We take our regular look at the upcoming set of fixtures this afternoon, earmarking the scenarios and line-ups on our radar for Gameweek 13:
Moyes’ Use of Van Persie
The Dutchman’s owners suffered last weekend after David Moyes failed to announce he was unavailable for the trip to Cardiff. Wayne Rooney took the chance to rack up his third double-figure haul in the last four Gameweeks in the 2-2 draw and continues to thrive under his former Everton mentor, with four assists in Europe last night. However, with a goal in each of his last four league appearances, there’s no doubt van Persie was getting into his stride before last weekend. Ruled out of the Champions League trip to Leverkusen, question marks hang over his game time for Sunday’s trip to Tottenham – miss that one and his loyal 23% owners will be ready to abandon their faith in him with Rooney, Sergio Aguero and Luis Suarez all proving far more reliable in the premium price bracket.
Benteke’s Performance in a Front Three
The big Belgian has now gone five games without a goal as his form falters since returning from a hip problem. With Gabby Agbonlahor and Andreas Weimann both climbing off the bench at West Brom to cement their comebacks from injury, however, a return to 4-3-3 looks on the cards at home to Sunderland this weekend. Benteke’s prospects will surely be raised by those additions and, with Fulham, Stoke and Palace in the next six, he could hardly wish for a kinder run of games as he looks to return to form.
Wenger’s Midfield Selection
Despite racking up 12 points from five Champions League group games, Arsenal still find themselves with work to do to ensure qualification. After Tuesday’s win over Marseille, the Gunners boss admitted rotation could be on the cards over the next three league games (car, HUL, EVE) as he looks to protect his main men ahead of a vital trip to Napoli. Given that the defence and lone forward seem nailed-on, Wenger may choose to utilise the strength in depth available in the five midfield berths – a rest for either Aaron Ramsey (with 59% ownership) or Mesut Ozil (30%) would have a knock-on effect on Fantasy teams and test the strength of many a bench. Wenger’s cautious approach with Theo Walcott, which has seen the winger make brief appearances off the bench in the last couple of matches, may dissuade many from investing until the wideman establishes himself as a regular once again.
Mourinho’s Rotation
The Blues boss was also quick to hint at rotation after the midweek loss in Europe at Basel. Mourinho’s decision to make just one change from the side that won at West Ham backfired in Switzerland as his tired team tumbled to a surprise defeat. With ten games in all competitions between December 1 and January 1, Chelsea’s schedule looks set to see many fringe players involved over the next month – a favourable run of league fixtures has seen many eye up Eden Hazard and Oscar, but with their manager hinting the attacking midfielders are likely to be hit hardest by his tinkering, would-be investors may be somewhat deterred if Jose stands by his threat.
Everton’s Defence Without Baines
The only side to name the same back four and keeper in all 12 Gameweeks, Everton’s defence is set for a change in light of Leighton Baines’ toe injury. The left-back could be out for up to six weeks with the problem and, with Roberto Martinez admitting he is looking at several alternatives, uncertainty remains ahead of their home game against Stoke this weekend. Martinez even has the option of shifting to 3-4-3 with Antolin Alcaraz now fit and, with the fixtures failing kindly from Gameweek 16 onwards, his team sheet will be keenly awaited by Fantasy managers for the Potters clash.
Pulis’ Impact on Palace
Having racked up two consecutive clean sheets under caretaker boss Keith Millen, the Eagles roll up to Carrow Road with Tony Pulis at the helm. The former Stoke boss will be desperate for more of the same resilience as he looks to build upon a solid base and guide his new team to safety – Palace have three regulars (Dean Moxey, Danny Gabbidon and Joel Ward) priced at just 4.0 in FPL and an outstanding run of home games for Pulis to establish Selhurst Park as his latest fortress.
Tottenham’s Recovery from Etihad Mauling
After losing 1-0 at home to Newcastle, Andre Villas-Boas made six changes to his side prior to last week’s visit to City. Undoubtedly, confidence will be severely dented by the 6-0 humiliation as Tottenham’s previously resilient backline was torn apart – will their manager keep faith in his side or can we expect sweeping changes yet again as he searches for the winning formula? Rumours of a move to 4-4-2 are growing as Spurs attempt to address a run of three games without a goal, but with United up next, the weekend looks a real test for the north London outfit – if they can keep out the champions, subsequent trips to Fulham and Sunderland bode well for owners of Jan Vertonghen and Kyle Walker.
Rodgers’ Treatment of Sturridge
After turning out for 90 minutes in England’s friendly with Germany, Daniel Sturridge was dropped to the bench for last weekend’s Merseyside derby due to fitness concerns. With Philippe Coutinho back in the fold, Brendan Rodgers moved to 4-3-3, allowing Jordan Henderson the role on the right of Luis Suarez. Although Sturridge climbed off the bench to nod a late equaliser, his manager is clearly determined to monitor the leg problem that has been hampering the former Chelsea player for a number of weeks. Another bench role against Hull this weekend and Sturridge owners will be ready to jump ship, with Suarez set to run amok over three home fixtures (NOR, WHM, CAR) in the subsequent four.
The Norwich Midfield
Robert Snodgrass is sidelined for a number of weeks with a knee injury and Anthony Pilkington is also unavailable after limping out of last week’s loss at Newcastle with a hamstring problem. While the fixtures may fall in the Canaries’ favour, Chris Hughton has real selection issues ahead. One possibility is a role on the right for Nathan Redmond (4.6), which would allow Martin Olsson to take up a position on the opposite flank – the Swede, at 4.2 and classified as a defender – would arrive on our radars if his manager opts for such a tactical set-up ahead of games against Palace, Sunderland and Fulham in the next six.
