Harry Kane scores twice, courtesy of two Deli Alli assists, as Spurs move to two points off the summit. Odion Ighalo is amongst the goals as Watford send Arsenal out of the FA Cup, whilst Dimitri Payet and Anthony Martial both find the net in West Ham’s cup draw at United.
Kane at the Double
Tottenham Hotspur recorded a comfortable 2-0 victory over Aston Villa to send them within two points of the summit.
Much to the chagrin of those Fantasy managers who chose to captain Sergio Aguero, Harry Kane put the Villains to the sword with his second brace in seven outings. The Spurs marksman now ranks joint-top in the Premier League scoring charts (19 goals), underlining his clinical nature ahead of a home tie against Bournemouth.
Having teed up Kane for both goals, Dele Alli reaffirmed his status as the choice route into Spurs’ midfield. The former MK Dons starlet has contributed to 18 strikes (seven goals, 11 assists) this term, ensuring that he charts second for total score (132) – behind Marko Arnautovic (137) – among midfielders priced 6.5 or below.
Toby Alderweireld’s 44% ownership profited from Spurs’ first clean sheet in five outings and a solitary bonus point. The Belgian centre-back has amassed 12 points more than any of his counterparts this term, rendering him the most popular defender on the Fantasy market by a huge margin. That being said, the Lilywhites will do well to stifle the buoyant attacks of Bournemouth and Liverpool across the next two Gameweeks.
Villa Slip to Another Defeat
Aston Villa’s continued ineptitude reinforces the tactic of recruiting players that are matched up against Remi Garde’s men.
On that note, Gylfi Sigurdsson represents an intriguing differential captain for Swansea City’s home clash against the West Midlanders next weekend. The Icelandic international has picked up points in eight of the last 11 Gameweeks and is seeking a third double-figure home haul in four as the basement-dwellers maker their way to the Liberty this weekend.
Hornets Shock the Emirates
Watford pulled off a 2-1 win over Arsenal at the Emirates to seal a spot in the semi-finals of the FA Cup.
Odion Ighalo and Adlene Guedioura netted the goals, while Troy Deeney grabbed a brace of assists. Given that Ighalo (one goal and assist in 10) and Deeney (two goals in 11) are currently enduring lengthy barren spells in the league, Quique Sanchez Flores will hope that their impactful performances at the Emirates spark an upturn in form. Indeed, the Hornets posted five blanks in their previous six match-ups, negating all interest in their strike duo, with Ighalo owners sweating on his fitness after he was forced off late on.
As a result of Watford’s triumph over the North Londoners, their trip to Norwich City in Gameweek 35 will be postponed. Consequently, the Hertfordshire club will take part in two double Gameweeks this season, encouraging us to keep tabs on the above-mentioned forwards during a challenging trio of upcoming fixtures (STO, ars, EVE).
Welbeck strike not enough
Having crashed out of the FA Cup, Arsenal now lay claim to just one win in their last seven outings across all competitions.
Gabriel and Per Mertesacker were given the all-clear for this head-to-head, but Nacho Monreal and Hector Bellerin were dropped to the bench. Laurent Koscielny remains consigned to the treatment room, raising doubts over the Gunners’ capacity to secure a clean sheet when they make the trip to Everton next Gameweek.
On the offensive end, Danny Welbeck – who entered the fray at the 68-minute mark – set the groundwork for an unlikely comeback with a goal two minutes from time. Mesut Ozil provided the assist with a masterful backheel, encouraging his 45% ownership to ride out Arsenal’s poor form and invest faith in the midfield architect. Given that he’s also bagged two goals and an assist in four league outing since returning from injury, Welbeck is staking a claim for regular minutes once his fitness is fully up to scratch.
Martial the United saviour
Anthony Martial scored his first goal in six matches to cancel out West Ham’s opener and book a replay on the Irons’ home turf.
Considering that Manchester United face two double Gameweeks, Martial’s form (two goals and assists in five league starts) is a point of interest for Fantasy managers. That being said, their blank in Gameweek 35 and unforgiving run (mci, EVE, tot) through to Gameweek 34 (an expected date for one of their doubles) tempers our current enthusiasm in the Red Devils’ assets.
Payet nets again
Dimitri Payet netted his third free-kick of the season to grant the visitors a second-half lead at Old Trafford. The Frenchman has been in fine form of late, chalking up three goals and a trio of assists in four starts, making him a prime pick in the mid-priced bracket. Further augmenting his case for investment, Payet’s last eight goals across all competitions arrived in road matches and a trip to Chelsea – who rank joint-fourth for home goals conceded (22) – is next on West Ham’s agenda.
Winston Reid made a welcome return to the Hammers’ rearguard but limped off just after the hour mark, placing question marks over his fitness for the weekend trip to Stamford Bridge. With regards to West Ham’s clean sheet prospects, they’ve shut out the opposition in their past trio of home encounters, which bodes well for Crystal Palace’s visit in Gameweek 32.
In terms of replay dates for this one, any dates won’t be confirmed until after the outcome of United’s second-leg Europa League clash with Liverpool on Thursday.
