Liverpool serve up a belated double Gameweek treat against a much-changed Swansea side at Anfield. Luis Suarez, Jose Enrique, Daniel Sturridge and Steven Gerrard are the main protagonists, while Michu’s owners are left frustrated as the Spaniard warms the visitors’ bench for the entire 90 minutes:
On the Up
Luis Suarez
The Uruguayan ran amok against a second-string Swansea to deliver a goal and pair of assists in the 5-0 rout. Daniel Sturridge’s arrival had raised concerns over Suarez’s Fantasy prospects but it’s clear he is just as consistent alongside the former Chelsea man and has now scored in three of their four starts together.
Steven Gerrard
Those who handed the Liverpool skipper the armband would’ve been holding their breath as he stepped up to take the first-half spot kick. While Gerrard atoned for his penalty miss against West Brom on Monday to slot past Michel Vorm, suffice to say his decision to hand Daniel Sturridge Liverpool’s second spot-kick of the afternoon did not go down too kindly with his owners.
Daniel Sturridge
Having provided an assist, his haul was surprisingly boosted by Gerrard’s decision to step aside for the second penalty. Sturridge subsequently slotted home and has now produced four goals and a pair of assists in just five appearances for the Reds, with attacking returns in each of his appearances.
Jose Enrique
A goal and assist contribution supplemented a clean sheet as the raiding left-back racked up 16 points, pre-bonus for the Gameweek. With an ownership of less than 5%, Enrique has turned out to be crucial differential for the double.
Philippe Coutinho
Handed a first start since joining the club from Inter last month, the young Brazilian notched his side’s second to suggest he could be a real mid-price option if he can nail down a regular role. Coming in at 6.5 in FPL, Coutinho is likely to receive new interest once the blank Gameweek 27 is past, given Liverpool’s kind run of fixtures.
Going Down
Swansea Squad Rotation
With next weekend’s Capital One Cup final in mind, Michael Laudrup took the opportunity to hand many of his second-string a chance to impress. While today’s result will be hugely frustrating for Michu owners after the Spaniard warmed the bench, it’s fair to say that Laudrup is unlikely to make the same mistake again – today’s display highlighted Swansea lack of strength in depth in spectacular style.
Fabio Borini
The Italian last just eight minutes after replacing Suarez as a sub late on in the second-half. Borini was ushered off with a shoulder injury and post-match comments attributed to his manager suggest a possible dislocation which would rule him out for the rest of the season.
