The Premier League’s new South American recruits, Luis Suarez and David Luiz, both scored goals and showcased their great potential – as Chelsea silenced a Tevez-less Manchester City and Liverpool continued their good form under Kenny Dalglish to brush aside Sunderland. Chelsea have rekindled their Premier League title challenge – moving 7 points behind Manchester United with a game in hand – but £50 million Fernando Torres once again failed to impress…
Luis Suarez is now firmly on Fantasy Managers radars having notched his second goal for Liverpool – a superb finish form a seemingly impossible angle. Our Members can analyse the Uruguyan’s performance in full via the OPTA data which clearly highlight’s how influential Suarez has become in such a short spell under Kenny Dalglish. Before any FPL investment it is worth keeping an eye on any injury news, the striker appeared to have suffered a possible pulled a muscle minutes before the end of the game.
Dirk Kuyt continues to profit form Steven Gerrard’s absence by assuming spot-kick duties. The Dutchman struck his eighth goal of the season from the spot after Liverpool were controversially awarded a penalty for a fould on Jay Spearing that was at first adjudged to be have committed outside of the box.
Dan Agger returned to the Liverpool defence at left-back with Danny Wilson relegated to the bench. Dalglish’s defence kept their 5th clean sheet in 8 games and – although they still have to face Man City, Arsenal and Tottenham – Liverpool’s defenders have plenty of potential for the end of season run-in (wba, MCY, ars, BIR, NEW, ful, TOT, avl).
Steve Bruce continues to be cursed by injury problems. The Sunderland boss was forced to watch on as Sulli Muntari, Kieran Richardson and then Danny Welbeck departed the field after picking up knocks. After the game it was also confirmed by Bruce that Phil Bardsely suffered an injury. It is unclear how long the players will be on the sidelines, but for now they join the already lengthy list including Anton Ferdinand, Craig Gordon, David Meyler, Frazier Campbell and Michael Turner. John Mensah must also sit out the next fixture against Manchester City after receiving a red card.
David Luiz claimed his second goal in Chelsea colours – ironic considering the fact the perpetual struggle suffered by fellow new signing Fernando Torres. Aside from his goal, Luiz put in another superb performance both defensively and in terms of his distribution from the back. With form and fixtures in his favour, Luiz is set to climb to the top our Watchlist and enjoy heavy investment prior to gameweek 31.
Luiz’s fellow Brazilian Ramires scored the other goal for Chelsea in their 2-0 victory. It was an extremely skilful solo effort, full of South American flair. Although Ancelotti has admitted that he will rotate the squad over the coming weeks, Ramires has been a present staple in the Chelsea midfield and offers Fantasy potential. His 6.8 valuation, might turn Managers off investment though.
City were without skipper Carlos Tevez who failed a fitness test on a groin injury. Roberto Mancini started with Edin Dzeko up front who failed to open his Premier League account, and came away with just a yellow card. Tevez’s huge importance to the City cause was shown here as they slumped to defeat, managing just 2 attempts on goal in the process. With the Argentinian touch and go to play prior to the game, he should be fit for their next Premier League outing against Sunderland on April 3.
One positive for City fans, and perhaps Fantasy Managers, was the return of Adam Johnson. The England international has been sidelined since the end of Januray and made his return for the final 10 minutes of the loss at Stamford Bridge. Priced at 5.6 on the FPL game and offering that all important flair that City lacked without Tevez, his potential could rise in the coming weeks.

