We cast an eye over the weekend’s fixtures to assess the lessons learned in our Monday lunchtime regular. The contrasting fortunes of a couple of Manchester-based Spanish playmakers, Liverpool’s new formation, Everton’s frustrating attack and Arsenal’s resilience are all on our radar:
Moyes Needs to Solve the Mata Conundrum
The Spaniard’s winter arrival was heralded as a major step forward in United’s rebuilding process under their new manager but it hasn’t quite turned out that way. Mata may be getting the minutes he was denied by Jose Mourinho at Chelsea but a run of four league games without any attacking returns highlights his negligible impact as David Moyes struggles to find the best tactical set-up to incorporate his record signing alongside Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie. Mata may have a double Gameweek around the corner but Fantasy managers have had enough – over 12,000 have already parted company after the weekend’s disappointment.
Rodgers’ Tinkering Will Limit Sterling and Coutinho
Last week’s move to a midfield diamond has helped Liverpool register back-to-back clean sheets and elevate Luis Suarez above Daniel Sturridge in our thinking once again. The shift away from 4-3-3 has, however, proved detrimental to Raheem Sterling and Philippe Coutinho – the Brazilian started at the tip of the diamond against Southampton last week only to be replaced by Sterling for yesterday’s Old Trafford rout. The Liverpool boss revealed his choice for the role behind Suarez and Sturridge depends on his opponents’ tactics – a suggestion that neither player is a guaranteed starter in the Merseysiders’ effective new system.
Silva Can Step Up
Devoid of the injured Sergio Aguero, City were in desperate need of a spark for their tricky trip to the KC Stadium. Step forward David Silva, who served a reminder of his Fantasy potential ahead of City’s double with a goal, assist and maximum bonus in the 2-0 triumph. Chelsea’s loss at Villa saw Manuel Pellegrini’s side reinstalled as title favourites and City will be looking to attack as they chase down the Blues at the top of the table. Yaya Toure’s role in “the hole” prior to Vincent Kompany’s dismissal bodes well for his owners if Pellegrini continues with a lone forward system until Aguero returns, though an injury-free Silva, with an ownership of just 5%, looks a deadly differential for the run-in.
West Ham Need Warrior Collins
Having conceded just twice in the previous six Gameweeks, the Hammers’ resilience was fundamental to their recent revival. Sam Allardyce’s decision to freshen things up for the trip to Stoke saw James Collins make way for Winston Reid and, with the big Welshman warming the bench, Mark Hughes’ side ran out comfortable 3-1 winners. After the game, the West Ham boss seemed to regret his tinkering and slammed his side’s defensive display – Collins could well be reinstalled for the back-to-back home games over the double as Allardyce looks to garner the points that will ensure their survival.
Villa Are Looking Up Not Down
Back-to-back home wins over Norwich and Chelsea have steadied the ship after a run that earned the Midlands outfit a single point in their previous four league matches. Paul Lambert’s side are arguably the most erratic in the top-flight but, on their day, they’ve proven a match for anyone – games against the top four have harvested wins over Arsenal, City and Chelsea, whilst Villa are the only side to have taken any points at Anfield in Liverpool’s last 11 home games. If Ron Vlaar can stay injury-free and Christian Benteke keeps ticking over, Lambert’s side have the schedule (STO, FUL, cpl, SOU, swa, HUL in the next seven) to finish comfortably in mid-table.
Everton’s attacking options remain an issue
Leader of last week’s Captain Poll, Romelu Lukaku proved a bitter disappointment as the Toffees made hard work of seeing off struggling Cardiff. Given that the big Belgian had netted twice in the league from Gameweek 15 onwards, expectations were perhaps a little on the optimistic side, but with two doubles and a trip to Fulham in the next four Gameweeks, investment in Roberto Martinez’ side looks set to escalate. Kevin Mirallas lasted just over an hour before subbed off, as did Gerard Deulofeu, and with their manager stressing he intends to keep his attacking players fresh for the run in, frustrating times could be ahead, with Seamus Coleman and Leighton Baines looking the safer options.
Wenger Will Retreat to Win Matches
Sunday’s derby win at the Lane harvested a “1-0 to the Arsenal” scoreline in a display that was far more about guts and resilience than dominance and attacking intent. Tomas Rosicky’s early strike allowed the visitors to fall back and rely on Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny to withstand anything their hosts could throw at them – Spurs had 59% of the possession but lacked the incisiveness to breach the Gunners’ backline. Arsene Wenger’s side may have games against Chelsea, City and Everton in the next three but, having limited free-scoring Bayern to a single goal in last week’s Champions League exit, it’s perhaps not the time to give up on their rearguard after all.
Borini Should be Central to Poyet’s Plans
Steven Fletcher limped off at the break with another injury against Palace, whilst replacement Jozy Altidore failed to make an impact – it’s a single goal in 25 appearances for the US international now. Fabio Borini had two goals and a pair of assists in his last four starts prior to Saturday’s goalless draw and, moved to the lone forward role in the Capital One Cup final against City, opened the scoring in the 3-1 defeat. Borini was back on the left last weekend, but with the Black Cats desperately needing to find goals in their bid for survival, Poyet may well reconsider his forward options as he looks to address a run that has seen his side score just three times in their last six in all competitions.
Swans are in a Dog-Fight
The honeymoon period is well and truly over for Garry Monk as Swansea slip closer to the drop zone. Back-to-back home clashes with fellow strugglers Palace and West Brom have harvested a single point after the Baggies late win at the Liberty – having won so emphatically against Cardiff in his first match in charge, Monk’s men have now taken two points in their last four and are just four points clear of the bottom three. The Welsh club now travel to Everton and Arsenal in a double Gameweek that few, if any, will find worthy of investment – Michu’s return from injury last weekend could be crucial, with the schedule from Gameweek 32 onwards suggesting a turnaround in fortunes could be on the cards.
