There’s much for us to consider as we turn our attentions to the weekend’s round of fixtures. Alexis Sanchez and Sergio Aguero’s form, Chelsea’s recent lack of resilience, the new budget options between the sticks and Harry Kane’s armband showdown with the double Gameweek strikers are all on the lunchtime menu.
Sanchez’ form against the Reds…
Having served up a single goal in his last seven league appearances, the Chilean is on borrowed time for many Fantasy managers. The most transferred-out midfielder since the previous Gameweek, Sanchez could yet earn a reprieve bearing in mind that Arsenal travel to Burnley next weekend. With a blank Gameweek 33 preceding the visit of Chelsea, though, it’s likely to take something special against this week’s visitors Liverpool to persuade owners to hold – given that the Reds have six successive shut-outs on their travels, Sanchez certainly faces a tough task to remain in so many managers’ plans.
Chelsea’s resilience as the Potters roll up…
After going 2-0 up at Hull in the previous Gameweek, Chelsea’s defence capitulated and allowed the Tigers to quickly claw back the deficit before a late Loic Remy goal earned them the points. The Blues’ recent showings have been atypical of a Jose Mourinho side closing in on the title – the league leaders have mustered a mere two clean sheets in their last seven fixtures, with only Branislav Ivanovic’s attacking returns justifying the hefty outlay. Given that many are mulling over a Chelsea double-up in defence ahead of double Gameweek 34, we need a convincing display at home to Stoke this weekend to strengthen our faith in the Blues’ backline again.
Kane versus the double Gameweek strikers…
It’s almost unheard of for any player with a single fixture to be leading our Captain Poll but the Tottenham forward’s stunning form keeps him ahead of Charlie Austin and Christian Benteke in the armband pecking order. Austin has just a single assist in his last three, whilst Benteke has notched three times in as many matches heading into the double yet for many, the first match of their doubles – away to West Brom and United respectively – is enough of a deterrent. Kane, meanwhile, has racked up five sets of double-figures in eight appearances ahead of Tottenham’s trip to Burnley and going against the in-form youngster could prove decisive in many a mini-league pecking order.
Aguero’s showing at Selhurst Park…
A midweek goal in Argentina’s win over Ecuador served a reminder of the talents that tormented top-flight backlines in the first half of the season. Since returning from injury, though, Aguero has failed to justify his lofty price tag, scoring in just two of his ten appearances and with double Gameweeks looming, he’s been the fall guy for many Fantasy managers. Over 58,000 have transferred him out – more than twice the number of any other forward – but a trip to a Palace side with a single clean sheet under Alan Pardew surely hands him the chance to get back amongst the goals again. With West Ham and Villa also paying visit in the next four, a return to form on Monday evening may force many to re-think.
Pearson’s attacking options as the double looms…
Whilst the Leicester boss continues to remain faithful to his 5-2-3 formation, a change in personnel last week has potentially scuppered our double Gameweek 34 plans. After shifting Jeffrey Schlupp to left wing-back in Gameweek 29 in order to accommodate Jamie Vardy in his front three, Nigel Pearson benched Riyad Mahrez and Andrej Kramaric and drafted in David Nugent and Leonardo Ulloa for the trip to Tottenham. Nugent and Vardy emerged with a goal and assist apiece in the 4-3 defeat but their classification as forwards is a real deterrent – can Mahrez forced his way back into contention and offer a viable midfield option for the upcoming double?
Davis and Myhill between the sticks…
Season-ending injuries to Fraser Forster and Ben Foster have seen many Fantasy managers considering their cut-price understudies as replacements. At 4.4, Davis offers the cheapest option in a Southampton defence that have already served up 14 clean sheets this season, whilst Myhill, at a mere 4.0, hands us an obvious route into a West Brom rearguard with six shut-outs in ten league outings under Tony Pulis. The concern is – will Davis and Myhill be up to the task as able replacements or will their stints between the sticks lessen the resilience of two of the tightest defences around?
Fellaini as a valid option…
Three goals over the international break highlighted the Belgian’s growing self-belief after nailing down a regular role for United. Louis van Gaal’s decision to move to 4-3-3 and install Fellaini in the centre of the park has proven instrumental in his side’s push for a top two finish, with the former Everton man serving up a goal and assist in the Gameweek 29 home win over Spurs. As mentioned in Tuesday’s members article, Fellaini has offered far more threat than Juan Mata in recent weeks yet has mainly been overlooked due to the Spaniard’s match-winning brace at Anfield. Currently sitting in just 1% of FPL sides, can the 6.3-priced Belgian kick on from his recent showings and offer us a value route into Van Gaal’s XI or will be revert to the frustrating displays that typified his first year-and-a-half at Old Trafford?
Siggy’s form as the fixtures smile kindly…
Two goals in his last five hint at Bafetimbi Gomis’ potential after a sluggish start to life in the top-flight but with places in our three-man frontlines at a premium, few will be willing to punt on the summer signing at a time where double Gameweeks are our priority. With more scope in midfield, though, can Gylfi Sigurdsson play his way back into our plans? There’s no doubt the Icelandic international has gone off the boil, with just a single goal in seven appearances since the turn of the year, but the next five Gameweeks (HUL, EVE, lei, new, STO) could barely be kinder as Garry Monk’s side attempt to cement a top eight finish. Now down to 6.5 from a season-high price of 7.0, Sigurdsson is owned by over 24% of FPL managers and his showings over the short-term could well have a significant effect on the overall standings.
