This Much We Know – Gameweek 34

Our attentions turn to the first ten fixtures of Gameweek 34 this lunchtime as we look for lessons learned. Tottenham’s title charge makes a convincing case for re-investment, a change of position has sparked Alexis Sanchez’ improvement, Louis van Gaal becomes the latest manager to tinker with his teamsheet, whilst Daniel Sturridge continues to avoid Jurgen Klopp’s domestic rotation.

Tottenham’s momentum looks difficult to ignore…
Last night’s 4-0 win over Stoke may well force Fantasy managers into reassessing their decision to part company with Spurs’ main men. Many reluctantly wildcarded out the likes of Harry Kane and Dele Alli due to their lack of a double Gameweek but the duo’s braces are likely to spark a rush to reacquire the pair ahead of their Gameweek 35 match against West Brom. With league leaders Leicester struggling for a cutting edge and devoid of Jamie Vardy for Swansea’s weekend visit, Mauricio Pochettino’s men have made an emphatic case for their return to our squads as they look to overhaul the Foxes.

A role on the right suits Sanchez…
Whilst Mesut Ozil and the Arsenal defence disappointed their Fantasy owners in the 1-1 home encounter against Palace, the Chilean found the net for the third successive league outing. Since shifting flanks to accommodate Alex Iwobi on the Gunners’ left in Gameweek 31, Sanchez has served up three goals, two assists and five bonus points in four appearances. Bearing in mind he mustered just one goal and two assists in his previous 12 on the left, a switch of position looks to have made a significant difference to his Fantasy output.

Sunderland are finding their form…
A 3-0 win over Norwich at Carrow Road handed the Black Cats’ survival bid a major boost on Saturday. Big Sam’s side are now just a single point behind the Canaries with a match in hand. A double Gameweek 37 on their agenda means they look set to jostle for Fantasy managers’ attentions over the run-in. Encouragingly for Allardyce, his side have now delivered two clean sheets in three, boosting our faith in Patrick van Aanholt and co, whilst Jermain Defoe’s thirteenth strike of the season could earn him a place in our three-man frontlines at a price of just 5.1.

Van Gaal is the latest to rotate…
With one eye on the upcoming FA Cup semi-final against Everton, Louis van Gaal rang the changes for United’s home clash with Villa. Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard both dropped to the bench as the Dutchman opted for the fit-again Wayne Rooney and Memphis Depay alongside Juan Mata and Marcus Rashford in the 1-0 win. Having started 18 of United’s previous 19 league matches, Martial owners will be optimistic of a return against Palace tomorrow night but it’s clear that Van Gaal will continue to chop and change in a bid to end the season with some silverware. Should the Red Devils progress to the final, then, their line-ups could again be in question for double Gameweek 37.

Townsend could be the Magpies’ saviour…
Whilst Aleksandar Mitrovic dropped to the bench and Georginio Wijnaldum served up yet another blank, the former Spurs wide man continues to impress for Rafa Benitez. Townsend’s goal and assist at home to Swansea took his tally to two goals and a pair of assists in the last three matches ahead of this evening’s vital home clash with City. Whilst a weekend trip to Anfield diminishes his appeal, the Magpies’ upcoming encounters with Palace and Villa in Gameweeks 36 and 37 should afford Townsend the chance to build momentum as the Tyneside team attempt to stave off relegation.

King has found his top-flight feet…
Whilst a late consolation at home to Liverpool wasn’t enough to prevent Bournemouth slipping to defeat, Joshua King’s end of season form shows no sign of slowing. Impressively, the Cherries’ out of position prospect has now scored in four of the last six Gameweeks and also chipped in with an assist and four bonus points over that period. Should he maintain his classification as a midfielder in FPL and continue as a regular under Eddie Howe, King’s displays marks him out as one to watch for next year.

Sturridge may be immune to Klopp’s domestic rotation…
At a time when Liverpool’s team sheets are near impossible to predict as Jurgen Klopp rotates with the Europa League in mind, it’s somewhat ironic that Daniel Sturridge has been a domestic mainstay. Finally free from injury, the Reds forward has now started each of the last four league matches and racked up three goals and a pair of assists over that period. Given that the likes of Philippe Coutinho has warmed the bench for the last two outings, Sturridge is making a late claim as a viable route into Liverpool’s attack ahead of a Gameweek 35 home clash with Newcastle and double Gameweek 37.

The Hammers are far from a one-man team…
A 2-2 draw at Leicester continued the fine attacking form that’s seen West Ham score at least twice in each of their last five league matches. Whilst Andy Carroll emerged from the bench to take his tally to five goals in four, Dimitri Payet has gone off the boil by comparison. Since bagging a goal and assist in the Gameweek 29 win at Everton, the Frenchman has played a part in just two of the Hammers’ last nine goals, with a goal and assist to show for his endeavours. Although Slaven Bilic’s side continue to look a real threat in the final third, they seem far less reliant on their playmaker’s output in recent matches.

Loftus Cheek is on the radar…
The Chelsea youngster was handed a third successive start in a central support role for last week’s home loss to City. Although he failed to get amongst the points, Loftus-Cheek’s underlying numbers catch the eye – he’s mirrored Kevin de Bruyne for both attempts (seven) and efforts in the box (five) during that period. Bearing in mind he has a Gameweek 35 fixture (away to Bournemouth) and double Gameweek 37 to follow, he may prove more than just a budget enabler at a price of 4.6.