Two four-nil thrashings and a historic farewell ensured that this was no ordinary Sunday, as Phillipe Coutinho punished double Gameweek investment and Harry Kane earned the final Spurs goal at White Hart Lane. Here’s the Stock Check…
On the Rise
Philippe Coutinho
We were braced for a single fixture asset to explode points over Double Gameweek 37 and it is Philippe Coutinho who appears to have accepted the role.
Sold by over 221,000 Fantasy Premier League managers over the last two Gameweeks, Coutinho stepped up to produce his biggest points haul of the campaign in the 4-0 rout of West Ham, courtesy of two goals and an assist.
It was the first time that the Brazilian has been involved in three goals in a single Premier League match, arriving having taken up a new position in a changed Liverpool’s formation.
Deployed in a central midfield role, with Adam Lallana recalled to provide the point of a diamond system, Coutinho nonetheless capitalised on a lethargic West Ham display.
He was a sparkling influence throughout, recording six efforts on goal, while his assist was one of six chances he created.
Liverpool will face relegated Middlesbrough in Gameweek 38 and, with goal difference potentially a crucial factor in deciding the final top four, we have to believe that there will be further profit available for Coutinho.
That is already prompting FPL managers into a returning to the 8.4 priced asset as a final day option. Among the top ranks – who will have doubtless cleared the decks for double Gameweek assets – he will be an unlikely differential, even with his 18.8% ownership on the rise.
Daniel Sturridge
But Sturridge could represent the ultimate Gameweek 38 gamble.
He returned to the starting line-up to lead Liverpool’s attack alongside Divock Origi and set Jurgen Klopp’s side on their way with a smartly taken opening goal.
With four attempts in total, three from inside the box, Sturridge looked lively enough to make a claim to retain his starting role for Boro’s visit.
He will go into that fixture in just 36,000 (0.8%) of squads, although a hefty 9.6 price tag will doubtless prove a major obstacle, preventing that number increasing markedly.
The Liverpool Defence
Jurgen Klopp’s backline has, statistically at least, ranked among the top defences this season without offering the assurance of clean sheets.
Prior to Gamweweek 33 they boasted just 7 shut-outs, but four in five outings since has suddenly thrust them into consideration for the final day.
They could hardly be treated to a more favourable fixture – Middlesbrough arrive at Anfield without motivation and with ten away goals all season.
Centre-back Dejan Lovren, priced at just 4.8, along with goalkeeper Simon Mignolet at 4.7, are likely to be popular targets.
Harry Kane, Christian Eriksen
Kane got his goal, although he was deprived the honour of scoring the final strike at White Hart Lane by Wayne Rooney’s consolation for Manchester Untied.
But Fantasy managers will be content enough with Kane’s return ahead of his second fixture with Leicester City on Thursday.
Now just two behind Romelu Lukaku in the race for the Golden Boot, we have to presume that he will remain motivated to retain that gong having claimed it in his last campaign.
Spurs remained full of attacking intent against United, with Eriksen once again in profit as he provided the dead-ball delivery for Kane’s goal.
The Dane has now produced 18 FPL assists over the season – level with Man City’s Kevin De Bruyne – delivering five in his last seven Gameweek starts.
A tally of five key passes in Sunday’s clash also ensured that Eriksen sat top of the Bonus Points System to claim an additional three points. Now tied with Dele Alli on 209, he’s outscored his team-mate by 50 points to 41 since Gameweek 31.
Ben Davies
With Danny Rose sidelined, Davies has been handed a start over the last 13 Gameweeks at left-back and has produced either an assist or a clean sheet in nine of those matches.
Rooney’s consolation robbed the Welshman of another shut-out and likely bonus points but, nonetheless, with Rose apparently being eased back into the fold, Davies looks well placed to see out the season ahead of trips to Leicester City and Hull City.
Wilfried Zaha, Christian Benteke
Subject to a flood of sales since Gameweek 34, the Palace pair were both key figures as the Eagles eased their way past a shell-shocked Hull City at Selhurst Park.
Zaha and Benteke were ranked third and fourth for FPL sales ahead of Gameweek 37 but, like Coutinho, they were to punish the legions who ushered them out.
Scoring a first goal since Gameweek 30, Zaha snapped a run of five successive blanks. Meanwhile, Benteke was back on the scoresheet following three blanks of his own.
While there will little or no investment in the pair, those still holding may consider retaining their services for the Gameweek 38 collision with a distracted Manchester United.
In Decline
Roberto Firmino
With Coutinho delivering at the London Stadium, his compatriot Firmino missed out with an ongoing “muscle issue”..
Having provided three successive blanks prior to today’s absence, Firmino’s stock is in freefall having lost over 130,000 owners in the last two Gameweeks.
Coutinho ranks top for transfers in so far ahead of Gameweek 38, while Firmino retains his place in the top five for sales – only Romelu Lukaku has left more squads since Friday’s deadline.
