<p><em>Who are the best Everton FPL options? In this team preview, Hub contributor <a href="https://twitter.com/Hibbo_FPL">Hibbert</a> runs the rule over <strong>Everton’s fantasy options</strong> ahead of an enticing fixture run which sees the Toffee’s top the ticker over the next four.</em></p>
<h3></h3>
<h3>Season So Far:</h3>
<p>On 21<sup>st</sup> December 2019, three time Champions League winner <strong>Carlo Ancelotti</strong> was appointed as manager of Everton. In his first season Ancelotti steadied the ship and steered Everton to 12<sup>th</sup> place with 49 points. In the summer Don Carlo strengthened the squad with the addition of marquee playmaker <strong>James Rodriguez</strong> and midfield enforcers <strong>Allan and Doucoure</strong>. His new look Everton made light of their favourable schedule and started like a train with four wins on the bounce. A creditable draw against fierce city rivals and league champions Liverpool preceded a slump over the following six games which saw the Toffees record just one victory. However, despite the loss of key players through injury Everton have been on the rise with the Ancelotti’s pragmatic approach helping to grind out four wins from their last six league games. Currently sitting in seventh place in the league on 33 points, Everton top the <a href="https://cms.fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/fixture-ticker/">Hub’s fixtures ticker</a> (NEW, LEE, mun, FUL) over the next four when sorted by attack.</p>
<h3></h3>
<h3>Tale of the Tape:</h3>
<p>In terms of threat over the last six matches (Gameweeks 13-20) Everton ranked (per game) 18<sup>th</sup> for shots (8.17), 17<sup>th</sup> for shots on target (3.00), 16<sup>th</sup> for shots in the box (5.00), and 18<sup>th</sup> for big chances (0.83). The Toffee’s dismal goal threat numbers make for surprising reading considering their good results over that period. Looking at a similar period of good form (Gameweeks 1-6) the contrast between these underlying metrics is stark with Everton ranked (per game) 11<sup>th</sup> for shots (11.67), 9<sup>th</sup> for shots on target (4.83), 10<sup>th</sup> for shots in the box (7.5), and 4<sup>th</sup> for big chances (2.67). When comparing these periods Everton are better in every metric during Gameweek 1-6 with a very significant difference in big chances. This recent decline in attacking output can be attributed to opposition strengthen and the loss of key creative players <strong>Digne and Rodriguez</strong>. Defensively over the last six matches the Toffees rank (per game) 13<sup>th</sup> for shots conceded (12.83), 7<sup>th</sup> for shots conceded in the box (7.17), and 6<sup>th</sup> shots on target conceded (3.33), and 5<sup>th</sup> for big chances conceded (1.17). Whilst these underlying numbers hint at a degree of defensive solidity Everton have managed just four clean sheets in the Premier League.</p>
<h3></h3>
<h3>The Opposition:</h3>
<p>On season data offensively both Manchester United and Leeds rank amongst the best in the division. Fulham sit around mid-table for underlying goal threat data but have failed to score in five of the last eight. Newcastle’s attack is truly tragic posting some of the worst numbers in the league and represent Everton’s best chance of notching a clean sheet. Newcastle have also failed to score in five of the last eight.</p>
<table style="width: 338px;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 24px;">
<td style="width: 96px; height: 24px;"><strong> </strong></td>
<td style="width: 64px; height: 24px;"><strong> </strong></td>
<td style="width: 137px; height: 24px;" colspan="4"><strong>Goal Threat</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 96px;"><strong>Name</strong></td>
<td style="width: 64px;"><strong>Games</strong></td>
<td style="width: 32px;"><strong>S</strong></td>
<td style="width: 25px;"><strong>OT</strong></td>
<td style="width: 30px;"><strong>In</strong></td>
<td style="width: 50px;"><strong>BC</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 48px;">
<td style="width: 96px; height: 48px;">Man Utd</td>
<td style="width: 64px; height: 48px;">20</td>
<td style="width: 32px; height: 48px;">14.1 (5th)</td>
<td style="width: 25px; height: 48px;">5.7 (3rd)</td>
<td style="width: 30px; height: 48px;">8.7 (6th)</td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 48px;">2.6 (5th)</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 48px;">
<td style="width: 96px; height: 48px;">Leeds</td>
<td style="width: 64px; height: 48px;">19</td>
<td style="width: 32px; height: 48px;">14.47 (4th)</td>
<td style="width: 25px; height: 48px;">5.11 (6th)</td>
<td style="width: 30px; height: 48px;">10 (4th)</td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 48px;">1.95 (8th)</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 48px;">
<td style="width: 96px; height: 48px;">Newcastle</td>
<td style="width: 64px; height: 48px;">20</td>
<td style="width: 32px; height: 48px;">9.15 (17th)</td>
<td style="width: 25px; height: 48px;">3 (19th)</td>
<td style="width: 30px; height: 48px;">5.4 (18th)</td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 48px;">1.00 (19th)</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 48px;">
<td style="width: 96px; height: 48px;">Fulham</td>
<td style="width: 64px; height: 48px;">19</td>
