Troy Deeney can be a major figure in our Fantasy Premier League seasons.
With pricey forwards like Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane and Manchester City's Gabriel Jesus tempting investment, a reliable cut-price option will be vital to fitting them in.
Watford's Deeney can fulfil that role.
The striker has reached double figures for goals in both of his Premier League seasons, despite a dip in output in 2016/17.
In his first FPL campaign in 2015/16, he supplied 13 goals and nine assists, with 23 bonus points.
But his second season produced 10 goals and just four assists, with Deeney asked to play in a deeper position by head coach Walter Mazzarri.
Deeney's two FPL seasons
| 2015/16 | 2016/17 | |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 13 | 10 |
| Assists | 9 | 4 |
| Bonus points | 23 | 18 |
| Total points | 166 | 130 |
Deeney will look to improve under new Hornets manager Marco Silva.
The Portuguese will likely play a 4-2-3-1 formation, turning to direct wingers to supply a lone striker.
Whether in that role or as a No 10, Deeney should have more opportunities to deliver points.
Penalty duties will continue to boost Deeney's appeal. Nine of his 23 Premier League goals have arrived from the spot.
But his price and reliability are the two major factors in his favour.
Valued at £7.0m in 2016/17, he is set to hold or drop below that price tag.
He has also missed just a single Gameweek in two seasons, making Deeney an assured FPL choice.
From Gameweek 22 last season, Deeney started eight of nine matches to supply six goals and an assist.
That return of 6.5 points per match (ppm) surpassed the season average produced by Everton's Romelu Lukaku (6.0 ppm) and Chelsea's Diego Costa (5.6 ppm) and offered a reminder of Deeney's potential.
Silva and FPL managers alike will be looking for more of the same.
