Sergio Aguero grabs the match-winner against United as City win a fourth straight Manchester derby. United’s worries at the back continue as injury and suspension hit Louis van Gaal’s side. Nacer Chadli grabs his fifth of the campaign and Harry Kane stakes a claim for a starting role as Spurs come from behind to get the better of Villa.
Aguero Wraps Up Win Against Rivals
Sergio Aguero took his tally to ten for the season with the winner against Man United in the Manchester derby. The Argentinian now has seven goals and eight bonus points from his last six appearances in a run of form that has seen him emerge as an ‘essential’ pick right now. Notably, the City striker’s goal yesterday came in a week that saw the likes of Diego Costa, Graziano Pelle and Saido Berahino all blank, allowing him to open up a five-point lead at the top of the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) forward standings. Aguero still has ownership under 25%, though with City set to roll up to Loftus Road next weekend, that level of interest is surely set to increase over the coming week.
Derby Day Blues for United
The 1-0 loss to their local rivals was the first time in seven outings that United have failed to score, as Louis van Gaal’s start to life at Old Trafford continues to stutter. Angel Di Maria now has just one assist to show for his last three and has lost ownership in each of the last two Gameweeks, with the current of form of Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez proving too tempting for many. However, United have three excellent home fixtures in their next four (CPL, HUL, STO) and Di Maria will have the chance to rediscover the form that saw him collect three double-figure hauls between Gameweeks 4 and 7.
Defensive Concerns Build for Red Devils
Attack is certainly likely to be the best form of defence for Van Gaal’s outfit, with their problems at the back showing no sign of abating. Rafael was injured in training prior to yesterday’s encounter, whilst Marcus Rojo dislocated his shoulder during the derby and is looks certain to miss the Crystal Palace clash this coming weekend, according to his manager. With Chris Smalling also suspended for that match after a catastrophic red card at the Etihad, and the likes of Jonny Evans and Phil Jones struggling with injury, Van Gaal is likely to have to stick with the partnership of Michael Carrick and Patrick McNair at centre back next weekend – it’s now no clean sheets in the last six for United, and a makeshift backline are sure to have their work cut out in turning that defensive form around.
Chadli and Kane Stun Villa
An inspiring comeback in the last ten minutes from Mauricio Pochettino’s side saw them clinch a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa, with Nacer Chadli netting his fifth goal of the season and substitute Harry Kane scoring his seventh in his last seven appearances late on. With Erik Lamela sacrificed to the bench as Pochettino opted for a front two of Emmanuel Adebayor and Roberto Soldado, and Cristian Eriksen hooked off at the break, Chadli looks the one regular Spurs player worth owning right now, as his eight-point haul at Villa Park took him up to fourth in the FPL midfield rankings. Kane, meanwhile, is yet to start a league match, though his manager has hinted post-match that he deserves more minutes. Spurs have decent fixtures ahead (STO, hul, EVE, che, CPL) and the 4.8-priced Kane may well be afforded further opportunities to show his capabilities across that schedule.
Villa Losing Streak Continues
Problems are mounting for Villa right now, who are without a win since Gameweek 4 and will now have to cope with star striker Cristian Benteke, who is suspended for the next three after being dismissed for violent conduct. Andreas Weimann scored his third of the season against Spurs – and his side’s first goal in 547 minutes of football. The schedule ahead is decent enough for the Austrian (whm, SOU, bur, cpl, LEI), but with morale so low amongst the Villa ranks, he is still unlikely to rival Diafra Sakho or Berahino for our affections in the budget forwards bracket.
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