After a break in Premier League fixtures due to the Emirates FA Cup last weekend, Fantasy Premier League (FPL) is back, with plenty of points to play for between now and May.
On the horizon are double Gameweeks to watch out for, and a January transfer window too.
And with the Hammers ending a six-game winless run with a 1-0 FA Cup third-round win at Brentford, David Moyes’ outfit is hoping to secure a first Premier League victory since beating AFC Bournemouth at home on 24 October at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.
Could it be the perfect time to add a Hammer or two, then? Well, here is your FPL preview ahead of Gameweek 20…
Aguerd back with a bang
Nayef Aguerd made his first FA Cup appearance for West Ham United on Saturday 7 January, and more than played his part as a clean sheet helped the Irons beat Brentford 1-0.
Starting on the left side of the back three, Aguerd was a composed figure and made a crucial late block to deter a Bees’ equaliser from Kevin Schade. The 26-year-old had 76.3% passing accuracy in west London, winning three aerial duels - more than any other West Ham defender. He will now look to transition that showing to the Premier League.
League minutes have been hard to come by for the talented defender, however. An injury sustained in pre-season against Rangers in July limited Aguerd’s league minutes in the first part of 2022/23. The Morocco centre-back played against Leicester City before the 2022 FIFA World Cup finals, before a first Premier League start came in January, over six months after his arrival, in a 2-2 draw against Leeds United.
As such, managers are yet to see the best of Aguerd in FPL. And there is the feeling this could come in the next few weeks, as his minutes for the Club in the league look set to intensify.
But what should be expected from the Morocco centre-back? Well, consistency. At the World Cup, Aguerd was key as Walid Regragui’s outfit defied the odds to finish fourth in Qatar. The powerful centre-back helping Morocco become the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final.
With the 26-year-old now looking back to full fitness, FPL bosses will also have the option to add such talent to their line-ups. And that move would be for good reason too. Aguerd could add a few points over the next weeks, his low ownership also sees him as a potential differential as well.
Next Three Fixtures: WOL (a), EVE (h), NEW (a)
Simply Divin!
Divin Mubama has been added to FPL!
Mubama made his Premier League debut at Arsenal on Boxing Day and also appeared in the 3-0 UEFA Europa Conference League Group B win at FCSB in November.
The talented striker has scored six goals in 11 games for the U21s this season, netting in Mark Robson’s side's first fixture of 2023 – a 2-1 win over Everton on Friday 6 January.
He is currently priced at £4.5m – and picked up his first FPL point against the Gunners. Worth a gamble? We think so.
Opposition Watch: Matheus Cunha
Julen Lopetegui’s first signing as Wolverhampton Wanderers boss was Matheus Cunha, a player the new manager hopes will end his side's struggles in front of goal. For FPL bosses, such a signing might be a player to watch, especially for those managers who feel the need to take a risk to catch up with those higher up in their respective leagues.
Joining initially on loan, the Brazil international arrived from Atlético Madrid but only managed seven goals in 54 appearances for the Spanish club. He made his Premier League debut against Aston Villa, set up a goal for Raúl Jiménez in the midweek EFL Cup fifth-round defeat at Nottingham Forest, and could make a first start against West Ham on Saturday.
Of course, the Hammers will seek to stop Wolves’ new signing at Molineux Stadium and record a second consecutive clean sheet in all competitions. Still, the forward could be one to watch over the next few weeks, even if Manchester City and Liverpool follow for Wolves after West Ham.
Next Three Fixtures: WHU (h), MCI (a), LIV (h)
