As usual, we’ve plenty to ponder ahead of the upcoming Gameweek. Theo Walcott, Anthony Martial and Kevin de Bruyne’s minutes are being closely monitored, whilst Liverpool and Villa’s formations and Leicester’s form on the road are also on our radar.
Oscar’s chance to impress…
Having recovered from injury to start in last night’s Champions League win, the Brazilian took his tally to two goals in as many appearances this season with a finely-struck spot-kick. With Eden Hazard toiling and Pedro sidelined through injury, Oscar looks poised to be unleashed from the start as Arsenal roll up to Stamford Bridge – at 8.3 and with some fine fixtures to follow, another goalscoring display could persuade many to splash the cash.
Walcott’s role at the Bridge…
The Gunners midfielder looks poised for another start as Arsene Wenger continues to alternate his striker options in light of the hectic schedule. Dropped to the bench for the midweek loss in Zagreb, Walcott emerged as a sub to score in the 2-1 loss, whereas Olivier Giroud’s main contribution was being dismissed for earning two yellow cards. Having now notched in back-to-back appearances, Walcott’s form may even convince his manager to rethink his rotation policy if he gets amongst the goals again.
Sherwood’s formation…
After watching his side capitulate at Leicester, Tim Sherwood will surely be mulling over his options as Villa prepare to host rivals West Brom. Prior to last week’s loss, Sherwood had hinted at moving to three at the back, which would see Leandro Bacuna and Jordan Amavi favourites to take up the wing-back berths. With Carles Gil, Jack Grealish and Scott Sinclair all finding the net over the last two outings, it remains to be see how any reshuffle would affect Villa’s personnel in the final third.
Ighalo’s progress…
Having bagged the goal that ended Swansea’s unbeaten record, Watford’s budget frontman rolls up to struggling Newcastle in fine fettle. With Troy Deeney still struggling to make the step up from the Championship, Ighalo has netted two of the Hornets’ three strikes so far and will fancy his chances against a Magpies side with a single point in four. A guaranteed starter at 5.0 could be too good to resist if he delivers at St James’.
Shaqiri’s opportunity to shine….
The Stoke marquee signing has taken his time to adjust to life in the Premier League. Shaqiri has managed just one assist in three appearances, with the Potters subsequently labouring in the bottom three, but the upcoming schedule heightens his chances of pushing the likes of Andre Ayew, Ross Barkley and Dimitri Payet in the mid-price bracket. With Leicester, Bournemouth, Villa, Watford and Newcastle in the next six, now could be the time for the former Bayern man to stake a claim.
Leicester’s form on the road…
Sunday’s home win over Villa highlighted the Foxes’ high energy game after they came from two behind to better the visitors 3-2. At a time when many are considering Riyad Mahrez as a captaincy contender for the trip to Stoke, it’s worth bearing in mind that his average for minutes per shot (19.2 compared to 42.3) and key pass (26.9 compared to 63.5) are far superior in front of his own fans. Given that Leicester have averaged 17.7 shots per home match, compared to just 5.5 on their travels so far, can Mahrez and Claudio Ranieri’s men bring their King Power form to the Britannia?
De Bruyne’s pitch time…
The big-money buy from Wolfsburg has been gradually eased into the Man City line-up, with back-to-back sub appearances against Palace and Juventus over the last few days. After the midweek Champions League disappointment, Manuel Pellegrini will be desperate to maintain a 100% domestic record, though, and may well turn to De Bruyne at home to West Ham. With David Silva and Raheem Sterling both fit this weekend, the Belgian’s impact on the XI is eagerly awaited.
Bolasie’s berth away to Spurs…
The Palace winger returns to White Hart Lane following his showboating last season in the same fixture. This time around, though, Alan Pardew has far more options at his disposal, with Bolasie utilised as a lone striker against City last weekend, allowing Jason Puncheon, Wilfried Zaha and Bakary Sako the support roles in a 4-2-3-1. With the schedule about to turn kind for Palace, another start up top may well see Bolasie emerge as the best candidate from the Palace midfield.
Alli’s place in Pochettino’s plans…
After a handful of sub appearances, Dele Alli was handed his first start of the season last weekend. With the injuries racking up in the attacking midfield spots, Alli – who has already scored as a sub against Leicester in Gameweek 3 – could be an absolute steal if he can nail down a regular role under Mauricio Pochettino. At a price of just 4.9, we’re keeping a keen eye on the Tottenham youngster as he looks to play his way into Spurs’ first-team plans.
Rodgers’ response to back-to-back defeats….
Three goals in five Gameweeks just isn’t cutting it. Brendan Rodgers has moved decisively for this evening’s clash with Bordeaux, shifting from a 4-3-3 back to the 3-4-2-1 formation that helped turn around his side’s problems last season. With back-to-back home clashes against Norwich and Villa now on the horizon, the likes of Philippe Coutinho and Christian Benteke owners will be encouraged by tonight’s tactical tinkering as the Merseysiders look to go on the offensive and build momentum before the schedule turns against them.
Mane against Man United
After arriving back late from international duties last weekend, the Senegal international looks in line to start at home to summer suitors United. Mane seemed poised for a move but the Red Devils’ about-turn ensured he remains at St Mary’s for the time being. With Luke Shaw’s injury forcing a reshuffle at left-back, Mane could be unleashed down the Saints’ right on Sunday and he’ll have a point to prove to Louis van Gaal after they chose to splash the cash on Anthony Martial instead.
More Martial minutes…
Having insisted he’d be eased into first-team contention, Louis van Gaal handed Anthony Martial a start away to PSV after the new striker emerged from the bench to net against Liverpool on his debut last weekend. The United boss reckons he had “no choice†but to start the youngster as a result of Wayne Rooney’s absence, with Juan Mata handed the role in “the hole†in the 2-1 defeat. Can the new boy keep ahead of Marouane Fellaini, should Rooney miss out again, or will Van Gaal be true to his word and ration his pitch time?
