Riyad Mahrez takes his turn in the Leicester limelight as the Foxes’ hot-streak continues. Tom Cleverley is another unlikely hero as Villa cling to the points, while the Black Cats use up several of their nine lives as they ride their luck to claim a priceless victory at Goodison. Here’s the notes from Saturday’s action…
Fortune favours Black Cats
Sunderland propelled themselves out of the relegation berths courtesy of a 2-0 victory over Everton at Goodison Park. Danny Graham was handed successive starts for the first time this campaign and produced the Black Cats’ opener, inadvertently diverting Jordi Gomez’ shot beyond the reach of Tim Howard. A similar dose of good luck befell the visitors when Jermain Defoe doubled the Wearsiders’ lead via another deflection; the former Spurs striker’s second goal in five starts keeps him on our shortlist as Sunderland gear up for their double Gameweek.
Wes Brown (4.3) made his first start since succumbing to injury in Gameweek 30, usurping the injured John O’Shea. However, the cheaper Patrick van Aanholt (4.1), who’s tallied five assists this term by virtue of his marauding full-back play, remains the key Fantasy asset in Dick Advocat’s rearguard. Coastal Pantilimon’s stock was also boosted by a 8-point FPL return as Sunderland recorded a second clean sheet in five. Those holding Sunderland’s defensive assets will hope that Pantilimon and his defence can rebuff Leicester’s buoyant attack when they visit the Stadium of Light next weekend; testing encounters with Arsenal and Chelsea then follow.
Steven Fletcher earned 11 minutes off the bench after returning to the matchday squad. The Scotland international started in three straight before his two-match layoff, so could well threaten Graham’s start in Sunderland’s three-man attack next time out.
In the Everton camp, Ross Barkley and Leon Osman were drafted in for Steven Naismith and Kevin Mirallas. The momentum generated from a six-match unbeaten streak from Gameweek 29 appears to have dissipated, as the Toffees stumbled to their second loss against a relegation threatened outfit (Aston Villa, Sunderland) in as many weeks. To compound matters, Roberto Martinez revealed post-match that Leighton Baines could miss the remainder of the season – the left-back was forced off on 74 minutes with an ankle problem.
Cleverley the hero as Villa march on
Tom Cleverley scored for the third consecutive match as Aston Villa ran out 1-0 victors over West Ham. Jack Grealish (4.3), who’s been threatening to deliver attacking returns of late with his starring displays, grabbed the assist, while Cleverley (5.2) continues to emerge as a budget prospect with his run of goals.
After back-to-back victories at Villa Park, Tim Sherwood’s side look set to overcome the looming spectre of relegation. While a trip to Southampton next weekend promises to be a tough encounter (Saints are unbeaten in last four home fixtures), a home tie against Burnley on final day of the campaign could produce strong returns for Villa’s form recruits.
As for the Hammers, they’ve now drawn blanks in three of their previous four fixtures. Furthermore Sam Allardyce’s floundering outfit lay claim to just two wins – against struggling Sunderland and Burnley sides – in the last 14 Gameweeks. As such, West Ham’s defence – in appreciation of their three clean sheets in seven matches – appears to be the only viable route into their squad.
Ings goal proves futile
Despite recording a 1-0 win over Hull City at the KC Stadium, Burnley were officially relegated on Saturday afternoon due to results elsewhere conspiring against them. Danny Ings left it all too late to banish his 10-match barren run, in turn putting paid to Clarets’ 631-minute goalless streak. The fact Burnley have now registered three shut-outs in eight prevents them from being a complete Fantasy write-off, with Duff’s 6% ownership eyeing up the clean sheet potential in their final pair of fixtures in the top flight (STO, avl).
Hull slipped into the bottom three by way of their second straight home defeat. The hosts fired in shots throughout the encounter, registering 21 goal attempts. Nonetheless, Burnley keeper Tom Heaton was only forced into making three saves, while Dame N’Doye failed to mustered a single effort on goal. With two testing fixtures remaining (tot, MUN), Hull’s top flight tenure looks to be hanging by a thread.
Mahrez brace stuns lacklustre Saints
An impressive 2-0 home win over Southampton marked the Foxes’ sixth victory in seven. Riyad Mahrez notched an unlikely brace, doubling his haul for the season and tallying his highest post-bonus points haul (16). Jamie Vardy (one goal and two assists in four) and Leonardo Ulloa (two goals and one assist in two) kept their total score ticking over with an assist apiece, underlining the merits of backing the Foxes’ red-hot attacking contingent.
Those that have retained Leicester defenders since their double Gameweek 34 were handsomely rewarded by a fourth clean sheet in five outings. With two low-scoring teams left on the agenda in Queens Park Rangers (one goal in three) and Sunderland (eight goals in 11), further shut-outs could be forthcoming.
