Anthony Martial lights up another tepid day of Fantasy returns, as he weaved his way through a hesitant Liverpool rearguard to put his name in lights.
Elsewhere, Steven Naismith applied three decisive jabs to a prone Chelsea side as Mourinho’s men suffered yet another defeat. Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud combined to beat Jack Butland’s gutsy defiance, while City lose Sergio Aguero to a worrying knock and rely on a youthful substitute to help earn them preserve their 100% record. Here’s the notes on Saturday’s events…
Naismith At the Treble
Steven Naismith was the unlikely hero at Goodison Park, coming off the bench after nine minutes in place of Mo Besic before putting Chelsea to the sword with a “perfect” hat-trick.
The 5.3-priced forward stamped his authority on the midfield berth vacated by the injured Tom Cleverley, setting him up for a run of starts over the coming Gameweeks. Despite his attractive price tag, Fantasy managers will be deterred by the threat of rotation on the Toffees’ flanks and an unfavourable schedule through to November (swa, wba, LIV, MUN, ars).
In the wake of back-to-back blanks, Ross Barkley recorded a brace of assists against the Champions, subsequently equalling his attacking output (two goals and three assists) for the entirety of the previous campaign. With few high-priced midfielders delivering on their valuations, Barkely is building a strong case for investment in the mid-priced bracket. No player enjoyed more FPL investment overnight than Barkley, despite those Everton fixtures.
At the back, Brendan Galloway (4.5) excelled at full-back in the absence of the injured Bryan Oviedo, successfully quelling Pedro’s threat from the right flank. The MK Dons academy product would offer us an excellent budget route into Everton’s rearguard if he can see off Oviedo’s claims and cement a run of starts. However, as mentioned, the Toffee’s fixtures do little to encourage investment.
Mourinho’s Misery Continues
Nemanja Matic served up a stunning consolation strike from 30 yards as the Blues fell to their third defeat in four matches – marking their worst start to a top-tier campaign since 1988. In fact, the last time Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea lost consecutive league ties was in May 2006, underlining the severity of their current slump in form.
Mourinho drafted Mikel into the double pivot in an attempt to shore things up in the centre of the park, yet Everton scythed through the visitors’ midfield with consummate ease in the early stages, punishing their lack of protection for the back four.
Chelsea’s situation could get worse before it gets better, with Arsenal – who are unbeaten in four matches – making the trip to Stamford Bridge next Gameweek. Certainly, those Fantasy managers still in possession of Blues defenders will be eyeing up alternative options, given that the London club have shipped two more goals (12) than any team this term.
Eden Hazard carded his fourth blank in five starts, making a mockery of his 11.4 price tag. The Belgian winger has tallied just six goal attempts so for this campaign, encouraging his 33% ownership to cut the ties and re-invest in other areas of their 15-man squads. Hazard was ranked third in the “transfers out” table overnight, behind Aguero and Man United’s dropped stopper, Sergio Romero.
Rotating Gunners Earn The Points
Arsenal secured their second win on the bounce with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Stoke City.
Much to the ire of his previous owners, Theo Walcott fronted up the host’s attack and opened the scoring after 31 minutes. Olivier Giroud then cemented the three points five minutes from time, scoring his second goal in four matches after being introduced from the bench. This was, however, only Giroud’s second goal in his last 12 league appearances.
Ultimately, Arsenal’s challenging trio of upcoming fixtures (che, lei, MUN) and Arsene Wenger’s clear intent to rotate at the lone-striker berth, limits our immediate interest in both Walcott and Giroud. We certainly wait on Wenger’s teamsheet for Zagreb on Wednesday with interest.
Elsewhere, Mesut Ozil and Santi Cazorla picked up an assist apiece, with the former doubling his tally for the season. Alexis Sanchez failed to produce attacking returns for the third successive Gameweek, but it wasn’t for the lack of trying: the Chilean international clattered two strikes onto the post within eight minutes of the match getting underway and posted the joint-most shots (eight) of any player across Saturday’s action. Unlike Hazard, Sanchez’s general play and underlying statistics suggest that returns are on the horizon, encouraging his owners to sit tight.
