Sergio Aguero and Alexis Sanchez both find the net as City and Arsenal share the Etihad spoils. Steven Davis scores twice as Southampton see off Spurs, whilst Roberto Firmino emerges from the bench to score in Liverpool’s home win over Watford.
Aguero in the goals again
Manchester City’s top-four berth is under threat following a 2-2 home draw against Arsenal.
Sergio Aguero prolonged his scoring streak by netting (Fernandinho assist) for the sixth successive start. The Argentine marksman amassed eight goals during that time frame and next faces a Swansea City defence with just a single clean sheet in six. Given that the Liberty match is must-win for City in their attempt to clinch third, we can expect Manuel Pellegrini to field a full-strength side again.
By way of just his second goal in 10 league appearances, Kevin De Bruyne irked 78,000 Fantasy managers that shipped him across the previous two weeks. The 9%-owned Belgian – who charts joint-third among midfielders for shots on target (five) over his last four starts – represents an alluring differential for the final day of the season as City look to clinch an automatic Champions League berth.
Sanchez earns Gunners a point
Arsenal twice came from behind to secure a draw that keeps second place within their sights.
Prior to kick-off, Mesut Ozil’s no-show was the chief talking point from a Fantasy perspective. The former Real Madrid playmaker missed out with a minor hip complaint but is expected to be passed fit for Aston Villa’s visit next weekend.
Olivier Giroud notched a goal (Mohamed Elneny assist) and an assist, ending a 16-match barren streak. Danny Welbeck was withdrawn at the 24-minute mark because of a knee injury and looks almost certain to be sidelined for Arsenal’s favourable final match-up, so Giroud should enjoy investment from suitors looking to double up on the North Londoners’ offense.
Alexis Sanchez rebounded from two straight blanks with his 13th goal of the season. No midfielder has chalked up more goals (seven) than the Chilean since Gameweek 29, rendering him a prime captaincy candidate against a Villains rearguard that ranks top for goals conceded (72).
Davis at the double
Southampton extended their unbeaten streak to five matches with a 2-1 comeback win at White Hart Lane.
Steven Davis bagged both goals for the visitors, gracing the scoresheet for the first time since Gameweek 11. Although the Northern Ireland international has been far from prolific this term, it’s worth noting that he’s now profiting from a central role behind lone striker Shane Long.
Dusan Tadic turned provider for both of Davis’ strikes, meaning he’s produced two goals and six assists in four starts. Pitched at 6.6, the Serbian midfielder serves as a strong pick before a home clash against Crystal Palace, who are almost certain to make wholesale changes to their starting XI ahead of the FA Cup final.
Those considering Sadio Mane for Gameweek 38 will be monitoring the winger’s fitness after he was withdrawn due to illness midway through the second period. Jordy Clasie is also an early doubt after being forced off with a groin problem.
Spurs stumble again
Spurs’ mini slump continued as they failed to taste victory for the third consecutive fixture.
Heung-Min Son grabbed his second goal in as many starts. Despite the fact that the 7.5-priced South Korean suffers from his classification as a forward, he could still profit from a visit to Newcastle on Sunday – a fixture that could prove meaningless for the hosts should Sunderland beat Everton in midweek and relegate the Magpies.
Erik Lamela notched his fourth assist in five starts. In the absence of Dele Alli, the ex-Roma starlet presents the strongest case for investment among Tottenham’s mid-priced assets.
Harry Kane validated 120,000 sellers with his third blank in five outings. His remaining 43% ownership will mostly feel inclined to sit tight, given that the league’s top scorer tallied six goals in Tottenham’s previous four road ties and places top among all forwards for away goals (15).
Klopp rings the changes
A much-changed Liverpool outfit rounded off a sensational week with a 2-0 home win over Watford.
In the wake of the Reds’ Europa League exertions, Jurgen Klopp enacted heavy rotation, affording James Milner, Nathaniel Clyne and Dejan Lovren the afternoon off. Daniel Sturridge and Roberto Firmino were benched, allowing Christian Benteke to lead the line in front of Philippe Coutinho. Owing to Danny Ward’s season-ending knee injury, Simon Mignolet was an assured starter at Anfield.
Joe Allen opened the scoring (Benteke assist), before Firmino struck (Sheyi Ojo assist) 15 minutes into his second-half cameo. Although Liverpool will doubtless field their second team against West Bromwich Albion next Gameweek – given that the Europa League final takes place three days later – one would imagine that Klopp will name a strong XI for their home encounter against Chelsea on Wednesday, which bodes well for managers who’ve retained the likes of Sturridge, Coutinho and Firmino.
