We begin our analysis of the double Gameweek 28 prospects with a look at Liverpool’s Fantasy assets. Kenny Dalglish’s side have a tricky couple of fixtures on the horizon; an away match to Sunderland, followed by an Anfield showdown with local rivals Everton far from guarantees points but, as is the nature of a double Gameweek, they’re sure to pick up plenty investment…
THE PROSPECTS
Liverpool are in fairly erratic form right now. While last month’s Carling Cup Final victory over Cardiff caught the headlines, the Reds have picked up a single point in their last three league matches, against Spurs, Man United and Arsenal. Indeed, further examination of their displays over the last months shows just two wins in the last ten Gameweeks.
In terms of attacking threat, Liverpool’s prospects across the double Gameweek look weak, as the team’s lack of goals combine with two of the most resilient backlines in the Premier League. Kenny Dalglish’s side have netted a mere 30 times this season, a tally better than just five other teams, while Everton and Sunderland have conceded only 28 and 31 goals respectively, affording them the fourth and fifth best defensive records in the division.
With this in mind, it appears that the Reds’ best source of points may lie at the back and, given that they boast the second most impressive tally in terms goals conceded in the league, the omens look good. The first game should see Sunderland’s goal threat diminished by the absence of Stephane Sessegnon through suspension, while Everton have scored more than one goal just once since Gameweek 13, beating Chelsea 2-0 in Gameweek 25. A tight Merseyside derby is on the cards, based on Everton’s recent form of four draws in the last six games.
THE LIKELY LADS
Based on reputation and undoubted skill, Luis Suarez may appear the ideal transfer for Liverpool’s double Gameweek but his statistics show the Uruguayan is something of an expensive gamble; priced at 9.2, he has mustered just six goals, three assists and 81 Fantasy Premier League (FPL) points this campaign.
Apart from the obvious controversy, Suarez’s season so far can also be summed up as a catalogue of wasted chances. While he has spent the season firing in goal attempts, he is the only one of that elite group to see less than half his shots hit the target. Amongst strikers, only Robin Van Persie has hit the woodwork more times, though the Arsenal skipper can be excused a few missed opportunities.
Suarez’s shots off target have also cost him dear when it comes to bonus point allocation. He has managed just 13, significantly less than cheaper options such as Demba Ba, Edin Dzeko or Emmanuel Adebayor. In terms of points per game for strikers, Suarez is ranked a lowly 24th, with a FPL points average of just 3.9. He has not even managed one double-digit gameweek this season, with his top score of nine coming at home against Wolves in Gameweek 6.
Looking at these statistics, even the most committed Liverpool fan may question Suarez’s acquisition for the double Gameweek. For those considering handing him the armband, it is worth noting that when the Uruguayan has played two games in a row, his highest cumulative total achieved has been 15. On the other hand, both Wayne Rooney and Robin Van Persie have bettered this total twice in a single Gameweek, with the latter also equalling the amount on one occasion.
It’s worth noting, however, that Sunderland will also be without the midfield industry of Lee Cattermole at the Stadium of Light, perhaps affording the visitors more attacking leeway and, in a season of such controversy, it would almost be in the script if Suarez, afforded the platform of a Merseyside derby, were to finally deliver on his talent against bitter rivals Everton.
Defence is perhaps where the savvy FPL manager will be looking to invest, with Martin Skrtel and Jose Enrique the most popular candidates. In addition to the above-mentioned defensive potential, the 6.2 priced Skrtel’s two goals make him the sharpest shooter amongst the Liverpool backline, as our recent Watchlist article showed. Enrique has picked up just two assists this season but his left flank raids and delivery from out wide have created plenty chances – only poor finishing from the Liverpool frontline has prevented him from flourishing further.
Glen Johnson is also an option. The right-back is 1.0 dearer than Enrique, but with a mere 0.7% ownership and with 14 bonus points –only one less than Skrtel and Enrique combined – he could be a strong differential, providing he recovers from a hamstring problem.
There is a caveat in selecting any of the three and certainly in doubling up on Liverpool defence, in the form of Jamie Carragher. With their vice-skipper deputising for the injured Dan Agger, Liverpool conceded more than one goal at home for the first time this season in last week’s 2-1 loss to Arsenal. This could make Skrtel’s goal threat, Enrique’s assist potential and Johnson’s greater chance of bonus points key factors in choosing from Liverpool’s defensive ranks.
Charlie Adam looks to be the safest bet for points among the midfield choices at Liverpool. With a FPL points total of 98, he is the Reds’ highest ranked outfield player and has provided 11 assists so far this term, third overall in the league. Given that Suarez and Dirk Kuyt are second best with three apiece, Adam’s creativity is clearly integral to his side’s fortunes over the upcoming couple of games. A word of warning, though; Adam was benched for Liverpool’s Gameweek 25 fixture with Man United – only the second time this season he has failed to make the first XI.
Remember when Steven Gerrard formed part of the seemingly invincible midfield ‘holy trinity’ that included Frank Lampard and Cristiano Ronaldo? Many look back fondly to that time and through their rose tinted spectacles may consider drafting in the Liverpool captain. While priced at 9.9, just six starts this season, no assists, a hamstring problem and a points per game average of 3.2, he would seem on a paper a ludicrous selection. Delve deeper, though, and, if Gerrard can make the starting line up in both games, he has the potential for a reasonable score. In his 662 minutes of Premier League action he has still managed six bonus points and two goals. It has taken 2,054 minutes for Adam to achieve the same goal haul and just two more bonus points.
CHEEKY PUNT
Craig Bellamy has been largely used as a substitute this season but, when afforded a role in Dalglish’s first XI, has proved a potent source of points. Of his eight games in the first XI, Bellamy has only failed to score an assist, goal or bring in bonus points on two occasions, averaging an impressive 6.87 points per start. Without a definite lack of game time, the Welshman is an undoubted risk but, priced at just 7.2m and with an ownership of just 1.7%, he could be a cheeky differential punt that pays dividends for those brave enough to select him.
Dirk Kuyt is another option for those managers feeling flushed. Priced at 9.4 Kuyt is among the worst value players in the entire FPL game, managing just 55 points, but as Liverpool enter the decisive final third of the season, there is some evidence that manager Kenny Dalglish is turning to his experience to guide the team up the table. Kuyt has started the last four Premier League games, his longest run in the first-team all season. While still a rotation risk, the Dutchman has the potential to fetch returns.
