While all the pre-deadline chatter centred around our confidence, or otherwise, in Sergio Aguero, it is ironic that, hours later, we’re left pondering the future prospects of two of our season’s most reliable heavy-hitters.
Manchester United’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic had been earmarked as an obvious target for the Gameweek 27 armband. Bournemouth’s visit to Old Trafford appeared to present a perfect scenario for the Swede: finally, he seemed poised to deliver that 15-20 point haul that would show that he could rival any asset for big “explosive” scores.
With the Cherries defence visibly shaken by United’s early forays, it appeared that Ibrahimovic would be given that opportunity. But, instead, he was to suffer his most torrid performance of the season, returning his lowest FPL tally.
To compound matters, an errant elbow into the cheek of Tyrone Mings seems likely to be reviewed and potentially punished by the FA. That could result in a three-match ban, ruling Ibrahimovic out of Gameweeks 29 and 30.
Already missing Gameweek 28 as a result of United’s FA Cup Quarter Final with Chelsea – another match he would miss should a charge and ban arrive – Ibrahimovic has already been sold more than any other asset since the passing of today’s deadline.
While he would certainly become an obvious target once United’s double Gameweek fixtures drop in place, up until that point, he now looks set to flood out of squads, declining in ownership and price.
Certainly, should Sergio Aguero and Harry Kane impress, along with Romelu Lukaku and Diego Costa, in tomorrow’s matches, then a new front three template will likely form without Ibrahimovic.
It’s again ironic that Aguero saved legions of Fantasy Premier League managers from suffering the indignity of a doubling his -1 contribution. With the focus on skippering the City man, we had a new and obvious alternative for the captaincy.
Today’s outcome also created further doubt that, even in a double Gameweek scenario, Ibrahimovic could struggle to rival the promise of Aguero, Kane or Sanchez when it comes to dealing the Triple Captain chip.
But Sanchez produced his own shockwaves, having been ousted to the bench by Arsene Wenger for the evening trip to Liverpool.
While the Chilean impressed and produced an assist from the bench, Wenger’s almost inexplicable decision was unexpected and unwelcome.
Those who turned the back on the Aguero Triple Captain option, banking on the inevitable Sanchez double Gameweek to come, now have to consider that Giroud’s pitch time remains a factor. There will also be further speculation on the relationship between player and manager, while Arsenal’s erratic form and morale remains a concern.
No doubt targeted for an early return to our squads from Gameweek 29 onwards, tonight’s teamsheet and lacklustre first-half from the Gunners may just slow the clamour to return for Sanchez’s services.
Suddenly, with Ibrahimovic potentially out of the equation and confidence in Sanchez taking a knock, those Man City assets may just stick around longer than expected.