Arsenal have chalked up three consecutive clean sheets while Per Mertesacker’s been sidelined, casting doubt over whether Gabriel will be usurped upon the German’s return to the squad following illness. While the likes of Hector Bellerin and Nacho Monreal (both 5.5) stand as profitable routes into their back line, prospective investors might be wary of rotation once the Champions League group stages commence, given Arsenal’s depth at the full-back positions. Having said that, the performance of Bellerin in particular, make it difficult for Wenger to justify shaking up those roles.
Butland Prevents Emirates Rout
The Potters are rooted to the foot of the table following their London excursion, having failed to tally a single win yet this campaign. Jack Butland proved to be their only player of note from a Fantasy perspective, amassing an incredible 10 saves in the face of Arsenal’s barrage of attacks. The 4.5-priced shot-stopper now enjoys an agreeable quintet run of six fixtures (LEI, BOU, avl, swa, WAT, new), which could engender an increase on his modest 7% ownership. By that same token, those in possession of Xherdan Shaqiri and Mame Biram Diouf have reasons to be optimistic despite their recent struggle for returns.
City Rely On Teenage Kicks
Eighteen-year-old forward Kelechi Iheanacho entered the fray in the 89th minute and netted his debut goal just 60 seconds later to grant Manchester City a narrow 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace, with Samir Nasri claiming the assist.
The main talking point, however, was the early withdrawal of Sergio Aguero, following a heavy challenge from Scott Dann. The 13.2-priced striker suffered knee ligament damage last December which kept him out for a month although he has initially calmed fears over his health, revealing via Twitter that this injury isn’t “serious”.
Nonetheless, the niggling injuries are piling up for Manuel Pellegrini’s men, with Raheem Sterling missing out against the Eagles by virtue of a hamstring knock. While the former Reds wide man is expected to be passed fit for a midweek Champions League clash against Juventus, David Silva remains a doubt for that encounter, heightening the importance of a quick start from Kevin De Bruyne.
The Belgian was fielded at the number ten-berth having replaced Aguero after 24 minutes, with Pellegrini switching from a 4-4-2 to a 4-3-2-1 set-up. He then shifted over to the left flank in the second period, with Nasri operating in “the hole”.
While many pondered the role for De Bruyne on his arrival at the Etihad, it would seem that his versatility across the attacking midfield positions could be key. Judging by his treatment of Sterling’s knock in particular, Pellegrini appears more hesitant to take risks with player fitness around Champions League fixtures – this would suggest that we’re likely to see further rotation prior to key ties.
Meanwhile, the importance of Man City defensive coverage was underlined by their sixth straight clean sheet stretching back to the previous campaign – a new club record. Aleks Kolarov scooped three bonus points for the third occasion in four outings, rendering him the top scoring defender across the full Premier League roster. A favourable run of fixtures over the next four Gameweeks (WHU, tot, NEW, BOU) looks conducive to additional shut-outs. Dare we say it, Kolarov is looking essential while Gael Clichy remains crocked.
Bacary Sagna, at 5.1, also continues to offer value as he holds off the challenge of Pablo Zabaleta, although that situation looks more fragile than the City left-back scenario.
Clipped Eagles Remain Strong
Despite recording their second defeat in three home matches, Crystal Palace will be delighted with how they’ve fared against Arsenal and Man City on their own patch – losing by an aggregate of 3-1 against two of the league’s top three sides. The Eagles must now negotiate a road tie against Spurs, before a strong batch of match-ups (wat, WBA, WHU, lei) necessitates a close examination of their attacking assets in particular.
In Connor Wickham’s absence, Yannick Bolasie spearheaded the Eagles attack in a 4-2-3-1 set-up. The DR Congo international occupied that position on occasion towards the back-end of last season yet is unlikely to remain there when the ex-Sunderland frontman returns, with Alan Pardew admitting post-match that they lacked Wickam’s presence up top.
Bolasie, along with Bakary Sako have to be the attacking priorities given their recent performances. Sako is not yet assured of his start on Wickham’s return with Pardew likely to be forced to make a decision between the ex-Wolves man and Wilfried Zaha for a role on the flank. For what it’s worth, Sako was sacrificed on 67 minutes as Palace looked to shore things up – Zaha completed the full 90 minutes.
