With a number of big hitters getting amongst the goals over the international break, Fantasy managers are looking for more of the same as the domestic action returns this weekend. Eden Hazard, Alexis Sanchez, Wayne Rooney and Harry Kane’s displays will be eagerly monitored, as will Kevin de Bruyne’s potential debut for City at Palace. Here’s the variables we’ll be monitoring over Gameweek 5…
Hazard’s chance to kick start his season…
Back-to-back goals for Belgium over the international break will have handed the Chelsea winger a major morale-boost after a disappointing start to the domestic campaign. Having earned a single assist in the first four Gameweeks, Hazard has been subject to over 610,000 transfers out, with many turning to the cheaper Pedro as a viable route into the Blues’ attack. Jose Mourinho’s side travel to Goodison – a place where they won 6-3 last season – affording Hazard owners a reason for optimism after his recent malaise.
Stoke in Sanchez’ sights…
Alexis Sanchez leads all midfielder for both shots and efforts inside the box, yet, like Hazard, has no more than an assist to show for his first four league outings. With a home clash against Stoke on the horizon, though, the Chilean sits second only to Sergio Aguero in this week’s Captain Poll as we look for the Gunner to translate those underlying stats into Fantasy returns. Another blank and many owners may feel that 11.0 price tag may be put to better use.
De Bruyne’s role in Pellegrini’s plans…
City’s new signing racked up the returns from the role in “the hole” at Wolfsburg in the previous campaign. De Bruyne returns to the Premier League on the back of ten goals and 20 assists in last season’s Bundesliga, though it remains to be seen whether he’ll be shifted onto the right flank at the expense of Jesus Navas or whether his arrival will force David Silva out wide instead. With City’s attack a priority for many, De Bruyne’s position and impact may well force a rethink.
Sako against the City rearguard…
Two goals and an assist in his first couple of appearances have catapulted the Palace winger onto our radars since his summer transfer from Wolves. With Riyad Mahrez the default budget midfield for many, though, Sako remains a real differential despite serving up double-figure returns against both Villa and Chelsea. Prove himself against City’s resilient backline and that 2% ownership will surely soar.
More signs of Ranieri’s tinkering…
For the opening three Gameweeks, the Leicester manager belied his “Tinkerman” moniker, rolling out a 4-4-2 formation with next to no personnel changes. Ranieri’s decision to switch to a 4-2-3-1 away to Bournemouth was the first real indication that we may have to expected the unexpected again, with Shinji Okazaki dropping to the bench to afford N’Golo Kante his first Premier League start. With a home encounter against Villa up next, though, we’ll be looking for patterns and signs of consistency, with the Foxes boss perhaps utilising a two-man frontline at the King Power and going on the offensive in front of his own fans.
The Baggies backline pecking order…
The late summer arrivals of Anders Lindegaard and Jonny Evans, allied with the departure of Joleon Lescott, casts some uncertainty over the make-up of Tony Pulis’ defence for the home clash with Southampton. Given that they’ve served up two clean sheets in the last three, the midlands outfit are showing signs of the form that produced 16 shut-outs in 2014/15 and with some fine fixtures to follow, many will be looking for an indication of Pulis’ regulars as we mull over investing.
Liverpool’s response to the West Ham mauling…
Things were looking relatively rosy for Brendan Rodgers prior to the Gameweek 4 home encounter with West Ham. A 3-0 humbling at Anfield has changed all that, though, with doubts raised over their consistency at either end of the pitch. The Merseysiders now roll up to Old Trafford without the suspended Philippe Coutinho and with Dejan Lovren quivering in defence, Rodgers doesn’t have his problems to seek right now. With home clashes against Norwich and Villa on the horizon, those holding the Reds chief assets will be desperate for some reassurance before reassessing.
Rooney’s momentum after the big 50…
Like many of this season’s big hitters, the United skipper has been a domestic disappointment so far. Having broken the England scoring record in midweek, though, can Rooney finally emerge from his Old Trafford struggles? A Champions League hat-trick against Club Brugges has already proved a false dawn but Rooney needs little motivation to finally get firing in the top-flight as bitter rivals Liverpool pay visit on Saturday evening. We’ll also be keeping a close eye on the minutes and position of new boy Anthony Martial, as Louis van Gaal looks to integrate the big-money signing into the United line-up.
Kane against the Black Cats…
The Spurs striker also scored in both his international appearances over the break to suggest he’s set to cast aside his early-season struggles. Kane has yet to justify his move into the premium striker bracket after a 21-goal breakout season last time out but he’ll be full of confidence against Sunderland’s porous defence at the Stadium of Light on Saturday. Granted, he then has City and Swansea in the following three but, as we saw last season, Kane is fixture-proof when he’s firing on all cylinders.
West Ham’s search for consistency…
It’s fair to say that, so far, Slaven Bilic’s tenure at Upton Park has been wildly unpredictable. Wins and clean sheets on their travels against Arsenal and Liverpool sandwich back-to-back home losses to Leicester and Bournemouth, with the Hammers boss still looking for the best formation and personnel at his disposal. With the likes of Michail Antonio and Victor Moses added to the options out wide, a home clash with Newcastle affords them the chance to kick on from the Anfield victory ahead of upcoming clashes with Norwich, Sunderland and Palace in the next five.
Monk’s formation at Watford…
After falling behind at home to United, the Swansea manager’s decision to move to a midfield diamond proved instrumental. With Andre Ayew moved up front alongside Bafetimbi Gomis, the Welsh club overcame United to hand them a first defeat of the season, with Ayew’s goal and assist guiding them to a 2-1 win. With some uncertainty still surrounding the availability of Jefferson Montero (despite his return to training), will Monk keep faith in the system that overcame United or will he welcome the Ecuadorian back into his starting XI, should he prove his fitness in time? Certainly, Ayew owners will be hoping for another run out up front as he looks to add to his three goals and assist thus far.
