Fantasy Premier League

Ibrahimovic filling the Costa gap

By The Scout 19 Dec 2016
Zlatan Ibrahimovic

FPL managers flocking to Man Utd striker to replace suspended Chelsea player for Gameweek 18

Related Articles
Lingard full of praise for match-winner Zlatan External Link
Mourinho pleased with West Brom win External Link
Foster on United defeat and forthcoming festive period External Link

The Bonus Points

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (£11.3m) boosted his Fantasy Premier League stock with a brace of goals, earning Manchester United victory over West Bromwich Albion and the striker maximum bonus points.

The Swede claimed three extra points for the fifth time this season, courtesy of an impressive Bonus Points System (BPS) total of 52, the joint-highest in Gameweek 17 so far with Middlesbrough's Alvaro Negredo (£6.3m).

Having helped earn a sixth clean sheet of the season, Man Utd defenders Matteo Darmian (£5.0m) and Marcos Rojo (£5.2m) claimed the remaining bonus points. 

Matteo Darmian
Matteo Darmian collected two bonus points in his eighth consecutive Premier League start

Darmian earned 34 in the BPS after producing an impressive 17 clearances, blocks and interceptions (CBI) and completing 82% of his 35 passes. That included a big chance created, missed by Jesse Lingard (£5.6m).

Rojo also impressed, registering 15 CBI to earn 28 in the BPS and a single bonus point.

The ICT Index

A dominant display from Ibrahimovic was reflected in the ICT Index.  

The match-winner recorded a total of 14.0, well ahead of his nearest rival, Wayne Rooney (£8.6m), who earned 6.5.

Ibrahimovic recorded the highest United tallies for both Threat (38) and Creativity (33), with two attempts from inside the box and two chances created.

West Brom's Chris Brunt (£5.0m) registered the best Creativity score in Saturday's contest (36).

Chris Brunt, West Bromwich Albion
Chris Brunt has supplied more successful crosses than any other FPL defender over the last four Gameweeks

He succeeded with three of his six attempted crosses, providing two chances for team-mates.

The Scout Notes

Following a run of six Premier League outings without a goal, Ibrahimovic has now fired seven in his last six Gameweek starts.

He has registered 53 points over those matches, more than any other striker, including Chelsea's Diego Costa (£10.9m), who has produced 42 points during the same timeframe.

With Costa suspended for Gameweek 18, Ibrahimovic has been targeted as an in-form replacement.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, left, has scored seven goals in his last six Gameweek starts, amassing 53 points

More than 155,000 FPL managers have acquired Ibrahimovic since Saturday's deadline. Of those, over 96,000 have made the direct trade from Costa.

His fixtures certainly promote investment.

The Red Devils face back-to-back Old Trafford meetings with Sunderland and Middlesbrough, with a trip to West Ham United to follow.

Brunt continues to warrant interest for West Bromwich Albion.

He was shifted to a midfield role having been deployed at left-back against Swansea City in Gameweek 16.

In the last four Gameweeks, Brunt has supplied nine successful crosses from 16 attempts - more than any other FPL defender - creating six chances.

The Baggies face testing trips to Arsenal, Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur over their next four Gameweeks.

From Gameweek 22, however, their schedule improves markedly, with Brunt likely to be a key target.

Latest Videos

More Videos

Video is currently not available.

21 Nov 2024

FPL Pod: Who are Man Utd's best picks under Amorim?

Sam Bonfield says Man Utd's tactics under new head coach Ruben Amorim will have implications for FPL managers

Your details have been submitted successfully.

You have already entered this competition. Please check your email for further information.

Your details have been submitted successfully.

Create a Premier League account

Continue

You are logged in as

Enter your details