With the double Gameweek on our minds, we look back on a weekend that saw several protagonists present powerful cases for consideration, while the season’s ultimate heavy-hitter did the business again, despite a sleepy start. The question now, is whether we can afford to keep the faith until the end…
Sturridge is a potent force with and without Suarez…
Hands up, we showed caution with Liverpool and particularly Daniel Sturridge, ahead of their trip to Newcastle. While their hosts were woefully out of form, I was somewhat skeptical that Brendan Rodgers’ side would find immediate attacking fluidity without their suspended talisman.
As it turned out, Liverpool were emphatic in banishing any doubt that there is life without Luis Suarez, while Sturridge reacted to the Uruguayan’s absence with a timely display of marksmanship to underline his credentials as Liverpool’s central striker.
At his best, Sturridge can be devastating. The statistics show that, in Suarez and Sturridge, Rodgers has a pair of strikers who will simply pepper the opposition’s goal until something gives. Both players have been accused of a selfish streak but, ultimately, both have delivered individually and in tandem this season.
If Sturridge has been craving the limelight, he’s now got it, both for the remaining fixtures of this season and, presumably, as Liverpool’s central striker for the opening period of next term. He showed on Saturday that he is truly equipped for the job and with Philippe Coutinho providing refined service from midfield, Sturridge is all set to go on delivering strong returns for his modest tag this season, before his value is inflated considerably ahead of the next campaign. It will likely take a huge price hike for Fantasy managers to cross Sturridge off the watchlist for their initial lineup come August.
Lukaku looks a fearsome prospect…
Steve Clarke’s decision to go with three strikers at St Mary’s not only revealed a new attacking verve that’s been missing from West Brom’s play in recent weeks, it also demonstrated just how accomplished Romelu Lukaku has become as a Premier League striker.
The 19-year-old reveled in the freedom handed to him on the left of the Baggies attacking three, finding space to bully the Saints defence with his size and pace. The Belgian had a one-on-one duel with Southampton’s Artur Boruc throughout the first-half, before finally getting the better of the Polish keeper with a smartly taken goal in the second period. His composure in tucking away the finish and the fact that all of Lukaku’s efforts had tested the Southampton keeper to that point, underlines his immense potential.
For a player suited to a traditional target man role, he also possesses clinical finishing skills and, in a team providing service on a regular basis, you have to consider that he is more than capable of achieving a 20-goal Premier League haul. Had Clarke started with Lukaku week-in-week out and adopted the attacking stance shown at St Mary’s, he may have already reached that lofty target.
Lukaku’s role next season already looks a key factor in our Fantasy seasons. If he’s out on loan again, he undoubtedly deserves our attention. It would surely be unforgivable, after the progress made this season, if the Belgian was to offer limited Fantasy potential from the Stamford Bridge bench.
Nasri has been fired up…
Samir Nasri has frequently been identified as a source of frustration by manager Roberto Mancini. Back in March, the City boss remarked that he wanted to punch the Frenchman after he sparkled in the 4-0 win over Newcastle off the back of a series of abject displays. Now it seems that Nasri has rediscovered not only his talent as a game-changer, but also a level of consistency that has made him City’s key player in recent weeks and a major Fantasy consideration ahead of the double Gameweek.
Nasri has started the last five and fetched goals or assists in four of those matches. To be fair, the player himself did signpost such a transformation in form. Citing early season injuries, the Frenchman took time out earlier this month to assure us that he was back to his best: he’s been true to his word.
Overshadowing the busy promptings of David Silva, Nasri’s natural ability to get into the opponents box and convert when presented with opportunities is arguably superior to his illustrious team-mate. With a cheaper price tag and comparable security of starts over the two Gameweek 36 fixtures, Nasri case for consideration looks strong.
United’s hangover was in evidence…
It took some tasty tackles from Arsenal to rouse United from their early slumber in Sunday’s 1-1 draw and, while Sir Alex can cite the Gunners superiority, there were signs that United set out in a casual manner, a stance that could yet rear its head again in their remaining fixtures.
Fantasy managers could at least get consolation from another Robin Van Persie goal but they will now wonder just how effective he, and his United team-mates, will be over the remaining three matches.
David De Gea aside, the United backline is set to be blighted by rotation for the final three matches, ensuring that Van Persie is the biggest conundrum now facing Fantasy managers – a situation we’ve grown used to over the season.
Selling on would free up significant funds and with double Gameweek assets calling, there is the temptation to sacrifice the Dutchman, despite a run of five goals in four matches. Arguably, however, the motivation will be there for the clash with Chelsea and with the visitors charged with the need for points in their pursuit of a top four finish, United are unlikely to be allowed the luxury of a stroll in the sun. The fixtures with West Brom and Swansea present a very different scenario, however and, like it or not, that will surely be the time to reconsider Van Persie’s tenancy once more.
