We turn our attentions to the upcoming round of fixtures now, assessing some of the pertinent topics for the Gameweek ahead. United’s patched-up rearguard, Theo Walcott and Aaron Ramsey’s battle for our attentions, David Silva’s differential appeal, Liverpool’s attack with Philippe Coutinho back on board and Watford’s front two ahead of a tough run of fixtures are all on tonight’s menu.
Silva as the City differential…
Handed a first league start since Gameweek 8 last weekend, the City playmaker stepped up his form by bagging the opener in a midweek Champions League win over Borussia Monchengladbach. Sitting in a mere 5% of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) sides compared to Kevin de Bruyne’s 28%, Silva has home clashes against Swansea and Sunderland allied with trips to Leicester and Watford in the next five. With the Swans in free fall and without a manager, Silva – who has produce 25 points in three home starts – has the chance to emerge as a serious differential as City look to reignite their title bid over the festive period.
Swansea’s response to Monk dismissal…
With one win and a single clean sheet in the last 11 league matches, there was an air of inevitability about Garry Monk’s departure. Whilst a trip to the Etihad is far from straightforward, we’ll be keeping a keen eye on the Swans’ main protagonists as the schedule takes a turn for the better from Gameweek 17. With four home matches (WHU, WBA, SUN, WAT) in six from that point onwards, the likes of Andre Ayew, Gylfi Sigurdsson and Bafetimbi Gomis have the chance to play their way back into consideration as the Welsh side look to scramble clear of the drop zone.
Watford’s front two as the schedule turns tough…
Odion Ighalo and Troy Deeney sit third and fourth respectively in the FPL forward standings but face a tough task to retain their lofty positions over the next few fixtures. Both arrive at the Stadium of Light in fine form after bagging a goal and assist in last week’s 2-0 win over Norwich, though the Black Cats have tightened up under Big Sam, conceding just once in their three home matches since the new manager arrived. Ighalo, in particular, will need to produce the goods here – owned by over 26% of FPL managers, a blank on Wearside could kick start an exodus given that the Hornets then face Liverpool, Chelsea, Spurs, City and Southampton in the following five.
Arnautovic and Shaqiri’s chance to build momentum…
Both players arrived on our radars after bagging two goals and a pair of assists respectively in last weekend’s win over City. As their new-look attack starts to gel, Stoke will fancy their chances of maintaining their fine recent form at Upton Park, with hosts West Ham hit hard by injuries at both ends of the pitch. Plunder the points against a side with one clean sheet in ten and both Arnautovic and Shaqiri could be perfectly placed as midfield differentials ahead of clashes against Palace, Everton, West Brom and Norwich in the subsequent five.
United’s solidity as injuries hit hard…
The Red Devils’ upcoming schedule looked tailor-made for Chris Smalling to cement his spot at the top of the FPL defender standings. Having picked up a groin problem during a midweek Champions League clash with Wolfsburg, though, Smalling’s possible absence could deny us the only nailed-on defensive option under Louis van Gaal. Whilst a raft of injuries to others could promote a number of budget options such as Paddy McNair (4.7), Guillermo Varela (4.2) and Cameron Borthwick-Jackson (4.0), it remains to be seen whether the Old Trafford outfit can maintain the resilience that has seen them earn nine clean sheets in the first 15 Gameweeks.
Theo versus Ramsey…
Having clinched a spot in the Champions League knockout stages with an emphatic win over Olympiacos, Arsenal roll up to basement-dwellers Villa in fine form. Aaron Ramsey immediately leapt onto our radars on the back of a 13-point return against Sunderland last time out, though the 2%-owned Welshman isn’t the only overlooked option in the Gunners midfield. Theo Walcott started the midweek win in Greece on the right wing and, having dropped to 8.3, will be looking to stake a claim for our consideration against a defence that’s conceded eight times in the last three matches.
The Saints’ stuttering attack at Selhurst Park…
Ronald Koeman’s side head to Palace on the back of three goals in four Gameweeks as Sadio Mane (one assist in five) and Graziano Pelle (one goal in six) continue to frustrate their Fantasy owners. The Eagles home record offers hope to the duo’s patient owners – only Villa (five to four) have lost more times in front of their own fans so far. With back-to-back home clashes against Spurs and Arsenal to follow, Mane and Pelle may need to deliver this time around to prevent a festive exodus.
Alli as the budget midfielder…
Back after serving a one-match ban in Gameweek 14, the Spurs youngster retained the role in “the hole” behind Harry Kane away to West Brom. Alli’s opener at the Hawthorns took his tally to two goals, an assist and five bonus points in his last four league outings ahead of a kind run of fixtures that kicks off with the visit of Newcastle. At just 5.0, he’s just seven point behind the 8.5-priced Christian Eriksen at the Lane and could force his way into our festive plans with another big display against the Magpies.
Klopp’s attack with Coutinho back in the mix…
Having returned to first-team contention earlier in the week, the Brazilian was named amongst the subs for this evening’s encounter with Sion. Jurgen Klopp’s decision to start with Christian Benteke at Newcastle last week proved highly ineffective and with Daniel Sturridge sidelined yet again, there are hopes that the German will turn to the Coutinho-Roberto Firmino double act that ran riot away to City in Gameweek 13 as we look for a route into the Merseysiders’ attack. With Benteke also named on the bench tonight, and Firmino handed a starting role, it remains to be seen whether Klopp will continue to chop and change or look to give the South American pair time to build on their flourishing on-pitch understanding.
