We take time out to assess the lessons learned over the weekend’s league and cup matches this Monday lunchtime. The battle between Sergio Aguero and Harry Kane for our armband attentions, Arsenal’s current malaise, Romelu Lukaku and Gylfi Sigurdsson’s momentum and Bournemouth’s in-form midfield all find a place on this afternoon’s menu.
Aguero vs Kane could decide our seasons…
Given Aston Villa’s predicament, there was no real surprise to Harry Kane’s brace against the top-flight’s whipping boys on Sunday afternoon. Sergio Aguero’s blank at Carrow Road, on the other hand, proved a major disappointment to those who handed him the armband as the Argentine served up two points to the Spurs man’s 13. Typically, Aguero – when fit – is an obvious armband candidate for most Fantasy managers in any given Gameweek but Kane is looking more than a match for the City striker right now. Getting that captaincy call correct in any given Gameweeks is proving trickier than ever as both sides attempt to finish the season with a flourish.
City need Toure’s goal power…
Back in the goals in last week’s win over Villa, the Ivorian’s heel injury absence in the centre of the park derailed City’s title tilt at the weekend. The Chilean kept faith in last week’s 4-4-2 formation, with Wilfried Bony alongside Sergio Aguero up top, but, somewhat tellingly, City’s four midfield starters at Carrow Road had scored a mere three league goals between them all season. If Manuel Pellegrini’s men are to build momentum over the run-in, Toure’s roaming runs forward from the centre of the park looks vital – encouragingly for City, the Ivorian returned to training today and has been passed fit for the midweek Champions League encounter with Kiev.
Steadfast Norwich might just grind their way to safety…
Having shipped 12 goals in their previous four home matches, the Canaries’ resilient rearguard display against City may yet see them steer clear of relegation. Alex Neil’s men welcome both Sunderland and Newcastle to Carrow Road in the next four – proverbial six-pointers against relegation rivals that could prove decisive to their survival bid. With clashes against West Brom, Palace and Watford also to follow in the next five, those Fantasy managers who have already played their second wildcard could turn to the the likes of Timm Klose and Russell Martin as double Gameweek enablers.
Arsenal have us all worried…
Yesterday’s 2-1 cup loss to Watford means that the Gunners have managed a single victory in their last seven in all competitions – an FA Cup replay over Championship outfit Hull. Arsene Wenger’s side still have the fixtures to flourish but with their morale dropping by the week, can they arrest their current malaise? With Alexis Sanchez looking a shadow of his former self and Olivier Giroud scoring in just one of his last 12 league appearances, the Emirates side’s lack of cutting edge may even see some contemplate a transfer out for Mesut Ozil as they stumble over the finishing line.
The Cherries midfield is ripe for picking….
A 3-2 win over Swansea has all but secured Bournemouth’s top-flight survival. The Cherries’ recent surge in form has coincided with the return of Max Gradel and Josh King from injury, with Eddie Howe’s decision to switch to 4-4-1-1 earning his side three wins and a draw in their last four fixtures. Gradel’s goal and assist against the Swans backed up his underlying stats, whilst the form of King (two goals and an assist in two) and Matt Ritchie (four assists in three) suggests the Dean Court club will have plenty to offer for the run-in and the following campaign, as Howe’s charges become more accustomed to life in the top-flight.
Lukaku is going to sky rocket…
Having bullied the Chelsea defence into submission last weekend, the Everton striker is approaching the final few months of 2015/16 in fine form. The Toffees’ 2-0 win and resultant progress to the FA Cup semi-finals means that they now have a trio of fixtures to be rescheduled over the remainder of the season, alerting Fantasy managers to their points potential. Lukaku, undoubtedly, is their prime pick and with the likes of Spurs and Leicester both devoid of a double, we can expect a major bandwagon for the Belgian once those matches are handed a new date.
Even Robles will be a hot property…
At the other end of the pitch, the Toffees’ stopper also looks set for significant investment due to their schedule. Confirmed as Everton’s keeper for cup competitions by Roberto Martinez earlier in the season, Robles seems to have usurped Tim Howard as the permanent number one and has started each of the last five league outings. Prior to their 3-2 home loss to West Ham – where they were reduced to ten men – the Merseysiders had conceded just twice in four with the Spaniard between the sticks and, at a price of 4.3, he looks an obvious target for wildcarders to pinpoint.
Sigurdsson is as good as ever…
After a sluggish start to the campaign, the Swansea playmaker has served a timely reminder of his Fantasy talents. Overshadowed by Andre Ayew for the majority of the season, Sigurdsson is now just two points behind the Ghanaian after bagging his ninth goal of 2015/16 in Saturday’s narrow loss at Bournemouth. Sigurdsson has now served up seven goals and an assist in his last 11 league outings and with a win over Villa this weekend potentially securing the Swans’ survival, he looks well positioned to maintain that momentum.
