Fantasy Premier League

FPL fixture analysis: Southampton stars can be Fantasy bargains

By The Scout 1 Dec 2022

The Scout says a favourable schedule and a new manager should alert FPL managers to Saints assets

The Scout pinpoints the teams with the most favourable schedules, according to the Fixture Difficulty Ratings (FDR), when the Premier League returns on 26 December, identifying which players Fantasy Premier League managers should consider with their unlimited transfers.

Southampton

The Saints' kind run of upcoming opponents hands them the chance to make an immediate impact under new first-team manager Nathan Jones.

According to the Fixture Difficulty Ratings (FDR), five of their next seven matches score only two.

Southampton's next seven matches

GW	Opp.	FDR	GW	Opp.	FDR
17	BHA (H)	3	21	AVL (H)	2
18	FUL (A)	2	22	BRE (A)	3
19	NFO (H)	2	23	WOL (H)	2
20	EVE (A)	2

In defence, full-back Romain Perraud (£4.4m) boasts a major attacking threat.

The Frenchman has produced two goals, an assist and 30 points in his last six matches.

Indeed, his total of 20 shots is more than any other defender in 2022/23 Fantasy.

Midfield options

Playmaker James Ward-Prowse (£6.2m) supplied an assist in Jones' first match in charge, a 3-1 defeat at Liverpool in Gameweek 16.

Despite managing only two assists this term, he has been among the standout creators.

See which Saints can improve your squad

Ward-Prowse's 30 key passes and six big chances created are both team-leading totals, with each placing fifth among midfielders.

Meanwhile, Joe Aribo (£5.2m) could prove a handy budget pick in midfield. The winger has scored twice and leads Ward-Prowse by 12 shots in the box to one.