As Fantasy Premier League managers can now select their 15-man squads, The Scout analyses standout budget and premium players in each position.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£11.0m) ARS
The forward made an outstanding start to his Arsenal career after arriving from Borussia Dortmund in January.
Aubameyang produced 10 goals and four assists in 13 Gameweek appearances.
He was highly consistent, too, providing either a goal or an assist in 10 of those matches.
And the Gabon international’s average of 6.7 points per match (ppm) was the second highest of any forward.
Only long-time FPL favourite Sergio Aguero (£11.0m) could better it with 6.8ppm.
Hitting the top
The underlying numbers show why Aubameyang can continue to flourish in 2018/19.
From his Arsenal debut in Gameweek 26, no forward bettered Aubameyang’s 19 shots on target and 14 big chances.
A big chance is defined as a situation where the player receiving the pass is expected to score. It means the Arsenal striker is getting numerous opportunities for FPL points.
Pre-season hat-trick
Managers have already noticed his potential.
He is the fourth-most popular forward in FPL, owned by 24.6 per cent.
That ownership continues to rise after a hat-trick in a friendly win over Boreham Wood earlier this month.
World Cup advantage
Aubameyang will also be well rested for the start of the season after Gabon failed to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Of the 10 forwards priced at £8.0m or more in FPL, he is one of only three who did not feature in Russia.
That boosts his appeal as Arsenal prepare for their first season with Unai Emery in charge.
The first goal of the @UnaiEmery_ era has arrived - and it's pure 🔥 from @Aubameyang7#UnaiBegins pic.twitter.com/LHuyMT6Smz
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) July 14, 2018
Look to Gameweek 3
His opening schedule could lead to a blistering start.
Managers must look past matches against Manchester City and Chelsea in their first two Gameweeks.
Because Arsenal then embark on an excellent run of opponents between Gameweeks 3-8.
Only one of those six matches scores more than two in the Fixture Difficulty Ranking (FDR).
Arsenal's opening eight Gameweeks
| GW | Opponent | Venue | FDR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Man City | H | 5 |
| 2 | Chelsea | A | 4 |
| 3 | West Ham | H | 2 |
| 4 | Cardiff | A | 2 |
| 5 | Newcastle | A | 3 |
| 6 | Everton | H | 2 |
| 7 | Watford | H | 2 |
| 8 | Fulham | A | 2 |
This can provide the platform for Aubameyang to steal a march on his rivals and secure his role as a key FPL forward.
Tomorrow: Roberto Firmino