This Much We Know – Gameweek 36

With nine matches in the Gameweek already played out, we assess the lessons learned over the weekend’s action. Sunderland’s red-hot forward, Everton’s toils up top, Swansea’s Spanish playmaker, Ryan Giggs’ impact at the United helm and Jose’s counter-attacking masterclass are amongst this Monday’s lunchtime topics:

Wickham is living up to the “Saviour” tag…
Five goals in his last three appearances, with an assist and eight bonus points also thrown in, highlights the incredible impact of the Sunderland youngster. Farmed out on loan twice by Gus Poyet this term, Wickham was plying his trade for Leeds as recently as last month before a season-ending injury to Steven Fletcher persuaded the Black Cats boss to recall him. His return has helped kick-start an astonishing turnaround as Sunderland drew with City before ending Jose’s unbeaten record at Stamford Bridge – the weekend mauling of Cardiff elevated the Wearsiders out of the drop zone, and with Swansea and West Brom still to roll up to the Stadium of Light, the Wickham bandwagon is rapidly picking up speed.

Giggs will rely on the old guard… while they remain…
It was somewhat telling that, in his first match in charge, Ryan Giggs opted for experience at the back in order to secure a morale-boosting win over Norwich. Regardless of the fact that Nemanja Vidic is on his way to Inter and both Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra are out of contract at the end of the season, Giggs’ short-term stint at the helm means that, unlike David Moyes, he doesn’t need to plan for the future. With the old hands helping the Red Devils to a first home clean sheet since Gameweek 23, the interim-manager’s decision proved a wise one and suggests he may well retain a settled backline for a double Gameweek 37 which hands the Reds back-to-back home games against Sunderland and Hull.

Rooney’s backing for Giggs showed on the pitch…
Initially partnered by Danny Welbeck in a 4-4-2 before Juan Mata’s eye-catching display off the bench, the England international looks the standout candidate ahead of the double. Rooney turned in a display that bristled with attacking intent, peppering John Ruddy’s goal with seven attempts over his 90 minutes, with his brace taking the frontman’s tally to eight in as many matches. Whilst there still may be doubts over Giggs’ attacking set-up in light of Mata’s cameo, Rooney’s current 16% ownership looks set to rapidly climb before the weekend deadline – many will head into the double with the armband firmly attached.

Martinez is struggling to prevent Everton fizzling out…
Only three teams created fewer chances than Everton this weekend – the Merseysiders mustered a shot every 10.4 minutes compared to 7.2 minutes for their average on the road this season. Roberto Martinez’ team managed just two efforts on target over the entire 90 minutes in Saturday lunchtime’s 2-0 defeat at St Mary’s as their Champions League dreams begins to subside – with Kevin Mirallas sidelined for the season and Romelu Lukaku notching once in the last six, the Toffees are stuttering over the finishing line. With a home clash against title-chasing City this weekend, their prospects of even finishing fifth are being threatened by Spurs, with Lukaku’s poor form the catalyst for a major exodus ahead of the double.

Hernandez has to be a middle man…
Installed in a central role behind Wilfried Bony for the vital home encounter against Villa, the Spaniard was a pivotal figure as the Swans secured their survival with a convincing 4-1 win. With an ongoing ankle complaint forcing Michu back onto the sidelines, Hernandez was handed license to roam by Garry Monk and turned in a display to suggest that he’s more deserving of a move into the middle, with his displays far less influential when shifted out wide. Whilst Michu offers a more direct threat in “the hole”, Hernandez’ playmaking talents are perhaps a better fit for Monk’s system and may yet see him come to the fore next time – providing he, too, can steer clear of injuries.

Mourinho can set a side up to resist any force…
Liverpool’s irresistible run of form came crashing to an end yesterday, with their arch-nemesis once again breaking the Merseysiders’ hearts. Chelsea rolled up to Anfield without John Terry and Petr Cech, whilst Gary Cahill was utilised only as a late second-half sub, with yesterday’s team clearly selected with one eye on Wednesday’s clash against Atletico. Nonetheless, Jose Mourinho showed his tactical acumen by plotting a superb counter-attacking display as the Blues registered a seventeenth clean sheet of the season. Fantasy football can at times be frustratingly unpredictable, but with Jose back at the Bridge, we can always rely on a Blues defence that has now conceded just two goals away from home to the current top eight.

Toure simply cannot be tamed…
Back from a brief groin injury, the Ivorian delivered the points yet again yesterday. Toure’s goal and assist in the 2-0 win at Palace earned the maximum bonus as he delivered returns for the twentieth time this season – an outstanding run of consistency. The City midfielder has been a Fantasy Football force this season – for all the deadball strikes, his form from open play has confirmed Toure’s heavy-hitter status and sets him up to be placed in the very top bracket next term. Given that he has scored 19 times from just 26 attempts on target, though, it remains to be seen if he can maintain this season’s scoring rate and live up to expectations.