Brighton FPL Gameweek 16: Double digit Gross back on top
Brighton made it two wins from their last three Premier League matches as a goal and assist from Pascal Gross helped secure a 2-1 win over Brentford – to the delight of Albion fans and FPL managers.
The chaotic December schedule continues with Burnley visiting the Amex in Gameweek 16, followed by the Albion’s final match in the group stage of the Europa League at home to Marseille.
Progression from Group B has already been secured, but Brighton know grabbing top spot ahead of their visitors would allow them to skip the preliminary knockout stage – saving themselves two further matches.
Will Roberto De Zerbi have one eye on Thursday night against Marseille? Or will he name a strong side to try and continue the Seagulls’ momentum in the Premier League?
Whichever option De Zerbi opts for, there are a couple of interesting Brighton players for FPL managers to consider.
Pascal Gross (£6.3 million)
Gross provided his third double-digit FPL haul of the season in the victory against Brentford, returning to the starting XI fit and refreshed following his first unenforced Premier League benching at Chelsea last Sunday.
A rest for Der Kaiser was understandable; Gross has started all five European games so far along with a team-high of 12 starts in the Premier League.
Gross struck the Albion equaliser against the Bees with a left footed shot from the edge of the box. He then provided the cross which 18-year-old Jack Hinshelwood headed home for the second Brighton goal.
The goal was Gross’ first since Gameweek 5, whilst his assist made it four in six matches. Der Kaiser now sits as Brighton’s top scoring FPL asset on 62 points.
He ended last season in the same position, ahead of more popular picks like Kaoru Mitoma (£6.5 million), Alexis Mac Allister (£5.8 million) and Solly March (£6.1 million).
As the Albion’s chief set-piece taker, Gross is number one at the club for chances created (31) and second for shots on target (11).
Lewis Dunk (£5.0 million)
The other Brighton name on 12 league starts is captain Lewis Dunk, available again for the visit of Burnley following a two-game ban.
Dunk had been in good form for Brighton prior to his straight red card at Nottingham Forest, being voted WAB October 2023 Player of the Month.
He returns to a backline that is still to keep a league clean sheet so far this season but he does offer an attacking threat for any FPL owners.
Dunk entered Gameweek 15 as the fourth-best defender for attempts (16), joint-second for shots inside the box (11) and number one for headed efforts (nine).
Captaincy
The stand-out armband option is once again Erling Haaland (£14.0 million) as Manchester City make the trip to Luton Town.
However, there are two things to consider. City are winless in four league matches, whilst facing the Hatters has proven a trap for other popular FPL names recently.
Highly-owned players like Mohamed Salah (£13.1 million), Son Heung-min (£9.6 million) and Ollie Watkins (£8.4 million) all have blanked against Luton.
Alternatively, Salah will be visiting Crystal Palace and Bryan Mbeumo (£7.1 million) – if passed fit after an ankle knock at the Amex in midweek – is away to Sheffield United.
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