Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez make light work of struggling Sunderland, as Brendan Rodgers’ decision to continue with a 3-5-2 formation allows the Reds’ duo the chance to shine:

The Game Changer

A goal and a pair of assists took Daniel Sturridge to the top of the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) standings this evening as Liverpool eased to victory in Sunderland’s first league match since the dismissal of Paolo Di Canio.

While the spotlight was on Luis Suarez, his Liverpool team-mate was amongst the points yet again as Sturridge atoned for a rare blank against Southampton last weekend with another handful of Fantasy points. Some were wary that Suarez’ return would diminish Sturridge’s potential but the former Chelsea man showed great awareness to tee up both the Uruguayan’s goals as Liverpool climbed to second.

Priced at 9.5 in Fantasy Premier League (FPL), Sturridge – along with Suarez – is set for significant investment over the next few days as the Merseysiders prepare for a home clash with Palace next weekend. While many of the other title contenders now have European commitments to contend with this week, Liverpool can now rest up until the Eagles come calling next Saturday afternoon; a factor that will surely benefit Sturridge as he looks to continue a record that has seen him score in five of the opening six Gameweeks.

The Underused

There was no real surprise that Luis Suarez stole the show on his return to league action earlier today. We handed the Uruguayan the headline act in this week’s Spot the Differential article and he duly delivered with a brace as Liverpool, somewhat significantly, scored more than two goals for the first time this term.

In a season that has mainly proved frustrating for Fantasy managers, Suarez’ instant impact served a reminder of the potential that harvested 23 goals and 10 assists last time round. While fellow big hitters such as Robin Van Persie and Sergio Aguero were protected ahead of Champions League duties, Suarez will benefit from a schedule which has also been lightened by Liverpool’s Capital One Cup exit in midweek – game time looks guaranteed, with rest and rotation unnecessary for Rodgers.

Currently sitting at 10.9 in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) with an ownership of just 7%, the bandwagon is set to shift through the gears as Fantasy managers look to find a way to bring Suarez on board as the Reds gear up for a favourable run of fixtures over the next few matches. Indeed, with Palace, Newcastle, West Brom and Fulham in the next five, doubling up on Liverpool’s front two looks a viable tactic for the next few Gameweeks.

The Selection Poser

Brendan Rodgers once again rolled out a 3-5-2 formation for the Merseysiders, continuing with the shape utilised in the midweek Capital One Cup clash against United. With Glen Johnson still injured, Rodgers clearly remains unconvinced over his alternatives at right-back and with a number of centre-halves at his disposal, looks set to retain a three-man backline until Johnson returns to the fold.

This will allow Jose Enrique to continue on the left of the Reds’ five-man midfield, affording the Spaniard an out of position berth for the time being – an injury update issued last week suggested Johnson could be back in a “couple of weeks”, though. Also, the new formation also allows Rodgers to court caution with Daniel Agger after recent injury but with Kolo Toure, Martin Skrtel and Mamadou Sakho all playing today, it remains to be seen just who will get the nod as Agger’s central defensive partner once the Merseysiders are finally injury-free. Enrique’s shift into midfield also allowed Victor Moses a central position behind Sturridge and Suarez though the on-loan midfielder failed to impress in his new role in “the hole”.

In the earlier game, Nathan Redmond missed out through injury for Norwich at Stoke. Having started each of the first five, the former Birmingham man was replaced by Anthony Pilkington at the Britannia and with the latter providing the assist for Jonny Howson’s winner, Chris Hughton has plenty to ponder ahead of next week’s clash against Chelsea, with Redmond’s 4% FPL owners hoping he can force his way back into contention.