Club Football is back!!! We will be delivering some of African player tips ahead of the FPL’s return on Boxing Day.
Riyad Mahrez
Mahrez has had a sluggish start to the season, struggling to force his way into Pep Guardiola’s plans, but Manchester City’s fixtures upon their comeback mean he deserves consideration.
With Leeds United and Everton up in their first two games, City are expected to restart strongly, while double gameweeks upcoming in weeks 20 and 23 represent good opportunities for huge hauls.
Mahrez should be fresh after taking no part in the World Cup, and after being City’s top scorer last season, has a point to prove over the coming months.
Mohamed Salah
Another North African superstar who wasn’t present at the World Cup, watching on as Morocco broke new ground for the region, is Salah.
After a sluggish start to the season—perhaps a consequence of Sadio Mane’s departure from Liverpool—Salah had begun to find some form before the Qatar break.
He’s a pricey midfield option at 12.8 million, but he’d scored three in three before the pause, and has the quality to hit the ground running.
Salah is also a decent option for the captain’s armband.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
With Diogo Dalot struggling with a hamstring injury—and therefore missing Manchester United’s 2-0 victory over Burnley—could Wan-Bissaka be handed an opportunity to force his way back into Erik ten Hag’s plans?
The right-back registered an assist in that match—setting up Christian Eriksen for the Red Devils’ opener—and appears on course to start.
He’s struggled at Old Trafford to date, but at 4.3 million, could be a very appealing option.
Kalidou Koulibaly
The World Cup wasn’t an entirely successful experience for Koulibaly, who netted against Ecuador but struggled in defeats by England and the Netherlands.
Nevertheless, he now has an opportunity to return to form with Chelsea, where he should find himself back in the starting XI given Wesley Fofana’s injury.
The centre-back will be aiming for clean sheets in the Blues’ first two games back, against Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest.
Wilfried Zaha
Zaha has been in impressive form for Crystal Palace during the Eagles’ mini pre-season, and even netted twice in a 2-1 victory over Real Valladolid.
Also working in Zaha’s favour is Palace’s run of fixtures, with Fulham at home and Bournemouth away in their next two fixtures.
The Ivorian may also be keen to tempt potential suitors, with the attacker now entering the final six months of his contract at Selhurst Park.
Eddie Nketiah
Not present at the World Cup for either Ghana or England, Nketiah has been made to wait for his opportunities this season, and indeed, is yet to score in the Premier League.
However, Gabriel Jesus’s injury may well open the door for him to spearhead the league leaders, where he may have a valuable opportunity to prove that he deserves more playing time at the Emirates Stadium.
There are no guarantees, Arsenal’s form may dip without Jesus, and Mikel Arteta may yet plump for Gabriel Martinelli through the middle, but for £6.5 million, he looks like a decent bet.