West Ham United face Everton on Saturday 4 February, and so it is time to look back at the performances of a player who has shone since the restart of the Premier League season.
Our Gameweek 21 preview focuses on Saïd Benrahma; a midfielder FPL managers should perhaps be taking more note of considering his ownership stands currently at just 0.9%.
Priced at £5.6m, too, here is what the talented Algerian could bring to your team between now and the end of the 2022/23 season….
Ooooh, Saïd Benrahma!
Saïd Benrahma has more than made his mark in Claret and Blue over the past couple of weeks. The Algerian struck the winner in our FA Cup third round tie against Brentford. And what a goal it was. With 20 minutes to go in west London, Benrahma was brought off the bench and netted the decisive blow against his former employers. A neat touch. A strike. And a top corner (well, the roof the net, at least!) was found. The fourth round was secured with one swing of his right foot. Simple as that.
Of course, the question now for FPL managers is can the No22 bring that form to the Premier League? And the answer is yes. He has already.
At Arsenal on Boxing Day, he scored his third Premier League goal of the season. While the Hammers were unable to hold their lead in north London, Benrahma struck the opener from the penalty spot. He sent Aaron Ramsdale spiralling one way, before putting his effort down the middle.
The No22 has also struck against AFC Bournemouth and Crystal Palace at London Stadium and also provided a vital assist as Declan Rice secured a point in a 1-1 draw at Southampton.
It is clear, then, that Benrahma often provides a spark to the Hammers’ attack, something he will hope to continue against Everton today and then at Newcastle United in the Irons’ next Premier League fixture. And priced at £5.6m, he looks to be a steal. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
West Ham United’s next three fixtures: EVE (h), NEW (a), CHE (h)
Simply Divin!
Since the Hammers’ last home Premier League fixture, 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 – a triumph that saw the Irons progress to the knockouts with an historic 100 per cent record in the group stage.
The talented striker has scored six goals in eleven games for the U21s this season, netting in Mark Robson’s side's first fixture of 2023 – a 2-1 Premier League 2 Division 1 win at Everton.
He is currently priced at £4.5m and picked up his first FPL point against the Gunners. Worth a gamble? We think so.
Opposition one to watch: Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Everton fans will be happy to see Dominic Calvert-Lewin return to their starting line-up over the past couple of weeks. For FPL bosses, his return is something to keep an eye on, too.
The England forward has started the Toffees’ last three Premier League fixtures but has been unable to find the net. We can expect that to change soon (although hopefully not today!).
With minutes limited by injuries this season, Calvert-Lewin has scored just one league goal, converting as Everton defeated Crystal Palace 3-0 in October. But with recent minutes under his belt, and Everton needing a figurehead to lead their surge up the Premier League table, Calvert-Lewin could find himself amongst the goals. And should he, FPL bosses will more than start to take note!
