The Scout is naming five players to watch for Fantasy Premier League Gameweek 1.
Willian (CHE) £7.0m
Willian (£7.0m) can step out of the shadow of Eden Hazard (£10.5m) to be an outstanding Fantasy Premier League pick for Chelsea’s opening Gameweek.
With Hazard injured the Brazilian will get the opportunity to extend his promising pre-season form when Burnley visit Stamford Bridge.
Part of 14.6% of FPL squads ahead of Friday’s 18:45 BST deadline, Willian has the potential for a burst of goals and assists.
The underlying statistics build a convincing case.
Willian created 51 chances last season, providing a key pass on average every 30 minutes. Only Cesc Fabregas (£7.0m), with a chance created every 21.8 minutes, bettered that for the Blues.
But he is not only a creative influence. Like Hazard, Willian can be major goal threat.
He had 44 shots – 27 from inside the penalty area – in 2016/17. That rate of an effort every 34.8 minutes was second only to striker Diego Costa (£10.0m and 27.8 minutes) at Chelsea.
Hazard v Willian 2016/17
| Hazard | Willian | |
|---|---|---|
| Mins per shot | 39.0 | 34.8 |
| Mins per chance created | 33.7 | 30.0 |
Set-pieces are also integral to Willian’s appeal.
He succeeded with 23 of 62 corner kicks (37%) last season for a Chelsea side who scored more set-piece goals (22) than any other team.
Willian was also one of three Chelsea players to score direct from a free-kick, having previously converted two in 2015/16.
In Hazard’s absence, head coach Antonio Conte will look to Willian to inspire an opening day victory against the Clarets.
Burnley arrive at Stamford Bridge having faced 376 shots and 126 shots on target in away matches last season. Only relegated Sunderland allowed more.
That will offer encouragement to the champions and is another compelling reason why Willian could emerge as a profitable Gameweek 1 selection.
Reminder - GW1 deadline is Friday 11 August, 18:45 BST