Doubling up on Newcastle United forwards Callum Wilson (£7.0m) and Alexander Isak (£6.9m) could prove a winning tactic for Fantasy Premier League managers over the run-in.
Wilson has emerged as the top target ahead of Saturday’s 13:30 BST deadline, bought by 47,000 on the back of his two goals and 12 points against Southampton on Sunday afternoon.
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He has been the top-scoring forward in Fantasy since Double Gameweek 29, earning 54 points thanks to eight goals and an assist.
Wilson’s exploits are all the more impressive given that he started just two of Newcastle’s seven matches in that run, appearing as a substitute on five occasions.
The underlying numbers also show the striker’s prospects have not been affected by his limited pitch time.
See: Top transfers for Gameweek 35
Newcastle’s top goal threats GW29-34
| Stat | Wilson | Willock | Joelinton | Isak |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Points | 54 | 17 | 44 | 34 |
| Shots | 16 | 16 | 15 | 14 |
| Shots in box | 13 | 9 | 11 | 11 |
| Big changes | 8 | 4 | 3 | 3 |
| Shots on target | 10 | 4 | 7 | 8 |
| Starts | 2 | 6 | 6 | 5 |
| Sub apps | 5 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Minutes | 318 | 524 | 552 | 452 |
Wilson's 13 shots in the box and 10 shots on target were both team-leading totals, while his eight big chances were at least double the tally of any other Magpies player.
Isak, meanwhile, has been the most secure pick of the pair, starting five of those seven matches.
Although he didn’t scale the same heights as Wilson, the Swede averaged a respectable 5.8 points per start, producing four goals and an assist.
When assessed against other regular forwards in Fantasy this season, the Newcastle forwards both fare very well for goal threat.
Best forwards for mins/goal
| Forward | Mins per goal | Goals | Minutes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haaland | 85.4 | 16 | 1,366 |
| Wilson | 86.6 | 9 | 779 |
| Isak | 105.3 | 8 | 842 |
| Alvarez | 131.2 | 5 | 656 |
| Kane | 131.5 | 13 | 1,710 |
*minimum 600 minutes played
Indeed, Wilson and Isak place second and third respectively for minutes per goal in 2022/23, bettered only by the 85.4 minutes of Erling Haaland (£12.4m).
The Magpies’ win over Southampton on Sunday took their tally to 13 goals in their last three matches.
And the upcoming schedule points to more success for their key attackers.
Newcastle's run-in
| Gameweek | Opp. | FDR* |
|---|---|---|
| 35 | ARS (H) | 4 |
| 36 | LEE (A) BHA (H) |
2 3 |
| 37 | LEI (H) | 3 |
| 38 | CHE (A) | 4 |
Newcastle are one of only two sides to have a Double Gameweek 36, along with Brighton & Hove Albion.
In the next three Gameweeks they also entertain Arsenal and Leicester City sides who have struggled in defence recently.
Wilson and Isak's form has come at a time where the Magpies defence has failed to impress, with just a single clean sheet in 13 matches.
That suggests managers should instead turn to their attack and look to Wilson and Isak for big returns.
Also in this series
Part 1: DGW34 Bonus points
Part 2: DGW34 stats: Season-high Triple Captain Haaland
Part 3: Be wary of future Brighton rotation in FPL