Our pre-Gameweek assessment arrives once again this Thursday lunchtime. Arsenal and Sunderland’s double, the battle for survival, Jose Mourinho’s rotation policy and Steven Gerrard’s final Anfield bow are amongst out topics this time around.
Ozil as a differential for the double…
Our final chance to scout the Gunners’ main men proved a bitter disappointment after Arsene Wenger’s side succumbed to a 1-0 home defeat against Swansea on Monday evening. With Olivier Giroud now failing to score in each of his last four, many are instead focusing on the Arsenal midfield for the double – indeed, Eden Hazard has been the most transferred out player in the Gameweek as we free up funds to facilitate the move for Arsene Wenger’s big hitters. Whilst Alexis Sanchez, Santi Cazorla and Aaron Ramsey have persuaded plenty to investment, Mesut Ozil has been drafted in by just over 5,000 FPL managers this week. The 4%-owned German has created more chances over Arsenal’s last six than any team-mate and with four double-figure hauls in his last 11, could be the canniest option for those chasing down min-league leaders.
Jose’s rotation plans…
After making five changes to his starting line-up against Liverpool, the Blues boss laid bare his intentions to make a number of alterations for this weekend’s trip to West Brom. Whilst we can expect Eden Hazard and Cesc Fabregas to be afforded a rest, skipper John Terry has admitted he’s desperate to continue in the heart of defence as he looks to break his own goal scoring record for a single season. It remains to be seen whether Mourinho will resist making wholesale changes and instead field a more experienced backline in order to afford his side more balance and greater defensive stability against Tony Pulis’ outfit.
Villa’s chance to clinch their survival..
Tim Sherwood’s side roll up to St Mary’s looking for a win that would secure their top-flight safety for another season. With the Saints conceding twice in each of their last four, Villa could barely ask for a better chance of breaching Ronald Koeman’s backline, with Southampton struggling for resilience since Fraser Forster’s injury. Villa’s home clash with Burnley on the final day of the season looks tailor-made for Christian Benteke and the in-form Tom Cleverley to run riot but with an FA Cup final to consider, Sherwood will surely be going all out for a win this week in order to give him the option of rotating for Gameweek 38, thus ensuring his regulars remain injury-free for the Wembley showdown at the end of the month.
…and Sunderland’s…
At this point of the season, double Gameweeks can take on a new twist as the battle intensifies at both ends of the pitch. Subject to significant investment this week, Sunderland head into their home match against Leicester with their survival still in question but, if results go their way, Dick Advocaat’s side could be safe before 5pm on Saturday. Given that they have a midweek trip to Arsenal still to follow, the Black Cats’ new owners will be hoping that Nigel Pearson’s side prevent the Wearsiders grabbing a much-needed win in order to ensure they still have everything to play for at the Emirates on Wednesday.
Kane at home to the struggling Tigers…
After a single goal in six, can the Tottenham youngster return to form in his final home outing of the season? Kane still sits in a massive 48% of FPL sides and with Sunderland’s strikers failing to grab our attentions for the double, many are happy to hold as Hull make their way to the Lane. Two points adrift of safety, Steve Bruce’s side could be relegated this weekend depending on results and they cannot afford to play it safe – given that the visitors are likely to go for broke, then, Kane could well be set to benefit.
Gerrard’s final Anfield bow…
The Liverpool skipper is ticking over nicely ahead of his final home league appearance this weekend. Gerrard entertains Palace on the back of successive strikes against QPR and Chelsea and with the visitors managing a single clean sheet in 16 under Alan Pardew, the script almost looks written for him to go out in style. Given that Arsenal’s midfield have been the main subject of our attentions this week, the Reds skipper looks set to steal under the radar as a differential as he looks to hand Pardew’s men a fifth straight defeat.
Monk’s tactical set-up
In all likelihood, Garry Monk’s use of Gylfi Sigurdsson as a “false nine” against Arsenal was down to Bafetimbi Gomis’ lack of fitness after returning from a hamstring injury. The Swansea boss has shown his tactical acumen this season, however, switching between 4-2-3-1 and a midfield diamond, and the success of Monday’s formation at the Emirates may give him food for thought against tougher opposition. With a home clash against City up next, it’ll be interesting to see whether Sigurdsson continues as the most advanced central option or whether Gomis is handed a chance to start after netting the late winner against the Gunners.
