A kind upcoming schedule for Newcastle United can allow Martin Dubravka (£4.0m) to establish himself as a major source of value in Fantasy Premier League.
The Magpies’ back-up goalkeeper is set for a run of starts after their No 1 Nick Pope (£5.5m) was ruled out for an extended period with a shoulder injury.
Martin Dubravka was the second-most transferred in player for Gameweek 15 🧤
— Fantasy Premier League (@OfficialFPL) December 6, 2023
Were you one of the 321,538 #FPL managers to bring in the @NUFC goalkeeper? 🫵 https://t.co/IXWLH2LmWh
Pope is currently the second top-scoring goalkeeper in Fantasy, collecting 56 points thanks to six clean sheets, eight save points and one bonus.
His absence comes at a point when Newcastle are about to embark on a kind short-term run of opponents which lifts their chances of defensive returns.
According to the Fixture Difficulty Ratings (FDR), each of their three matches over Gameweeks 17-19 score just two.
That consists of home encounters with Fulham and Nottingham Forest, combined with a visit to Luton Town in Blank Gameweek 18.
Long-term concern?
Dubravka’s ultra-low cost can make him a budget gem over that run, offering managers a value alternative to Kieran Trippier (£7.0m) as a route into the Newcastle backline.
However, the opening of the January transfer window means Dubravka's acquisition in Fantasy comes with a risk attached, as it allows Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe the chance to bring in a replacement for Pope.
If Dubravka can hold onto his role, there is no doubt that his low cost and potential for defensive returns can make him the go-to goalkeeper for many managers.
Ultimately, though, it will be Howe’s post-Gameweek 19 moves in the transfer market that will determine whether Dubravka remains an option beyond the festive period.
Also in this series
Part 1: FPL GW15 bonus points
Part 2: FPL GW15 stats: Opportunity for Son as top two captains blank
Part 4: Should managers double up on the Arsenal attack in Fantasy?
