Ahead of double Gameweek 36, Frank Lampard climbs off the bench to play a pivotal role in Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Swansea. A Robin Van Persie spot-kick cancels out Theo Walcott’s opener as United pick up a point at the Emirates, while Reading and QPR both drop into the Championship after a goalless draw at the Madejski Stadium.
Chelsea Midfield Options Increase Ahead of Double Gameweek
A thigh injury to Ramires afforded Frank Lampard the chance to produce the points as Rafa Benitez‘s side clinched a sixth straight win at Stamford Bridge. Having started against FC Basel in Thursday evening’s Europa League semi-final first leg, Lampard dropped to the bench but after replacing the stricken Brazilian on 25 minutes, had a hand in both the Blues’ goals in a 2-0 triumph. Teeing up Oscar for the opener, Lampard then slotted home a spot-kick – delighting Juan Mata’s owners, with the Spaniard receiving an FPL assist, but frustrating those holding Eden Hazard, after the Belgian had benefitted from his absence with a converted penalty in the previous Gameweek.
While Mata and Hazard remain the likeliest targets for next week’s games against United and Tottenham, Lampard and Oscar look set to offer us real differential prospects – the latter has now scored in each of the last two Gameweeks and is finally starting to produce domestically, after keeping his most impressive form for the European stage this season. Given that his side are 2-1 up from the midweek win in Switzerland, many are hoping Benitez decides to rest some of his key players in the return match this Thursday. Victor Moses was handed a start against the Swiss side last week, while Ramires is expected to recover in time for the clash – Benitez fielded him on the right of the attacking midfield three in Basel and could well choose a similar line-up as he prepares for a pair of crucial league encounters.
Luiz’s Versatility Looking Key
The return of Gary Cahill saw Branislav Ivanovic drop out yesterday, as Benitez preferred John Terry and Cesar Azpilicueta over the Serbian at centre-half and right-back respectively. With his options increasing at the back, Benitez retained David Luiz in a central midfield berth again, with the Brazilian now looking an assured starter under the Spaniard whether in defence or sitting in front of the back-four. Granted, the games against United and Spurs are hardly enticing for Chelsea defensive coverage but with a share of free-kicks and attacking potential that has harvested a goal and a pair of assists in his last six appearances, the 6.5 priced Luiz seems the most secure Blues defensive option, judging by Benitez’s recent selection policy. With an ownership of just 3.5% in FPL, he looks a real differential prospect over the remaining four league matches and has returned 44 points over his last six.
Taylor Returns to the Swansea Fold
A broken ankle back in Gameweek 3 drew a line under Neil Taylor’s season and afforded Ben Davies the chance to cement a role as the club’s regular left-back for the 2012/13 campaign. Yesterday, however, saw Taylor return to the fold as Michael Laudrup handed him a brief 10 minute sub appearance late on at the Bridge – something of a concern for Davies’ owners ahead of the double Gameweek against City and Wigan. Taylor has proven his fitness with a series of appearances for the club’s reserves in recent weeks and could well be handed a start over the next couple of matches – certainly, Laudrup is keen to assess his options before the season is out before bolstering his squad over the summer in preparation for their Europa League exploits next term. While Davies’ owners will be happy enough to hold, yesterday’s turn of events could be enough to deter any would-be suitors.
Walcott Ends Scoring Drought
We handed the Gunners winger a spot in this week’s Scout Picks and he duly delivered with his first goal since Gameweek 24. While Lukas Podolski was chosen as the suspended Olivier Giroud’s replacement up top, it was Walcott who breached the United backline after firing past David De Gea with only two minutes on the clock. His owners now face a dilemma – while the likes of Chelsea, City, Spurs and Swansea all offer premium priced midfield alternatives with a double Gameweek 36 on their agendas, Arsenal’s schedule remains enticing and could well persuade many to hold. The Gunners final three fixtures (qpr, FUL, new) pits them against three of the six worst defences in the Premier League and, with his eye for goal restored, Walcott has the potential to flourish as Arsene Wenger’s in-form side look to nail down a third place finish.
Van Persie Nets Once Again
The Dutchman’s spot-kick duties helped deliver the points as he denied his former club a crucial victory. Reduced to the role of pantomime villain in the eyes of the Emirates crowd, Van Persie nevertheless kept up the scoring run that has now seen him net in each of the last four Gameweeks – just one match short of equalling his most consistent streak of the season. While Sir Alex Ferguson had hinted at squad rotation last week, yesterday’s team sheet hardly suggested a weakened side. Certainly, Van Persie seems likely to get the nod against Chelsea next week as the United boss seeks to avenge his side’s FA Cup exit at the hands of Rafa Benitez’s troops before the possibility of rest and rotation rears its head over the final two fixtures against Swansea and West Brom.
Reading’s Home Solidity
Yesterday’s goalless draw helped the Royals to their second successive clean sheet at the Madejski, after keeping out Liverpool in Gameweek 33. Nigel Adkins’ side now have three games left before dropping into the Championship – while next week’s trip to Fulham may offer hope of further defensive returns given that the Cottagers have one goal in five, a home clash with City and trip to West Ham on the final day of the season are likely to see our Reading assets warm the bench. Although the defence has improved in recent matches, the Royals’ dire attacking displays have been a significant factor in their downfall – they have found the net just twice in six matches since the sacking of Brian McDermott.
Redknapp Preparing for the Drop
A first clean sheet in 10 attempts was somewhat ironically achieved without Christopher Samba as Nedum Onouha partnered Clint Hill at centre-half. Post-match, Harry Redknapp claimed the Congo international was absent due to illness and a knee problem, despite Samba revealing he was looking forward to the game via twitter the previous day. Given that the likes of Julio Cesar, Ji Sung-Park and United’s on loan defender Fabio all warmed the bench, it’s clear Redknapp is already bracing himself for next season and assessing his options for the Championship ahead of the final three games against Arsenal, Newcastle and Liverpool.