<td style="width: 32px; height: 48px;">11.53 (13th)</td>
<td style="width: 25px; height: 48px;">3.79 (14th)</td>
<td style="width: 30px; height: 48px;">7.05 (13th)</td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 48px;">1.68 (13th)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2></h2>
<p>On season data defensively three of the next four (NEW, LEE, FUL) rank amongst some of the most porous in the division. It is noteworthy that Leeds and Newcastle have weaknesses in both defending set pieces and the high ball – two areas that Everton are particularly strong. Furthermore, whilst Man United rank as more resolute they have a weakness for conceding big chances that the Toffee’s could exploit.</p>
<table style="width: 478.667px;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 96px;"><strong> </strong></td>
<td style="width: 64px;"><strong> </strong></td>
<td style="width: 259.667px;" colspan="6"><strong>Attempts Conc.</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 96px;"><strong>Name</strong></td>
<td style="width: 64px;"><strong>Games</strong></td>
<td style="width: 64px;"><strong>S</strong></td>
<td style="width: 33px;"><strong>In</strong></td>
<td style="width: 29px;"><strong>OT</strong></td>
<td style="width: 41px;"><strong>SP</strong></td>
<td style="width: 51px;"><strong>Hd</strong></td>
<td style="width: 41.6667px;"><strong>BC</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 96px;">Man Utd</td>
<td style="width: 64px;">20</td>
<td style="width: 64px;">11.7 (10th)</td>
<td style="width: 33px;">7.9 (11th)</td>
<td style="width: 29px;">3.7 (7th)</td>
<td style="width: 41px;">0.65 (6th)</td>
<td style="width: 51px;">1.55 (7th)</td>
<td style="width: 41.6667px;">2 (14th)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 96px;">Leeds</td>
<td style="width: 64px;">19</td>
<td style="width: 64px;">14.79 (17th)</td>
<td style="width: 33px;">9.95 (19th)</td>
<td style="width: 29px;">5.63 (19th)</td>
<td style="width: 41px;">1 (15th)</td>
<td style="width: 51px;">2.26 (15th)</td>
<td style="width: 41.6667px;">2.68 (18th)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 96px;">Newcastle</td>
<td style="width: 64px;">20</td>
<td style="width: 64px;">14.9 (19th)</td>
<td style="width: 33px;">9.00 (17th)</td>
<td style="width: 29px;">5.3 (17th)</td>
<td style="width: 41px;">0.95 (14th)</td>
<td style="width: 51px;">2.2 (14th)</td>
<td style="width: 41.6667px;">1.95 (12th)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 96px;">Fulham</td>
<td style="width: 64px;">19</td>
<td style="width: 64px;">12.74 (13th)</td>
<td style="width: 33px;">8.37 (14th)</td>
<td style="width: 29px;">5.32 (18th)</td>
<td style="width: 41px;">0.84 (11th)</td>
<td style="width: 51px;">2.42 (16th)</td>
<td style="width: 41.6667px;">2.79 (20th)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2></h2>
<h2>Player Watch</h2>
<h3>James Rodriguez:</h3>
<p>When the well-travelled Colombian international rolled up at Goodison Park we could be forgiven for questioning whether his best days were behind him. However, Rodriguez rewarded early bandwagon backers with three goals and three assists over the opening five matches. Whilst the former Real Madrid star&#8217;s totals are skewed by his time out through injury he ranks joint 2nd amongst midfielders for big chances created when sorted per start (0.7). Rodriguez’s quality delivery and a share of set pieces make him a constant menace from the dead ball. Capable of the sublime James likes a shot from outside the box and has scored twice from distance against West Brom and Leicester this term. Therefore, it is noteworthy that no team has conceded more goals from outside the box than Gameweek 22 opposition Leeds (8). Of Everton’s attacking options James has shown the best recent form and owned by just 12 top 10k teams could provide a hot differential over the next four.</p>
<div id="attachment_28401" style="width: 2570px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-28401" class="wp-image-28401 size-full" src="https://cms.fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/GettyImages-1228814070-scaled.jpg" alt="fantasy premier league tips gw21" width="2560" height="1707" srcset="https://cms.fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/GettyImages-1228814070-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cms.fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/GettyImages-1228814070-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/GettyImages-1228814070-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/GettyImages-1228814070-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/GettyImages-1228814070-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/GettyImages-1228814070-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://cms.fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/GettyImages-1228814070-610x407.jpg 610w, https://cms.fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/GettyImages-1228814070-1080x720.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><p id="caption-attachment-28401" class="wp-caption-text">Rodriguez is owned by just 12 of the top 10k FPL teams</p></div>
<h3></h3>
<h3>Lucas Digne:</h3>