Hoolahan Calls the Tune For Canaries
Norwich City triumphed 3-1 over fellow promoted side Bournemouth, with Wes Hoolahan notching a goal and an assist in the process.
Priced at 5.0, the 33-year-old midfielder boasts an impressive haul of attacking returns (one goal, four assists), even though he’s only once lasted the full 90 minutes as Alex Neil strives to manage his game time.
In appreciation of Norwich’s promising schedule over the next month and a half (liv, whu, LEI, new, WBA), Hoolahan joins the likes of Marc Albrighton (5.2) and Scott Sinclair (4.9) as a tempting pick-up in the budget-midfield bracket. He is now top of the FPL value rankings for midfielders, ahead of Riyad Mahrez going into today’s games.
Cameron Jerome scored his first goal of the season at the fifth time of asking, keeping debutant Dieumerci Mbokani at bay for now. Meanwhile, Matt Jarvis graced the scoresheet on his debut for the Canaries, ensuring that Graham Dorrans faces a fight to reclaim a starting role. Jonny Howson popped up with his third assist in over 5000 Premier League minutes.
Howe’s Men Humbled in East Anglia
Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth suffered their third defeat of the season at Carrow Road, conceding three goals for the second away match in succession. Steve Cook headed home in the 81st minute to offer a small glimpse of a comeback, with right-back Simon Francis earning his second assist in three starts. Casting an eye over the Cherries’ next trio of matches (SUN, sto, WAT), Francis’ 3% ownership will be optimistic of a first top-tier clean sheet for the south-coast club.
Callum Wilson hit the upright with a shot in the first 45 but couldn’t perpetuate his recent scoring streak. Now priced at 5.8 following his wave of new owners in the last two Gameweeks, the form marksman will fancy his chances against the league’s two lowest ranked sides.
Martial Settles In Theatre of Dreams
Following an abysmal first-half stalemate that saw both sides combine for just three shots (zero on target), Manchester United emerged as 3-1 winners over Liverpool at Old Trafford. Daley Blind broke the deadlock four minutes into the second half, before Ander Herrera converted from the penalty spot to double the Red Devils’ advantage.
Herrera was deployed in the “number ten” role by Louis van Gaal but will likely come under threat on Wayne Rooney’s return to the fitness. Maroune Fellaini filled in for the United skipper in the central attacking berth but struggled to make an impact. Indeed, a full shuffle of United’s attack will be expected for the Gameweek 6 trip to Southampton, although judging by Van Gaal’s post-match comments, Rooney’s return at St Mary’s is far from certain.
Most significantly, Anthony Martial made the perfect start to his Man United career, restoring his side’s two-goal cushion with a brilliant solo goal in the 86th minute. Although the 8.0-priced forward is unlikely to garner much interest from Fantasy managers until he’s guaranteed regular starts, the potential for Van Gaal to shift the out-of-form Rooney back into the number-ten slot and field Martial as a lone striker is an exciting one.
Juan Mata and Ashley Young turned providers for the first and third goals. Mata’s tallied two goals and one assist so far this campaign – contributing to half of Man United’s overall output – but faces a bevy of tough match-ups over the next six Gameweeks (sou, SUN, ars, eve, MCI, cry).
Young replaced the ineffective Memphis Depay at half-time – another blow for owners of the Duthman who watched their man struggle to make an impact and suffer a fifth consecutive blank. Given Young’s display, Depay’s starting role will now be in question for the testing trip to Southampton in Gameweek 6.
At the back, United conceded for the second successive match and, interestingly, David de Gea, returning in goal against Liverpool, has now failed to keep a shut-out in his last eight full league appearances. That’s unlikely to deter interest in the United stopper who is now available for 5.3 in the FPL: only Everton’s Barkley received more investment overnight.
