Opinion
10 April 2018 3231 comments
James H James H
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The Digest brings the curtain down on Gameweek 33 as we assess the key player, the team and the big talking point to emerge from the weekend’s action.

Christian Eriksen puts us on alert ahead of two Double Gameweeks following a season-high return at Stoke.

Manchester United’s options open up ahead of their own double-header, while Mohamed Salah’s status as a must-have looks set to be determined by tonight’s Champions League tie.

The Player

At a point when many of us are looking to bring back Harry Kane for Double Gameweek 34, Christian Eriksen served a timely reminder of his potential for Spurs’ pair of fixtures with Manchester city and Brighton.

Having watched Son Heung-min and Dele Alli produce two sets of double-figure hauls over the previous three outings, the Dane delivered a 15-point haul, netting both Spurs’ goals in the 2-1 win at Stoke. That was his biggest return of the campaign so far.

Eriksen’s performance merely heightens our dilemma as we look for the best route into Mauricio Pochettino’s midfield – to sum it up, the Dane has 32 points from Gameweek 29 onwards, Alli 37 and Son 38.

Yet it’s Eriksen who has emerged as the most popular target of the three since last weekend – he’s claimed 54,000+ new owners, leaving Alli (19,000+) and Son (16,000+) in his wake.

Encouragingly for his new backers, over those last four matches, Eriksen is joint-top for both shots (14, level with Son) and key passes (eight, level with Alli) for the north London side.

However, his threat remains mainly confined to long-range – only three of those efforts arrived in the box, far less than Son’s 12.

Crucially, Eriksen has missed just one league match this season – against Southampton in Gameweek 24 – due to illness and has played all but four minutes of the last 16 league outings he has been available for.

Even with a FA Cup semi-final against Brighton on his agenda, then, Eriksen – along with Alli – looks an assured starter from this point onwards. Son, arguably, less so, though his 167.8 minutes per goal, compared with Eriksen (268.6) and Alli (328.9), illustrates what the South Korean can achieve with less pitch-time.

With a superb schedule to end the season following a blank Gameweek 35 (WAT wba & NEW LEI), Eriksen looks well-placed to maintain his current form.

Nonetheless, with Kane potentially stealing free-kicks off him around the box in his quest for the Golden Boot, and Son excelling at Wembley Stadium, in particular, there’s arguably a case for trebling up on the Spurs attack for the run-in.

The Team

Similar to Spurs, Manchester United approach their pair of Double Gameweeks in fine fettle.

The very nature of their second-half fight-back at the Etihad Stadium, coming from two goals behind to win and deny City the title, has persuaded many managers to reconsider the Red Devils.

Until recently, Romelu Lukaku seemed the one viable pick in Jose Mourinho’s attack – he went into the derby with three goals and two assists in four.

Since then, Paul Pogba’s brace has made him the most wanted midfielder ahead of Saturday’s deadline, while Jesse Lingard’s recent form – more so for England – adds an option in the mid-price bracket.

We must also re-assess Alexis Sanchez.

A pair of assists against Pep Guardiola’s side helped last season’s top scoring FPL player to a second successive double-digit haul. Owned by 3% to Lukaku’s 29% and costing 11.5 to 11.6, the Chilean could emerge as a powerful differential for showdowns with West Brom and Bournemouth’s dodgy defences.

His propensity for explosive returns could hold the advantage over Lukaku when it comes to the captaincy – the latter has managed one set of double-digits since Gameweek 5 and a total of three from 31 starts.

Indeed, that tendency for single-figure hauls could be a factor for those mulling over the Kane v Lukaku dilemma – the Spurs man has hit 10+ points in eight of his 29 starts.

However, the flat-track bully theory is to Lukaku’s advantage – all but one of his 15 league goals have been scored against teams outside of the top eight.

At the back, Chris Smalling’s Fantasy popularity continues to grow in light of Sunday’s derby winner.

The number one defender for transfers in this week, he has now started each of the last ten Gameweeks and fired the winner against City – his third goal of the season.

Although it seems that Smalling and Eric Bailly are the first-choice central defenders, we only have to look back to Gameweek 32 – when the Ivorian was benched at home to Swansea with one eye on the derby – as an indication that we can’t take Mourinho’s teamsheets for granted.

Wednesday’s trip to Bournemouth could potentially be the rotation hotspot – that takes place three days before United face Spurs in the FA Cup semi-final the following Saturday.

Given that they will have 24 hours less to prepare for the fixture, it wouldn’t be unlike their manager to freshen up his options, if only to make a point.

The Talking Point

Liverpool’s shock first-leg performance against Man City in the Champions League has already had a major impact on how we assess Mohamed Salah’s Fantasy potential over the remainder of the season.

Should the Reds defend their three-goal advantage tonight and book a place in the semi-finals, there’s a fear that Jurgen Klopp could manage the Egyptian’s domestic minutes.

That’s hardly the ideal scenario for his 59% owners at a point where the likes of Spurs, United, Chelsea and Leicester’s big-hitters all have two Double Gameweeks to come.

Indeed, over 302,000 have already parted company after he limped off early against City last week, while more than 63,000 have sold Salah since Saturday’s deadline – more than any midfielder.

Yet after being left out of the goalless draw at Everton, the winger is back on the teamsheet for Liverpool’s return trip to the Etihad this evening, having shrugged off a minor groin complaint.

Arguably, should Salah be subbed early, a start at home to Bournemouth this weekend looks on the cards. Klopp’s men have already put four past the Cherries at the Vitality this term and Salah’s ability to deliver huge hauls at Anfield is peerless – nine of his 15 home starts have harvested double-digits.

However, the Champions League semi-final schedule could impact on Klopp’s thinking.

