Ahead of West Ham United’s clash with Chelsea at London Stadium this weekend, our FPL preview picks out Lucas Paquetá, a player who has no doubt found his form in recent weeks.
With plenty of FPL points to play for, here is why Paquetá could make a difference to your eleven…
Paquetá finding his form!
There is no doubt that Paquetá is finding his form in Claret and Blue, and FPL bosses will take note as the No11 looks to continue his goalscoring run.
Priced at just £5.9m and with two goals in the Premier League in 2023, the No11 has made his mark. Goals against Leeds United and Newcastle United have seen Paquetá show his class for the Irons and record FPL points too.
At Elland Road, he struck a calmly taken penalty, while at St James’ Park, it was all about the instincts in front of the goal. From a Declan Rice corner, Paquetá brushed Kieran Trippier aside at the far post, before sliding the equaliser past a helpless Nick Pope. The first Premier League goal the Magpies had conceded in three months secured the Irons a hard-fought point.
But while Paquetá’s goal highlighted an impressive individual display, the No11 was class across the park. No Hammer attempted more than his four shots on goal; he also made two interceptions and one successful tackle. Paquetá was pleased with his showing too.
“I'm very happy with the goal,” he stated after the 1-1 draw at Newcastle United. “It's something I've been striving for, and you feel a bit anxious to get that goal. I'm happy to have scored and to help the team get an important point.
“I'm feeling more and more at ease in the team, connecting with my teammates and I hope that from here on out I can do my best, I can help the team and we can get positive results.”
Paquetá’s second Club goal saw the No11 record a double-figure Gameweek points haul for the first time this season. His total at St James’ Park of ten, including three bonus points, passed his previous Gameweek best of eight recorded in GW19.
Most importantly, his performance at Newcastle suggests there is plenty more to come from the talented Brazil midfielder over the next weeks. His ownership, just 0.6%, means the No11, who has four goal contributions in the league this season, is a huge differential too.
Opposition One to Watch: Enzo Fernández
A British club record fee prized Enzo Fernández to west London from Benfica on deadline day before a full debut came just three days after arriving at Stamford Bridge.
The new Chelsea No5 started the 0-0 draw against Fulham, picking up a point for a clean sheet and two for minutes to take his first Gamweek FPL points haul to three.
Clearly, there is more to come from the player awarded Best Young Player at the 2022 FIFA World Cup finals as Argentina recorded a memorable triumph in Qatar. And FPL bosses will take note because of his low FPL price tag.
Priced at £5.0m, Fernández will hope to be a part of Chelsea’s goal to finish in the top four by the end of 2022/23, and in doing so could pick up an FPL point or two in the meantime. He is certainly a player to keep an eye on, although the Irons will hope to keep him quiet today.
