Last season the 3 top point scorers were Wood 131 points, Barnes 122 points and Westwood 111 points. After a torrid start to the season the Clarets found there feet in the premier league again and had a resurgence post Europa league exit.
Wood and Barnes struck a lovely partnership in the little and large fashion and both scored closely within each other but in divisional terms did not set the premier league alight. Westwood contributed 2 goals and 8 assists to surprisingly hit 111 points. The former Aton Villa man surpassed his expectations and would have proved a shrewd asset at last years price tag.
Pre-season Form
Burnley have had a sold pre-season to date playing 4 games winning 3 and drawing 1. Most notably the beat Nice 6-1 with Wood netting a hat-trick. In the 4 games Wood has scored 5 goals with many fantasy manager hoping he can bring that form into the premier league season.
Star Man – Ashley Barnes (£6.5m)
In terms of a star man it is hard to look beyond Barnes £6.5m and Wood £6.5m. My choice here will be Wood at £6.5m with Burnley hopefully back to their combative best the technical ability of Wood and physical prowess should hopefully mean his pre-season form can continue. Even the most gifted of Centre halfs will have their hands full dealing with him and I can see him netting 12+ goals this season although this may not be the best at the £6.5m level across the league.
Hidden Gem – Nick Pope (£4.5m)
Nick Pope at £4.5m is potentially a hidden gem. With Tom Heaton making a move to Aston Villa, Pope is likely to be the number 1 choice with Joe Hart and the newly signed Peacock-Farrell waiting in the wings. If the Burnley defence can hot the heights of 2 seasons ago clean sheets and save points could prove a bargain at the £4.5m price tag. The same may be said of Charlie Taylor at left back who looks to have made that position his own. Potentially adding some assists for Wood and Barnes from wide could see him be one of the very few standout options in the £4.5m defender range.
Gamble Pick – Dwight McNeil (£6.0m)
A gamble pick would be Dwight McNeil his improvement as a player has been recognised with a hefty £6.0m price tag. If he can improve on his 3 goals and 4 assists last season as a certain starter he could prove a reliable asset allowing more of your budget to be spent elsewhere on the pitch. However compared to the £6.0m spent on a premium defender his 75 points from last season may seem a poor return for the outlay.
Predicted Lineup
Pope
Lowton – Tarkowski – Mee – Taylor
Lennon – Corck – Gudmundsson – McNeill
Barnes – Wood
Written by FPL Lewy Hewy (@FPLLewyHewy)