Benteke Brilliance Not Enough
Christian Benteke’s sensational overhead kick proved to be one of Liverpool’s few positive takeaways from another disappointing Gameweek. The Belgium international carded his second goal in four matches as the Reds struggled to carve out many clear-cut shooting opportunities, mustering just four shots on target. That being said, Benteke’s 34% ownership will be buoyed by Philippe Coutinho’s return from suspension next weekend as Liverpool embark on a pair of eye-catching home ties (NOR, AVL). The return of Daniel Sturridge could also be a factor, although it’s currently uncertain how his talents will sit alongside Benteke in Rodgers’ formation.
Of greater concern to Brendan Rodgers is their lack of defensive resolve over the past two outings. Many Fantasy managers rushed to recruit the low-priced Joe Gomez in the wake of the Merseysider’s three successive shut-outs, yet no team has conceded more goals (six) since that impressive streak. Further limp displays at the back against Norwich and Villa will surely force us to reassess Liverpool’s clean-sheet potential.
Baggies Blank For Third Shut-Out
West Bromwich Albion tallied their third clean sheet of the season in a drab 0-0 draw against Southampton. Johnny Evans earned his debut at the heart of the defence while Boaz Myhill – who claimed two bonus points and one save point – retained his spot amid competition from new signing Anders Lindegaard.
The Baggies have now kept 13 clean sheets in 23 matches under Tony Pulis and will likely be plundered for mid-priced defenders ahead of their kind schedule (avl, EVE, cry, SUN, nor, LEI). Interest in Evans, a 4.8 asset in the FPL, should be put on ice for now given that the former United man limped from the field late on.
In attack, the West Midlanders notched a solitary shot on target throughout the match, highlighting the payoff for their diligence at the back. Saido Berahino’s reinstatement (he came on before the hour mark to a mixed reception from the home fans) should enhance their odds of delivering decent attacking returns during the above-mentioned favourable stretch.
Impotent Saints Steady The Ship
Southampton chalked up their third consecutive clean sheet and second 0-0 draw in three outings although, more significantly, have now failed to scored in four of their last six league outings.
Ronald Koeman has clearly rallied his troops following a shaky start to the campaign, renewing our confidence in their rearguard. In attacking terms, Sadio Mane was limited to a 24-minute appearance to the bench for the second Gameweek in three, having returned from international exertions in midweek.
Three home matches in the next four will provide Koeman’s men with platform to kick-on, although United, Swansea and Leicester will provide stern tests in front of the St Mary’s faithful. Those three home matches are split by an away trip to Stamford Bridge. On paper, then, Koeman’s defence may well struggle to maintain its current output.
Ighalo The Hero For Ten-Man Hornets
Watford’s first goal in four Gameweeks arrived through Odion Ighalo, who’s now netted 18 goals in 23 league outings in 2015 – the most of any players across the top four echelons of English football. Along with Norwich City’s Jerome (4.9), Ighalo is the cheapest active striker option available in the FPL at 5.0.
Troy Deeney grabbed his second assist in five appearances yet is unlikely to court much attention when Watford are offering such a limited goal threat at present.
Valon Behrami received a red card for stamping on Andre Ayew, ruling him out of trips to Newcastle United and Bournemouth, and a home encounter against Palace. Considering the resolute cover that he and Etienne Capoue have provided for their defence over the first five Gameweeks, Behrami’s suspension arguably deals a blow to their shut-out prospects.
Nonetheless, the Hornets recorded their third straight clean sheet at Vicarage Road and look the pick of the promoted sides with regards to budget defenders.
Soaring Swans Halted
Swansea came back down to Earth as Watford ended their four-match unbeaten streak. Form duo Andre Ayew and Bafetimbi Gomis were uncharacteristically subdued, managing just two attempts and three penalty-box touches between them. The Welsh club play three of their next four matches (EVE, sou, TOT, STO) at home, though, and have already shown they can pile pressure on the league’s better teams, having outplayed Chelsea and Man United in previous Gameweeks.
Jefferson Montero’s return to the side should also act as a fillip when Swansea next take to the field. The Ecuadorian speedster clocked a 31-minute cameo after recovering from a thigh strain and could cause the Toffees serious problems next Gameweek if Seamus Coleman is unable to recover in time from a suspected soft-tissue injury.
