The Scout's watchlist of budget forwards to consider in Fantasy Premier League continues.
Jay Rodriguez (West Brom) £6.0m
A move to West Bromwich Albion can help transform the FPL prospects of Jay Rodriguez (£6.0m).
The forward endured a frustrating final campaign at Southampton, making just nine Gameweek starts and 15 appearances as a substitute.
But Rodriguez still showcased his Fantasy potential by finding the net on five occasions.
His average of 178.6 minutes per goal in 2016/17 bettered any of his new West Brom team-mates.
That scoring rate mirrored the form that delivered 15 goals in 30 Gameweek appearances for Saints in 2013/14.
The versatile Rodriguez can play on the flank or through the middle in head coach Tony Pulis’ preferred 4-2-3-1 formation.
That should ensure regular starts as West Brom seek to improve on last season’s 43 goals.
Pulis has used his new signing behind a lone striker and on the left flank over the summer.
Rodriguez has already opened his scoring account for the Baggies, blasting a sublime long-range effort in the Premier League Asia Trophy versus Leicester City.
His eye for goal could oust the inconsistent Salomon Rondon (£6.5m) for West Brom's lone striker role.
Rondon ended last season as West Brom’s top scorer, with eight goals. But he scored only once from Gameweek 17 onwards.
Rondon v Rodriguez 2016/17
| Rondon | Rodriguez | |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 8 | 5 |
| Mins per shot | 30.4 | 26.6 |
| Shot conversion | 8.4% | 15.1% |
West Brom’s opening run of opponents offers potential for goals and FPL points.
According to the Fixture Difficulty Rankings (FDR), five of their first seven matches score no more than two.
If Rodriguez can strike up an effective partnership with Rondon, or replace him as centre-forward, his modest 2.6% ownership will soar.
