Selection
18 September 2016 643 comments
Mark Mark
Share:

Two away day hauls have elevated Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez to the top of our Midfielders Watchlist.

We wondered how long it would take the Chilean to produce enough to overcome the Santi Cazorla option and, at Hull City yesterday, he provided the answer.

While fortunate to turn in Alex Iwobi’s shot for his opener, his second goal was despatched convincingly, displaying all the characteristics of a Sanchez in form.

Added to that, the Chilean inexplicably seized spot-kick duties from Cazorla and, while his effort was saved by Eldin Jakupovoic, there is now doubt surrounding Arsenal’s designated taker.

That’s enough to see Cazorla drop in our estimation, while Mesut Ozil is still stalling having missed a gilt-edged opportunity at the KCOM to keep pace with Sanchez via a second goal of the season.

Arsenal cover in midfield looks to be a priority despite their erratic form to this point.

Chelsea visit the Emirates next, but, following that, Arsene Wenger’s men are treated to four matches that will likely translate to profit for their midfield trio – with Sanchez the favourite to explode double figure returns.

The one caveat could be the international break which could cast doubt over Sanchez’ start for the Gameweek 8 Emirates meeting with Swansea City.

However, given Arsenal’s struggle against Southampton, with Sanchez benched in Gameweek 4, Wenger will doubtless think twice before resting the robust Chilean.

Sanchez is more than capable of returning from international exertions and starting that match – his form may well dictate that this is the case.

Arsenal currently remain dependent on Sanchez as an attacking option and a key goal threat. Lucas Perez is still settling in, and Olivier Giroud is yet to start a match in all competitions this season.

With Sanchez’ stock flourishing, Chelsea’s Eden Hazard goes the other way.

With back to back blanks, the Chelsea man has been overtaken by a cast of midfield assets – not least Sanchez and the prolific Michail Antonio.

Chelsea’s fixtures are testing with Arsenal, Leicester City, Manchester United and Southampton all looming in the next five.

Hazard was the most sold asset Fantasy Premier League overnight, with his price falling to 10.2.

Elsewhere in midfield, Raheem Sterling holds as our Manchester City option, despite Kevin De Bruyne’s exceptional form.

Our confidence in Sterling took at hit from the Old Trafford performance in Gameweek 4, but his display in the thrashing of Bournemouth on Saturday dispelled those doubts.

While De Bruyne pulled the strings and struck a clever free-kick opener, Sterling’s attacking verve was again in evidence – he remains their chief goal threat outside of the returning Sergio Aguero.

The 2.3 price difference between Sterling and De Bruyne also has to be a key factor. There is just a single point between them in FPL terms.

There’s an argument to say that Sterling should rank above Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino but, given that City provide the Aguero option, and Jurgen Klopp’s outfit do not offer an equivalent, this gives the Brazilian the edge.

Liverpool’s fixtures look exceptionally kind over the next six, with four at Anfield.

Like Arsenal, it looks wise to go all out and attempt to cover Liverpool’s midfield given their lack of forward options.

There could be further movements in this position today, should the likes of Erik Lamela or even Wilfried Zaha provide evidence that they warrant re-assessment in our reckoning.

But the major changes from Sunday’s matches are likely to come up front – with Zlatan Ibrahimovic now under threat from both Romelu Lukaku and Diego Costa for a top three berth.

With a rich array of midfield talent available, and Arsenal, Liverpool and City all looking so attractive in this area, the Ibrahimovic funds are suddenly in question.

However, returns at Watford today would certainly give cause to re-address that.

Mark Mark created the beast. He's now looking to tame it.

643 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Your Mum's Athletic
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 6 days ago

    #watfordfc subs v @ManUtd: Pantilimon (GK), Zuniga, Kenedy, Watson, Amrabat, Guedioura, Success.

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 6 days ago

      Success fail

  2. Your Mum's Athletic
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 6 days ago

    TEAM NEWS: One change for #watfordfc v @ManUtd. Prödl replaces Kaboul (slight hamstring). Kenedy & Amrabat on bench.