It wasn’t all good news for Leicester as Matty James was stretched off with a potentially serious knee injury. The full extent of his injury won’t be elucidated until James undergoes a scan, but manager Nigel Pearson revealed that it “didn’t look great”. David Nugent was also struck down by a further injury after seeing action from the bench following a calf problem. Ulloa could also be a concern – he continues to be troubled by hamstring problems and left the field gingerly after 78 minutes.
Ronald Koeman named four changes from the XI that lost to Sunderland last time out, most notably affording Paulo Gazzaniga his start start of the season ahead of Kelvin Davis. Ultimately, Saints registered their fourth successive defeat on the road and extended their winless streak to four matches. With a visit from a buoyant Aston Villa side and a trip to Manchester City up next, faith in their high-ownership defenders – who’ve notched one clean sheet in six – has waned dramatically.
Magpies Cling To A Point
Newcastle arrested their eight-game losing streak with a 1-1 home draw to West Brom. Ayoze Perez popped up with the equaliser, tallying his second goal in three starts. Priced at 4.3, the Spanish marksman has emerged as a bargain forward differential as the Toon gear up for a pair of agreeable fixtures (qpr, WHU). Papiss Cisse clocked 26 minutes of pitch time on his return from suspension, while Rolando Aarons was deemed fit enough for a bench role – providing a much-needed boost to the Magpies’ toothless attack.
Ryan Taylor produced the assist for Perez’ goal – the 4.4 FPL defender remained in a holding midfield role and continues to offer potential via his dead-ball delivery. Taylor earned maximum FPL bonus as a result of his contribution and the fact he supplied 15 crossed balls, six of which found their target.
Adam Punishes Impotent Spurs
Charlie Adam’s late-season surge of form continued as he notched his fourth goal in six starts as Stoke City recorded a 3-0 victory over Totenham. Steven N’Zonzi doubled the Potters lead just after the hour mark, before Mame Biram Diouf compounded Spurs’ misery three minutes from time, talling his fourth goal in nine starts. Adam is undoubtedly the surprise package in the Potters’ camp, however. Priced at 5.4 in the FPL, his current run of form harks back to his heyday as a Fantasy asset whilst on Blackpool’s books in 2010/11. Stoke now face relegated Burnley at Turf Moor, before Adam will host former club Liverpool on the final day.
Goal-Shy Kane Anonymous Again
Harry Kane drew a blank for the fifth occasion in six outings, fashioning just one (blocked) shot at goal throughout the 93 minutes. Considering Tottenham have failed to net in four of their previous six matches and carded just one win during that period, the temptation to cash in on Kane grows ever stronger. That being said, Spurs’ imminent home tie against Hull City may dissuade managers from freeing up that berth just yet.
Vlad Chiriches received a red card for a second bookable offence early on in the second half, ruling him out of the Tigers clash. Danny Rose – who only made the bench due to a minor groin problem – will likely return next weekend, allowing Eric Dier to move to right-back and Jan Vertonghen to revert to centre-back.
United Snatch The Points
Manchester United bounced back from their three successive defeats to record a hard-fought 2-1 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. Juan Mata rewarded his 9% ownership for their patience during a personal three-match barren spell, scoring United’s opener from the spot after Scott Dann handled Ashley Young’s cross – Mata now boasts four goals in his last seven.
Marouane Fellaini (6.4) reaffirmed his status as a midfield differential, sealing all three points for the Red Devils with his third goal in eight outings. Ashley Young was awarded the assist for both goals, giving him a goal and four assists in five starts – a strong return for his modest 5.0 FPL outlay.
United’s victory was soured somewhat by a plethora of injuries. Wayne Rooney spearheaded their attack from the off – after Robin van Persie was ruled out due to sickness – but was forced off at the half due to a dead leg. Luke Shaw (dizziness) and Chris Smalling (cramp) were also removed from the field of play but will be expected to be in contention for Arsenal’s visit next weekend. Phil Jones made his return to the side, while Angel Di Maria missed out after he sustained an injury in training.
Puncheon Nets From the Bench
Alan Pardew enacted three changes for United encounter, recalling Glenn Murray while dropping Jason Puncheon to the bench, as Mile Jedinak returned to the midfield.
Puncheon was eventually introduced for Joe Ledley at half-time as Palace chased the game and he combined with Murray for Palace’s equaliser: Puncehon converting a free-kick after Murray was fouled by Chris Smalling.
That dead-ball effort represents Palace’s only goal in the last four matches having fallen to four consecutive losses. Indeed, having shown strong attacking form, promoting the likes of Puncheon, Murray and Yannick Bolasie in our thinking, their output has dried up.
Palace face a trip to Liverpool next, before welcoming Swansea City to Selhurst park on the final day of the season. The patchy form of both opponents may offer those still holding Palace assets some hope of an upturn in fortunes.
