Brighton FPL Gameweek 23: The Mitoma quandary
As we enter a complex period where fixture congestion means some teams have double gameweeks and others blank weekends, FPL managers have a lot to consider – although the evidence so far is that it is having little impact on the popularity of Kaoru Mitoma.
Gameweek 23 sees Manchester City and Arsenal play twice. In addition, none of Brighton, Brentford, Newcastle United or Manchester United will play in gameweek 25 because of the League Cup final.
The Seagulls and Mitoma are currently offering FPL managers a tempting dilemma. Form and fixtures mean they would like to heavily invest in the team.
However, the already confirmed blank could be joined by another one in Gameweek 28 if either Brighton or Manchester United progress to the quarter finals of the FA Cup.
The Albion face Championship strugglers Stoke City in round five whilst United take on West Ham. Managers therefore need to think carefully about their strategies.
The Mitoma quandary
Since Gameweek 18, Kaoru Mitoma (£5.2 million) has brought in at least one attacking return in every match in all competitions.
With four goals and one assist in the Premier League – alongside the winning FA Cup fourth round goal against Liverpool and a third round assist – he is one of FPL’s most in-form players.
Mitoma has also been voted WAB Player of the Month in January, December and November – the first man ever to win three awards in a row.
The upcoming games against Crystal Palace and Fulham would make Mitoma the perfect buy for managers.
Indeed, he is currently the week’s most-bought FPL asset with over 179,000 purchases so far – but if managers do invest in Mitoma, they need a plan for blank gameweek 25.
Why is Mitoma the most bought?
Only Marcus Rashford (£7.2 million) and Bruno Fernandes (£9.9 million) have returned more FPL points than Mitoma’s 42 over the past five Gameweeks.
Likewise, only Rashford and Erling Haaland (£12.2 million) have more goals over the same period. Mitoma’s four are level with the tally of Harry Kane (£11.7 million) – a player over twice his price and now Spurs’ all time record goal scorer.
As well as a strong goal-scoring threat, Mitoma has also supplied nine crosses and created three chances for his teammates in the league.
Due to such excellent form and great fixtures, Mitoma is a superb FPL asset when Brighton do play. It is just that managers will need a plan for how to navigate Blank Gameweek 25 before buying.
Captain Fantastic
With Manchester City and Arsenal playing twice in Gameweek 23, their players will likely be the most popular captain picks.
Haaland’s 171 points are the most of all FPL players this season and his first fixture is against Aston Villa, a side whom he scored and grabbed all three bonus points against back in Gameweek 6.
Bukayo Saka (£8.3 million) is also a good captaincy option. He has returned 35 points since Gameweek 17 because of three goals, one assist, one clean sheet and four bonus points.
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