Ashley Williams’ second league goal in the last four seasons hands Swansea a much-needed victory over Watford. The Hornets, meanwhile, fall to a fourth successive defeat as the goals continue to dry up for Odion Ighalo.
Williams wins it for Swans
In front of an audience that included their newly-installed head coach, Francesco Guidolin, Swansea City propelled themselves out of the relegation zone with an attritional 1-0 victory over Watford. Ashley Williams emerged as the match-winner with his first goal of the campaign, steering the Swans to just their second triumph in 12 league match-ups. The Wales international has now scooped 17 out of a maximum 18 bonus points during his side’s six clean sheets this term, cementing his status as their prime Fantasy asset at the back – encouragingly, four of those shut-outs have arrived in the six matches since Garry Monk’s departure. With Crystal Palace (five successive blanks) and West Bromwich Albion on the agenda over the next three Gameweeks (eve, wba, CRY), Williams could attract investment at the 4.8 mark.
Ki Sung-yueng delivered attacking returns for just the second time this term with the assist for William’s goal. The ex-Celtic recruit proved to be a profitable differential in the budget bracket last season – notching eight goals and one assist – but has mustered just five shots on target in 20 appearances this time around. Andre Ayew (7% ownership) remains the most popular route into Swansea’s midfield, but Gylfi Sigurdsson (two goals in three, penalty duties) has arguably edged ahead of the Ghanaian winger in that internal duel. Ayew retained a role up front last night but with Guidolin set to have the final say in team matters, it remains to be seen whether he’ll tinker with Curtis’ tactics.
Watford’s slump continues
Watford slumped to their fourth consecutive defeat last night and are now winless in five matches. The Hornets have suffered from a major drop in form of their strike duo, Odion Ighalo and Troy Deeney, who’ve mustered just four shots on target between them over the last four Gameweeks. Although the former’s 40% ownership will certainly be weighing up their options in the wake of three successive blanks, Watford’s back-to-back home clashes (NEW, CHE) could serve as a catalyst for the 6.4-priced frontman, who had previously scored in six straight league outings prior to the goals drying up.
