On Monday we saw Brighton & Hove Albion secure promotion to the Premier League as they beat Wigan and Huddersfield drew at Derby. Brighton return to the top flight for the first time in 34 years and they can now start preparing for life in the Premier League, but this also means that fantasy football addicts can also start to eye up some potential FPL picks!
So who have been the stand out players for Brighton & Hove Albion this season?
Forwards
If we were to just consider who is scoring goals for the Seagulls, Glen Murray has scored the most, with 22 in 42 league appearances. Murray was at Bournemouth last season, however after just 3 goals in 19 appearances, the striker made his loan deal permanent with the Seagulls in January 2017. After struggling to nail down a spot in the Cherries starting XI, Murray will be looking to prove himself in the Premier League once again and if he comes in around the 6.0m marker then he could be a valuable 3rd striker option to accompany 2 of the big hitters. In addition to Glen Murray, Tomer Hemed managed to find the back of the net on 11 occasions in his 34 appearances, also assisting 3 times.
Midfielders
The EFL’s Championship Player of the Year, Anthony Knockaert, was a crucial part to Brighton & Hove Albion’s promotion as he scored 15 goals and turned the provider on 8 occasions in his 42 appearances for the club. Depending on Knockaert’s FPL price (we expect it will be 6.0m-6.5m), he could be the perfect 5th midfielder, chipping in with the odd goal or assist. Knockaert will be the obvious choice for FPL managers, however one potential differential within the Brighton ranks is Solly March, who has chipped in with 3 assists and 2 goals in his 21 league appearances. Other than Knockaert and March, it is somewhat hard to see who else would provide some FPL returns, with the other notable mention being Dale Stephens, who managed to find the back of the net twice and also assisting twice in his 36 appearances so far.
Defenders
Lewis Dunk has so far made 40 appearances for Brighton & Hove Albion in the 2016/17 campaign and the 25 year old has been with Brighton his entire professional career. Dunk not only assisted in the defensive solidarity of the team, but he also chipped in with 2 goals and an assist during the season. Another potential defensive option for fantasy football managers could be Bruno Saltor, who has featured 39 times this season, but has also managed to chip in with 4 assists. Shane Duffy could also be another cheap defensive option, who possesses an aerial threat and always looks to get on the end of set pieces. David Stockdale is the Seagulls man between the sticks and the 31 year old managed to help Brighton keep 21 clean sheets in the campaign. 12 of those clean sheets came at home, but it may be a bit tougher next season in the Premier League. That being said, he will most likely come in around 4.5m and could be a valuable second keeper.
