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.
