The Digest – Gameweek Twenty Eight

The Digest finally brings the double gameweek to an end, as we analyse Liverpool’s captain fantastic, the Swans’ continued top-flight success and the recent loss in faith in the blue half of Manchester, as United start to capitalise on their favourable run of fixtures…

The Player

With his side struggling for a cutting edge for the majority of this season, Steve Gerrard, once again, provided the solution. The relentless energy of the Liverpool skipper has so often dragged the Reds through and last night it was his positional play and finishing ability that sliced through the Everton backline to hand Kenny Dalglish’s side a handsome victory. Twice linking with Luis Suarez, whilst capitalising on a scramble involving Martin Kelly for the first, Gerrard applied three ensured finishes to announce his return to the fore.

Fantasy managers will immediately take notice. Whilst it’s unlikely that Gerrard was a major part of double Gameweek plans, suddenly he will now be on the radar and considered for the heavyweight slot in midfield – perhaps recently vacated by City’s David Silva, with the likes of Ashley Young and Nani already pitching convincing auditions.

Gerrard’s fitness will be the main concern – having been restored to the side last night following a prolonged spell of absence, there will be question marks as to whether he’ll retain a start at QPR on Saturday. While it seems likely that Kenny Dalglish will pull out the stops to ensure his skipper is available, there is a doubt whether Gerrard can immediately sustain back-to-back starts, or indeed that his all-action game won’t break down again should he be stretched.

The Team

It’s difficult to deny Swansea the mantle as team of the season – or Brendan Rodgers as manager of the year. Their results and, in particular, the brand of football they practice, has been both refreshing and eye-opening. Claiming the majority possession share from title challengers Man City at the weekend was their latest achievement; the fact that is was capped by a late winner and a clean sheet speaks volumes for their progress. Rodgers has instilled a belief and confidence that has brought an end product to Swansea’s composed fluidity.

In Fantasy terms, Swansea remain a reliable source of budget potential. Michel Vorm is already the stuff of legend but, for those who are late to the party or shed the Dutchman with their wildcards, the back four presents viable alternatives, with loanee Steven Caulker emerging as a bonus magnet in recent weeks.

While Scott Sinclair provides a proven goal threat and spot-kicks from midfield, Gylfi Sigurdsson has a graceful creative streak, set-piece involvement and a potent cutting edge as the alternative. Danny Graham up front, continues to pitch himself as a secure and reliable third Fantasy striker.

Unlike other budget options, Swansea pack the ability to surprise – to produce results and profits far above expected levels. That can be crucial to a Fantasy manager when there’s a call to the bench due to injury and suspension of more expensive assets.

The Talking Point

We’ve discussed City’s decline as a Fantasy force previously, and, following the Liberty Stadium defeat, it’s now a topic that has gathered pace. Injuries and squad rotation have combined with dwindling away returns to create a doubt that has swept through Fantasy squads and seen the likes of Vincent Kompany, David Silva and Sergio Aguero make way for more secure and, currently, more profitable assets. The trend seems likely to escalate as Wayne Rooney and his United team-mates continue to set a determined pace, leaving City struggling to track their progess. In Fantasy terms, there’s been a power shift and those yet to go with it will likely be on the verge of submission.

With both Yaya Toure and Mario Balotelli offering a cheap, emergency route back to City’s attacking potential – the pressure on Silva and Aguero to supply in intensifying.

City’s home fixture with Chelsea looks to be hugely significant. Those still holding to Silva and Aguero are set to get starts from their men in this one – they will likely need convincing returns if they are to remain in place. The trip to Stoke that follows is hardly a tempting proposition and one that promises an upturn in fortune should Roberto Mancini’s men slip again next Wednesday evening.