This evening, we cast an eye over some of the most pertinent Fantasy topics for the upcoming round of fixtures. Kevin de Bruyne, Anthony Martial and Dimitri Payet all have a chance to continue their fine form, whilst we’ll be keeping a keen eye on Southampton, Liverpool and United’s defensive set-ups and monitoring Alexis Sanchez’ showing at Leicester as many start to consider replacements.
De Bruyne as the differential…
A midweek strike against whipping boys Sunderland took the Belgian’s tally to two goals in as many starts since arriving at City. With David Silva still uncertain to feature and Sergio Aguero yet to discover his top gear, De Bruyne looks the form attacker as the league leaders head to White Hart Lane. Sitting in just 3% of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) sides, the summer signing has the perfect chance to stake a claim ahead of some very favourable fixtures for Manuel Pellegrini’s side.
Mahrez and Vardy against the Gunners…
Two of the most consistent players in the 2015/16 season so far, the Leicester duo have blanked in just one of the first six Gameweeks. A home clash against Arsenal is the first time Claudio Ranieri’s side have faced any of last term’s top four, though, handing the Foxes their stiffest test so far. Can Mahrez and Vardy continue their remarkable start or will the Gunners finally clip their momentum?
Sanchez’ final roll of the dice…
For many Fantasy managers, the Chilean’s output at the King Power will have a significant say in next week’s transfers. Despite his failure to find the net, Sanchez’ underlying stats remain outstanding and given that Claudio Ranieri’s men have conceded in every match so far, the Arsenal winger’s owners still harbour hopes of a weekend haul. Find the net and most will surely retain his services but another blank may well be the final straw as the fixtures start to turn against him.
Gomez’ minutes…
Benched for the first time this term after Brendan Rodgers rolled out a 3-4-1-2 at home to Norwich, the youngster’s 20% owners are bracing themselves for a major exodus. With Alberto Moreno impressing in the left wing-back berth, the versatile Gomez could yet stake a claim in the back-three at home to Villa – another spot on the bench, though, and the transfers out will pick up pace.
Martial’s chance to keep the bandwagon rolling…
The transfers in since Sunday’s brace at St Mary’s are edging towards the half-million mark ahead of United’s home clash against Sunderland. Martial’s goal against Ipswich in the cup last night has ensured he remains in the headlines and, for many, his relatively modest outlay (8.3) looks too good to ignore for a first-choice forward in a top four side. Up against the league’s most porous defence, another haul from the young Frenchman will trigger another scramble for his signature.
Van Gaal’s defensive set-up…
After hauling off Matteo Darmian at the break away to Southampton, the United boss handed Antonio Valencia a first start of the season at home to Ipswich in the cup on Wednesday evening. With Marcos Rojo joining Luke Shaw on the sidelines due to a hamstring problem, Ashley Young was afforded the left-back berth, and with Daley Blind continuing at centre-half, United’s back-four essentially consisted of three FPL midfielders alongside Chris Smalling last night. If Van Gaal keeps faith in his midweek backline, our options look severely restricted until the treatment room empties again.
Swansea’s attack at St Mary’s…
It’s three matches in all competitions without a goal for Garry Monk’s side now as their early-season form starts to wane. Granted, the Swans boss rang the changes for the midweek cup loss to Hull but there’s no question that the chances are drying up for both Andre Ayew and Bafetimbi Gomis. A trip to St Mary’s precedes three home fixtures in four, though with two of those visitors Stoke and Arsenal, many owners will be having second thoughts if the Welsh side misfire yet again.
Koeman’s Full-Backs ….
Despite chalking up three straight clean sheets, the Saints boss dropped Cedric Soares for the first time this term in last week’s 3-2 loss to United. Replacement Maya Yoshida hardly covered himself in glory after gifting the Red Devils a goal, whilst over on the left, Matt Targett’s pitch time was curtailed after he was hauled off at the break for Cuco Martina. With Ryan Bertrand returning to action in the cup win over MK Dons last night, the Dutchman has big decisions to make in both full-back positions as Swansea roll up to St Mary’s.
Chelsea’s momentum against the ailing Magpies…
Three victories in all competitions, with one goal conceded and ten scored, suggest the Blues are back in business at both ends of the pitch. A trip to crisis club Newcastle hands Chelsea the perfect chance to continue their winning streak as their chief assets stake a claim for our consideration. Diego Costa may be suspended but Eden Hazard and Pedro have both bagged a goal apiece over the last few days to strengthen their claim for inclusion in our future plans, whilst a fifth straight start for Kurt Zouma could persuade plenty to take the plunge.
Bojan as a cheap third forward…
The little Spaniard was quick to make an impact on his first start of the season last weekend. Despite being fielded in the role in “the hole”, Bojan’s goal and maximum bonus points against Leicester suggest he could vie with the likes of Callum Wilson and Odion Ighalo in the budget forward bracket. At a price of 5.3, he hosts a Bournemouth defence that’s conceded in all but one match so far and has the subsequent schedule to reward early adopters.
Payet as an armband contender…
The West Ham playmaker sits third in this week’s Captain Poll as Fantasy managers turn to form, rather than price tag, as the big hitters continue to disappoint. Payet has scored three of the Hammers’ six home strikes and has played a part in three of their four goals since Slaven Bilic handed him the central support role in a 4-2-3-1. With Norwich, Sunderland and Palace’s porous defences in the next three, the Frenchman has the platform to rack up the points.
