Luis Suarez returns to form with a goal and two assists as Liverpool hammer Southampton at St Mary’s. Andre Schurrle fires a hat-trick as Chelsea see off Fulham, Moussa Sissoko is at the double in Newcastle’s win at Hull, Romelu Lukaku grabs the winner on his return to action for Everton, whilst Stoke register another home win thanks to Jon Walters’ converted spot-kick against the Gunners.
Suarez Turns on the Style as Sturridge Stumbles at St Mary’s
After weeks of outshining his fellow Liverpool forward, Daniel Sturridge was duly selected for a lead role in this week’s Scout Picks at the South American’s expense. Brendan Rodgers’ decision to switch to a 4-3-1-2 for the trip to Southampton and move away from the 4-3-3 formation that has devastated top-flight defences proved Sturridge’s downfall, though, as the Reds looked for more cover in the centre of the park to combat the Saints’ midfield. Those who have kept faith with Suarez as their captaincy option were richly rewarded with a goal, two assists and maximum bonus as the Uruguayan finally produced the returns his underlying stats have hinted at for a number of weeks. Yesterday’s turn of events may not have made the armband option any easier for those owning both but Suarez’ 15 point haul, on the back of 15 and 16 from Sturridge in the previous two matches, at least underlined the points potential of having the duo as two of our front three. With Steven Gerrard’s spot-kick duties coming to the fore and Raheem Sterling emerging from the bench to notch, the Reds main attacking assets all delivered – Liverpool, of course, have a blank next weekend but with a double Gameweek 31 comprising of a trip to Cardiff and home clash with Sunderland just around the corner, expect the bandwagons to get underway soon.
Schurrle Shows his Capabilities
Whilst Eden Hazard delighted his owners with a pair of assists in Chelsea’s win at Fulham, the Belgian’s exploits were left firmly in the shade by another of Jose Mourinho’s wide men. Andre Schurrle was named in the Blues starting XI for only the third time in the last 19 Gameweeks but did more than enough to suggest he’s worthy of a more regular role for the league leaders by firing a superb hat-trick in the 3-1 triumph. Let’s face it, we’re still highly unlikely to gamble on a player who has been handed 31 minutes in the previous seven league fixtures but if the German can nail down a run of first XI appearances, a record of six goals in his last four starts suggests that he will deliver. Given that Willian and Oscar have notched once since Gameweek 7 and 12 respectively, despite featuring far more often, Schurrle’s scoring exploits will certainly have given Jose Mourinho food for thought.
Magath Continues to Tinker
On his debut match in charge last week, the new Fulham boss made five changes to Rene Meulensteen’s final XI. Magath made a further three alterations to his side yesterday and made the surprise decision of dropping Lewis Holtby to the bench, with Clint Dempsey tucking in behind Darren Bent instead. After the game, the German explained Holtby was omitted as “it’s difficult to create chances against Chelsea” and with Kieran Richardson also shifted to left-back after a profitable stint in midfield, the Cottagers’ lack of guaranteed options look enough to convince us to steer clear. Magath also revealed Brede Hangeland was subbed off with a head knock and has been taken to hospital for scans.
Lukaku Returns with a Goal as Mirallas Warms the Toffees Bench
After a spell on the sidelines with an ankle injury, the big Belgian was expected to start for the visit of West Ham but was fit enough only for the bench after picking up a chest infection, Roberto Martinez confirmed post-match. Handed 31 minutes as a second-half substitute, Lukaku still found time to notch the winner against the Hammers for the second time this term, taking his tally to 10 goals since arriving on Merseyside back in September. After next weekend’s blank, Everton face Cardiff, Swansea and Fulham in successive matches and, with two double Gameweeks yet to be scheduled, Fantasy managers will no doubt be eyeing up their man assets. Kevin Mirallas’ owners, though, will have cause for concern by yesterday’s teamsheet. Perhaps Martinez had one eye on the upcoming FA Cup clash with Arsenal but the Belgian failed to feature at all yesterday and with the likes of Gerard Deulofeu and Steven Naismith both offering alternatives, his security of starts now looks under real threat.
Sissoko Helps Steer Magpies to KC Mauling
Having found the net in just two of their previous nine league matches, it’s fair to say that expectations were fairly minimal for Newcastle’s trip to Hull. With top scorer Loic Remy notching for the second match in succession since returning from suspension, the Tyneside team stunned their hosts with an emphatic 4-1 win – the Tigers biggest home loss of the season. Moussa Sissoko was the unlikely hero for Alan Pardew’s side. Retained on the right of midfield, with Luuk De Jong alongside Remy up top, Sissoko’s double took his tally to three for the entire campaign and suggested that he may yet make an unlikely differential over the remaining fixtures. Pardew’s side face a blank next weekend but with Fulham and Palace directly after, and a double still to be scheduled, he may arrive on some radars at 5.6 in FPL.
Walters on the Spot as Potters Home Comforts Continue
Having recovered from illness in time to take his place in the starting XI, the Republic of Ireland international notched the only goal of the game as Mark Hughes’ men chalked up yet another impressive home victory. Charlie Adam’s owners were left frustrated after the Scot was subbed off three minutes before Stoke were awarded a spot-kick midway through the second period – with their first-choice taker off the pitch it was left to Walters to beat Wojciech Szczesny and derail the Gunners’ title bid. Stoke have now beaten Chelsea, United and Arsenal and drawn with City and Everton in front of their own fans – with West Ham, Hull, Newcastle and Fulham still to arrive at the Britannia, in addition to trips to Norwich, Villa, Cardiff and West Brom, the Staffordshire outfit could well be set to benefit from one of the most favourable run-ins around. Adam’s owners will have further reason for concern after he appeared to stamp on Olivier Giroud. Given that the match day officials failed to spot the incident, the midfielder could be set to face retrospective action from the FA.
Ozil on the Bench as Wenger Hints at Fatigue
Back in the squad after recovering from a thigh problem, the German was expected to be re-installed to the first XI for yesterday’s Britannia showdown. After the game, his manager admitted Ozil was “fit to start” but decided to utilise his record signing off the bench, going on to say he has played “many many games” this season. With a blank Gameweek 29 preceding games against Spurs, Chelsea, City and Everton, Arsenal’s unconvincing display may well be set to spark an exodus over the next few days, with Ozil at the head of the queue for transfers out as we look elsewhere for kinder schedules.
