Your Fantasy Football Club by Club Guide: Newcastle United

The overview

Last season: 6th (BWSL2)

This season expectations: Pushing for promotion

Newcastle look like a side on the up, and they've backed it with some smart summer business. Tanya Oxtoby will want to build on last season’s sixth place finish, and the recruitment suggests they mean to climb, which makes them a rewarding club to raid for those all important Fantasy points.

The one to build around at Newcastle is Jordan Nobbs. The vastly experienced former England midfielder pulls the strings, weighing in with goals, assists (six and five last season), and set-piece duties, making her the kind of all-rounder that piles up points. The 33-year-old would have been the team’s top points scorer last season with 128, making her Newcastle's key Fantasy name.

The incomings catch the eye too. Martha Thomas arrives from Tottenham as a proven goalscorer who could well lead the line and top the club's scoring charts, while Leanne Kiernan adds another goal threat when fit and Gemma Evans brings solidity at the back. Mollie Lambert would have bagged 105 points last season so she could be one to watch as you build your midfield.

There's pace and trickery in the squad as well, with Beth Lumsden being a real livewire out wide who averaged 8.99 dribbles per 90 showing just how much she loves to run at defenders. In short, Newcastle have the look of a side that could surprise a few this season.

Set-piece takers

Corners: Expect Nobbs to utilise her dead-ball expertise here. Beth Lumsden also took a few corners last season so she could be another to watch for that extra assist potential.

Penalties: One to watch as Katie Bradley arrives having taken them at Charlton, so she's a strong bet to claim the duties, with Nobbs another candidate. Keep an eye on the opening weeks.

Direct free kicks: Jordan Nobbs is the likeliest to have a go from range.

Player costs

Given how much we’ve mentioned her already, it should come as no surprise that Jordan Nobbs (£7.5m) is the must-pick from Newcastle. She offers goals, assists and set-pieces from midfield making her a brilliant all-rounder, and with that level of involvement is exactly what you want anchoring your squad. Mollie Lambert (£7.0m) could be a solid choice thanks to her relentless work ethic in midfield.

Then we have the likes of Beth Lumsden (£7.5m) who could be a really shrewd pick given her direct, run-at-you style, and if Newcastle's improved defence clicks, Gemma Evans (£5.0m) or Aoife Mannion (£5.5m) could nick you a few clean sheets as they push up the table.

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