Reasons explained for Newcastle United stars in Fantasy Premier League team of the week

A new BBC report has named their latest Fantasy Premier League team of the week, with reasons explaining the selection of these two Newcastle United stars.

This is ahead of the weekend, the twentieth round of Premier League fixtures.

Newcastle United taking on Crystal Palace on Sunday, a 3pm kick-off.

Eddie Howe and his Newcastle United players looking to follow up Tuesday’s away victory at Burnley.

BBC Sport journalist Thomas Woods making his choice of Fantasy Premier League team of the week, including an explanation on the two Newcastle United players he has selected, who look set to line up against Crystal Palace.

BBC Sport Fantasy Premier League team of the week (Their fantasy football price/value detailed, plus who they are playing against) ahead of the weekend:

Keeper and defence

Bart Verbruggen, Brighton, keeper, £4.5m – Burnley (h)

Gabriel, Arsenal, £6.4m – Bournemouth (a)

Malick Thiaw, Newcastle, £5m – Crystal Palace (h)

Thiaw is Newcastle’s most reliable defender, the only one to have scored this season (twice) and has defensive contribution (defcon) points in five of his 16 starts.

James Tarkowski, Everton, £5.6m – Brentford (h)

Jeremie Frimpong, Liverpool, £5.7m – Fulham (a)

Bruno Guimaraes, Newcastle, £7m – Crystal Palace (h)

The Newcastle midfielder is a funny player to analyse. He has six goals this season from an expected goals (xG) of just 2.9, which suggests he won’t carry on scoring.

But then again, he has had more shots on target (13) than any other Newcastle player this season.

Five double-digit hauls this season makes you stand up and take note – worth a gamble.

Morgan Rogers, Aston Villa, £7.4m – Nottingham Forest (h)

Phil Foden, Manchester City, £9m – Chelsea (h)

Strikers

Erling Haaland (captain), Manchester City, £15.1m – Chelsea (h)

Danny Welbeck, Brighton, £6.3m – Burnley (h)

Jarrod Bowen, West Ham, £7.6m – Wolves (a)