Samuel Eto’o hits a hat-trick as Chelsea ease past United at the Bridge. Nemanja Vidic is set for a three-match ban after a late red card adds to David Moyes’ woes. Emmanuel Adebayor is at the double as Spurs win at Swansea, with Wilfried Bony amongst the goals once again for the beaten Welsh side:
Eto’o Treble Sinks United
The Cameroon international was handed the lone striker role against the champions, with Fernando Torres dropping to the bench after back-to-back league starts. Eto’o more than justified Jose Mourinho’s decision by notching all the home side’s goals in the 3-1 win and, with the maximum bonus safely secured, registered a 17-point return in his manager’s 100th Premier League win as the Blues’ boss. After the game, Mourinho revealed Torres is “out for weeks” with knee ligament damage after being forced off as a late sub and subsequently talked up Demba Ba’s prospects – bearing in mind the latter has been named in the first XI just twice this season, though, Eto’o will feel he’s firmly in the driving seat for a regular run of starts now. With West Ham and Newcastle rolling up to the Bridge in the next three, the Cameroon international may well be worth a flutter – further analysis shows he has produced 51 points over his six home starts this season, drawing a blank only once in front of the Blues faithful when handed a chance from the kick-off.
Cole Back on the Blues Bench as Ivanovic Returns
Ashley Cole’s run of four straight starts came to an end as the Serbian recovered from injury to take his place in the XI. Whilst Javier Hernandez’ late consolation prevented the home side from registering a fifth clean sheet in six, the versatile Cesar Azpilicueta is likely to remain in many a wildcard plan after he shifted over to left-back at Cole’s expense – the Spaniard has now started all but one of the last 12 league matches and, at 5.3, is the cheapest on offer amongst Mourinho’s regulars. Gary Cahill also staked a claim for consideration with a 10-point haul yesterday. The former Bolton man supplied a pair of assists and has started 10 of the last 12, though the arrival of Nemanja Matic is likely to see David Luiz fielded less often in central midfield and, with the latter perhaps offering Cahill increased competition at centre-half, Azpilicueta looks a safer option right now.
Moyes’ Worries Increase At the Back
Devoid of front two Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie yet again for yesterday’s clash, the United boss also has concerns at the other end of the pitch to contend with. Moyes watched Patrice Evra limp out of proceedings early in the second period, whilst Nemanja Vidic is also set to miss the next three games in all competitions after his late dismissal for a foul on Eden Hazard. With Rio Ferdinand still doubtful with a knee problem, United’s options are stretched at the back – Moyes looks likely to partner Jonny Evans with Phil Jones or Chris Smalling for next weekend’s visit of Cardiff but, with the champions managing just two clean sheets in the last nine at Old Trafford, the Bluebirds will fancy their chances of finding the net.
Adebayor at the Double
The Togo international plundered the points once again as his Fantasy prospects go from strength to strength under Tim Sherwood. Handed the lone forward role as the new Spurs boss opted for a 4-4-1-1, with Roberto Soldado rested to the bench, Adebayor bagged a brace and maximum bonus for a 13-point return at the Liberty – since the departure of Andre Villas-Boas, Adebayor has racked up 49 points, or an average of 8.2 points per game over six appearances. Priced at just 7.8 in FPL, he’s making a persuasive case for the third forward slot alongside Luis Suarez and Sergio Aguero – crucially, his consistency is also a factor, with returns in all but one of his starts under Sherwood. Home games with City and Everton and a trip to Hull in the next three are a little tricky and may deter some investors but, having played a part in eight of Spurs’ 14 goals under the new manager, he’s becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
Eriksen Ticking Over
The Dane headed into yesterday’s match neck-and-neck on points with Adebayor since Sherwood’s installation and, whilst he was somewhat overshadowed, still managed to deliver for his growing band of owners. Eriksen’s assist for the frontman’s first took his tally to three goals and a pair of assists in the last five matches – similarly to Adebayor, the summer signing from Ajax has been consistent in his returns, producing in all but one of the previous five now. With a bonus point also received, he’s picked up 42 points over six under Sherwood – an average of seven points per game – and, favourably priced at just 7.3, certainly looks a contender for our five-man midfields and is likely to persuade plenty Fantasy managers who cannot accommodate Adebayor up top.
Bony’s Home Comforts
It’s six goals in six home appearances for the Ivorian after his late consolation scuppered the Spurs clean sheet. Whilst the likes of Adebayor and Daniel Sturridge offer a real consistency up front, Bony has yet to produce any attacking points over nine appearances on the road this season compared to seven goals and an assist across the same number of matches at the Liberty. With Fulham, Cardiff, Palace, West Brom and Norwich the next five visitors, the 7.3-priced forward’s chances of further returns look prosperous, then, but that woeful away form needs to be improved before we can view him as a reliable Fantasy prospect.
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