There’s much to consider this evening as we cast an eye over the upcoming round of matches. Manuel Pellegrini’s team sheet, Chelsea’s reaction to Jose Mourinho’s dismissal, Alexis Sanchez’ availability, West Brom’s defence at the Hawthorns and Harry Kane’s form are all on our Gameweek 17 menu.
Chelsea response to Jose’s departure….
Monday’s 2-1 loss at Leicester leaves the champions just one point clear of the drop zone, with Jose Mourinho finally paying the price for their toils earlier today. Chelsea have managed just two goals and as many clean sheets in their last five league outings but a home clash against Sunderland offers the chance to start afresh as Fantasy managers look for signs of recovery at both ends of the pitch. Can Eden Hazard shrug off his hip problem and return to Fantasy prominence and will the Blues backline show just why they racked up 17 clean sheets in last term’s title-winning campaign?
Pellegrini’s team sheet….
Last week’s decision to drop Aleksandar Kolarov and Kevin de Bruyne underlined the Chilean’s intentions to rotate over the festive period. With the fixtures arriving thick and fast over the next few weeks, the Chilean looks likely to continue with the same ploy after claiming their Gameweek 15 loss at Stoke was down to fatigue. Pellegrini’s line-up for Monday’s trip to the Emirates holds plenty of interest, then, as Fantasy managers look to see how the City boss plans to utilise Sergio Aguero’s minutes, in particular, over the upcoming run of matches.
Wenger’s decision on Sanchez..
Earlier today, the Gunners boss admitted the Chilean had a “slight chance” of making Monday’s encounter with City. Wenger also went on to concede that Sanchez “says he’s always ready”, with the former Barcelona man desperate to return for a match that could put Arsenal four points clear of their opponents. Bearing in mind that the Emirates outfit have won all three matches in Sanchez’ absence, will Wenger court caution with his star attacker or unleash him against a backline that’s yet to register a single clean sheet without Vincent Kompany?
United’s patched up backline….
A 2-1 loss away to Bournemouth highlighted the Red Devils’ threadbare defence as Louis van Gaal was forced to start the likes of Cameron Borthwick-Jackson, Guillermo Varela and Paddy McNair last Saturday. This weekend’s visit of Norwich is the first of three home matches in four, though, and bearing in mind that United have conceded a single goal at Old Trafford this term, there’s optimism that they will continue to provide us a regular source of clean sheets in front of their own fans. If Chris Smalling remains sidelined, though, some may decide to bail on the back of their Dean Court showing.
Kane’s showing against the Saints….
The Spurs frontman continues to frustrate after failing to get amongst the goals in last week’s surprise home loss to Newcastle. After netting seven times in four appearances between Gameweek 10-13, Kane has now embarked on a three-match series of blanks and, worryingly for his owners, failed to produce a single touch in the box or close-range attempt against the Magpies. With Mauricio Pochettino hinting at a possible rest, we need to see Kane back in form against the Saints at St Mary’s to prevent a potential exodus.
Mane’s role up top….
Although he was unable to find the net away to Palace last weekend, the Southampton midfielder’s patient owners will be buoyed by his recent move up front. Handed a forward role as Ronald Koeman opted for a 3-5-2 against the Eagles, Mane’s advanced berth may well persuade some to hold for now. Indeed, although he’s failed to score in the last six, the Senegal international has fired 13 shots inside the box over that period – joint-top with Riyad Mahrez amongst midfielders.
Bolasie’s momentum against the Potters’ rearguard….
After netting just once in the first 11 Gameweeks, the Eagles midfielder is finally stringing together a series of consistent displays. Having teed up Yohan Cabaye for last week’s winner over Southampton, Bolasie now has three goals and an assist in five league appearances and is challenging the Frenchman as Palace’s go-to option. A trip to Stoke is far from straightforward but should Bolasie deliver again, the following four (bou, SWA, CHE, avl) could see that 5% ownership rise.
The Baggies backline at the Hawthorns ….
With eight home matches already played out, it’s somewhat surprising to see that West Brom have conceded more goals (14) in front of their own fans than any other side in the top-flight. Whilst Tony Pulis’ troops have been far more resilient on their travels, it’s a different story altogether at the Hawthorns, where they’ve been breached three times on four occasions already. A weekend visit from Bournemouth is the first of five home encounters (BOU, NEW, STO, AVL, SWA) in the next eight Gameweeks, though, and we’ll be looking for signs of resilience from Pulis’ rearguard before deciding to take the plunge.
Wijnaldum’s home comforts….
The Newcastle summer signing is the most transferred in midfielder this week ahead of a crucial run of fixtures. Having seen off Liverpool and Spurs in the last two, the Magpies now brace themselves for four home matches (AVL, EVE, MUN, WHU) in six, kicking off with the visit of Villa this Saturday evening. Wijnaldum has racked up seven goals and an assist at St James’ compared to just two assists on his travels and another big home display will surely kick start the bandwagon over Christmas, with his current ownership sitting at a mere 9%.
