With our first two articles assessing The Defence and The Midfield over the next four-to-six Gameweeks, the final instalment brings the men up front under analysis. Liverpool’s irresistible front two continue to lead the way, though a run of three home games in four for City ensures a certain Argentine pushes them all the way:
Liverpool frontmen Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge remain Watchlist frontrunners. A hat-trick for the Uruguayan ensured he outshone his team-mate for the second week running; no mean feat considering the Englishman scored on both occasions. Indeed, there is little to choose between the two, but Suarez’s penchant for explosive returns makes him a viable captaincy option for those seeking an alternative to the steady consistency of Sturridge; the former has scored a brace and a hat-trick since his return, while the latter has yet to score more than once in a single game. Trips to Arsenal and Everton, while difficult, may still prove fruitful with both opponents showing defensive vulnerabilities, while Anfield visits of Norwich and Fulham look ripe for further attacking hauls.
A well-taken goal at Stamford Bridge that even the experienced Petr Cech could do little to stop ensures Sergio Aguero remains third as Manchester City embark on a favourable run. Rested midweek, the Argentine looks certain to at least start against a struggling Norwich – a disappointing loss against fellow title contenders Chelsea means Manuel Pellegrini can ill-afford to rest his star striker, despite punishing European commitments. With six goals and two assists in his last four appearances, Aguero also welcomes Spurs and Swansea to the Etihad in the next four in addition to a trip to Sunderland.
Another penalty miss against Everton is not enough to deter us from Christian Benteke . A favourable run of four, beginning with a trip to West Ham and followed by home clashes with Cardiff and Sunderland on either side of an away game at the Hawthorns, make the 8.8 priced Belgian ripe for investment.
Wayne Rooney continued his run of form with a goal, assist and maximum bonus points against a plucky Stoke. With the United defence providing scant comfort, David Moyes will no doubt be relying on his frontmen to paper over the cracks at the back; a trip to Fulham precedes what will undoubtedly be a highly charged encounter at the Emirates, before tricky away days to Cardiff and Tottenham. Priced at 10.9 and having scored or assisted in five of the last six games, the Englishman is one of the most consistent forward options around right now.
With Nicklas Bendtner’s fruitless midweek toils continuing to make a case for his own exclusion, Olivier Giroud looks set to lead the line as Arsenal attempt to manoeuvre past the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United and Southampton in the next four. The Frenchman appeared to be saving his goals for internationals and European competitions, until ending a four game scoring drought by notching against Crystal Palace – nonetheless, he has still scored or assisted in seven of the first nine and offers an unquestioned consistency of starts.
Loanee Romelu Lukaku atoned for a surprising blank against Hull by returning to the scoresheet against Aston Villa. With five goals in as many games for his Everton, trips to Crystal Palace and a home face-off against Stoke in the next four look particularly profitable in a tricky run that also sees the Toffees welcome Liverpool and Tottenham to Goodison Park.
With yet another penalty scored, Roberto Soldado has done just about enough to warrant a place on this week’s Watchlist. As rotation plagues much of Tottenham’s attack, the striker remains his manager’s first choice to lead the line in upcoming fixtures against Everton and Newcastle, followed by meetings with both Manchester sides in succession. Owners will no doubt be hoping the Spaniard’s first goal from open play two weeks ago is a sign that the former Valencia hitman has finally hit his stride in the Premier League.
Robin Van Persie may be prohibitively priced at 13.9, but goals in each of his last two games hint at the sort of form that made the Dutchman essential last season. With team-mate Wayne Rooney performing consistently at a full 3.0 less, however, the case is less than clear cut. A good showing against Fulham before his team embark on a tricky run may persuade owners to hold on – the emergence of a number of consistent, much cheaper forwards remains the biggest obstacle to obtaining the gilt-edged services of last year’s top scorer.
Finally, we’re still backing Loic Remy to perform as Newcastle cope with an injury ravaged defence ahead of a tricky schedule; three home games in the next four are enough to warrant an inclusion despite blanks in his last two outings.
