In a Gameweek where many of the most-popular players in Fantasy Premier League have sorely disappointed, Kieran Trippier (£7.0m) reminded managers just why he was the top-scoring defender in 2022/23.
The right-back collected nine points in Newcastle United’s 1-0 home victory over Arsenal, combining a clean sheet with the maximum three bonus points.
Trippier’s display highlighted his potential to deliver points regardless of opponent and could make him a "season keeper" in managers' line-ups.
He had been sold by 243,000 ahead of the Arsenal match, with home encounters against Chelsea and Manchester United also to come in the next three Gameweeks.
But from Gameweek 12, two of Newcastle's next four matches score only two in the Fixture Difficulty Ratings (FDR).
Newcastle's schedule
| GW | Opponent | FDR |
|---|---|---|
| 12 | BOU (A) | 2 |
| 13 | CHE (H) | 3 |
| 14 | MUN (H) | 3 |
| 15 | EVE (A) | 2 |
Newcastle’s record at St James’ Park indicates Trippier’s 48.5 per cent owners should continue to be well-rewarded in those encounters.
They have kept a clean sheet in each of their last four home matches, with Trippier amassing 39 points in that run.
The underlying statistics offer further encouragement for the right-back's prospects at both ends of the pitch.
Newcastle have conceded only one big chance in the last four Gameweeks, the best record in the league.
Trippier, meanwhile, ranks among the top two players in Fantasy for key passes and big chances created this season, with 32 and eight respectively.
Added to visits to AFC Bournemouth and Everton in the next four Gameweeks, Trippier's potential for multiple routes to returns keeps him well-placed to maintain his place at the top of the defender standings.
Trippier's assist for Isak v West Ham
A brilliantly worked goal for Isak's second of the game! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/E6IDumnRod
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) October 8, 2023
Elsewhere for the Magpies, Anthony Gordon (£5.7m) and Jamaal Lascelles (£4.0m) have provided outstanding value in Fantasy.
Lascelles has amassed 21 points across Newcastle's last three home matches and is profiting from Sven Botman's (£4.6m) spell on the sidelines.
Gordon's winner against Arsenal, meanwhile, maintained his remarkable run of home form.
Gordon's goal v Arsenal
The decisive moment! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/ZfegJn4h46
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) November 4, 2023
The winger has delivered attacking returns in all six of Newcastle’s fixtures at St James’ Park this season, scoring three goals and assisting a further three.
The England Under-21 star’s versatility has been vital following a recent injury to Alexander Isak (£7.4m).
Gordon played as a forward in Newcastle’s 3-0 EFL Cup win at Man Utd last week. Having started on the wing against Arsenal, he was moved up front after Callum Wilson (£7.9m) was replaced just after the hour-mark.
He scored the winner within five minutes of the switch to pick up seven points on Saturday evening.
Gordon has now amassed 39 points in home matches this season – that places him sixth among all players in Fantasy, two points ahead of Erling Haaland (£14.0m).
View all the latest FPL tips ahead of Gameweek 12 in Fantasy Premier League