    1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 6 days ago

      Cheers YMA any updates on Kaboul would be appreciated .

      1. Your Mum's Athletic
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 6 days ago

        no worries, will keep an eye out

        1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
          • 16 Years
          10 years, 6 days ago

          Thanks 🙂

  3. Rains of Castamere
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 6 days ago

    MUFC XI - De Gea; Valencia, Bailly, Smalling, Shaw; Fellaini, Pogba; Rashford, Rooney, Martial; Ibrahimovic

    1. Bolivian Seaman
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 6 days ago

      rashford!

      1. Lateriser 12
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 6 days ago

        PACE

    2. LE GOD(C)-AMERICAN DYCHO-(1…
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 6 days ago

      Rashford anyone?

    3. Davido989
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 6 days ago

      United may lose the midfield battle today.

    4. Chucky
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 6 days ago

      Diomande to Rashford done

    5. Jammy
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 6 days ago

      That Utd team is strong over 4 goals incoming

    6. Your Man With The Hair
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 6 days ago

      Mourinho playing two midfielders. One of which is The Donkey. Mmmkay, think he's maybe lost it.

      1. Somalion
        • 16 Years
        10 years, 6 days ago

        If you're talking about Fellaini, he's started every league game this season, of which they've won 3/4. I'm no fan of his, but there's no surprise he's starting and no reason to drop.

  4. Patty
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 6 days ago

    Keep Ibra or Costa on a WC?

    1. Backup Dancer
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 6 days ago

      Let Ibra play then assess. I'd lean Costa right now due to price

    2. Jammy
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 6 days ago

      Wait till after the game

  5. Zikry
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 6 days ago

    Rashford finally starts 🙂

  6. Lateriser 12
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 6 days ago

    LOVE THAT TEAM. LOVE.

    1. Bolivian Seaman
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 6 days ago

      You missed rooney last game

    2. Saniul
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 6 days ago

      I like that team too, though I'd play Mata, Mkhitaryan, Herrera or even Pogba where he's playing.

      1. Saniul
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 6 days ago

        By he, I mean Rooney.

    3. Somalion
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 6 days ago

      Rooney in the team. Don't like it.

      1. Lateriser 12
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 6 days ago

        He's done well off late.

        1. Somalion
          • 16 Years
          10 years, 6 days ago

          I would disagree tbh. He holds up counter attacks, still has an incredibly heavy touch and in general isn't a CAM. Now he has had flashes of better play, better than last season, but still too many mistakes.

          Mata is a better CAM. Mkhitaryan is a better CAM (I prefer him as a winger though). Would much rather either of them in behind Ibra.

    4. Your Man With The Hair
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 6 days ago

      Really?? I'm all for an attacking line-up but that's a bit ridiculous to be honest.

  7. Karan_G14
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 6 days ago

    Choose one:

    A) Bolasie
    B) Snoddy (Can get him in gw8)

    1) Mane
    2) Firmino

    Appreciate your thoughts!

    1. Thomas Magnum
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 6 days ago

      A
      2

    2. Jammy
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 6 days ago

      A 2

    3. The Left Duke #3
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 6 days ago

      I'm going A2 and Bolasie has 2 games to prove himself or he becomes Snoddy

  8. faver
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 6 days ago

    Marcus essential

    1. JIM BOB
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 6 days ago

      Errrrr

      1. faver
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 6 days ago

        i would love to hear that, love him and what he does for the club

    2. Thomas Magnum
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 6 days ago

      Lol

  9. Optimus.
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 6 days ago

    Capoue starts, the fear is real!

    1. Somalion
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 6 days ago

      I just need him to do nothing in this match, and then I'll be playing him for the next 5 weeks.

    2. Thomas Magnum
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 6 days ago

      I'd be more worried if he didn't start

  10. Thomas Magnum
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 6 days ago

    Quick question, if two players score a hat trick who keeps the ball?

    1. Patty
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 6 days ago

      Well there's many balls used in a game, plently to go around.

    2. Bolivian Seaman
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 6 days ago

      they split it in half

    3. Somalion
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 6 days ago

      They alternate every week.

