Fernando Torres grabs a goal and assist as Chelsea snatch a dramatic late win over City. Sergio Aguero’s scoring streak continues, though Michu causes owners consternation after drawing a fourth straight blank. A Roberto Soldado spot-kick is enough for Spurs to see off while, while a switch to 4-4-2 helps Gus Poyet win the Tyne-Wear derby in his first home match in charge of Sunderland:
Torres Makes the Difference
Having bagged a brace in the midweek Champions League win over Schalke, the Spaniard retained his place for the visit of City. Torres continued to impress, with a goal and assist in the 2-1 win earning him maximum bonus for a 12-point haul as Jose Mourinho’s side moved into second. Bearing in mind he’s never started two league matches in a row this season, his acquisition remains a huge risk but Torres has the form and the fixtures to prove a real differential if his manager keeps the faith – the Blues next seven (new, WBA, whm, SOU, sun, sto, CPL) look hugely enticing.
Schurrle Opens His Account
Given the importance of yesterday’s game, it’s arguable that Mourinho viewed his starting line-up as the strongest available. The German once again featured from the start, with Eden Hazard shifting over to the right to accommodate him – Schurrle finally found the net for the first time this term and, having now started five of the last six he has been available for, is becoming increasingly integral to Mourinho’s plans. At 7.3 in Fantasy Premier League (FPL), compared to Hazard and Oscar at 9.1 and 9.0 respectively, he could well be worth a punt given the schedule above.
Aguero Run Continues
Fielded as a lone striker as Manuel Pellegrini opted for a 4-5-1, the Argentine maintained his outstanding recent form with yet another strike. It’s six goals in his last four in all competitions now for Aguero, with four goals and two assists in his last three in the league helping him to 64 FPL points – just three behind Daniel Sturridge in the overall standings. Yesterday’s defeat sees City slip to seventh, making a win over Norwich all the more crucial and with a trip to Sunderland also on his agenda prior to the next international break, fears are likely to ease over any potential rotation, with Aguero’s contribution simply too key for Pellegrini to dismiss right now.
Poyet Rings the Changes
After omitting Jozy Altidore from his first team sheet in charge of Sunderland last weekend, Gus Poyet reinstalled the US international alongside Steven Fletcher as Emanuele Giaccherini dropped out. The Uruguayan’s decision to shift to a front two proved decisive in a crucial derby win – Fletcher notched the opener and Altidore earned his first attacking points of the season after teeing up sub Fabio Borini for the winner. Already, the Wearside outfit are quickly evolving from the Paolo Di Canio regime – just five of the players picked in the Italian’s last match in charge in Gameweek 5 made yesterday’s XI. With trips to Hull, Stoke and Villa in the next four, the Fletcher-Altidore partnership will be hoping for more of the same after finally showing signs of prospering.
Soldado on the Spot
The Spaniard took advantage of a very fortuitous penalty award to seal the points against an obstinate Hull side. Worryingly for Spurs, they seemed incapable of breaking down Steve Bruce’s five-man backline until the spot-kick was given – in spite of their host of new signings, they have scored just nine times in the first nine Gameweeks. Soldado continues to have his critics – three of his four goals this season have now come courtesy of the spot but with a pair of assists also accrued, he has played a part in six of those nine strikes and at least looks a secure starter once again – something which cannot be said for the majority of Spurs midfielders. Last week Christian Eriksen dropped out of the XI and this time round it was Gylfi Sigurdsson’s turn, with Andre Villas-Boas opting for Aaron Lennon as he continues to search for the ideal combination behind the lone forward – the Spurs boss revealed after the game Andros Townsend was “okay” after landing awkwardly on his wrist – reassuring for the 138,000 FPL managers who drafted him in last week.
Vertonghen’s Premium Value
It’s six clean sheets in nine now as Villas-Boas’ side rack up the defensive returns. Having scored for the first time this term with a goal in the Europa League on Thursday, Jan Vertonghen continued to produce the goods – fielded at left-back once again, with Michael Dawson partnered by Vlad Chiriches in the middle, the Belgian was awarded the assist for Soldado’s penalty and also earned the maximum bonus points. His offensive threat is finally starting to come to fruition, with the 7.1 priced Vertonghen now up to 52 points – 14 ahead of any midfield team-mate and eighth in the overall FPL standings. With Everton, City and United in the next four, though, investment in Tottenham’s backline may be a little slow in arriving this week.
Michu Drought Extended
In hindsight, perhaps it wasn’t so surprising that Swansea failed to find the net yesterday – West Ham, after all, had conceded just a single goal in four away games prior to their Liberty visit. Handed the armband by many a Fantasy manager, Michu looked in good form heading into this one after netting in Europe on Thursday evening but another resilient display by the Hammers maintained his domestic drought – it’s now four games without a goal for last season’s Fantasy sensation. While faith has understandably dipped, the Swans’ schedule – allied with Michael Laudrup’s continued tinkering up top – still indicates reason for optimism; Cardiff, Stoke, Fulham, Newcastle and Hull are five of the next six opponents.
Hammers Resilience
The upcoming schedule is likely to see increased investment in Sam Allardyce’s defence after another resolute performance. West Ham have now conceded just eight goals this term – only the top five boast a more impressive defensive record – with five clean sheets already racked up for Jussi Jaaskelainen and co. Home clashes against Villa and Fulham, supplemented with trips to Norwich and Palace in the next five, bode well for those looking to invest; aside from their keeper, Winston Reid (5.1) looks the most secure backline option, though Razvan Rat is down to just 4.5 and has started each of the last five.