The first and second legs are played in the midweeks after Gameweek 35 (wba) and Gameweek 36 (STK), while the Reds face a trip to Chelsea in Gameweek 37, at a point where 12 teams will play twice.

Selling Salah this week for a midfielder with two doubles, then bringing him back temporarily with the Free Hit chip in Gameweek 35, could now be viewed as a viable tactic. Dare we risk it, though?

With the Golden Boot still up for grabs, a visit from Brighton in Gameweek 38, the case for holding is equally convincing.

Tonight’s events could change everything, and we’ll have a Burning Question on this very subject later in the week as we firm up Double Gameweek plans.

  1. DJ87
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Roma playing unreal, should be up 3-0 and ahead on aggr.

    1. ZimZalabim
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      callee it well done

  2. HamezMace
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Which City Midfielder would want until now until the end of the season?

    ...and I’m going to bring them in for Hazard, even though he has an extra game, and security of starts, I hate owning him, especially if I’m watching the Chelsea game

    1. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Sane

      1. *Reformed-Character*
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Anyone but sane

    2. BananaNose Maldonado
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Sterling.

      1. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        +1

    3. Sandy Ravage
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Dilva

      1. HamezMace
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Concerned he’ll be given personal leave once the league is won.

        *im aware the league is already won, but you know what I mean

    4. Pochecinno
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      KDB

      1. HamezMace
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Are you just being difficult now?
        I expect the next person to say Fernandinho

      2. L S P
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        this

    5. HamezMace
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Thanks all...good to know it’s not obvious!

  3. Rash
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Be amazed if there's no red card tonight

  4. Hotdogs for Tea
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Is Salah actually playing tonight ?

    1. Deulofail
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      As visible as Coutinho

    2. Duffy Dunk
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      If city don't extend their lead they'll play even higher.
      One Salah counter attack will be enough.

      1. ZimZalabim
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        and u were right well done

  5. The Bandit
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Ref out doing our own refs for loving being the centre of attention. Quite some feat

    1. ā˜…Kunthemanā˜…
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      What a pr**k

      1. The Bandit
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Did I actually see him telling the fans off?

        1. ā˜…Kunthemanā˜…
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          Yep, that happened...don't know what this dude's problem is but Liverpool should hire him for security when the visiting team buses arrive

          1. MYNAMEISBigtopmark.sman
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 11 months ago

            Yet he gifted you a goal

      2. Deulofail
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        prank?

    2. F4L
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      whats he got wrong so far?

      1. The Bandit
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Who said he did?

        1. F4L
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          at the end of the day I couldn't care less how the ref conducted himself on the pitch, as long as he makes the correct decisions

    3. CloudSky
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Hes been amazing though. Same cant be said about English refs.

    4. Brosstan
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Refs bee flawless

      1. The Bandit
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        He’s attention seeking to die for, never questioned his decisions

        1. *Reformed-Character*
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          Shhhhhhhh

  6. Magic Bean
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Looking at this game, personally thinking that a Salah goal and Liverpool going through might be better for Salah owners overall. If City go through surely the confidence goes south for Liverpool and Salah going into BOU.

  7. Monkey Hanger
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Salah is obviously a 'flash in the pan'. šŸ™‚

    1. Zilla
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      no

  8. ā˜…Kunthemanā˜…
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Wait till Aguero comes on. Havoc!

    1. walkman666
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Why isn't Aguero in there to start?

    2. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      It’s the hope that kills šŸ˜‰

  9. Brosstan
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Why is TAA making the forward passes for Liverpool? Constantly losing posession because the Pool midfielders are invisible.

  10. ā˜…Kunthemanā˜…
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    This is why I wanted Bernardo against Robertson. Absolutely owning him

    1. Deulofail
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Get back to the game, Pep!

  11. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Salah two touches 😮

  12. Stevie B
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    My team is:

    De Gea, Ryan
    Smalling, Vertonghen, Morgan, Lowton, Mustafi
    Salah, Son, Mahrez, Willian, Lewis Cook
    Aubameyang, Lukaku, Barnes

    What is better?

    A) Mustafi and Aubameyang -> Chilwell and Kane
    B) Mustafi and Aubameyang -> Alonso and Vardy

    Thank you!

  13. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Bernado post

  14. F4L
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Silva so close 😯

  15. Jafooli
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    City post

  16. Hybrid.power
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    So close

  17. Monkey Hanger
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Ox thinking he is Stevie G.

  18. Sandy Ravage
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    I was made a 40 yard pass to myself - 20 yards upwards and 20 yards back down.

  19. CloudSky
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    😮

  20. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Wow sand goal disallowed

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Sane

  21. Hybrid.power
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Offside goal

  22. F4L
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    dammm

  23. ā˜…Kunthemanā˜…
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    ARGHHHHHHHHHHH BERNARDO I LOVE YOU

  24. Jafooli
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    2-0 disallowed...

  25. Deulofail
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    What a minute!

  26. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Bilva post!

  27. Sim Simma
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Sane was onside

    1. gaurava1216
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      onside!! all day and came off milner...

    2. the axolotl
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      you don't know the rules it seems

      1. the axolotl
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        oh milner, i stand corrected

  28. Bubz
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    He was onside?

    1. F4L
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      goalie wasn't in his goal

      1. Bubz
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Ohhhh

        1. F4L
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          came off Milner tho , was actually onside šŸ˜† My bad

    2. diesel001
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      No - to be onside there has to be two players keeping you onside. Usually one is the GK, but in this case Karius had come flying out.

    3. Reuser
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Offside - Karius was further forward than Sane. Need 2 players ahead of you....

  29. ā˜…Kunthemanā˜…
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    KEEP IT UP LADS KEEP IT UPPPPPPPPP

    1. Sánchez
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Wrong website?

  30. Chucky
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Bilva looking very lively...