Read on Twitter
No time for a #BLFantasy article on @FBLScout for the midweek games so I thought I'd put together a little thread on 2 intriguing forwards with a tasty matchup this week.
Alassane Pléa (AP) and Marcus Thuram (MT), a thread:
Alassane Pléa (AP) and Marcus Thuram (MT), a thread:
This French connection has done wonders for 5th place Mönchengladbach.
2 points from 3rd, 'Gladbach face lowly Werder Bremen midweek.
AP has had the better stats throughout the season, but has recently been in fantastic form and now 3 fantasy points separate the 2 strikers.
2 points from 3rd, 'Gladbach face lowly Werder Bremen midweek.
AP has had the better stats throughout the season, but has recently been in fantastic form and now 3 fantasy points separate the 2 strikers.
Season stats:
Notable for me is the extra shot/90 for AP. That stat alone may be worth the extra 1.2M.
Notable for me is the extra shot/90 for AP. That stat alone may be worth the extra 1.2M.
Matchday 26: Eintracht vs 'Gladbach
Images are touches in the game. AP on lft, MT on rt.
AP seems more involved in the play based on the touch maps, but the stats say otherwise:
AP: 5 shots, 4 on target, 1 goal, .49 xG, 90 min
MT: 2 shots, 2 on target, 1 goal, .68 xG, 66 min
Images are touches in the game. AP on lft, MT on rt.
AP seems more involved in the play based on the touch maps, but the stats say otherwise:
AP: 5 shots, 4 on target, 1 goal, .49 xG, 90 min
MT: 2 shots, 2 on target, 1 goal, .68 xG, 66 min
Matchday 27: 'Gladbach v Leverkusen
Images are touches in the game. AP on lft, MT on rt.
Seemingly more evenly involved. Blip or trend?
AP: 3 shots, 1 on target, 0 goal, .49 xG, .36 xA, 90 min
MT: [ shots, 2 on target, 1 goal, .69 xG (look familiar?), 79 min
Images are touches in the game. AP on lft, MT on rt.
Seemingly more evenly involved. Blip or trend?
AP: 3 shots, 1 on target, 0 goal, .49 xG, .36 xA, 90 min
MT: [ shots, 2 on target, 1 goal, .69 xG (look familiar?), 79 min
As my friend @thefplmanual noted for me, there is a similarity here with the Lacazette/Aubameyang dynamic at Arsenal. Aubameyang was a quality asset when he was clinical, risky if not efficient with finishing.
One can gain confidence in Thuram's xG however.
One can gain confidence in Thuram's xG however.
Evolving tactics:
'Gladbach switched to a back 3 against Leverkusen and it worked. Thuram's strength proved a valuable asset in switching gameplan, but he is not a particularly adept hold up player so it is hard to see them relying on that too often. He is a strong presence.
'Gladbach switched to a back 3 against Leverkusen and it worked. Thuram's strength proved a valuable asset in switching gameplan, but he is not a particularly adept hold up player so it is hard to see them relying on that too often. He is a strong presence.
Home/away:
@TheFPLManual also brought the home/away split between these players to my attention. It's an interesting added analysis that heavily favors Plea. There are tactical reasons for this as well as he is better able to find space behind defenses on counter attacks.
@TheFPLManual also brought the home/away split between these players to my attention. It's an interesting added analysis that heavily favors Plea. There are tactical reasons for this as well as he is better able to find space behind defenses on counter attacks.
Conclusion:
For what it's worth, I have gone for Thuram. I am encouraged by his increasing role and goal involvement. I also couldn't afford Plea.
Either is good, but don't overlook getting both!
Good luck to you all in the midweek fixtures. Thanks for taking the time here
For what it's worth, I have gone for Thuram. I am encouraged by his increasing role and goal involvement. I also couldn't afford Plea.
Either is good, but don't overlook getting both!
Good luck to you all in the midweek fixtures. Thanks for taking the time here
