The absence of Luis Suarez barely registers as Liverpool humiliate Newcastle in their own backyard to put the Magpies’ relegation jitters into overdrive. Here’s the Stock Check from Saturday’s evening kick-off, with Daniel Sturridge, Philippe Coutinho and, yes, Jordan Henderson, earning the plaudits.
On the Up
Daniel Sturridge
With Suarez out of the picture, Sturridge lead the attack and delivered an emphatic display. Following on from a double figure haul from the bench against Chelsea, Sturridge notched a devastating brace, accompanied by an assist, to reward those who had kept the faith or opted for his differential potential. At 6.7 in the Fantasy Premier League game, Sturridge is presenting outstanding value but, with eyes turned to double Gameweek assets, it will be interesting to see how many new investors head his way.
Philippe Coutinho
Another sparkling display from the Brazilian who, like Sturridge, showed little sign of being hampered by the absence of Suarez. Two goals and five assists in nine starts is an impressive first season haul for the young playmaker, particularly as he’s been given 90 minutes on just three occasions before today. There’s little doubt that Coutinho is emerging as a force in Liverpool’s midfield: he’ll be on many a watchlist going into next season.
Jordan Henderson
Two goals and an assist saw the much-maligned former Sunderland midfielder return his biggest haul of his Liverpool career thus far. Interestingly, Henderson has taken his opportunities when handed starts in Brendan Rodgers’ side. His five goals this term have all arrived in his last nine starts – belying his modest 4.6 FPL price tag.
The Liverpool Defence
A third clean sheet in the last four offered further rewards for those who have been holding Glen Johnson and Jose Enrique. Owners of Dan Agger, meanwhile, were boosted by a third league goal of the season for a double figure return that may also return bonus points. Despite these recent profits, it remains to be seen if Liverpool’s defensive assets will be sold on to make way for double Gameweek assets. It’s the Merseyside derby up next for Brendan Rodgers’ side.
Going Down
Moussa Sissoko
Those still holding the Frenchman will surely now be lining up a replacement, perhaps spending points in the process, for the double fixtures in Gameweek 36. After an explosive start in the North East, Sissoko has now gone eight league starts with just an assist to show for his efforts. A remarkable change in fortunes after three goals and two assists in his first four starts.
Mathieu Debuchy
Newcastle’s heaviest home defeat in their Premier League history was compounded by the dismissal of their French right-back for two bookable offences. Debuchy will now serve a one-match ban, missing the testing trip to West Ham next weekend.
Steven Gerrard
Six Liverpool goals and no returns for the skipper, who, with his side coasting, was replaced with 20 minutes remaining. Gerrard had played every minute of Liverpool’s league season until his substitution. With Coutinho flourishing and even Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson fetching strong returns, the case for retaining Gerrard appears to weaken by the Gameweek given his 9.6 price tag. His reliance on spot-kicks and set-plays is perhaps becoming a factor – Gerrard is without returns in his last four league starts.
Bonus Predictions Courtesy of the BAP Chap
Man City 2 West Ham 1 – Yaya Toure 3, Nasri 2, Zabaleta 1 (in the mix Aguero)
Everton 1 Fulham 0 – Pienaar 3, Coleman 2, Baines 1 (1 is quite open)
Southampton 0 West Brom 3 – Lukaku 3, Fortuné 2, Long 1
Stoke 1 Norwich 0 – Crouch 3, Adam 3, Begovic 1 (Begovic maybe by default, no one wants it)
Wigan 2 Tottenham 2 – McManaman 3, Boyce 2, McCarthy 1 (in the mix Bale)
