In the first of a two-part series, we examine the opportunities presented by those teams with a pair of Gameweek 37 fixtures and assess the potential on offer.
We begin with an analysis of the defensive options on show, scanning the eight double Gameweek teams and seeking out the most assured sources of clean sheets and attacking points.
The eight teams in question are neatly divided with half facing away trips, while the other four – Liverpool, West Ham, Sunderland and Norwich – provide us with two home fixtures. That quartet present the most obvious starting point when hunting clean sheets.
Ordinarily, the Liverpool defence would be in our thinking ahead of two Anfield meetings. Jurgen Klopp’s charges face Watford and Chelsea at home – both teams with little or no motivation – and then follow that up with a final day trip to West Brom.
Sadly, with Klopp hellbent on fielding weakened sides around Europa League ties, we have to consider Simon Mignolet (5.0) and his ever-changing back four as risks.
Given Mamadou Sakho’s suspension, Dejan Lovren (4.8) appears elevated as the most assured starter over the Reds’ remaining fixtures, while Alberto Moreno (4.8) is the gamble which could pay off given his recent run of form – the Spaniard has finally sparked to life to register a goal and three assists in his last three league starts.
However, with the threat of rotation and Liverpool’s home record of just five shutouts in 17 outings, it seems wise to overlook the Reds’ rearguard.
West Ham’s back four has only fared slightly better in front of their own fans, earning six clean sheets at Upton Park. They will be looking to leave their old stadium in some style and with an unlikely Champions League spot still within reach, they will be driven to earn results.
Fixtures with Swansea City and Manchester United show promise – both struggle for a cutting edge away from home. The Swans have blanked in their last two trips, while United have notched just once in their last three.
West Ham also have two standout options in Adrian (5.1) between the sticks and Aaron Cresswell (5.7) at left-back. Both offer the opportunity of supplementary points should they ship goals, with Adrian boasting strong save point potential, while Cresswell is a forward-thinking full-back who has claimed a goal and an assist in his last four.
When it comes to the motivation factor, no Gameweek 37 sides can compete with Sunderland or Norwich City. The relegation threatened pair are locked in a three-way tussle with Newcastle and are strictly in the results business.
The loss of Timm Klose to a knee injury was a huge blow to the Canaries and robbed us of the one sure-fire candidates in Alex Neil’s backline. Russell Martin (4.2) now looks to be the only secure option available offering at least some goal threat for crucial Carrow Road meetings with Manchester United and Watford.
Sunderland have more viable options plus an improved defensive record that has seen them ship just three goals in their last five league outings.
Vito Manonne (4.3) is a cat-like stopper who can reap save points from their two Stadium of Light meetings with Chelsea and Everton. Patrick van Aanholt (4.7) is the star turn, though – the raiding Dutchman has five goals to his name and has rattled in more attempts than any other defender in the league.
Of the four teams facing a pair of away trips, it’s presumed that Manchester United offer the most potential.
Louis van Gaal’s defence has proved resolute throughout a largely unconvincing campaign, although they’ve gained 12 of their 17 shut-outs at Old Trafford. Indeed, both Everton and Chelsea – two of the other Gameweek 37 sides to be considered – boast a superior away record when it comes to shut-outs.
With testing trips to West Ham and Norwich – both teams who will be highly motivated to earn three points – we’re having to lean towards David de Gea (5.9) as the weapon of choice within United’s squad, with save points as back-up. While Chris Smalling (6.5) offers an alternative, we’re far from certain on United’s clean sheet credentials over their two fixtures. The one caveat is that United face Bournemouth on the final day, boosting Smalling’s stock.
While Everton have a decent away record with seven clean sheets on the road, injuries have ravaged Roberto Martinez’ backline and the confidence has gradually seeped from the Toffees as the season draws to a conclusion. Leighton Baines blinked on the radar with his winner over Bournemouth last weekend but would represent a real gamble given his lofty 6.0 price tag.
Chelsea appear a stronger option, particularly with John Terry and Gary Cahill re-installed in central defence. That appears to free up Branislav Ivanovic (6.6) to return to right-back and offer us at least some attacking potential for away trips to Sunderland and Liverpool. The Serb has the edge over Cesar Azpicueletta given his set-piece threat – a clear factor given shut-outs at the Stadium of Light and Anfield look a stretch for Guus Hiddink’s men.
Watford are the final team on offer – a side with little to play for, blighted by dismal end of season form and seemingly unsettled by speculation over Quique Sanchez Flores’ future as manager. That, combined with an ever-changing back-four, tells you all you need to know on our attitude towards Hornets assets, although the telescopic charm of Heurelho Gomes (5.1) remains in our thinking.
The Brazilian is the top-ranked stopper in the Fantasy Premier League and may just benefit from a second-string Liverpool and a demoralised Norwich to earn his owners profit.
The Top Targets
Aaron Cresswell – the Hammers have arguably the strongest chance of delivering shut-outs over the Gameweek. Cresswell has a threat from range and will be a ready supplier of crosses aimed in the vicinity of the highly effective Andy Carroll.
Patrick van Aanholt – the left-back’s attacking prowess is key to his appeal as a desperate Sunderland go in search of crucial wins. With direct free-kicks added to his armoury of late, the Dutchman looks a key target.
David de Gea – while United’s clean sheet prospects will be stretched by a pair of testing fixtures, it ensures that the Spaniard will be called upon to replicate the form that has been pivotal in earning 17 shut-outs this term.
The Differentials
Heurelho Gomes – the eccentric stopper has starred throughout for the Hornets and is the only real secure option for their Gameweek 37 double. Save points could be key and he always offers the potential to add to his three penalty saves this term.
Branislav Ivanovic – back at full-back now that Terry and Cahill have returned, the pricey Serb just edges out Azpicueletta as the chief Blues’ contender. An expensive gamble that seems likely to rely on attacking returns.
Russell Martin – the injury to Andre Wisdom looks set to ensure that the Canaries club skipper will start the final three fixtures. His presence at set-plays on the end of measured Robbie Brady deliveries may yet prove crucial and profitable.
Leighton Baines – the mop-top left-back rekindled our flames with a winner at the weekend and, amidst a broken back four, offers the most secure starter with attacking to flair thrown in.
