We turn out attentions to the weekend’s fixtures once again this Thursday lunchtime. As always, there are a number of topics to consider – Sergio Aguero against the Saints, United and Liverpool’s front men, Eden Hazard’s away form and Danny Welbeck’s place within the Arsenal XI all come under consideration.
The Saints’ rearguard against Aguero…
It’s rare to see the City talisman sitting with 8% of the votes in any Gameweek’s Captain Poll – all the more so after he’s just put three past Bayern on Tuesday evening. Aguero faces arguably his toughest test in the league so far, though – paying visit to a Southampton side that have been breached only one in front of their own fans. Certainly, another resilient performance from Ronaldo Koeman’s would go some way to answering questions over their solidity but with the champions producing 30% more goal attempts than any other side away from home so far, something has to give at St Mary’s.
Hazard’s ability to deliver on the road…
The Belgian racked up a third successive double-figure home haul last weekend and continues to wreak havoc in front of his own fans. Hazard clearly loves home comforts – his last nine league goals have all arrived at the Bridge and, so far this season, he’s offered little to suggest that’s about to change. In six away trips, Hazard has mustered a mere two efforts on target and we need him to provide evidence that he can overcome his travel sickness and get amongst the points as the Blues roll up to the Stadium of Light.
Welbeck’s role at the Hawthorns…
While the summer signing toiled up front once more against United, Olivier Giroud’s goal off the bench signaled the Frenchman’s intent after a number of months on the sidelines. With Giroud omitted from Arsenal’s Champions League group squad, he’ll be pushing for a first start since Gameweek 3 – in 88 minutes on the pitch this term, he’s already mirrored Welbeck’s two goals over 829 minutes. Welbeck missed out in midweek with a knee problem and with Arsene Wenger continuing to talk up the latter’s versatility, a spot on the flank, or even the bench, looks on the cards sooner than later.
Ings against the depleted Villa defence…
Southampton may have struggled in the midlands on Monday evening but the Clarets forward is a man in form, with three goals in his last four league outings now. Burnley carry the momentum into their home clash with Paul Lambert’s side – having won each of their last two, they’ll be confident of picking up a vital victory against their fellow strugglers. Another big display from Ings will surely bring him into contention in the budget bracket ahead of matches against Newcastle and QPR in the subsequent two.
Lambert’s opportunity to shine…
A move to his boyhood club hasn’t quite turned out the way he’d imagined but let’s not forget Lambert is a proven top-flight performer. The summer signing racked up 28 goals and 19 assists over his two years at Southampton – given the pitch time, he’s consistently produced at this level. With Mario Balotelli joining Daniel Sturridge on the treatment table due to an ongoing groin problem, Lambert has now scored in back-to-back appearances and looks assured of starts in a Liverpool side that faces Stoke, Leicester and Sunderland in the next three. While many are shopping in the budget bracket up front, Lambert, at just 6.9 in FPL, is a proven entity with the fixtures to thrive – all he needs is for his team-mates to regain their confidence and feed him the opportunities.
Rooney’s remit against the Tigers
Louis van Gaal’s tactical tinkering may well determine how we view the United skipper’s prospects. Upon returning from suspension, Rooney offered little evidence of Fantasy potential in a central midfield role under his manager’s 4-1-4-1 formation but last week’s shift to a 3-4-1-2 may yet resurrect his campaign. Van Gaal moved Angel di Maria up front against Arsenal and is clearly willing to shuffle his attacking players around when the need arises – Rooney’s goal at the Emirates could yet persuade his manager it’s time to drop Robin van Persie and hand his captain the chance to lead the line. Renowned for embarking on goal scoring streaks, we’ll be keeping a keen eye on Rooney’s display as he looks to hit top form just in time for the festive period.
Carroll’s claims for a Hammers berth…
Unexpectedly handed the full 90 minutes at Everton last week, the Hammers target man will be hoping to retain his starting role as former club Newcastle roll up to Upton Park. To an extent, Carroll’s pitch time may well be determined by the fitness of Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia but if one, or both, fail to make it, he looks poised to go head-to-head with the Magpies on Saturday. With Carroll and Cole leading the line last week, Big Sam switched to a 3-5-2 as his side produced 45 crosses to feed off the former’s prowess in the air – it remains to be seen whether the Geordie can adapt to the Hammers’ new approach once the injury room empties, though.
Eriksen vs Mirallas at the Lane…
There’s a gap in the market for a strong mid-price option to emerge over the festive period and Sunday’s encounter at the Lane gives us the perfect opportunity to scout a couple of contenders. Eriksen served a reminder of his capabilities with a 12-point haul at Hull last time out, whilst Mirallas’ return from injury will surely bring a greater goal threat to Everton’s forays in the final third. With Ross Barkley also throwing his hat in the ring, there’s plenty on offer in this one.
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