We throw forward now, listing the key points that we’ll be looking out for over the course of Gameweek 6.
Jurgen Klopp’s front three, Vincent Janssen and Marcus Rashford’s opportunity to impress, Watford’s main men as form and fixtures collide and Sergio Aguero’s return for City are all occupying our thoughts ahead of the weekend.
The Rashford files…
Climbing off the bench with the match against Northampton Town tied at 1-1 last night, Marcus Rashford again highlighted his growing importance to the United cause by bagging a goal and assist in a 3-1 win.
Strikes against Hull and Watford mean he’s had a hand in four of the Red Devils’ last six goals in all competitions – surely enough to earn him a start at home to Leicester.
Much of the talk has focused on Zlatan Ibrahimovic as we prepare for the return of Sergio Aguero, yet, in Rashford, United could offer us a potential alternative as a means for freeing up funds.
We’ll also be keeping a keen eye on Wayne Rooney’s minutes and position in the XI as Jose Mourinho looks to strike a balance to get the best out of record signing Paul Pogba.
Klopp’s selection midfield and in goal…
In recent weeks, minor injuries to Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino have allowed Daniel Sturridge to start each of the last two league matches.
The Reds chalked up wins over Leicester and Chelsea over that period but with his Brazilian duo fully fit, it seems likely that Klopp will hand Firmino the “false nine” role, flanked by Coutinho and Sadio Mane, with Sturridge dropping to the bench at home to Hull.
In all likelihood, a minor injury to the latter should afford Klopp the perfect opportunity to unleash his three midfielders up top once again.
At the back, there are now question marks over Liverpool’s number one after Loris Karius returned from injury to make his competitive debut in the midweek EFL Cup win over Derby.
Klopp has conceded he has a dilemma on his hands and with the fixtures turning very much in his side’s favour, we need more clarity at both ends of the pitch.
Janssen’s audition and Pochettino’s midfield shuffle…
With Harry Kane sidelined due to ankle ligament damage, Vincent Janssen has suddenly emerged as a viable mid-price option up top.
The Dutchman opened his account with a converted penalty in last night’s cup win over Gillingham, whilst Christian Eriksen bagged two goals and Erik Lamela served up a goal and three assists.
With the competition for places in midfield rife, Janssen could prove the most secure pick in the Tottenham attack over Kane’s period of absence.
It’s worth noting he revealed he was allowed to take the kick after talking it over with Eriksen and Lamela.
Let’s hope that confidence booster does him good on Teesside.
Chadli reviving Rondon and Baggies threat…
Was the 4-2 home win over West Ham a one-off, brought on by the Hammers’ dire defence?
The Baggies had scored twice in four Gameweeks prior to last weekend and it remains to be seen whether Tony Pulis’ decision to station Nacer Chadli in a central support spot is the answer to the Baggies’ problems in attack.
A trip to the bet365 Stadium offers another chance to assess their new-improved cutting edge, yet it’s arguable that, given the nature of Stoke’s dodgy rearguard, the jury would still remain out even if Chadli does deliver again.
Palace without Dann…
After limping off with a hamstring problem in last night’s cup loss to Southampton, Scott Dann looks a big doubt for the weekend trip to Sunderland.
A possible stint on the sidelines would be a major blow at both ends of the pitch for the Eagles.
Dann leads the way for clearances, blocks and interceptions (CBI) at Palace and has already scored three times in all competitions. He’s also top for attempts on goal and efforts in the box amongst all defenders.
That might not just be a blow for Alan Pardew but detrimental to Palace’s creators – the assist potential of players such as Jason Puncheon and Andros Townsend may suffer without Dann’s aerial menace from set-piece situations.
Pickford as a number one…
Having returned two save points in each of his three appearances, Jordan Pickford is making a convincing case as the “fire and forget” option between the posts.
The Sunderland keeper’s defiant displays in goal continue to make a mockery of that 4.0 price tag – he’s made 20 saves in just three appearances and has averaged a stop quicker than any number one.
With David Moyes’ men far from convincing at the back, Pickford should remain as busy as ever and looks set to go on delivering the saves and Fantasy returns.
Aguero in the mix…
Having scored nine times in five matches under Pep Guardiola, there’s a growing feeling that Sergio Aguero could be set for his most prolific season at Man City.
Available for selection after serving a three-match suspension, there’s no surprise to see that the Argentine is the most transferred in forward this week ahead of City’s trip to Swansea.
In spite of his new-found popularity, Aguero sits in just 26% of FPL squads compared to Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s 60%. If he can put the Swans to the sword on Saturday, the United man may well continue to be used as the makeweight to bring him on board.
Aguero’s absence has allowed Kevin De Bruyne to thrive, with the Belgian bringing in 27 points over the last two Gameweeks.
Interestingly, De Bruyne managed just one shot inside the box in the three matches Aguero started, compared to five in the pair of fixtures without him. Drafted in by more FPL managers than any player in the Gameweek, we’ll be closely monitoring the Belgian’s display with City’s talisman back on board.
The Arsenal penalty mystery…
As mentioned in yesterday’s Say What article, even Arsene Wenger seemed uncertain as to why Alexis Sanchez stepped forward to take Arsenal’s spot-kick at Hull.
Considering the Chilean went on to fluff his lines, Santi Cazorla may well return to the role as number one after scoring from the spot in each of the previous two Gameweeks.
New boy Lucas Perez also netted from the spot in the midweek cup win over Forest and could also be in the mix if given the pitch time.
As the penalties keep on coming for the Gunners, we’re looking for a solution to their spot-kick mystery.
Capoue, Deeney and the rest…
Back-to-back wins over West Ham and Man United have set Watford up nicely ahead of some very kind fixtures.
A trip to Burnley on Monday night acts as a dress rehearsal for the Hornets’ leading lights.
Etienne Capoue may well have convinced many to start him over the upcoming schedule, though we’re also keeping an eye on a supporting cast that includes Jose Holebas, Roberto Pereyra, Troy Deeney and Odion Ighalo.
Maintain momentum at Turf Moor and Walter Mazzarri’s side may find more investment heading their way.
Slaven’s solution…
Having conceded four goals in each of the last two, changes are clearly required to West Ham’s defence.
Fortunately for Slaven Bilic, Winston Reid has been passed fit by the club’s medics ahead of the visit of Southampton. With Alvaro Arbeloa playing 90 minutes against Accrington Stanley last night and Sam Byram back on the bench, the Hammers boss has more options at his disposal.
With Arthur Masuaku doubtful and both James Collins and Adrian failing to convince, the Croatian could be set for a major reshuffle this weekend.
Despite of his side’s defensive frailties, Bilic will surely resist the urge to move Michail Antonio into defence, though as we’ve seen in the past, a switch to 3-5-2 might not be out of the equation.
