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