Van Hecke (BHA, Defender, £4.5m)

Verdict: BUY

Van Hecke is a budget-friendly, nailed-on defender for Brighton who is currently available and showing solid form, making him an excellent differential pick for Gameweek 33.

The Reasoning

Fitness & Availability: Van Hecke is fully available ("a") with no injury concerns or news, making him a reliable starter for Brighton. He's been playing 90 minutes consistently.
Recent Performance: The young defender has been in decent form, bagging a 9-point haul in GW30 and a 5-pointer in GW32, showcasing his ability to return points even when Brighton don't keep a clean sheet. His 4.5 form rating is solid for a £4.5m defender.
Upcoming Fixtures: While the next three fixtures against Spurs (A), Chelsea (H), and Newcastle (A) are a mixed bag, his impressive 'Expected Points Next' of 8.5 for GW33 suggests he's primed for a haul, potentially through attacking returns or bonus points.
Underlying Stats: With 3 goals and 2 assists this season, Van Hecke offers attacking threat. His ICT Index of 129.2 and Threat of 242.0 are strong for a defender, indicating his involvement in Brighton's play at both ends of the pitch. He's also a bonus magnet, with 8 bonus points this season.

Risks

Brighton's defensive consistency can be a concern, as they don't always keep clean sheets, especially against tougher opposition like Spurs and Newcastle. While he's nailed now, rotation is always a possibility in a busy schedule, though less likely for a key defender.

Alternative Options

For a similar price point and potential, consider someone like Malo Gusto (£4.2m) from Chelsea, who offers attacking upside, or Murillo (£4.5m) from Nottingham Forest for their upcoming favourable run.

The Strategic Play

Van Hecke presents a fantastic budget differential. With his high EP_next for GW33 and consistent minutes, he's a strong short-term punt. Managers looking to free up funds elsewhere or needing a reliable, cheap defender should look to bring him in. Hold him through the mixed fixtures, as his attacking threat and bonus potential can still deliver.

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