After analysing the Defence in yesterday’s first instalment, we turn our attention to the men in the centre of the park. Once again, the top three sides play a major part in our refresh, with some strong options available on offer from Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea across the frantic festive period:
Chelsea duo Eden Hazard and Oscar find themselves in this week’s top three after both registered double figures in last week’s win at West Ham. Clearly, the duo have cemented their roles as Jose Mourinho’s preferred attacking midfielders and, given that they are now second and fourth in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) midfield standings, there’s even an argument for acquiring both. Mourinho’s hint at rotation over the upcoming month may deter some would-be suitors, but with Sunderland, Stoke and Palace in the next four, the stage looks set for the Blues to rack up the points over the festive schedule.
A trio of Arsenal options find their way into our midfield refresh. A trip to Cardiff, followed by back-to-back home games against Hull and Everton bode well for the likes of Aaron Ramsey and Mesut Ozil as they look to recover from temporary blips which has seen both draw blanks in each of the last two. Once again, though, rotation may play a part in Arsene Wenger’s plans as he looks to ensure Champions League qualification – nonetheless, Theo Walcott’s return from injury has seen him emerge from the bench in the last two in all competitions and a start looks imminent. With an ownership under 4% in FPL, compared to Ramsey’s 59% and Ozil’s 30%, the Gunners wide-man looks a real differential, offering plenty of explosive potential.
A goal against Everton in last Saturday’s Merseyside derby finally saw Philippe Coutinho net for the first time this term. Back in the Reds XI after injury, he also offers a differential option, with a mere 5% ownership. Liverpool roll up to Hull this weekend before three very enticing home games in four (NOR, WHM, CAR) and the Brazilian looks a viable double-up option for those looking beyond Luis Suarez for their Reds coverage.
A trip to Newcastle and home clash with City may prove a little testing for Stephane Sessegnon, but the Baggies midfielder will be licking his lips in light of a trio of promising fixtures from Gameweek 15-17. West Brom entertain Norwich and Hull, with a trip to Cardiff sandwiched in between, suggesting the Benin international could be set to continue the form which has harvested a goal and assist in the last three for Steve Clarke’s side. Coming in at 5.2 to his team-mate’s 6.6, Morgan Amalfitano is a more budget-friendly option for Fantasy managers unwilling to splash the cash on the midlands outfit.
City pair Yaya Toure and Samir Nasri offers options in different price brackets for the upcoming schedule. Bearing in mind that Manuel Pellegrini’s side have hit United and Spurs for four and six respectively at the Etihad, the visit of Arsenal and Liverpool over the next six won’t hold any fears as City look to extend a 100% record in front of their own supporters. With a home clash against Swansea and trips to Fulham and West Brom also on their agenda, Nasri (at 8.1, with a goal or assist in six of his 12 appearances) and Toure (at 9.6, with 50 points in six home appearances) both look appealing options in light of David Silva’s calf injury absence.
The consistency of Yohan Cabaye ensures the Newcastle midfielder earns a place on our list – despite being just one caution shy of a single-match ban. Cabaye has now scored or assisted in five of the last eight league matches and, at 6.4, looks real value for money ahead of a run which pits him against West Brom, Swansea, Palace and Stoke in the next six Gameweeks.
Injuries to Anthony Pilkington and Robert Snodgrass bring Norwich flier Nathan Redmond into this week’s refresh. With Chris Hughton set to be without his first-choice wide men for a number of weeks, Redmond, at just 4.6, has Palace, Swansea and Fulham at home in the next six, in addition to a trip to Sunderland.
Similarly to Cabaye, Ravel Morrison is also walking the Suspension Tightrope. The 4.9-priced West Ham youngster sits on four yellows, but providing he keeps his temperament in check, will be confident of adding to his current haul of three goals and an assist ahead of a schedule which sees him square up to all of the bottom three in the next four Gameweeks (FUL, cpl, SUN).
Southampton’s Adam Lallana may have the form, but the fixtures are very much against him. The Saints skipper has three goals and a trio of assists in the last eight, picking up points against both Liverpool and United, but with Chelsea, City, Spurs and in-form Newcastle in the next five, his 18% FPL owners may find festive returns hard to come by.
A home game against Stoke this weekend bodes well for Kevin Mirallas, but back-to-back trips to United and Arsenal somewhat diminish his short-term appeal. The schedule turns far kinder from Gameweek 16 onwards, though, and Mirallas – with two sets of double figures in his last three at Goodison, may tempt those who have chosen to ignore Romelu Lukaku up top.
Finally, Fulham’s Pajtim Kasami is one of the few regular budget options available with an eye for goal. The Cottagers midfielder comes in at just 4.5 and, following this week’s trip to West Ham, has three home games in four to add to his two-goal tally so far.
