Christian Atsu (£5.0m) is a new name for Fantasy Premier League managers to consider.
The Newcastle United midfielder boasts an early run of opponents to maintain his exciting pre-season form.
When building an initial squad, it is always wise to look ahead at the next six Gameweeks and consider those handed a favourable run of opponents.
Atsu is part of a Magpies squad handed a kind re-introduction to the Premier League.
An opening fixture with Tottenham Hotspur will be a stern test.
But following that, Rafael Benitez's men have five successive matches which all score only two in the Fixture Difficulty Rankings (FDR).
| GW | Opponent | FDR |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | TOT (h) | 4 |
| 2 | HUD (a) | 2 |
| 3 | WHU (h) | 2 |
| 4 | SWA (a) | 2 |
| 5 | STK (h) | 2 |
| 6 | BHA (a) | 2 |
Striker Dwight Gayle (£6.5m) looked well-placed to attract investment and, with an ownership of 5.5%, remains their most popular outfield player.
But having missed the pre-season victory over Hellas Verona with a hamstring problem, Gayle is an early doubt for Sunday's Spurs encounter.
Meanwhile, FPL managers have flocked to Rob Elliot (£4.0m) as a cheap goalkeeping option.
He is owned by 15.2% and could be the only stopper priced at £4.0m to be named in a Gameweek 1 starting line-up.
In front of Elliot, Florian Lejeune (£4.5m) has emerged as the key target in the Newcastle back four.
The Frenchman has shown imperious form in pre-season and looks set to start the campaign alongside Ciaran Clark (£4.5m).
But it is in midfield where FPL managers can perhaps find the strongest value.
Matt Ritchie's (£6.0m) set-piece delivery and penalty kicks mark him out as a viable target.
That said, Atsu's form has been eye-catching.
The Ghanaian has produced two goals and four assists over the summer.
Having started the final two pre-season friendlies - scoring in both - he looks set to see off the claim of new signing Jacob Murphy (£5.5m) and feature against Spurs.
If he can establish himself in Benitez's XI, Atsu could be the first big midfield value option to break out in 2017/18.
Reminder - GW1 deadline is Friday 11 August, 18:45 BST
