Mesut Ozil notches at the Emirates yet again but Arsenal are denied the three points after Everton sub Gerard Deulofeu hammers home a late leveller. Steve Sidwell and Dimitar Berbatov bag the goals as Fulham end a run of six straight defeats against Villa, while Christian Benteke’s barren scoring streak shows no sign of coming to an end:
Ozil’s Emirates Form Continues
The German’s opener and subsequent maximum bonus points helped him to a 10-point haul against the Toffees in yesterday’s late kick-off. In an impressive run of festive form, Ozil has registered three consecutive double-figure hauls and has now produced 10+ points in four of six appearances in front of his own fans. Undoubtedly, his recent form will earn the summer signing further new owners but Ozil will need to step up his consistency outside of the Emirates – he has produced 26 points in six road trips compared to 59 points in the same number of games at home.
Toffees Defence Passes Another Test
After keeping out United at Old Trafford in midweek, Everton finally conceded on their travels for the first time since Gameweek 7 yesterday. Nonetheless, Fantasy managers will be ready to load up on Roberto Martinez’ backline ahead of a hugely tempting schedule – given that Tim Howard has been beaten in only two of the last seven Gameweeks, an eye-catching run of games over the next six (FUL, swa, SUN, SOU, sto, NOR) looks set to hand the Merseysiders further chance to rack up the clean sheet returns. The Toffees stopper remains at the top of the keeper standings, yet is owned by less than 7% of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers, whilst Seamus Coleman and Phil Jagielka (first and second for defenders) also look set to cement their positions at the summit.
Deulofeu’s Class Saves Everton
Having bagged a goal and assist in his first start in Gameweek 13, the young Spaniard has been utilised sparingly by his manager, with a couple of late sub appearances away to United and Arsenal. Deulofeu needed little time to serve a reminder of his abilities, though, lashing home a superb equaliser just five minutes after replacing Kevin Mirallas but, whilst there’s no doubting his class, the issue is his classification across the Fantasy games. Listed as a forward, his appeal is as good as non-existent and merely threatens to curtail Mirallas’ game time across the above-mentioned schedule – with those three home games on the horizon, there’d be no real surprise to see him handed one, or maybe two starts – a real concern for the Belgian’s owners. Romelu Lukaku’s assist for Deulofeu’s equaliser means he’s now produced eight goals and a trio of assists in 11 appearances for the Merseysiders – the big Belgian looks poised to rack up the returns over the festive period and is surely set for a major bandwagon as he bullies his way up the Fantasy standings.
Sidwell’s Budget Appeal
Dropped for only the second time this season in Rene Meulensteen’s first match in charge in the midweek clash against Tottenham, the 5.0 priced midfielder returned to the first-team with a bang yesterday. The new Cottagers boss opted for a 4-3-3 against Villa and, drafted into the central midfield three, Sidwell’s opener was his third strike of the season – just one fewer than his tally for 2012/13. With maximum bonus points also in the bag, Sidwell has now scored 52 points in the FPL game, which is more than any midfielder with a starting price of 5.0 or under. He’ll never be the most glamourous Fantasy pick but, providing he can nail down a starting berth under the new manager, he could appeal to those scouring the market for a cut-price option. Fulham face Everton and City in the next two but Meulensteen’s side may well be set to benefit from the subsequent four matches (nor, hul, WH, SUN).
Meulensteen Arrival Boosts Berbatov
The departure of Martin Jol seems to have helped the Bulgarian as well. Berbatov had managed just a goal and assist over the first 13 Gameweeks but has already equalled that tally in two games under his former coach at United. Having picked up a midweek assist against his former club, Spurs, he was in the points again courtesy of a coolly-taken spot-kick. Uncertainty may surround his future after the Bulgarian’s agent recently hinted he was looking for a move but if Meulensteen can keep him on board, Berbatov could afford us a somewhat belated option up top as he looks to recapture the form that served up 15 goals, four assists and 28 points in his debut season at the Cottage last time around.
Benteke Blanks Again
With Libor Kozak missing out through injury, Christian Benteke was handed a quick return to the starting line-up after dropping to the bench in midweek. Paul Lambert returned to a 4-3-3 formation, with Gabby Agbonlahor and Andreas Weimann flanking the big Belgian but, despite a 90-minute run out, Benteke was again unable to break his scoring duck – he’s now failed to score in eight appearances since recovering from a hip problem. Paul Lambert’s side have three home games in four up next (MUN, stk, CPL, SWA) but, in addition to their lack of cutting edge up top, have further concerns ahead of next week’s home game with United – Ron Vlaar missed out yesterday due to a calf complaint sustained in midweek, whilst Fabian Delph picked up a fifth yellow of the season and is suspended for the visit of the champions.
