Gameweek 14 of the 2023-24 season has only just passed and offered up some key FPL talking points moving forward. With a short turnaround between fixtures, we pick out three key points learned ahead of Gameweek 15.
DON’T WRITE OFF SON?
Questions were being asked about Heung-Min Son (£9.6m) prior to Gameweek 14 after three consecutive 2-point-scores where he failed to gain a single attacking return. But against Man City, the Spurs star reminded everyone why he is such a strong FPL asset. After opening the scoring at the Etihad Stadium, Son then put one in his own net, but bounced back strongly to gain an assist later in the match, finishing with 10 FPL points. The second-highest scoring fantasy midfielder and with the joint-most double-figure point-scores this season alongside Mohamed Salah. Those who stuck with Son could be rewarded once again in Gameweek 15, as Spurs host West Ham.
DYCHE’S DEFENSIVE WORK PAYING OFF?
Back in previous FPL seasons, Burnley were known for their defensive resilience and clean sheet prowess under Sean Dyche. After a rocky start in charge of Everton, Dyche is finally starting to instil the same grit within the Everton backline. The Toffees recorded their third league clean sheet of the campaign away at Nottingham Forest in Gameweek 14 and fantasy managers must be eying up their defensive assets. Vitalii Mykolenko (£4.4m) offers an offensive point of difference at left-back, while the ultra-cheap Jarrad Branthwaite (£4.1m) has secured 5 of a possible 6 bonus points across the two previous fixtures where Everton shut out their opponents. You also have goalkeeper Jordan Pickford (£4.4m), who can also accrue points via saves.
LIVERPOOL FULL-BACKS VITAL?
Whether it be the premium pick of Trent Alexander-Arnold (£8.0m) or the bargain option of Konstantinos Tsimikas (£4.8m), Gameweek 14 was the clearest indicator yet that owning a starting Liverpool full-back looks to be crucial for FPL managers moving forward. Both picked up attacking returns against Fulham despite the Reds conceding three goals. Tsimikas acquired an assist and Alexander-Arnold both an assist, plus a goal from a free-kick. The expectation is that either player could return a significant haul come Gameweek 15 against Sheffield Utd.
