Adam Lallana maintains his fine recent form, while Roberto Firmino breaks his scoring duck as Liverpool secure a comeback win over Stoke City. Here’s the impact of last night’s action.
On the Rise
Adam Lallana
It’s four goals and an assist in the last four Gameweeks for the Liverpool midfielder after his leveller against Stoke.
Now up to fourth in the FPL midfield standings, the 7.5-priced Lallana’s average of 6.1 points per match is bettered only by Alexis Sanchez (7.2) and Eden Hazard (6.6) in that position.
Nonetheless, the upcoming schedule could be a lot easier for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Up against Man City, Manchester United, Chelsea and Spurs in the next seven Gameweeks, heavy investment in the Reds comes packaged with a major caveat, particularly at a time when the schedule smiles kindly on the likes of Arsenal and United.
Daniel Sturridge, Roberto Firmino
The England international needed just seconds to get on the scoresheet after capitalising on a wayward Ryan Shawcross back pass.
Sturridge continues to be handed minutes off the bench by his manager but is strengthening his claim for a starting role with every appearance – he’s now scored or assisted in three of his last four, despite all those outings arriving as a substitute.
Although Divock Origi supplied an assist, he’s now gone two matches without a goal and the upcoming schedule – with matches on Saturday and Monday – suggests that Sturridge could well be due a start.
Firmino also deserves a mention here after ending a six-match man drought with the Reds’ second.
Having dropped 0.3 in price over the last two Gameweeks, the Brazilian’s strike and maximum bonus should be enough to ease the exodus. Furthermore, with Philippe Coutinho due back imminently, Firmino’s expected return to the “false nine” role should boost his points potential once more.
Owners should still be aware, however, that Firmino will appear in court to face drink drive charges on January 31 – the same day as the Reds are due to take on Chelsea in Gameweek 23.
Jon Walters
Partnered by Peter Crouch as Mark Hughes opted for a 3-5-2 at Anfield, the Potters midfielder grabbed a second goal in his last four appearances.
The versatile Walters has now started five of the last six Gameweeks at a time where the likes of Wilfried Bony seems to have fallen firmly out of favour at the bet365.
Granted, he’ll never be the most fashionable of Fantasy picks but, judging by Hughes’ recent teamsheets, the Irishman seems to have secured his role as a regular once again.
Erik Pieters
Stationed as a left wing-back at Anfield, the Dutchman’s assist for Stoke’s opener was his first set of attacking returns this season.
An upcoming trip to Chelsea will ensure we steer clear of the Potters right now but, beyond that, the 4.5-priced Pieters could appeal as the cheapest of their defenders. Hughes’ side then face a run of four home fixtures in six, allied with trips to Sunderland and West Brom.
In Decline
Sadio Mane
The wide man failed to build on last week’s winner at Everton and has scored just once in the last four Gameweeks.
With the Afric Cup of Nations just around the corner, Mane now has just two more matches before leaving for international duties, including the New Year’s Ever encounter against City.
Given that he’s also set to face Sunderland in Gameweek 20, many of his 21% FPL owners may be content to hold for now, though plenty have already opted for the exit door – only Theo Walcott and Gylfi Sigurdsson have earned more transfers out in midfield prior to Friday’s deadline.
Xherdan Shaqiri
The Swiss international has now warmed the Stoke bench from start to finish in each of the last two Gameweeks.
Surprisingly, Shaqiri’s fall from favour has also come at a time when Marko Arnautovic is suspended, with Hughes even turning to Ramadan Sobhi and the fit-again Ibrahim Afellay as substitutes at Anfield instead.
Typically a regular starter when fit for the Potters, it seems that the former Bayern man is no longer guaranteed minutes as Hughes continues to seek a solution in the final third.
