Fantasy Premier League

FPL promoted picks: Attacking Leeds full-backs to shine

By The Scout 8 Aug 2020
Stuart Dallas, Leeds

The Scout on why Stuart Dallas and Luke Ayling are the leading candidates in Leeds' defence for 2020/21 Fantasy

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The Scout looks at the Fantasy Premier League prospects of the three promoted sides.

Leeds United

Marcelo Bielsa’s preference for attacking full-backs bodes well for FPL managers this season.

Left-back Stuart Dallas (£4.5m), pictured, scored five goals and supplied three assists for the Championship winners in 2019/20, while Luke Ayling (£4.5m) combined four goals with four assists down the right.

Dallas' top 10 Leeds goals 

The underlying statistics pinpoint Dallas’ big potential for FPL returns.

His total of 26 shots on target placed second overall for Leeds in the previous campaign.

The left-back also bettered Ayling for shots, by 77 to 35, and chances created, by 43 to 29.

The new Wolves and Sheff Utd?

Leeds’ defensive record also looks promising ahead of 2020/21 FPL.

They kept 22 clean sheets and conceded only 35 goals, the best defensive record in the Championship on both counts.

This suggests they can emulate the performances of Wolverhampton Wanderers and Sheffield United in recent seasons.

Each of those teams also had the leading defences in the Championship when promoted in 2017/18 and 2018/19 respectively.

And their backlines proved reliable in the Premier League.

Wolves went on to claim nine clean sheets in 2018/19, ranking 11th overall, while only three clubs bettered Sheff Utd’s total of 13 shutouts last season.

Monitor White's situation

However, FPL managers should keep an eye on what happens with Ben White (£4.5m) this summer.

The centre-back excelled while on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion last season.  

He was the only player to start all 46 Championship matches and his totals of 122 clearances, 25 blocks and 118 interceptions were all more than any team-mate.

If he returns to Elland Road, White can have big bonus potential in FPL and raise the appeal of their other defenders.

Who will be No 1? 

FPL managers should also monitor any pre-season friendlies for signs of Bielsa's first-choice goalkeeper.

Kiko Casilla (£4.5m) began last season as Leeds’ No 1 but Illan Meslier (£4.5m) started their final 10 matches.

Meslier was on loan but completed a permanent move to Leeds last month.

But overall it is Leeds' full-backs who look to be their biggest targets, with Dallas’ goal threat giving him the edge as their go-to defender.

Also in this series

Part 1: Ajayi goals for West Brom can offer value
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 6: Bamford the leading threat for Leeds

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