The Watchlist – Firmino Rallies

Roberto Firmino did more than enough in the win at Swansea City to maintain his Watchlist status following Saturday’s matches. He climbs back above Sadio Mane as our preferred Liverpool option.

Jurgen Klopp’s midfield remains a complex puzzle, made all the more confusing by yesterday’s injury to Adam Lallana.

The 7.2 option could well make a return for the Gameweek 8 Anfield meeting with Manchester United, although the doubts over his availability removes him from our reckoning for now.

Should Lallana’s groin problem lead to a prolonged absence, it would seem that Daniel Sturridge would be drafted in up front, with Firmino shifting to the left of the front three, forcing Philippe Coutinho into a deeper role.

Coupled with Firmino’s 12-points at the Liberty Stadium, the current landscape suggests that the 8.4 Brazilian should remain our preferred pick, although we fully expect to have to re-assess the scenario match by match.

Liverpool’s midfield candidates remain behind Arsenal pair Alexis Sanchez and Theo Walcott, along with Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling.

All three are in action today and, barring injury, we’re not anticipating a drop in Stock for any of that trio.

Tottenham Hotspur’s Son Heung-min has the opportunity to boost his reputation further against City, while a steller performance from Riyad Mahrez against Southampton might just see him return to our thinking.

Currently, there are just too many in-form options in his bracket and, with fixtures stiffening for Leicester City, Mahrez continues to be a peripheral figure.

Hull City’s Robert Snodgrass is our most notable climber sitting below the familiar big-hitters.

Given his pivotal role for the Tigers, we feel the Scot could be set to return outstanding value for his 5.7 price tag over their blossoming schedule of fixtures.

West Ham United’s Michail Antonio has drifted in the opposite direction.

With Walcott and Son in bloom in his price bracket, the Hammers’ winger could ill-afford to return successive blanks.

West Ham’s faltering form is also a major factor and, with a trip to a confident Crystal Palace up next, Antonio slips down our pecking order.

Up front, there’s been little change overnight.

Diego Costa’s haul at the KCOM Stadium fails to boost his Watchlist ranking while he teeters on the Suspension Tightrope.

Watford’s Troy Deeney delivered on his promise against Bournemouth to maintain his place in third – it will be up to Manchester United’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic to make his move today and challenge that position.

A blank from the big Swede would doubtless lead to significant sales over the international break and another drop in our rankings. Marcus Rashford hovers as a 6.9 priced alternative – he could well receive a boost should Ibrahimovic fail his owners in today’s early kick-off.

A reminder that the Watchlist rankings are available in the right sidebar on the desktop and via the fourth button on the homepage on mobile and tablet.

We will be reviewing the ranks overnight for a further update in the morning.