We’ve plenty to mull over this evening as we cast an eye over the pertinent topics for the Gameweek ahead. Tony Pulis and Alan Pardew’s first home matches in charge, Arsenal and United’s attacks, City’s options against Everton and Bafetimbi Gomis’ display at home to the Hammers are all on the menu:
Johnson’s Form at home to Liverpool
Three goals in four appearances from a Sunderland player seems almost too good to be true. Having played a part in four of his side’s last five strikes over the previous six, Adam Johnson’s recent displays have earned him an unlikely place in our thoughts as Gus Poyet’s side prepare for a kind upcoming run of fixtures. Another performance against Liverpool this weekend may well persuade some to look beyond the Black Cats defence and turn their attentions to the 6.0-priced midfielder.
Dyche’s main men for flourishing fixtures…
A two-goal fightback at the Etihad seems to have buoyed Burnley’s attackers. The Clarets fired three past Newcastle at St James’ Park last time out and now face a run of four matches (QPR, CPL, sun, WBA) which could ultimately prove decisive in their bid to beat the drop. George Boyd’s worth as a cheap midfielder has already served up four goals and many owners are prepared to start him for this one, whilst Danny Ings and Ashley Barnes could prove canny short-term options as they square up to a QPR outfit that’s lost every away match so far. Sam Vokes is also pushing for a start after grabbing a goal in the midweek cup draw with Spurs as he finally puts his knee-ligament lay-off behind him.
Pellegrini’s options against the Toffees…
Yaya Toure’s departure to the Africa Cup of Nations (ACoN) has been somewhat offset by reports that Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko are back in full training and could make the City squad for Saturday’s trip to Everton. Whilst it’s perhaps unlikely that Aguero will be risked in the first XI, it’s worth noting that he’s found the net on both occasions he has emerged from the subs bench this season. As the strikers return to fitness, the false nine system already looks a thing of the past and, after blanking at home to Sunderland last time out, we’re looking for David Silva to step up as the main main in midfield in Toure’s absence.
Ulloa versus Benteke in a King Power scrap…
Both have flattered to deceive in recent weeks but go head-to-head on Saturday on the back of winning goals in last weekend’s FA Cup ties. Leicester, like Burnley, have three excellent home fixtures in four (AVL, STO, CPL), and with star player Riyad Mahrez off to the ACoN, Ulloa has the chance to grab the headlines as Nigel Pearson’s side look to clamber out of the bottom three. Our recent show of faith in Benteke fell flat after back-to-back home blanks against Palace and Sunderland, but if the visitors are to prevail, he has to start delivering.
Gomis’ chance to shine…
With Wilfried Bony off on international duties and possibly heading to the Etihad, the Frenchman has the ideal opportunity to cement his role as a regular under Garry Monk. As mentioned in our recent Big Numbers article, Gomis is more or less on a par with Bony for minutes per attempt (22.3 to 20.5) – his problem has been a lowly 3.8% conversion rare compared to the Ivorian’s 13.6%. Given that his inability to convert would have a knock-on effect on Gylfi Sigurdsson’s creative output, the question is whether or not Gomis can push on from his two goals and pair of assists in the weekend cup win at Tranmere.
Downing’s display at the Liberty…
Sam Allardyce’s side head to the Liberty devoid of the injured Diafra Sakho and with doubts hanging over Andy Carroll, after the big target man missed Tuesday’s cup draw at Everton with a foot problem. Big Sam was forced to roll out a 4-3-3 at Goodison and shifted Downing into central midfield – hardly ideal for owners on the back of three successive blanks. Another deep-lying role and failure to produce may force us into a re-think once next week’s home clash with Hull has passed – Downing then has Liverpool, United, Southampton, Spurs, Chelsea and Arsenal in six of the subsequent seven as the schedule turns nasty on the Upton Park outfit.
The Pulis effect on West Brom…
The former Stoke and Palace manager takes the Baggies’ helm just in time for winter Wildcard season. Hopes are high that the Pulis effect will make an immediate difference to the West Brom defence in light of his dramatic transformation of Palace’s backline last time around. Ben Foster and the likes of Andre Wisdom and Joleon Lescott have the chance to nail down a spot in our Wildcard plans as the Midlands club look to steer themselves out of trouble, whilst even perennial under-performer Stephane Sessegnon is hinting at a reprisal of his 2011/12 form as Pulis looks to make the Hawthorns his new fortress.
…and the Eagles with Pardew at the helm
The new man in charge has promised to go on the offensive as he looks to remedy a run of form which has seen Palace score just twice in the last seven Gameweeks. With Yannick Bolasie and Mile Jedinak off on international duties, Pardew’s plans are already undermined but his 4-3-3 system against Dover in the cup last weekend offered Wilfried Zaha and Dwight Gayle a chance to impress in the front three. Pass the test at home to Spurs and they could come into contention as the fixtures turn kinder.
Wenger’s attack at home to the Potters…
Olivier Giroud is back in the mix, Theo Walcott earned his first start for a year in the cup last weekend and Aaron Ramsey has “a small chance” of returning in time to face Stoke. With four excellent home fixtures and a trip to Palace in the next seven, Arsene Wenger’s side have the chance to play their way into our Wildcard thoughts, with the aforementioned trio and Santi Cazorla offering double-up options for those intent on keeping Alexis Sanchez.
Di Maria’s impact on Van Gaal’s set-up…
Handed a second-half sub appearance away to Yeovil in the cup, the Argentine cemented the 2-0 win with a class chipped finish. Now down to 9.4, Di Maria has the fixtures to prosper, and providing he can prove his fitness, is surely set to be unleashed against the stubborn Southampton rearguard. With Daley Blind potentially set to return to first-team duties, Louis van Gaal will have an embarrassment of riches to choose from, with Wayne Rooney potentially set for a place further forward as Juan Mata frets over a return to the bench.
