The Magpies unearth a new hero, Daniel Sturridge finds consistency, the “Bale bomb” promises destruction, while an array of Premier League veterans are back in bloom. Here’s the lessons learned from Gameweek 25…
Moussa Sissoko is a handful…
The numbers suggested that Moussa Sissoko would simply provide more muscle to the Newcastle midfield – another combative element alongside Cheick Tiote. While Sissoko’s attacking instincts were clearly curtailed for the majority of his tenure at Toulouse, Alan Pardew has let him off the leash at Newcastle and his impact has been remarkable. The pace and power of Sissoko looks hard to contain and, playing in the advanced role as part of a midfield three behind Papiss Cisse, he looks to be a real threat which could well go on harvesting Fantasy returns. With over 50,000 “transfers in” overnight in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game, there are already plenty backing Sissoko’s substantial influence to continue.
Daniel Sturridge looks the real deal…
Critisised for inconsistency and a selfish, wasteful streak in front of goal, Sturridge has banished such talk with his early appearances in a Liverpool shirt. Quietly, he’s returned three goals and an assist in his four league appearances under Brendan Rodgers and his performance at City on Sunday was both effective and mature. His ability to lead the Liverpool attack is perhaps bad news for those holding Luis Suarez, who will go on pondering whether Sturridge will dent the Uruguayan’s output in the coming weeks. For those yet to plunder Liverpool’s attacking potential, however, Sturridge has emerged as a clear front runner for double Gameweek acquisition, providing his thigh injury is as minor as we suspect.
Everton still can’t defend…
Having kept back-to-back clean sheets in matches with Swansea and Southampton, David Moyes’ defence was badly exposed by the power and confidence of Villa’s Christian Benteke on Saturday. Leighton Baines did his best to repay his owners and keep his tally ticking with the assist for Marouane Fellaini’s late equaliser but it’s pretty clear that he will need to go on delivering attacking returns to justify his price tag. With a trip to Old Trafford up next and matches with Arsenal and City looming, attack appears to be the best form of defence for Everton and Baines will need to play his part.
The cupboard remains bare in the United midfield…
Wayne Rooney’s decisive strike at Craven Cottage added further fuel to the fire as the Rooney vs Robin Van Persie debate rages on. However, Saturday’s display also underlined just how reliant United have become on their strikers. Both Nani and Antonio Valencia saw pitch time at Fulham and both bitterly disappointed as their miserable campaigns continued. With Shinji Kagawa still settling to the demands of the Premier League, United’s midfield remains bereft of any reliable source of Fantasy talent, giving us little option but to turn to one or both of the United front men to cover their attacking returns for the title run-in.
Bale could make or break us…
Doubts were creeping in as both Theo Walcott and Juan Mata accelerated away from Gareth Bale as prime midfield assets. Sunday’s strike at the Hawthorns gave further indication that Bale is, by some margin, the biggest threat that Spurs have to offer and showed that Fantasy managers should still be examining a way of acquiring Bale’s services or settle on the fact that they will live in fear of explosive returns. Talk of Bale cementing a central midfield role, or even being shifted to a role up front, only compounds matters.
There’s life in the old dog…
Veterans of Fantasy football – perhaps players we had written off – are clearly enjoying a major comeback. Further goals for Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard continued their recent ascent and their consistency is now pushing for inclusion in our squads – not just as differentials, but as strong alternatives to more expensive options such as Luis Suaraz and Juan Mata. In defence we’ve also seen two warhorses restored to the starting lineup and delivering value. Both Jamie Carragher and Michael Dawson were out the cold just over a month ago but have since cemented starting roles are earning plaudits. Once again, Fantasy managers are beginning to take notice and cash in on the potential offered by these assets of a bygone age who appeared to have discovered a new lease of life.
