Brighton & Hove Albion offer Fantasy Premier League managers viable options in both defence and attack for 2017/18.
Finishing only a point behind fellow promoted club Newcastle United, Chris Hughton's men scored 74 goals and conceded only 40. No side let in fewer goals.
The Championship runners-up were particularly resolute at the Amex Stadium. They had the strongest home defensive record in the Championship, conceding 14 goals in 23 matches and claiming 12 clean sheets.
Their total of 21 shutouts over the season was the most in the division, meaning that Brighton's defensive regulars could provide FPL managers with a source of budget value in the upcoming campaign.
Lewis Dunk perhaps offers the biggest potential.
Carrying the main goal threat from the back, the centre-back registered 38 shots on goal over 43 starts, averaging an effort every 98.5 minutes.
Dunk’s defensive contribution is equally key to his FPL appeal.
He produced 481 clearances, blocks and interceptions (CBI) in 2016/17, with his average of 7.7 minutes per CBI similar to that of AFC Bournemouth’s Steve Cook (7.1 minutes), who ranked top in the Premier League for this statistic.
On the right wing in a 4-4-2, Anthony Knockaert was a pivotal figure for Hughton's side.
Winner of the Championship Player of the Year award, he supplied 15 goals and eight assists in 44 starts.
But Knockaert could face competition as the club’s chief creator due to the arrival of playmaker Pascal Gross from Ingolstadt.
Hughton: "We are delighted that Pascal has opted to sign for us." #BHAFC https://t.co/xQvvoYxxMD pic.twitter.com/AEuqzK0Ier
— BHAFC ⚽️ (@OfficialBHAFC) May 19, 2017
Hughton has hinted at a switch to 4-4-1-1 next season and this could allow Gross to occupy the central support role behind a lone striker.
Gross produced 98 key passes in the 2016/17 Bundesliga, more than any other player, despite his club’s relegation.
Glenn Murray provided the cutting edge up front for Brighton.
The forward finished as the joint-second-highest scorer in the Championship, recording 23 goals and providing five assists over 39 starts.
Brighton's key FPL targets
Lewis Dunk
The top performer for both CBI and shots on goal among the Brighton defence, Dunk looks the likeliest source of defensive and attacking FPL points.
Anthony Knockaert
Ranked first for both shots (106) and chances created, the Frenchman’s total of 96 key passes was more than twice any team-mate.
Pascal Gross
A set-piece specialist, the new signing could benefit from an advanced central role if Hughton opts for a 4-4-1-1 formation.
Glenn Murray
The Seagulls’ top scorer has plenty of Premier League experience and could appeal as a cheap striker for those considering a 3-5-2 formation.
