United’s new goal hero and Watford’s fine opening displays arrive on our “Digest” radar, whilst Chelsea’s resurgence looks poised to resurrect our interest in Eden Hazard and the Blues backline.
The Player
A finely taken brace against Southampton on Sunday afternoon has catapulted Anthony Martial onto many Fantasy managers’ radars this week.
After netting as a sub in the Gameweek 5 win over Liverpool, Martial earned his first league start under Louis van Gaal and wasted no time in making an impact by firing the Red Devils to a hard-earned 3-2 victory at St Mary’s.
Ahead of a home clash against Sunderland, a staggering 330,000+ Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers have drafted in the young Frenchman since the weekend, with his price rising from 8.0 to 8.2 in the last 48 hours. Produce the goods against the Black Cats and the bandwagon will kick into overdrive.
With few big-hitters justifying their price tags, Fantasy managers are prepared to turn to the form forwards to fire them up the rankings. Analysis of Martial’s displays for Monaco last year – where he racked up eight goals and an assist over nine league appearances between early March and early May – indicates he’s a confidence striker clearly capable of embarking on scoring streaks.
Certainly, United’s schedule directly after the Sunderland encounter – (ars, eve, MCI) – is anything but straightforward and does suggest a degree of caution. Given that they’ve just put six past Liverpool and the Saints in their last two, though, there’s plenty of reason for optimism that Van Gaal’s men, and Martial, can cement their fixture-proof status.
The Team
A 2-1 win over Newcastle earned Watford a second straight win as Quique Sanchez Flores’ men quickly adapt to life in the Premier League.
After ending Swansea’s unbeaten record in Gameweek 5, the Hornets have maintained momentum under the savvy Spaniard, with Odion Ighalo’s brace at St James’ Park taking his tally to four strikes in the opening six. At a price of just 5.1, the Nigerian has become vital to Watford’s survival quest, having netted all but one of his side’s five goals to date. Ighalo climbed to second in the FPL forward standings on the back of his weekend 13-point return, yet still sits in just 3% of sides, whilst Troy Deeney’s (5.3) trio of assists have also kept his points ticking over, despite his failure to score so far.
It’s not just up front that Watford look great value, though. Flores’ men have conceded just five goals so far – only Spurs and Man City’s backlines have been breached on fewer occasions. Indeed, Watford are the only side yet to concede at home and, having chalked up clean sheets against West Brom, Southampton and Swansea, the likes of Heurelho Gomes, Allan Nyom, Craig Cathcart and Sebastian Prodl offer budget rotation options at just 4.5 apiece.
With Palace, Bournemouth, Stoke and West Ham in the next five, investing in Flores’ main men could well prove a valid tactic as the former Atletico Madrid manager looks to continue his side’s impressive return to the top-flight.
The Talking Point
Back-to-back home wins over Maccabi Tel Aviv and Arsenal have helped spark Chelsea’s flagging season into life and reignited our interest in Jose Mourinho’s key protagonists.
With Eden Hazard opening his account for the campaign in the 2-0 triumph over Arsene Wenger’s outfit, the Belgian is back on the menu as the Blues prepare for a very enticing run of fixtures. Given that Diego Costa could be set for a three-match ban, Hazard’s appeal is heightened at a time where most premium midfield alternatives are toiling – Alexis Sanchez continues to struggle for form, whilst David Silva’s injury worries have kept him sidelined for City’s last two league outings.
Back-to-back clean sheets have also elevated the Blues’ defence after a less-than-impressive opening few matches. With Thibaut Courtois sidelined for the next few weeks, and John Terry no longer a reliable starter, Asmir Begovic (5.0) and Kurt Zouma could soon become the flavour of the month. The latter served up a 15-point return against the Gunners and with Mourinho looking to play a high defensive line, the 5.4-priced Zouma has now started each of the last four Gameweeks. Cesar Azpilicuata, at 6.0, still looks a more secure option, having played from start to finish in all but one of the first six fixtures.
With clashes against Newcastle, Southampton, Villa and West Ham in the following four, Chelsea certainly have the schedule to build on their recent progress and shake up our Fantasy thinking as Mourinho’s men belatedly rediscover their title-winning form.