<p>Digne has recently returned to action having missed through injury since Gameweek 10. However, the Frenchman still ranks 2nd amongst all defenders for assists provided (6). Looking at his underlying numbers for the period pre-injury (Gameweek 1-9) Digne ranks joint 1st amongst defenders for big chances created (5) and 2nd for successful crosses (17). He boasts significant dead ball threat with a share of corners and free kicks. It is noteworthy that no team has scored more headed goals than Everton (9) which is not surprising given the aerial threat of Calvert-Lewin, Keane, and Mina. Furthermore, the former PSG starlet is currently being deployed out of position on the left wing and recorded 10 entries into the box against Leicester ranking joint top amongst defenders for that metric this gameweek. With rock bottom top 10k ownership, set pieces, and OOP appeal what’s not to love about Lucas Digne over the next four?</p>
<div id="attachment_28613" style="width: 2570px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-28613" class="wp-image-28613 size-full" src="https://cms.fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/GettyImages-1228844806-scaled.jpg" alt="fpl gw21 transfer tips" width="2560" height="1706" srcset="https://cms.fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/GettyImages-1228844806-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cms.fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/GettyImages-1228844806-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/GettyImages-1228844806-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/GettyImages-1228844806-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/GettyImages-1228844806-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/GettyImages-1228844806-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://cms.fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/GettyImages-1228844806-610x407.jpg 610w, https://cms.fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/GettyImages-1228844806-1080x720.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><p id="caption-attachment-28613" class="wp-caption-text">Digne has a great set piece delivery</p></div>
<h3></h3>
<h3>Dominic Calvert-Lewin:</h3>
<p>The Sheffield native certainly lit the heather ablaze in the early part of the season. Ten goals in his opening nine games saw Calvert-Lewin earn senior England recognition and a debut goal against Wales. However, rather worryingly he is currently without a league goal 7 games. This period of decline largely coincided with the absence of Digne &amp; Rodriguez who between them created 80% of Everton&#8217;s big chances in the first nine weeks (12/15).  In the first nine gameweeks Calvert-Lewin posted league leading underlying numbers with the Englishman ranked 1<sup>st</sup> for shots on target (17) and 2<sup>nd</sup> for big chances (11). This favourable run of fixtures and the return of Everton&#8217;s creativity could see a fit again Calvert-Lewin back amongst the goals. Furthermore, a goal scoring return in the FA Cup against Sheffield Wednesday bodes well for league goals in the near future.</p>
<div id="attachment_28726" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-28726" class="wp-image-28726 size-full" src="https://cms.fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DCL-4.jpg" alt="gw21 everton tips" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://cms.fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DCL-4.jpg 1024w, https://cms.fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DCL-4-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DCL-4-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DCL-4-610x407.jpg 610w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><p id="caption-attachment-28726" class="wp-caption-text">Calvert-Lewin hasn&#8217;t scored a league goals in seven games but has great fixtures on the horizon</p></div>
<h3></h3>
<h3>Conclusion:</h3>
<p>In conclusion, I feel that punting on Everton’s differential assets could prove very shrewd ahead of this favourable run of games for managers planning to use their second wildcard for Double Gameweek 26. A timely return to action and form for James Rodriguez bodes well for this period and his combination of goal and assist potential marks him out as a player with a high point ceiling. Whilst not exactly resolute in defence Everton face three of the division’s blunter attacks over the next four. If Lucas Digne can combine attacking returns with clean sheets I believe he has the potential to top score all defenders over the next four. On fire at the start of the season Calvert-Lewin is enduring somewhat of a Premier League lean spell. However, I back him to resume normal service due to the return of Everton’s key creators and the flimsiness of the opposition. I have selected him ahead of Richarlison as the Brazilian, with only two league goals to his name, has flattered to deceive this term. Furthermore, Everton have two games in hand (MCI, avl) and given the constant changes to the fixture schedule ownership of Toffees asset could future-proof your squad in the event of a hastily arranged Double Gameweek.</p>
<p>For those that have read, thank you. Keep an eye for more articles in the near future and good luck for the coming Gameweeks. Drop me a follow on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/Hibbo_FPL">@Hibbo_FPL</a>.</p>
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