With just one of the Gameweek’s matches remaining, we look back on the lessons learned over Saturday and Sunday’s nine fixtures. Everton’s midfield minefield, United’s options without their Dutch forward, the goal-hungry Swans and the in-form budget options spurred on by the relegation tussle are amongst our lunchtime topics:
Swansea are Flourishing under Monk…
Written off for the double Gameweek, the Welsh club scored twice at both Everton and Arsenal before following that up with a 3-0 hammering of Norwich. With Michu finally recovered from knee surgery, Jonathan de Guzman impressing in his new role on the right and Wilfried Bony banging in the goals, Swansea look a different prospect altogether under their new manager – it’s now 16 goals in eight games since Monk’s installation, compared to 29 in 24 under Michael Laudrup. With Hull, Newcastle, Villa and Sunderland in the final six, they could be set to deliver the Fantasy returns once again and offer us some handy differentials.
Van Persie’s Absence Could Benefit United…
A double against Villa in Saturday lunchtime’s 4-1 win was, incredibly, the first time Wayne Rooney had scored at Old Trafford in the league since October. Rooney has now bagged a brace in two of the three games since the Dutchman was sidelined through a knee injury and his Fantasy fortunes are clearly on the rise since being moved into the more advanced role. David Moyes seems to have learnt his lesson from the Manchester derby defeat and returned Juan Mata to a central role behind the England international – the Spaniard resultantly delivered his first goal in United colours to vindicate his manager’s decision. With Shinji Kagawa also impressing on the left, Van Persie’s continued absence may ultimately prove beneficial to Moyes, allowing him to get the best out of his flourishing frontman and diminutive playmakers from here on in.
Martinez’s Rotation Policy is Paying Off..
The Everton manager rolled out the same starting XI that hammered Newcastle in midweek but it was his second-half changes that proved pivotal to the 3-1 win at Fulham. Steven Naismith, Kevin Mirallas and Aiden McGeady all climbed off the bench to play a part in the Cottagers destruction – if anything, their displays merely strengthen Roberto Martinez’ rotation policy in the attacking midfield areas, leaving Romelu Lukaku the only guaranteed route into the Toffees offence ahead of double Gameweek 34.
The Liverpool Diamond Isn’t Set in Stone…
Having seen his side struggle to break down an obstinate Sunderland rearguard in midweek, Brendan Rodgers ditched the midfield diamond and returned to a 4-3-3 for yesterday’s home clash with Tottenham. Luis Suarez still served up a goal and assist despite being forced onto the flank in the 4-0 rout, whilst Raheem Sterling returned to the starting XI with an impressive performance that suggests he could still have a part to play in the run-in.
Chelsea Can’t Rely On Hazard All the Time…
The Blues’ title bid was hit hard by an unexpected loss at Palace on Saturday. Jose Mourinho questioned his side’s desire after the Selhurst Park defeat – their second 1-0 away loss in succession, having been beaten at Villa by a similar scoreline. Fernando Torres’ miserable weekend means his tally sits at four for the season; Demba Ba has notched three times, whilst Samuel Eto’o has failed to find the net away from Stamford Bridge. Eden Hazard remains the only Chelsea player with 10+ goals this season, whilst rivals City and Liverpool boast three apiece – Mourinho needs to address this over the summer, with his side clearly overly-reliant on the Belgian to deliver.
Odemwingie’s Britannia Move has Worked Wonders…
Stoke’s home win over Hull took their recent run to just one defeat – away to City – in their last nine matches. As the season has unfolded, the Potters have finally become accustomed to Mark Hughes’ tactics and have beaten the likes of United, Arsenal and Chelsea from December onwards. The acquisition of Peter Odemwingie has been key to their recent form; a peripheral figure at previous club Cardiff, his arrival on a swap deal with Kenwyne Jones looks a canny piece of business. The Nigerian has now scored five times in nine appearances since rolling up to the Britannia – if he’s re-classified as a midfielder next season, he’ll surely be worth a look if the Potters’ progress under Hughes continues.
The Saints Won’t Let Up…
Twelve points behind the Europa League spots and well clear of the relegation tussle, Southampton could easily fall into the trap of easing off over the last few matches. Mauricio Pochettino’s side are made of sterner stuff, though, and delivered a third win in four at the weekend by battering Newcastle at St Mary’s – Jay Rodriguez’ double means that, amongst forwards, only Liverpool duo Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge have netted more. Adam Lallana and Rickie Lambert also chipped in with double-figure hauls in the Magpies’ rout – the Saints may have nothing more than pride left to play for, but with Roy Hodgson’s squad for Brazil still to be decided, the in-form trio are ensuring they remain firmly on our Fantasy radars.
There’s Still Value to Be Found in the Basement …
With just six games left apiece, Fulham and Cardiff look doomed. At this point, neither club can afford to sit back and grind out the results and the Bluebirds, in particular, are still serving up the Fantasy points. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have now scored three times in all but one of their last four fixtures – cut-price midfielder Jordan Mutch has now delivered a trio of 10+ hauls in that run, whilst at the back, Steven Caulker struck his fifth goal of the season in Saturday’s six-goal thriller at the Hawthorns. Ashkan Dejagah has now netted three times in his last five for Fulham, whilst Lewis Holtby has amassed 20 points from his last three starts; their endeavours may not be enough to save their sides from relegation but it’s clear that the battle to beat the drop is bringing out the best in some of the budget options.