    4. MrMaverick
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 6 days ago

      Lovely question

    5. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 6 days ago

      The one that gets it first

  11. Your Mum's Athletic
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 6 days ago

    Schneiderlin and Rojo the players who travelled to miss out on the matchday squad. #mufc

    1. Thomas Magnum
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 6 days ago

      Lol Schneiderlin, what happened to the lad?

  12. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 6 days ago

    Ibra to Rashford is a possibility

    1. JIM BOB
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 6 days ago

      He has started one game. Christ

    1. Bolivian Seaman
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 6 days ago

      so lukaku is ok? great

  13. Stats Don\'t Lie
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 6 days ago

    Mark there is no doubt surrounding his duties, Wenger even came out and said it should've been caz and not Sanchez and that he will have a chat with him. Caz firmly nailed on pens.

  14. Beautiful Game
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 6 days ago

    Choose one for long term

    A) Lukaku + Sanchez + Bolasie ( no Liv)

    B) Lukaku + Sterling + Firmino/Mane ( no Ars)

    C) Zlatan + Sterling + Bolasie ( no Liv/Ars)

    1. Jammy
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 6 days ago

      A has Sanchez look at Arsenal fixtures!

      1. Thomas Magnum
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 6 days ago

        But it's long term...

    2. Thomas Magnum
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 6 days ago

      B or C probably C

    3. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 6 days ago

      B

    4. nonprophet
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 6 days ago

      I could live without arsenal, I mean , against a poor Southampton they only just won. Meanwhile look at city. I wouldn't be without one of kdb, sterling or kun, probably want 2. Zlatan over luka especially with pens. Baines or bolasie then outta everton. So c.. Not too worried about no Liverpool as it's hard to pick one who starts all the time, other than firmino.

  15. Lateriser 12
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 6 days ago

    Strawpoll. Have 12M for 2 mids.

    a) Antonio + De Roon (Capoue 4th mid)
    b) Any 2 of Snodgrass/Iwobi/Chadli/Bolasie/Adnan

    1. Davido989
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 6 days ago

      B for me, LR.

      Snod+Bolasie

      1. faver
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 6 days ago

        this

    2. Saniul
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 6 days ago

      Does that mean you're going Kun, Zlatan, Lukaku up top.

      I choose Snodgrass annd Chadli, reluctantly. Just feel Capoue can't keep that up and is no 4th mid.

      1. Lateriser 12
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 6 days ago

        Kun Zlatan Benteke

  16. Saniul
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 6 days ago

    Zlatan, Rashford, Martial, Rooney. That's four strikers starting - haven't seen Mourinho play such an aggressive lineup in a long time!

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 6 days ago

      and if it doesn't work he will throw his toys out the pram again and blame the players

    2. jernej93
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 6 days ago

      In 352 it's the midfield battle that counts 😉

    3. Rains of Castamere
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 6 days ago

      And people call him defensive...

  17. Jammy
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 6 days ago

    I'm on 282
    My iheanacho c for the past weeks has paid off.
    But time to get Aguero back as surely pep will start Aguero v Swansea or will pep start Iheanacho???

  18. Bolivian Seaman
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 6 days ago

    is andros townsend utterly rubbish?

    1. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 6 days ago

      No. Hes worse.

    2. Jammy
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 6 days ago

      No but he's not worth his price tag in fpl with zaha and punch in the team

    3. The Left Duke #3
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 6 days ago

      Have since the start and all he's done is drop 0.2m the pleb. Can't wait to get rid on my WC this week. Hoping he gets me at least an assist before making way

    4. roscola
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 6 days ago

      https://twitter.com/MC_of_A/status/683395639045156864

      Takes enormous numbers of terrible shots from awful positions that are never likely to go in. 1.8 expected goals from 56 shots (in his AVB season) tells a story of abysmal decision making. Eyeball pundits like him because he's so positive and attacking, but the truth is that he squanders most of his team's attacking phases by ending them as soon they've begun.

