We turn our attentions to the bumper round of fixtures next as Fantasy managers are treated to a six-day Gameweek 34 that comprises of 15 matches. The form of Chelsea, Everton and United’s strikers are on our agenda, as are Man City and Liverpool’s team sheets and Arsenal’s defence after the Gunners shipped three at Upton Park last weekend.
Costa’s return to the Chelsea XI….
Finally free from suspension, the Spain international looks set for an immediate return to action in time for City’s visit to the Bridge. After serving up eight goals, four assists and ten bonus points in ten league matches under Guus Hiddink – averaging 6.9 points per appearance with the Dutchman in charge – Costa’s 5% ownership makes him a very enticing differential for the run-in. With a Gameweek 35 clash against Bournemouth and double Gameweek 37 also to follow, he has the chance to stake a claim for our three-man frontlines this Sunday afternoon.
Rooney’s impact on Van Gaal’s starting XI….
After stepping up his recovery with a hour-long outing for the reserves in midweek, the United skipper was afforded no more than a couple of minutes off the bench for last night’s cup win over West Ham. Rooney’s return looked set to threaten Marcus Rashford’s Gameweek 34 pitch time but the youngster’s superbly-taken opener at Upton Park suggests he may well be nailed-on for the double. Could Louis van Gaal field Rooney in “the hole” and retain Rashford up front or utilise him off the bench to build up his match sharpness? Ata a price of 4.5, the youngster may well prove the snip of the double Gameweek if he continues up front for the visits of Villa and Palace.
Pellegrini’s starting XI….
Last Saturday’s team sheet proved a major disappointment after Kevin de Bruyne was rested to the bench ahead of the Champions League clash against PSG. After clinching a place in the last four with a 1-0 win – courtesy of the in-form Belgian – there’s a fear that Manuel Pellegrini could frustrate Fantasy managers by heavily rotating his domestic XIs in order to boost his chances of European silverware before departing the Etihad. Those with De Bruyne and Sergio Aguero both on board will be hoping that the Chilean looks to maintain momentum and keeps his tinkering to a minimum ahead of trips to Chelsea and Newcastle.
…and Klopp’s….
The Liverpool manager also frustrated us after ringing the changes for last week’s 4-1 win over Stoke. Obviously, if Liverpool exit the Europa League at the hands of Dortmund this evening, our fears of rest and rotation may not be realised, though with two doubles and a Gameweek 35 fixture amongst their agenda, their schedule seems bloated enough as it is. If the Reds progress tonight, those who loaded up on Liverpool at both ends of the pitch for the run-in may have cause for concern if Sunday’s first XI was anything to go by.
Lukaku’s form….
The runaway winner of last week’s Captain Poll, Everton’s top scorer proved an almighty let-down in double Gameweek 33 by failing to find the net against Watford and Palace’s previously porous defences. With the likes of Ross Barkley and Aaron Lennon now doubtful for the weekend after being hauled off last night, our faith in Lukaku could barely be lower ahead of the Toffees’ clashes against Southampton and Liverpool. Yes, he has another double in the penultimate round of fixtures but with a blank Gameweek 35 also to consider, another failure from the out-of-sorts Belgian may be enough to kick-start the exodus.
Mahrez and Kane’s chance to punish the sellers….
Last week saw the highly-owned Jamie Vardy and Toby Alderweireld both deliver double-figure hauls and burn those Fantasy managers who chose to part company ahead of double Gameweek 34. A look at the fixture list suggests Leicester and Spurs could be set to punish us once more. With Vardy and Riyad Mahrez set to face a West Ham defence that’s conceded twice in the last four, and Harry Kane up against a Stoke backline with a single clean sheet in 11, there’s a fear that our best-laid plans may come undone again.
The Black Cats at Carrow Road….
A trip to fellow strugglers Norwich allows Sunderland the chance to close the gap on their hosts to just a single point this weekend. Given that Big Sam’s side are one of only three sides to face a Gameweek 35 fixture and double Gameweek 37, a big performance at Carrow Road would surely bring them onto our radars ahead of three home matches and trips to Stoke and Watford in the final four. We’ll be keeping a keen eye on the likes of Patrick van Aanholt, Wahbi Khazri and Jermain Defoe as the Wearsiders go in search of a vital victory.
Townsend as the Newcastle differential….
A goal and assist in the last two Gameweeks underlines the winger’s improved form under Rafa Benitez. With fellow midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum having failed to register a single attempt on goal in his last four appearances, Townsend’s upturn in output bodes well for the Magpies’ chances of survival. With slight question marks still hovering over the positions up front, can the former Spurs man emerge as Newcastle’s main protagonist for their double and upcoming clashes with Palace and Villa?
Wenger’s defence after last week’s capitulation….
With back-to-back clean sheets in Gameweeks 31 and 32, Arsenal looked in decent defensive form prior to last week’s trip to Upton Park. After going 2-0 up against the Hammers, though, the manner of their capitulation hands Arsene Wenger a real dilemma at the back ahead of their home encounters against Palace and West Brom. Whilst Petr Cech’s owners will be optimistic of a recall, those who recently drafted in the cut-price Gabriel will be praying that the Brazilian doesn’t drop to the bench as part of the shake-up.
