The Scout looks at the Fantasy Premier League prospects of the three promoted sides in defence and attack.
Sheffield United attack
Iliman Ndiaye was Sheff Utd’s standout attacker in the 2022/23 Championship thanks to his all-round contribution.
Ndiaye scored 14 goals and assisted a further 10, making him one of only two players in the division to record double-figures for both statistics.
Sheff Utd's most goal involvements 2022/23
| Player | Goal involvements | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ndiaye | 24 | 14 | 10 |
| McBurnie | 15 | 13 | 2 |
| McAtee (on loan) | 12 | 9 | 3 |
| Berg | 11 | 6 | 5 |
His total of 24 goal involvements was at least twice the total of any Sheff Utd player last season, apart from the 15 of forward Ollie McBurnie.
Although the versatile Ndiaye can play in a central support role, he mainly featured alongside McBurnie in a 3-5-2 set-up for Paul Heckingbottom’s side.
This increases the likelihood he will be listed as a forward in Fantasy in 2023/24.
The underlying numbers show Ndiaye’s strong influence on the Blades’ attack.
Sheff Utd's attacking stats 2022/23
| Player | Shots | Shots in box | Chances created |
|---|---|---|---|
| McBurnie | 85 | 79 | 20 |
| Ndiaye | 70 | 59 | 51 |
| Berg | 54 | 28 | 39 |
| Norwood | 50 | 6 | 82 |
His totals of 70 shots, 59 shots in the box and 51 chances created all placed second among team-mates last season.
Set-piece experts
Sheff Utd’s major threat from set-pieces is another factor for Fantasy managers to consider for 2023/24.
They scored 22 of their 73 goals last season - or 30 per cent - from set-pieces, double the 15 per cent of Championship winners Burnley.
Oliver Norwood was their first-choice for free-kicks and corners and created a team-high 82 chances across the campaign.
Norwood, however, lost his starting role towards the end of last season, with on-loan Manchester City pair James McAtee and Tommy Doyle preferred in central midfield.
At present, Ndiaye’s potential for both goals and assists makes him the most appealing pick among Sheff Utd's attackers in Fantasy.
However, Heckingbottom’s move for a set-piece specialist over the summer can also dictate how managers view the Blades in the upcoming campaign.
Also in this series
Part 1: Burnley full-backs boast attacking edge
Part 2: Burnley's Brownhill can be budget gem
Part 3: Sheff Utd defenders offer set-piece threat
Part 5: Wing-backs' delivery vital for Luton
Part 6: Morris a huge influence for Luton