  19. Scotty B
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 6 days ago

    Heaton
    Collins Baines Shaw
    Antonio Ozil Hazard Sterling
    Ibrahimovic Lukaku Benteke

    Pickford Capoue Evans Amat

    A Ozil & Hazard > Mane & KDB
    B Ozil & Lukaku > Snodgrass & Aguero
    C Benteke & Hazard > Aguero & 4.5 mid

  20. True Blue
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 6 days ago

    Any better options for this team? I'm ready to take upto -12

    Foster Heaton
    Valencia Baines McAuley Friend Amat
    Hazard Ozil Mane Barkley Capoue
    Ibra Benteke Defoe

    I'm thinking of Hazard + Barkley + Ozil + Defoe ---> Sterling + Firmino + Antonio + Lukaku

    And then move Mane to Sanchez next GW (need sideways Mane to Firmino to be able to get Sanchez)

    1. Jammy
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 6 days ago

      Yeah get Sanchez Ed going to get goals

      1. True Blue
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 6 days ago

        yes, that's my planned move for next gw. this gw they play chelsea while Liv have Hull...so doubling up on Liv for this gw

  21. The Left Duke #3
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 6 days ago

    If you keep Kun and Ibra, who is the best 3rd striker to have?

    1. AleksanderVN
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 6 days ago

      Bony. Check fixture

      1. The Left Duke #3
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 6 days ago

        Not sure how sharp he is. Will look at him today as you are right about the fixtures

    2. andy85wsm
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 6 days ago

      Rashford 🙂

    3. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 6 days ago

      Depends on your team structure.

      1. The Left Duke #3
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 6 days ago

        Ya I have Lukaku Ibra Iheanacho at the mo and obviously Kun is coming in. If I bring him straight in for Iheanacho my midfield is depleted if I want to keep Sanchez. I'm thinking I have to let Lukaku go and maybe get a Bolasie as Everton cover. What you think?

    4. Thomas Magnum
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 6 days ago

      Watford Deeney/Ighalo

      1. faver
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 6 days ago

        you are not stupid sir

      2. The Left Duke #3
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 6 days ago

        Could be good options but already have Capoue and wouldn't like to double up

    5. Jammy
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 6 days ago

      Lukaku

    6. Hurricane Gilbert
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 6 days ago

      Tekkers

    7. F4L
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 6 days ago

      lukaku

  22. George Agdgdgwngo
    • 17 Years
    10 years, 6 days ago

    Just noticed Gareth Barry's points total. Wtf! Looks a decent 5th mid at 4.6m

    1. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 6 days ago

      2 goals

      1. Fitzy.
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 6 days ago

        Is that a bad thing?

  23. Hurricane Gilbert
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 6 days ago

    Watford 0 - United 1
    Goals: Rashford
    Assists: Valencia

    PLZ

    1. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 6 days ago

      *ibra goal

    2. Thomas Magnum
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 6 days ago

      Valencia owner? or non Ibra?

      1. Hurricane Gilbert
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 6 days ago

        Non-ibra capper 😉

  24. Djerbil
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 6 days ago

    If I ditch Hazard and make Capoue my 4th mid ,
    I can go front 3 of:

    Ibra-Kun-Lukaku (no hits)

    Yay/Nay?

  25. Lallana's Bananas
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 6 days ago

    Does Stones need to go with Kompany coming back to fitness and Kolarov playing well in the centre?

    1. Thomas Magnum
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 6 days ago

      Not necessarily wait and see

  26. Bob_the_builder
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 6 days ago

    Aguero and 4.5 mid or Sterling and Slimani ?

  27. Chucky
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 6 days ago

    Ibra 63% ownership.Hiding behind the couch time for me 🙁

    1. Thomas Magnum
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 6 days ago

      Sitting on the couch time for me 🙂

      1. nonprophet
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 6 days ago

        Good time in aus for it

  28. Coaly
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 6 days ago

    a) Sterling Lukaku
    b) Bolasie/Snoddy Ibra

    1. Thomas Magnum
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 6 days ago

      A short
      B Long

  29. Dr Dream
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 6 days ago

    Good line up for United.