On a night that saw Jonjo Shelvey play a part in all four goals, we witnessed Michu notch his first of the season, while Daniel Sturridge maintained his relentless scoring streak with a fourth goal in four games. With Victor Moses impressing on debut and injury concerns surrounding Dan Agger and Pablo Hernandez, Monday’s encounter offered plenty for Fantasy managers to consider.
The Game Changer
Michu’s sweetly struck half volley from Shelvey’s smart knockdown issued a timely reminder of his talents. Up until tonight, Michu was amongst an array of several heavy hitting midfielders who have failed to live up to their pre-season billing. While Philippe Coutinho continued to toil without returns for Liverpool before being subbed with a shoulder injury, tonight’s strike from Michu promoted him in our thinking.
With Pablo Hernandez potentially sidelined with a hamstring problem, Michu stands out as Swansea’s key attacking asset as they embark on a run of friendly league fixtures in the weeks ahead. Having dropped to 8.9 in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) after a run of sales, Michu may just be set to replicate the kind of form that saw him strike 18 goals from midfield in his debut season.
The Underused
A cult hero on these pages, Victor Moses announced himself to his new supporters with an encouraging display and a debut goal. Having suffered limited opportunities at Stamford Bridge, Moses is set to be given the freedom of the Liverpool left flank by Brendan Rodgers and his pace, power and trickery troubled the Swans all evening. With an eye for goal and the likes of Sturridge and Luis Suarez to convert his supply, Moses is owned by less than 1% of Fantasy managers but already looks good value at 6.2 in the FPL.
The Selection Poser
There were two notable absentees from the evening’s teamsheets as both Dan Agger and Pablo Hernandez missed out. Liverpool’s Danish defender picked up a knock in training on Sunday which saw him sidelined – he is expected to return to the fold for the home clash with Southampton, however. That would signal a shake-up in the Liverpool back four which currently has Kolo Toure, Martin Skrtel, Mamado Sakho and Andre Wisdom battling for two starting berths.
Hernandez’s situation is less certain. Michael Laudrup confirmed a hamstring injury prior to the game and stated that the Spanish winger could be out “for a week or two”. Hernandez had enjoyed an outstanding start to the campaign, attracting sizeable investment which had led to a FPL price hike to 6.2. Seemingly a major doubt for the trip to Crystal Palace, it remains to be seen if his owners hold firm ahead of Swansea’s favourable schedule.
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