With another batch of fixtures now behind us, we look for some lessons learned over the seven matches. Chelsea’s main assets look ripe for the double Gameweek 37 picking, Kevin De Bruyne’s domestic minutes will continue to be managed, whilst Southampton become the latest side to frustrate us thanks to rotation.
Hazard and Fabregas are Gameweek 37 factors…
To say the Chelsea duo have disappointed us this season is something of an understatement. Nonetheless, the manner of Chelsea’s 4-1 win at Bournemouth brings both Hazard and Fabregas back onto our radars after they racked up 15 and 13 points respectively at Dean Court on Saturday afternoon. With Willian and Pedro getting amongst the goal against the Cherries, we’re suddenly looking to the reinvigorated champions’ midfield as a source of investment at a time where Liverpool and City’s team sheets are proving a source of consternation.
Koeman’s teamsheet can’t be trusted…
A visit to Villa looked tailor-made for Southampton to deliver attacking returns, with Sadio Mane (three goals in four) and Graziano Pelle (four goals and three assists in five) in fine form prior to Saturday’s encounter. Whilst the Saints did indeed run riot thanks to a 4-2 win over the relegated midlands outfit, Mane and Pelle were shifted onto the bench as Ronald Koeman handed Jay Rodriguez a first start of the season, allowing Shane Long to lead the line at Pelle’s expense. With Long playing a part in three goals and Dusan Tadic bagging a brace, Koeman’s increasing number of options in the final third suggests it’s best to steer clear. Given that they are up against City and Tottenham next, though, that may be no bad thing.
…but backing against Villa remains valid…
The weekend loss against the Saints yet again highlighted the effectiveness of backing Villa’s opponents. Both Long and Tadic racked up double-figure hauls against Eric Black’s side, with Villa shipping a massive seven big chances at the weekend as they conceded four goals for the third time in seven league outings. Those considering Watford’s main men ahead of double Gameweek 37 will be keeping a keen eye on this weekend’s clash at Vicarage Road, then, as Odion Ighalo and Troy Deeney are handed the chance to build momentum against Villa’s dire defence.
De Bruyne will get Pellegrini’s protection…
Whilst Sergio Aguero’s starting role remains secure in spite of City’s Champions League exertions, the same can’t be said for their summer signing from Wolfsburg. Benched for the second time in four league fixtures, De Bruyne’s owners are now mulling over their options with just three rounds of matches remaining. Considering that the return trip to Spain is just three days after this weekend’s trip to Southampton, many still holding the Belgian – who served up just an assist over double Gameweek 34 – will be very tempted to now look elsewhere.
Mahrez isn’t done just yet…
After a run of three straight blanks, the Leicester winger picked the perfect occasion to return to scoring form. With Jamie Vardy suspended for the visit of Swansea, Mahrez eased any nerves in the Foxes camp by bagging the opener in a 4-0 triumph – ironically their most emphatic win of the season. Granted, the Foxes’ final three fixtures (mun, EVE, che) are hardly the most appealing – particularly at a time when our thoughts are focussed on double Gameweek 37 – but with the title now within their grasp, and Vardy now banned for the trip to Old Trafford, the stage looks set for Mahrez to keep on delivering.
Swansea were obliging opponents…
Devoid of the pace and work rate of Jamie Vardy to hassle and harangue the Swans’ back-four, there were fears that Leicester could struggle for a cutting edge on Sunday afternoon. Instead, the Foxes tore apart Francesco Guidolin’s troops, who turned in a display that suggested their thoughts are focussed firmly on the summer break. Considering that the league leaders produced more shots inside the box and attempts on target than any other side in the Gameweek, Liverpool will fancy their chances at the Liberty next weekend. The downside, unfortunately, is that the Swans’ porous defence may well persuade Jurgen Klopp to roll out the changes in the final third with one eye on European matters.
Big Sam’s found some steel from somewhere…
Sunderland’s chances of pulling off yet another great escape look on course after their goalless draw at home to Arsenal. Allardyce’s plea for clean sheets seems to finally have sunk in, with the weekend result highlighting an increasing resilience that’s earned the Wearsiders a third shut-out in the last four league outings. Whilst Patrick van Aanholt’s goal threat looks the best route into Big Sam’s defence, Vito Mannone is becoming equally crucial – the Italian has earned back-to-back double-figure returns between the sticks as the Black Cats prepare for four fixtures in the final three Gameweeks.
Sakho’s absence could calm rearguard rotation…
With a UEFA ban hanging over the Liverpool centre-half, Jurgen Klopp chose to retain Dejan Lovren in his starting line-up for the visit of Newcastle. If, as expected, Sakho is ruled out for an extended period, will the Reds boss look to establish a preferred partner for Lovren in his attempt to clinch a place in the Europa League final? Kolo Toure got the nod alongside the Croatian on Saturday and could be in the driving seat for a run of starts if Klopp decides for some consistency.
While Rafa’s inspired a cutting edge…
After going 2-0 down at Anfield within 30 minutes, Newcastle’s recent momentum looked very much in question on Saturday. Under Rafa Benitez, though, the Magpies seem to be made of stern stuff and goals from Papiss Cisse and Jack Colback completed an impressive second-half comeback that helped salvage a vital point and extend their unbeaten run to three matches. With six goals to their name over that period – which also includes a clash against City – the St James’ outfit have every reason for optimism as they prepare for back-to-back encounters against Palace and Villa.
Lukaku may yet burn us…
Owning the Everton striker over the past few weeks has been a chastening experience. Back-to-back blanks in double Gameweeks 33 and 34 persuaded over 270,000 FPL managers to part company with Lukaku, who has now failed to score in each of his last seven across all competitions. A total of just six shots on goal over his previous four in the league is indicative of Lukaku’s current form, though Sunday’s FA Cup defeat to United hinted at an upturn in threat. The big Belgian registered an impressive seven efforts against the Red Devils and seems, at least, to have his appetite back ahead of home clashes against Bournemouth and Norwich on either side of double Gameweek 37.
Leicester and Spurs may now be a problem to us…
Tottenham’s home draw against West Brom last night has all but ended the title race and now hands a dilemma to those still holding Spurs and Leicester options ahead of double Gameweek 37. Given that the Foxes could have won the league by the time next Monday’s match between Chelsea and Spurs comes to its conclusion, the chance of rest and rotation amongst the top two looks far more likely at a time when eight sides are facing a double Gameweek 37. Jamie Vardy’s new one-match suspension and Dele Alli’s potential three-match ban, depending on the FA’s reaction to his alleged punch at Claudio Yacob last night, could kick-start a major exodus as we instead turn to those with a pair of fixtures in the penultimate round of matches.
