Everything you need to know about Runjaic`s team: penalty takers, fantasy football key players, and new faces.
After finishing last season in twelfth place, following a strong first half (ninth with 25 points, two more than Roma) and an inconsistent second half (only 19 points earned), Udinese managed to achieve their seasonal objective of survival well in advance. Fans, pleased with Runjaic`s work in his first year in Italy, are now dreaming big, bolstered by the coach`s recent words: `Europe? It`s a goal, but a long-term one.` However, with the departures of Lorenzo Lucca (now at Napoli) and Bijol (who moved to Leeds), the path towards that dream – which hasn`t been realized since the Guidolin era in the 2013/14 season – already appears challenging. On a positive note, the interesting arrival of Polish international midfielder Jakub Piotrowski from Ludogorets is worth mentioning. To make the right fantasy football choices, here’s how to navigate through the starters, penalty takers, and potential surprises.
Udinese: Top Fantasy Football Picks
Regarded as one of the most impressive defensive revelations of last season, Solet (20 credits) is undoubtedly a key player for Runjaic`s Udinese. Highly valuable for fantasy modifiers (average rating of 6.3), the defender also contributed 1 goal and 2 assists. In midfield, Ekkelenkamp (22 credits) is an interesting candidate: he was a standout performer last season with 3 goals and 2 assists, finishing with an impressive fantasy average of 6.2. For the attack, keep an eye on the ongoing negotiations between Udinese and Lens for Thauvin (39 credits). Should the Bianconeri captain remain, it would be wise to trust him: he scored 8 goals and provided 3 assists last season, boasting an overall fantasy average close to 7.3.
Udinese: Potential Fantasy Football Surprises
Recently acquired permanently from Metz, Arthur Atta (16 credits) appears to have all the qualities to become a pleasant surprise this fantasy football season. After an initial acclimatization season, which ended with zero goals and just one assist, the Frenchman has shined in pre-season with goals and leadership performances. He`s definitely worth considering. Also in midfield, keep an eye on Jakub Piotrowski (7 credits), a Polish international with significant European club experience (23 appearances in Europa and Conference League). Upfront, there`s room for Davis (19 credits), who, without Lucca, will be tasked with partnering Thauvin – should he stay – in Udinese`s attack. Having scored only 2 goals last season, the 1998-born player is eager to reclaim a starring role.
Udinese: Probable Lineup
(4-4-2): Sava; Ehizibue, Solet, Kristensen, Zemura; Ekkelenkamp, Lovric, Karlstrom, Atta; Thauvin, Davis.
Udinese: Penalty Taker
Penalty Kicks: Thauvin.
