We turn to a trio of midfielders this morning, in our usual search for some overlooked alternatives ahead of the 11.45 deadline.
Theo Walcott looks in line for a fourth successive start as Arsenal head to Leicester, whilst Juan Mata and Victor Moses seem in fine form for plum home clashes against Sunderland and Norwich.
Victor Moses
Many expected Victor Moses to struggle for pitch time in light of Michail Antonio’s arrival at West Ham, yet the Chelsea loanee has been excellent since his summer switch, tallying one goal and assist in his two starts. While the Nigeria international is still a rotation threat, his budget 5.3 price tag limits the risk of riding his current form.
Although Dimitri Payet has garnered the recent attention, it’s worth noting that over the past two Gameweeks, Moses ranks top among the Hammers midfielders for attempts (five), shots inside the box (four) and penalty-box touches (eight). In addition, only three midfielders completed more successful dribbles (seven) than the Crystal Palace academy product, demonstrating his prowess in one-on-one situations.
Ultimately, Moses represents an enticing route into an Irons outfit that ranks joint-top for goals scored (13) this campaign. Their chances of enjoying similar success at home to Norwich today are increased by the revelation that only Stoke (18) have conceded more big chances in away matches (seven), while the Canaries rank fourth for shots conceded inside the box (35). With Sunderland, Palace and Watford also in the next five, the schedule is very much on the Hammers’ side over the upcoming month or so.
Theo Walcott
Arsene Wenger has refrained from rotating his forwards of late, handing Theo Walcott three successive starts in the league ahead of Olivier Giroud. The France international spearheaded the Gunners attack for their midweek League Cup win over Tottenham but failed to impress on the night – fashioning two shots (one on target) throughout the match – strengthening Walcott’s grip on the lone-striker berth.
Walcott netted one goal in those previous three outings but could have bagged a handful. No midfielder tallied more shots inside the box (12) or on target (seven) over that stretch, while only Jesus Navas (22) amassed more penalty-box touches – illustrating the wealth of scoring opportunities that have been presented to the jet-heeled forward.
Priced at 8.5, Walcott comes in at 2.5 cheaper than the out-of-form Alexis Sanchez. Although Arsenal’s partly goal output (five) might deter the recruitment of their attacking assets, the fact that they rank top for attempts (121), shots inside the box (83) and big chances (18) suggests that an improvement in their finishing could promote an influx of goals.
Arsenal’s next test is a trip to Leicester on Saturday. The Foxes have excelled on the attacking front this term – and rank joint-top for goals scored (13) – but Claudio Ranieri’s troops have struggled at the back and are yet to register a clean sheet. Furthermore, the likes of Walcott will be encouraged by the fact that only five sides have conceded more shots inside the box than Leicester (24) in their home matches.
Juan Mata
Anthony Martial’s rise to prominence has overshadowed Juan Mata’s strong start to the campaign; the former Chelsea midfielder boasts two goals and a pair assists in five matches and has recorded just two blanks across six appearances. With Manchester United the top scorers (six) over the last two Gameweeks, Mata offers a stable route into their form attack.
Although Memphis Depay is the most prolific shooter among the Red Devils’ midfielders, Mata (8.7) leads his team-mates with regards to shots inside the box (nine). His accuracy (35.7%) is almost double that of Depay’s (19%), which somewhat explains the latter’s inability to open his account. Coupled to this, Ander Herrera (five key passes) is the closest to Mata in terms of distribution (13), underlining how pivotal he is to the Red Devils’ build-up play.
Man United coverage could prove highly profitable heading into a home tie against Sunderland later today. The Wearsiders place top for goals conceded (13) this season and have failed to register a single clean sheet in six matches.
