Roberto Firmino and Christian Benteke grab a goal apiece as Liverpool come from behind to see off Palace at Selhurst Park. Elsewhere, Salomon Rondon maintains his fine recent form by netting West Brom’s only goal against ten-man United at the Hawthorns.
Firmino form continues
In a stunning turn of events, ten-man Liverpool recovered from a one-goal deficit to seal a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace in the 96th minute.
Roberto Firmino drew the Reds level at the 72-minute mark, meaning he’s now tallied two goals and as many assists in three starts since operating in “the hole” – allaying concerns that his attacking potential would be curtailed by his switch from the lone-striker berth. In fact, no player has contributed to more goals (seven goals, four assists) than the 8.2-priced Brazilian in 2016, underlining his rise to prominence.
Those Fantasy managers in possession of Firmino will likely want to hold onto him ahead of Liverpool’s upcoming blank, considering that Gameweek 34 is a prime option for one of their future doubles.
In the absence of Daniel Sturridge – who was not deemed fit enough to take the field at Selhurst Park – Divock Origi was afforded his second successive start. Christian Benteke later replaced his compatriot and went on to convert from the penalty spot in the dying embers.
Having been sent off for two bookable offences in the capital, James Milner will be sidelined for Liverpool’s Gameweek 31 trip to Southampton, before returning to face Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield.
At the back, Nathaniel Clyne dropped to the bench for the first time this term as Jurgen Klopp allowed the fit-again Jon Flanagan a second straight start, with Alberto Moreno returning to the left-back berth. With rotation looking likely over the run-in, then, many Fantasy managers may be reluctant to invest in the Reds’ rearguard, with Simon Mignolet now perhaps the safest bet.
Eagles fall to defeat
Despite taking the lead through Joe Ledley – who bagged his maiden goal of the campaign – the Eagles were unable to capitalise on their one-man advantage, ultimately extending their winless streak to 12 matches. Given that Palace face off against Leicester, West Ham and Arsenal in a four-match spell beyond their blank next Gameweek, we’re unenthused by their differential potential.
To make matters worse, Yohan Cabaye was replaced at the 70-minute mark because of a knock, rendering him a doubt for the Foxes clash. Alan Pardew is also sweating over the fitness of Connor Wickham- the forward had netted back-to-back braces but missed out through injury yesterday.
Rondon in the goals again
Salomon Rondon – one of our differentials this Gameweek – notched his fourth goal in five starts (Sebastien Pocognoli assist) to guide West Bromwich Albion to their first home victory over Manchester United since the Premier League’s inception. Pitched at 6.5, the Venezuelan frontman is displaying great form of late and is well placed to punish the generous rearguards of Norwich City and Sunderland over the next three Gameweeks (ars, NOR, sun). That Arsenal match is subject to change, of course – if the Gunners prevail against Hull in tomorrow’s FA Cup replay, their weekend trip to the Emirates will need to be rescheduled.
As for the Baggies’ defensive output, they recorded their second clean sheet in four outings. By virtue of his security of starts and offensive threat, Craig Dawson (5.1) – who ranks third among defenders for shots inside the box (23) this term – remains our favoured route into West Brom’s back line, though the right-back was subbed off with a minor foot problem and requires assessing. With regards to their short-term shut-out prospects, the Canaries failure to net in four of the previous six Gameweeks is a positive sign.
Mata off as United stumble
In the wake of their defeat at The Hawthorns, the Red Devils have tasted victory in just one of their last eight road ties. That’s a pertinent fact when you consider that they embark on trips to Manchester City and Spurs in the three Gameweeks following their imminent blank.
Chris Smalling’s return to the starting XI served as a boost to Man United’s defence, yet they proved ill-equipped to compensate for Juan Mata’s dismissal in the 26th minute – the former Chelsea recruit was shown a second yellow card for a cynical foul on Steven Fletcher, ruling him out of an FA Cup encounter against West Ham.
Up top. Marcus Rashford was afforded a third straight start yesterday. Louis van Gaal re-installed Jesse Lingard to the first XI at the expense of Memphis Depay, who had previously started each of the last two – this saw Anthony Martial take up the left flank berth vacated by the Dutchman, with Lingard stationed on the right wing in United’s 4-2-3-1- set-up.
