Danny Ings is undoubtedly in the form of his life. Breaking his own goal scoring records to ensure the Saints finish mid-table and look forward to another season in the top flight. He currently on 21 goal contributions in the league this season (19 goals, 2 assists). Unquestionably, he is value for money and the stats support that.
Ings has accrued the most bonus points (34) in Fantasy Premier League this season so far. Three clear of =second place Aubameyang and fellow countryman, Jamie Vardy. Starting the season at £6.0m, Danny has risen in price 15 times! More than any other player and double any other forward.
He has offered the best Points per Million for an FPL forward this season, despite the number of rises and has proven clinical in front of goal. This is crucial because it allows you to distribute funds into the midfield, where there is also some amazing value options this FPL season.
He’s taken 83 shots, 34 of which have been on target and boasts a conversion rate of 55% of his shots on target hitting the back of the net. He’s only missed seven big chances all season – fewer than the premium strikers with a similar total points tally and has played 2543 minutes this season. That’s 900 more than last season and only 500 fewer than the 2014/15 season where he scored 11 goals for Burnley.
Danny is the 7th most transferred in player in FPL this season. In fact, over 4.3 million times he’s been brought into our teams.
Is it too late or should you bring him in to finish the season on a high?
In his last three fixtures, Danny welcomes fellow-Southerners, Brighton, to St Mary’s, then travels along the coast to Bournemouth before hosting Sheffield United on the final day of the season.
Interestingly, Ings’ 19 goals have been scored against: Spurs (2), Chelsea, Wolves, Everton (2), Arsenal, Watford (3), Norwich (2), Newcastle, Villa (2), Crystal Palace, Leicester and Burnley. Brighton, Bournemouth and Sheffield United would be welcome additions to that list.
Brighton have struggled since the restart, keeping just one clean sheet (Norwich) in their last four and conceding 11 goals in that run. Ing’s 19 goals are fairly balanced between St Mary’s and the other stadiums in the league, with eight of his goals coming at home and he’ll certainly be looking to add to that against the Seagulls.
Bournemouth are looking for a late surge but are lacking quality in every position and will be hindered with the loss of Nathan Ake due to injury. They’ve kept only five clean sheets all season and have conceded 13 goals since the restart. The Cherries need to score goals, which could leave them vulnerable to the counter attack and the fine finishing of Ings.
Sheffield United travel to Southampton on the final day and with eight goals conceded since the restart, their form is questionable and a resilient Southampton could take advantage of that. Ings will be looking to end the season scoring, and will take any opportunity to slice through the Blades defence.
While I do think Ings’ minutes will be managed over the last few games, I don’t see him not starting because Ralph will want him to end the season on a high and with a challenge for the Golden Boot. He is still a very affordable option at £7.5m, scoring one more than Raul Jimenez (£8.1m) and equalling Jamie Vardy’s (£9.8m) tally of four goals since the restart.
If ever you’ve needed a Saint to save you, it could well be this one!