After the release of the 2021/22 fixtures, The Scout picks out five midfielders with promising early schedules who should be considered for opening Fantasy Premier League squads.
Jack Grealish (AVL)
A favourable opening schedule for Aston Villa looks like good news for Grealish’s prospects in 2021/22.
Villa face promoted pair Watford and Brentford in the first three Gameweeks, as well as hosting Newcastle United.
That short-term run suggests Grealish could mirror his output from last term.
He scored three goals and also supplied three assists in Villa’s first three matches, totalling 35 points.
Grealish's 24-point haul v Liverpool
The England international was restricted to only 24 starts last season due to injury.
Yet his average of 5.2 points per match was a team-leading total for Villa, ranking among the top 10 midfielders in Fantasy.
Indeed, when selected, Grealish was involved in 45 per cent of his side’s goals, more than any other regular under Dean Smith.
Bruno Fernandes (MUN)
Last season’s top-scoring player in Fantasy has the chance to immediately make his mark in the new campaign.
Fernandes will face only one of last term’s top six sides in his first seven matches, when Manchester United visit West Ham United in Gameweek 5.
The Portuguese’s ability to provide explosive hauls earned him 12 double-figure returns in 2020/21, more than any other player.
That marks him out as a key captaincy pick over the Red Devils’ kind run of early opponents.
Mohamed Salah (LIV)
Liverpool's Egyptian has the schedule to rival Fernandes as the go-to premium player in opening squads.
The Reds face all three promoted sides in their first eight matches, along with Burnley, Leeds United and Crystal Palace.
Salah’s record when facing bottom-half opponents last term points to a successful start to the upcoming campaign.
His 54 shots inside the box and 22 big chances were both more than any other midfielder in Fantasy.
Leandro Trossard (BHA)
Brighton & Hove Albion’s wide man will also play the three promoted sides in his first eight outings.
Indeed, the Seagulls face just two of last season’s top nine in that period.
Trossard was involved in 11 goals in 2020/21, scoring five and assisting a further six.
The statistics highlight his multiple routes to points.
His totals of 32 shots in the box, 23 shots on target and 50 key passes all ranked second for Graham Potter’s side.
Ismaila Sarr (WAT)
His 13 goals and four assists helped Watford claim the runners-up spot in last season’s Championship.
Sarr’s opening schedule gives him the chance to emerge as a key player from the promoted sides, with the Hornets facing only one of last term’s top 10 over the first six Gameweeks.
The underlying numbers underline his all-round potential.
Sarr's 86 shots and 57 shots inside the penalty area were both team-leading totals in 2020/21, while his 42 key passes placed second.
Also in this series
Part 1: Look to Salah and Fernandes for armband
Part 2: Early schedule lifts Dunk appeal
Part 4: Calvert-Lewin has schedule to thrive
