The Digest returns once more, as we take a look at City’s talismanic Ivorian, Norwich’s frustrating attacking potential and the decisions to be made regarding front line options ahead of this Sunday’s Gameweek 38 deadline…
The Player
City’s final away match of the season was never going to be easy. With Papiss Cisse in scintillating form and Newcastle undefeated in their last nine at the Sports Direct Arena, it was always going to take something special to pick up the three points. Step forward Yaya Toure. The Ivorian broke the Magpies’ hearts to leave City on the brink of the title this weekend, scoring both his side’s goals in the 2-0 win and returning 15 points for his Fantasy Premier League (FPL) owners.
It’s not the first time Toure has proven to be the man for the big occasion for Roberto Mancini’s side. Grabbing the winner in last season’s FA Cup Semi-Final against United, he followed that up with the only goal in the 1-0 win over Stoke in the Final. Despite missing six matches this term, Toure has equalled his goals haul from last season, finding the net six times, and has exceeded his assists, providing eight in comparison to the previous campaign’s tally of six.
Perhaps overshadowed by the early-season exploits of David Silva in the City midfield, 7.8 priced Toure has, nonetheless, proven to be strong value; only three midfielders priced under 9.0 have exceed his score of 135 points. With a win against QPR likely to clinch the title unless United run up a cricket score at Sunderland, the stage could well be set for another crucial contribution from the Ivorian once again this Sunday. Plenty Fantasy managers agree – 27,000 have transferred him in this week, more than any other player.
The Team
Norwich’s final away game of the season once again highlighted the attacking potential of Paul Lambert’s squad. The 3-3 draw takes the Canaries to 55 goals for the season – only the top six have found the net more often. With 66 goals against, however, Lambert’s side have the fourth worst defensive record in the top-flight; picking up just two clean sheets all season, Fantasy managers have steered well clear of Norwich’s defensive options.
Although the Canaries have been a reliable source of goals, their manager’s rotation policy has proved thoroughly frustrating for Fantasy managers. Grant Holt has impressed with 14 goals this term, but 12 of his 35 appearances have come as a sub, with Lambert keen on utilising his bench options late on in games.
The potential is clearly there amongst the Norwich squad. Anthony Pilkington has eight goals despite being handed just 23 starts, while the recent displays of Wes Hoolahan sum up his capabilities. Handed a role in the hole behind a front two at the Emirates, the 5.0 priced midfielder picked up a goal and assist. Hoolahan has started six of Norwich’s last ten and has produced attacking returns in five of those first-team appearances, with two goals, four assists and six bonus points accrued since Gameweek 28. Whether any of the Canaries’ main attacking options can nail down a regular starting role is highly debatable, though; Lambert’s penchant for squad rotation is a tactic that has ultimately proved successful, and one the Scot looks likely to maintain next season.
The Talking Point
City’s brief ahead of this Sunday is straightforward. Grab the three points against QPR and the title will surely be theirs. The odds couldn’t be more in their favour – they’ve dropped two points at home all season and are up against a side with the worst away record in the league, with Mark Hughes’ outfit picking up just two points from their last 12 games on the road. With Chelsea hitting six past the R’s in the previous away trip, many are expecting a walkover – Sergio Aguero has received more transfers in than any other forward by a considerable distance. Plenty more are intent on loading up on Carlos Tevez, with David Silva, Yaya Toure and Samir Nasri offering potential from midfield.
The Etihad game may very well turn out to be as one-sided as many are expecting but City are not the only side needing a crucial win this Sunday – offering Fantasy managers plenty of alternatives up front. While the possibility of retaining their title remains, Wayne Rooney will surely be looking to spur on United at Sunderland, after a low-key performance against Swansea last time out. Robin Van Persie rolls up to the Hawthorns knowing a win will clinch third spot for Arsenal and, with three goals in his last two Gameweeks, the Dutchman has returned to form at the right time following a late-spring drought.
Those who are holding the likes of Emmanuel Adebayor, Nikica Jelavic and Papiss Cisse after their recent double Gameweeks will also be confident – all three have crucial games ahead. Jelavic’s goals against Newcastle could see Everton finish above Merseyside rivals Liverpool, while Cisse will be equally as crucial at Goodison as the visitors go in search of victory in the hope of finishing third.
Adebayor also has everything to play for in the final match of his loan deal – the Togo international will be desperate to finish the season with a flourish as Spurs hope victory over Fulham at the Lane will be enough to overtake the Gunners in third. Fernando Torres could also prove a Gameweek changer – with a hat-trick in his last home game, the Spaniard welcomes relegated Blackburn to the Bridge and will be eager to stake a claim for a starting role in the upcoming Champions League Final.
With some mini leagues going right down to the wire this Sunday, now is the time when punts tend to be the order of the day. For many, it’s an all-or-nothing final Gameweek frenzy where the points hit gambles will either crash and burn or prove a moment of inspired genius –playing it safe is hardly likely to reel in that league leader now. Plenty of options are out there. It’s time to be bold.
