Eden Hazard continues his fine recent form with a fourth goal in as many league outings. Lamine Kone scores twice and Patrick van Aanholt bags a sixth of the season as Sunderland pull off another great escape, whilst Nathan Redmond and Dieumerci Mbokani bring in the points as relegated Norwich put four past Watford.
Hazard nets again
Chelsea lay claim to just one win in six following their draw on Merseyside.
Eden Hazard opened the scoring (Baba Rahman assist) for the visitors with his fourth goal in as many appearances. Shifted into a central support role as the fit-again Pedro took over on the left, the 10.9-priced Belgian has played with renewed confidence in recent weeks but next faces a Leicester City defence that’s conceded just 10 goals since Gameweek 20.
In the absence of Diego Costa (hamstring injury) and Branislav Ivanovic (groin), Bertrand Traore spearheaded Chelsea’s attack and John Obi Mikel filled in at centre-back. Costa is not expected to be passed fit for the Foxes match-up, which shines a spotlight on Traore’s out-of-position potential at the 5.4 mark in Guus Hiddink’s final match in charge before Antonio Conte takes over in the summer.
Benteke salvages point for Reds
Liverpool named a full-strength XI that left it late to rescue a point at Anfield.
True to his word, Jurgen Klopp recalled his first-teamers for the Blues’ visit. The manager’s assertion that fresh legs will be deployed at West Bromwich Albion this weekend is likely to trigger significant sales of his regulars prior to Sunday’s deadline.
Christian Benteke equalised (Sheyi Ojo assist) for the Reds in stoppage time, marking the third time in as many appearances that he’s produced attacking returns (two goals, one assist). The big Belgian looks in line to be unleashed from the off at the Hawthorns this weekend, with Klopp clearly intent on keeping last night’s starters fresh for next Wednesday’s Europa League final against Sevilla.
Kone brace secure Black Cats’ survival
Sunderland secured their top-flight survival with a resounding 3-0 victory over a hapless Everton unit.
The Wearsiders’ defence caused the damage, with Patrick van Aanholt’s sixth goal of the campaign satisfying his 65,000 new backers. Lamine Kone then opened his Premier League account with a brace at the Stadium of Light – the winter signing ended as the highest-scoring player in double Gameweek 37 after racking up 21 points. Both men profited from Sunderland’s fourth shut-out in seven outings, which holds them in good stead against an inconsistent Watford attack.
Jermain Defoe and Yann M’Vila bagged an assist apiece. The former registered 10 points across the double and has now produced attacking returns in four of his last five starts, encouraging owners to retain his services for Sunday’s trip to Vicarage Road.
Canaries drop into Championship
Despite recovering from their slump and recording a 4-2 home win over Watford, Norwich were consigned to relegation by way of Sunderland’s victory.
Alex Neil made four changes for the Hornets’ visit, with Sebastien Bassong and Robbie Brady dropping to the bench. Dieumerci Mbokani reclaimed a starting berth up top and netted a brace, meaning he’s bagged three goals in his previous quartet of starts. Considering that Everton – who shipped 11 goals in their last four outings – are next on the Canaries’ agenda, the DR Congo international harbours differential appeal in the final Gameweek.
The same can be said of Nathan Redmond, who rewarded over 7,000 new suitors with a goal and two assists last night – indeed, he ended up as the highest scoring midfielder over the double with a total of 17 points. Wes Hoolahan and Steven Naismith also turned provider for a goal apiece.
Deeney in the points again
Watford fell to their third successive road defeat after being picked apart at Carrow Road.
Troy Deeney notched a goal and assist, gratifying 42,000 Fantasy managers that acquired him prior to Watford’s double Gameweek. Given that the Hornets welcome Sunderland on the final day, his 7% ownership will likely feel inclined to retain the in-form marksman.
Odion Ighalo scored his 16th goal of the season to arrest a 12-match barren streak. Nonetheless, he chalked up three fewer shots on target (four compared to seven) than Deeney across their previous four fixtures, underlining his slide down the hierarchy.
Craig Cathcart’s 6,400 new owners were left exasperated by the Northern Ireland international’s own goal. Watford recorded a solitary clean sheet in their last 10 match-ups, negating the attraction of their budget defenders.
