Brighton FPL Gameweek 38: Welbeck loves goal against ex-club
And just like that, the 2023-24 Premier League campaign is about to come to an end. Brighton finish their season at home against Manchester United, which should make Danny Welbeck an in-demand FPL signing given his history of scoring against former clubs.
The Albion have enjoyed some memorable victories over an historic campaign. Most notably, Brighton played European football for the first time. There were wins against AEK Athens, Marseille, Ajax and Roma in the Europa League and some amazing away days to boot.
Domestically, the Albion won five of their first six Premier League matches. They became the division’s top scorers through that period.
One of those victories came against United, meaning Brighton have the opportunity to win a fifth successive Premier League game against the Red Devils at the Amex in FPL Gameweek 38.
The final day of the season always tends to be a high-scoring gameweek, bringing managers late boosts up rankings and mini-leagues.
With that in mind, here a couple of interesting Albion assets for FPL managers to consider.
Danny Welbeck (£5.7 million)
Welbeck scored past his former club when Brighton won 3-1 at Old Trafford in September, continuing his excellent record against United.
Dat Guy will undoubtedly relish another go at one of the league’s leakiest defences, especially seeing as he is in such good form himself.
Welbeck picked up an assist at Newcastle United last Saturday and bagged the Albion’s consolation against Chelsea from the bench.
Roberto De Zerbi resisting the temptation to introduce Welbeck until the 70 minute mark suggests the Brighton head coach was saving Dat Guy for the visit of United.
Welbeck has registered a big chance in three successive matches now. That takes his overall tally up to 13, the joint-best Albion total alongside Joao Pedro (£5.2 million).
As a team, the Seagulls have the fourth-most shots on target (202) and fifth-most attempts (544). Buying a Brighton centre forward like Welbeck has big differential potential for FPL Gameweek 38.
Tariq Lamptey (£3.9 million)
The two other Albion goals at Old Trafford eight months ago were assisted by Tariq Lamptey. For FPL managers looking to invest in a Brighton defender, the flying full back may well be the answer.
Lamptey set up four chances on Wednesday night against Chelsea and should have had at least one assist. Pascal Gross (£6.1 million) uncharacteristically missed an easy chance from close range and Pedro put a header against the bar.
Furthermore, Lamptey is part of a backline that ranks sixth for stopping opponents’ attempts (457) and fifth for restricting them inside the box (318).
United have not netted in either of their last two visits to the Amex. At the same time, they have conceded more shots (650) than everyone else bar Sheffield United. A double-digit Lamptey haul from defensive and attacking returns is very feasible.
Captaincy
There is a big decision to make when it comes to the captain’s armband. Every team plays only once, so it is about gut feeling and fixture strength.
Erling Haaland (£14.2 million), Phil Foden (£8.5 million) and Bukayo Saka (£8.9 million) will all remain competitive with Manchester City and Arsenal battling for the title on the last day.
City host a West Ham side who have David Moyes in charge for the final time. Arsenal meanwhile welcome Everton to the Emirates.
Another contender is Son Heung-min (£10.0 million) with Tottenham facing an already relegated side on the final day for the fifth time in nine seasons.
Spurs tend to be involved in goal frenzies to round off their campaign too, with recent results including 5-4 and 4-2 wins over Leicester City.
Thank you to Fantasy Football Scout for providing us with their expert analysis through the 2023-24 Premier League season.
