With almost 830 million euros spent on transfers, the English clubs have dug deep into their pockets in comparison to recent years and also to the other top leagues. Ligue 1 had the second highest expenditure with 125 million euros. After this winter transfer period, which was more like one in the summer, we can definitely be very curious to see how the clubs manage to use their new players.

Goal:

Guaita (40₵, Palace): The 36-year-old Eagles’ regular goalkeeper has been performing well on the line of late and has been particularly convincing in his last two games against Chelsea and Newcastle, scoring 225 and 373 respectively. He has 22 saves in his last five games and leads the league in that statistic. This matchday is against Man. United, who are averaging 5.3 shots on target. If he can continue to show his class on the line, he should impress once again.

Defence:

Jan van Hecke (55₵, Brighton): The Seagulls host Bournemouth this weekend and after making his starting debut last matchday, the 22-year-old Dutchman is likely to be allowed to play from the start again. In the 2-2 draw with Leicester, he collected 182 points from 253 in total through passing, clearly showcasing one of his strengths. Against the Cherries, he could play to that strength particularly well, as they have the least average possession of all away from home, at 37.3%. Brighton, on the other hand, have 59.6% average possession at home, third best in the league. This amount of possession allows him to score a lot of easy points. Another big scoring potential is his attacking approach, as he had two shots, both of which missed the target. If he manages to get one or more on goal, it increases his points tremendously again.

Mohamed Salisu (93₵, Southampton): He, too, could benefit from the opposition’s possession-shyness, as Brentford have the least possession at their own stadium of any Prem. League teams. Even though Salisu scores more through his tackling and intercepted balls, he will have the opportunity to score several “easy” +2s. In his last three games, he also averaged 312 points and shot on goal twice.

Pervis Estupinan (51₵, Brighton): Just like his teammate Jan van Hecke, he could also benefit from what is expected to be a lot of possession, but compared to the centre-back, he can also make his mark in a completely different way. The Colombian full-back is managing to fit more and more into Brighton’s attacking play and is really turning up the heat. He has four assists in his last four games and has the potential to make a difference offensively against Bournemouth.

Benoit Badiashile (110₵, Chelsea): The 21-year-old Frenchman was signed for 38 million in this transfer window and is performing really well so far. In his first two games he is averaging 341 points, has a 92% pass rate and is winning 76% of his duels. Despite Chelsea’s dip in form, I think he can deliver again against Fulham.

Midfield:

Martin Ödegaard (125₵, Arsenal): The Norwegian is playing by far the best season of his career so far, as captain of the Gunners he has been convincing across the board and is now even better than Kevin de Bruyne when it comes to average points per game. His last six league games have been in line with that and in those he has managed to score four times, set up four goals and had an average of two shots on goal per game. Opponents Everton are currently on their worst run in nearly two decades and have a new coach. Arsenal, on the other hand, are unbeaten in the league for 13 games and will give everything to continue that streak.

Bruno Fernandes (100₵, Man.United): Marcus Rashford is outshining everyone at the moment, but Fernandes is also playing really strong games. Of his last six games, he has been involved in a goal in five and in the Prem. League he also has one shot on goal per game. The Red Devils have only lost to Arsenal in their last 13 league games and will be looking to continue their fight for the Champ. League places.

James Maddison (125₵, Leicester): All Leicester fans will breathe a sigh of relief as Maddison is finally fit again. If you remember back to the beginning of this season, you know how strong the midfielder is. In his 13 starting appearances in the Prem. League, he has been involved in a goal 11 times and has averaged almost 2 shots on goal per game. The Foxes may be in abysmal form at the moment, not winning a game since the World Cup, but Maddison could turn things around.

Attack:

Mykhailo Mudryk (100₵, Chelsea): One of the Blues’ many transfers, he came for 70 million, now he has to prove himself and it will be seen if he is worth the money. After coming on as a substitute against Liverpool, he scored 119 points from the 55th minute onwards and stood out mainly for his explosiveness and his drive towards goal. It is risky to field him, but should he start, then the risk could pay off.

Degnand Gnonto (65₵, Leeds): Another risky pick is the 19-year-old Italian who is getting more and more game time at Leeds. In his last three league games he averaged two shots on goal per game and scored once. He also scored twice and collected three shots on goal in the FA Cup against Cardiff. It will be an interesting game against Nottingham and maybe he will manage to build on his form.

Edward Nketiah (78₵, Arsenal): If we are talking about good form, then he cannot be missed as he continues to prove a perfect replacement for the injured Gabriel Jesus. In his last five Prem. League games, he has scored four times and averaged almost three shots on goal per game, which is more than any other player in the Prem. League in that period.

Other alternatives:

Other players to keep an eye on are Christopher Richards (90₵, Palace) who could have another strong game, Casemiro (92₵, Man United) who is back after suspension and Leandro Trossard (100₵, Arsenal) who could really make an impact for the Gunners.

 About me: I have been supporting SPITCH in its various divisions for over a year. With my experience on the free pitches, I want to help you find interesting players that maybe not everyone has on their radar.