Our usual Saturday morning scour for some overlooked alternatives serves up three players who, on their day, are proven Fantasy royalty. We plunder Chelsea and Arsenal’s midfields as the search for an Alexis Sanchez replacement intensifies, whilst we call upon Liverpool’s fit-again frontman to do the business at struggling Newcastle.
Eden Hazard
Admittedly, Eden Hazard (10.9) is in the midst of his worst spell as a Chelsea player, having notched just one goal and three assists through the first 14 Gameweeks. There are signs, however, that both he and the Blues have arrested their descent and are now primed for an upturn in form ahead of a trio of strong home matches (BOU, SUN, WAT) in the next four rounds of fixtures. Indeed, the Belgium international was a thorn in Tottenham’s side last Gameweek, fashioning two of the best chances throughout the encounter.
In terms of his statistical output, Hazard can count himself unlucky that he didn’t record a single assist over the last four Gameweeks, considering that he racked up 10 key passes. Although he’s not posting eye-catching figures on the attacking front, the former Lille winger has still posed the most threat among Chelsea’s midfield contingent, amassing a solid return of seven attempts and six shots the box since Gameweek 11.
Jose Mourinho was delighted with how Hazard fared as a false nine at White Hart Lane, but there’s no guarantee he’ll retain that berth for Bournemouth’s visit. Regardless, Hazard is well placed to profit from a Cherries defence that charts joint-top for goals conceded (18) and top for big chances conceded (22) on the road.
Aaron Ramsey
In the wake of Santi Cazorla being ruled out until March with a knee injury, Aaron Ramsey is poised to enjoy a run of starts in the double pivot. The Welshman will be relishing his return to a central role, given that he rose to prominence in the 2013/14 campaign with 10 goals from a deep-lying midfield berth. With most erstwhile Alexis Sanchez owners plumping for Mesut Ozil as their replacement Arsenal coverage, Ramsey represents a cheaper alternative (8.0 compared to 9.4) that arguably offers more goal threat.
Despite being consigned to the treatment room for a quartet of fixtures, Ramsey has still carded seven more attempts (28 to 21), six more shots inside the box (19 to 13), 13 more penalty-box touches (64 to 51) and one fewer shot on target (seven to eight) than Ozil. Ultimately, the ex-Cardiff City recruit fires off attempts at a much greater frequency (one every 32.3 minutes to 55 minutes) than the Germany international, highlighting his points potential.
Bolstering Ramsey’s case for investment, the Gunners match up against Sunderland (home) and Aston Villa (away) in the next two Gameweeks. The Black Cats under Sam Allardyce will be a tricky proposition for an injury-ravaged Gunners but, in Ramsey, they have a player capable of making late runs into the box to plunder vital goals.
Daniel Sturridge
Daniel Sturridge (10.1) bagged a quick-fire brace on his return to the Reds’ starting line-up for their midweek thrashing of Southampton, reaffirming his capacity for explosive returns. It was a similar story earlier in the campaign when he netted a double at home to Aston Villa, prompting 130,000 managers to hastily recruit the high-priced forward.
Granted, the fact that Sturridge has been sidelined for 53% (564 out of 1060 days) of his Liverpool career renders him a serious risk – but one that could pay dividends. His exceptional eye for goal proves that he’s capable of delivering strong returns even on a short-term basis, with the Merseysiders’ favourable schedule (new, WBA, wat, LEI, sun) facilitating that narrative. Certainly, Sturridge will be rubbing his hands at the prospect of facing a Magpies defence that’s conceded more shots inside the box (69) at home than any other side.
Although Sturridge is unlikely to last the distance at St James’ Park, Jurgen Klopp said that the former Chelsea striker is available for selection after coming through the Saints victory unscathed. Christian Benteke and hat-trick hero Divock Origi are also options, but you’d imagine Klopp will be keen to help Sturridge establish rhythm and consistency of starts.
