We’ve plenty to keep our eye on over the next round of fixtures. Roberto Martinez’ midfield rotation, Adam Johnson’s starting role for Sunderland, City’s midfield differential duo and the impact of United’s upcoming Champions League duties on David Moyes’ weekend teamsheet are all factored into this week’s Mission:
Can Barkley avoid Martinez’ rotation?
The youngster was the only one of Everton’s attacking midfield three to start both double Gameweek fixtures against Swansea and Newcastle, with Kevin Mirallas, Aiden McGeady, Gerard Deulofeu and Leon Osman handed a start apiece. Having scored in each of those fixtures, Barkley has done more than enough to suggest he could retain his position as the Toffees make their way to Fulham on Sunday but with Roberto Martinez clearly keen to rotate in the positions behind Romelu Lukaku, it remains to be seen whether Barkley will feature from the first whistle at Craven Cottage. Another appearance in the XI and the bandwagon will surely pick up speed for the 5.1-priced midfielder, with double Gameweek 34 closing in quickly.
Moyes’ Team Sheet Ahead of Bayern Clash
The under-fire United boss made six alterations to his side for last Saturday’s trip to Upton Park, with one eye clearly on the upcoming Champions League games with Bayern Munich. Alex Buttner came in for Patrice Evra, who is suspended for the first leg of the quarter-final clash against Pep Guardiola’s side and the Dutchman may well get the nod against Villa on Saturday as his manager looks to build up his match sharpness before allowing him to face Arjen Robben three days later. With Robin Van Persie sidelined through injury, there’s even the possibility Moyes could preserve Wayne Rooney for European duties but, given the dire showing in Tuesday’s derby defeat, surely he can ill-afford to drop any of his main men right now as he desperately tries to rebuild morale and win the fans back over.
Schurrle’s Minutes at Selhurst Park
A 12-point haul against Arsenal once again underlined the German’s explosive Fantasy potential. With Willian handed a one-match ban, Schurrle returned to the starting line-up in last weekend’s devastating 6-0 win and took his tally to seven goals and an assist in his last six starts – the only issue being that he’s only been named in Jose Mourinho’s first XI in six of the last 23 Gameweeks. With Willian available for selection again, the Blues boss has decisions to make ahead of next week’s Champions League clash with PSG – Mohamed Salah is ineligible for European duties and could also come into contention, potentially cutting into Schurrle’s game time once again.
Hughes’ Midfield Dilemma
Having registered comprehensive back-to-back wins over West Ham and Villa without suspended duo Charlie Adam and Jon Walters, Stoke are starting to pick up under Mark Hughes. Whilst Walters serves the last of a three-match ban this weekend, Adam is available for the home game against Hull – there’s a suggestion his enforced absence has allowed the Potters boss to strike a better balance in recent weeks, with Peter Odemwingie and Marko Arnautovic flourishing on the flanks behind Peter Crouch. Bringing Adam straight back into the fold risks disrupting a winning side ahead of a kind run of fixtures which may yet bring Stoke’s assets onto our radars.
Michu’s Display Against Norwich
Handed his first start since Gameweek 16 in Tuesday’s draw at Arsenal, the Spaniard was afforded just over an hour before making way. Garry Monk has tentatively eased Michu back into contention after December’s knee surgery but with his side just five points clear of danger, his eye for goal could still play a part in our Fantasy seasons. Granted, two strikes in the first 10 starts did little to retain our interest, whilst an 8.4 price tag is deterrent enough for now – if he can start firing, the Swans have Hull, Newcastle, Villa and Sunderland still to follow the Canaries clash, giving the former Ray Vallecano man time to stake a claim for an end-of-season differential.
Nasri and Silva at the Emirates
With Manuel Pellegrini opting for a 4-5-1 in Sergio Aguero’s continued absence, the City midfield is perhaps the most secure route into their attacking options. Whilst Yaya Toure is an obvious pick for most, both Samir Nasri and David Silva are vying for our attentions as a possible double-up option alongside the Ivorian for City’s kind run of fixtures. Both remain real differentials, owned by under 7% of Fantasy managers, whilst the Frenchman is more budget-friendly at 8.1 to the Spaniard’s 9.4 – given that City still have two doubles to follow and five very favourable home games, the pair’s respective showings in Saturday’s trip to the Emirates could prove telling.
Johnson’s Role against the Hammers
The winger dropped to the bench for last night’s trip to Liverpool as Gus Poyet opted for a 3-5-2 formation in an attempt to stifle the hosts’ attack. Johnson made an immediate impact as a second-half sub, though, teeing up the Black Cats’ consolation for Ki Sung-Yeung and whilst Poyet’s tactical set-up restricted Luis Suarez and co in midweek, Sunderland simply are in no position to sit back and defend at home to West Ham. Faith in Johnson is floundering in light of last night’s omission but a return to the starting XI, allied with a strong performance this weekend, is likely to bring him back into contention ahead of the upcoming pair of doubles. Another stint on the bench, though, and it may be time to sell.
Sterling’s Game Time in the Diamond
Snapped up by almost 40,000 FPL managers prior to the double Gameweek, the Liverpool midfielder proved a bitter disappointment after earning a total of 37 minutes off the bench over the pair of fixtures. Prior to Gameweek 28, Sterling had started 15 league matches in succession and offered us a real budget option in the sub 6.0 price bracket but he’s now warmed the bench in three of the subsequent four since Brendan Rodgers moved to a midfield diamond. Philippe Coutinho now seems in pole position for the playmaker role behind Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge and Sterling could be set for an exodus if Rodgers reduces him to impact sub against Spurs this coming Sunday.
Chambers’ Start for the Saints
Having started 10 of the 12 league matches over Gameweek 15-28, the youngster seemed to have nailed down the right-back berth for Mauricio Pochettino’s side. Chambers then dropped out for Nathaniel Clyne at the start of the month but the Saints have failed to impress at the back, shipping two goals to Norwich and conceding three away to Spurs in last week’s collapse at the Lane. Clyne limped off with a groin problem and looks doubtful for the visit of Newcastle on Saturday – with Cardiff and Villa also to follow in the next four, Chambers, priced at a mere 3.9, could yet come into considering as a budget backline option once again.
