Our final Mission article of the 2014/15 has one eye on this weekend and another already focused on the season ahead. Arsenal and Villa’s teamsheets, Chelsea’s motivation, Hull and Newcastle’s battle to beat the drop and the future prospects of Bafetimbi Gomis, James Milner and Yannick Bolasie are all on this morning’s agenda.
Gomis at Selhurst Park…
After a slow start to the season, the Frenchman has finally flourished as a result of Wilfried Bony’s departure to City. Gomis’ strike against City last weekend means he’s now scored five times in as many appearances for Swansea and is clearly growing into his role as Garry Monk’s preferred frontman. Having also netted against the likes of Arsenal and United, Gomis certainly looks one to watch for the upcoming season and this Sunday’s visit to a Palace side with one clean sheet in 17 under Alan Pardew will afford him further chance to stake a claim for our pre-season watchlists.
Lukaku’s momentum …
There’s something about the end of the season that brings out the best in the Everton striker. Having bagged a hat-trick for West Brom against United on the final day of 2012/13, Lukaku seems intent on ending this year on a similar high – a 12-point haul against West Ham last week was his best score of the campaign. Over the last four Gameweeks, the Belgian has produced more shots (19) and created more chances (eight) than any other forward and now hosts a Spurs side with three clean sheets on their travels. At 8.7, he looks an obvious move for those Olivier Giroud owners looking for a way out after the Frenchman drew a sixth successive blank in midweek.
Sherwood’s teamsheet…
With Villa’s survival now intact, there are two schools of thought in light of their 6-1 thrashing at Southampton. Some predict that Sherwood will rotate his regulars with one eye clearly on the FA Cup final on May 30, whilst others reckon that the Villa boss will be desperate for a morale-boost ahead of a home clash against Burnley. Considering that Christian Benteke is second only to David Silva for transfers in this week, Sherwood’s decision could have a significant say in our mini-leagues, given that many will be ready to hand the Belgian the armband – he sits second in this week’s Captain Poll on 17%.
..and Wenger’s…
Wednesday night’s draw with Sunderland puts Arsenal three points ahead of United in the race for third and with a superior goal difference of +7, it will need a turnaround of considerable proportions for Wenger’s men to slip up now. After seeing his team fail to score for the third successive home match, though, the Gunners boss conceded that fatigue is now a factor and will “certainly rest now or two players” this weekend. Many Fantasy managers are already sitting with a full quota of Gunners options after their double and with his side clearly toiling in the final third, Wenger’s starting line-up could also have a major say on the overall standings when the dust settles on Sunday.
Leicester’s opportunity to sign off in style …
With their survival clinched at Sunderland last weekend, the Foxes now close out the season at home to QPR – a side that’s conceded more goals on their travels than any other team. Four wins and a draw in their last six, supplemented by five clean sheets, secured Leicester’s safety and highlight how reliable their main men have been at both ends of the pitch in recent outings. Many will still be holding the Foxes chief assets on the back of double Gameweek 34 and Sunday’s showdown looks filled with further promise. The only worry is, with the pressure now off, can Nigel Pearson’s side maintain their momentum with little more than pride left to play for?
Hull’s last roll of the dice…
The back-to-back wins in double Gameweek 34 look to be a false dawn as Steve Bruce’s side teeter on the brink of relegation. All is not yet lost, though, as the Tigers prepare for the visit of their manager’s former club, Man United, on Sunday. Due to their inferior goal difference, rivals Newcastle would be relegated if they fail to win and Hull get the better of the Red Devils. Given that they have scored twice at home to Chelsea and City this term, it certainly isn’t beyond Hull’s capabilities and Nikica Jelavic and Dame N’Doye could be shaping up to be ready-made differentials for the season finale.
..and Newcastle’s
A single point accrued in the last ten matches underlines the Magpies’ form, with John Carver clearly struggling in the hotseat. Nonetheless, a two-point advantage over Hull means that a home win over West Ham will be sufficient for Newcastle and with everything to play for, could opting for their main protagonists prove a canny last transfer? Moussa Sissoko’s underlying stats suggest he could be a final-day differential, whilst Carver may throw caution to the wind and hand Papiss Cisse the chance to earn himself a place in Tyneside folklore.
Bolasie’s role for the Eagles…
As the season unfolds, Alan Pardew seems to be in experimental mode. Last week’s 4-4-2 formation saw Wilfried Zaha and Glenn Murray drop to the bench as Yannick Bolasie was handed the chance to partner fit-again Marouane Chamakh in the 3-1 win at Liverpool. Bolasie has recently been fielded as a “false nine” away to Chelsea and with Zaha, Lee Chung-Young and Jason Puncheon offering options out wide, will we see Bolasie up front again at home to Swansea? The Bolasie-Puncheon debate is likely to continue into next term but there’s no doubt that if Pardew is keen to utilise him up top on occasion, many will be swayed by the DR Congo international’s out-of-position prospects.
Chelsea’s motivation levels…
Defeat at West Brom on Monday had Jose Mourinho blaming Chelsea’s title rivals, with the Blues clearly lacking in motivation since winning the league. Over their past two matches, the Blues have scored once, conceded four times and failed to bring home a clean sheet – hardly ideal preparation for the final match of the season. Nonetheless, Mourinho’s men still have something to play for – they are the only unbeaten side at home in England’s top four leagues, whilst the Special One will surely be intent on revenge after the Black Cats ended his 77-match unbeaten run at Stamford Bridge last season. With Cesc Fabregas suspended, Diego Costa looking rusty after weeks on the sidelines and Eden Hazard currently doubtful due to emergency dental surgery, can the champions flex their muscles for a final time?
Milner’s chance to impress…
The move to City has never really worked out for the former Villa man, whose versatility means he’s never quite managed to nail down a regular role at the Etihad. Milner’s back-to-back goals seem to have temporarily earned him the edge over Jesus Navas on the right and continued some impressive showings that highlight his Fantasy potential. From Gameweek 24 onwards, Milner has scored five times in just 577 minutes pitch time – the same number of goals as David Silva has managed over 1184 minutes and fewer than only Eden Hazard and Sadio Mane, with six apiece. With his contract almost over, Milner could play himself onto Premier League summer shopping lists, with a regular role elsewhere sure to boost the potential of a player who racked up 184 points back in 2009/10.
