Our attentions now turn to the weekend’s fixtures as we do some final scouting in preparation for the hotly-anticipated double Gameweek 34. Liverpool’s midfield and United’s frontmen offer up a dilemma, whilst Kevin de Bruyne’s momentum and Palace’s chance to serve up differentials are also on our agenda.
Ozil’s form ahead of the doubles…
Whilst Alexis Sanchez and Alex Iwobi have fired their way into Fantasy managers’ plans, the Arsenal playmaker is turning in some of his worst showings of the season. Ozil has blanked in each of the last four now and despite an upcoming brace of home fixtures in Gameweek 34, he’s been subject to over 50,000 sales this week so far as we turn to the form Gunners instead. Still sitting in over 42% of FPL teams, though, the German is the fifth-most popular player in the game and a return to form has the capacity to punish those who part company.
De Bruyne’s momentum…
Whilst David Silva struggles for form and Yaya Toure remains in the treatment room, the fit-again Belgian has been quick to remind us of his Fantasy potential. De Bruyne has thrived in a central role behind Sergio Aguero against Bournemouth and PSG over the last week and his Dean Court strike took him level with the Argentine on points per appearance (5.5) this season. He currently sits in just 5% of FPL side but if De Bruyne produces the points at home to West Brom, we may have to find a space for him alongside Aguero for the double.
Firmino versus Coutinho…
Named amongst the subs for tonight’s clash with Dortmund, Roberto Firmino’s return to the fray will hand Fantasy managers a real dilemma for Liverpool’s kind run of fixtures. With two double Gameweeks and a home clash with Newcastle in Gameweek 35, the Brazilian duo are set to tussle for our attentions over the run-in. In terms of their last four matches, Firmino (three goals, a trio of assists) just edges Coutinho (two goals, three assists), though with both in fine form, could a double-up be the best solution?
..and Martial versus Rashford…
United’s pair of home clashes against Villa and Palace look tailor-made for attacking returns in Gameweek 34. Both strikers approach their trip to Tottenham in decent form, too – Martial bagged the winner against Everton last week, whilst Rashford notched the only goal in the Manchester derby victory in Gameweek 31. If they can prevail at White Hart Lane, a punt against those porous defences for the double could prove irresistible.
Antonio’s position in the Hammers’ XI…
Our faith in the West Ham wide man has diminished in recent weeks, with injuries in defence forcing his deployment at right-back. Manuel Lanzini has overtaken Antonio as our preferred budget route into Slaven Bilic’s midfield after netting in each of the last two but with James Tomkins back on the bench last week, the Hammers boss may decide on a reshuffle. A move into the attacking midfield slots may well prove decisive as Antonio battles with Lanzini for our Fantasy affections.
Mitrovic’s minutes…
Dropped to the bench for last week’s trip to Norwich, the Serbian bagged a brace and fired six attempts inside the box in a 29-minute cameo. Mitrovic has now scored all three of Newcastle’s goals under Rafa Benitez and with Papiss Cisse failing to impress at Carrow Road, he surely looks set to return to the starting XI at St Mary’s this weekend. With pair of home fixtures in double Gameweek 34 and clashes against Palace and Villa in the final three rounds of fixtures, he has a chance to barge his way into our three-man frontlines for the run-in.
..and Ighalo’s…
The Watford forward’s season went from bad to worse after he was hauled off at the break in last week’s 4-0 loss at Arsenal. After scoring 14 times in the first 19 Gameweeks, Ighalo has notched just once in the subsequent 12 and that half-time withdrawal will be disconcerting for his 20% ownership. Since being handed his first start in Gameweek 2, Saturday’s match was the first time that the Nigerian has lasted less than 70 minutes in a league match and with Quique Sanchez Flores clearly ready to ring the changes, those loyal owners may think twice in retaining his services ahead of the Hornets two doubles.
Palace’s differentials…
Whilst the likes of Romelu Lukaku and Ross Barkley currently reside in over 40% and 32% of teams respectively, the Eagles’ attack has been mainly overlooked ahead of their back-to-back doubles. Alan Pardew’s men are not safe yet but with a couple of home clashes against Norwich and Everton, they have the chance to scramble clear of the drop zone. Given that both his double-figure hauls have arrived at Selhurst Park, Yannick Bolasie has the chance to reward potential investors, whilst Dwight Gayle – who scored against West Ham last week – and the fit-again Connor Wickham may also prove unlikely Gameweek 33 heroes.
Hiddink’s team sheet…
Chelsea’s interim manager sounded a warning in last weekend’s trip to Villa by handing debuts to the likes of Alexandre Pato, Matt Miazga and Jake Salter-Clarke, whilst Kenedy and Ruben Loftus-Cheek both started in attacking midfield. Given the nature of their 4-0 win, Hiddink may well stay true to his intentions of handing youth a chance for the run-in, considering that the champions have no more than pride left to play for. If the Dutchman chops and changes again, our plans to invest in Chelsea for double Gameweek 37 may well be put on the shelf.
