As last season’s top two prepare to battle it out at the Etihad later tonight, we look back at the nine fixtures played out over the Gameweek so far. Chelsea’s strength at both ends of the pitch, Arsenal’s talismanic Welshman, the impact of Mauricio Pochettino at the Lane and the worrying lack of resilience on offer at Crystal Palace are amongst today’s lunchtime menu.
Wenger wants to play Sanchez down the middle but can’t afford to. Yet…
Granted, the Chilean was ineffective through the centre at Goodison on Saturday but Arsene Wenger’s teamsheet spelt out the intent. Post-match, the Gunners manager admitted Sanchez is still lacking in sharpness after hooking the new boy at half-time and it’s clear he’s not quite ready to plough the lone furrow. Replacement Olivier Giroud was wasteful but his presence changed the match, suggesting the Frenchman – providing he shakes off an ankle problem – could lead the line until the new boy acclimatises to his new surroundings.
The raiding Ramsey goes on proving his worth…
The Welshman’s ability to anticipate opportunities and find his way into the opponents box goes on providing goals. Ramsey hasn’t started the season well in general play but has converted a pair of opportunities from two yards out, underlining the predatory nature that has elevated him to heavy-hitter Fantasy status. It’s difficult to argue against the “essential” tag right now.
Everton’s pressing game is costing them goals…
The Toffees’ sluggish start has seen them let a lead slip three times over their two league matches so far. Fatigue is clearly playing a part as Roberto Martinez’ side take their time to become reacquainted with his high pressing tactics, and although the Everton boss admitted after the Arsenal draw that “we dropped our energy levels”, there’s seems little chance he’ll change his tactical approach. As Seamus Coleman showed at the weekend, we may have to rely on attacking returns from the Merseysiders’ backline until their math sharpness is up to scratch.
Hughes will look to project Bojan…
The signs already look ominous after the Spaniard was benched for Stoke’s first road trip of the season. Even with hosts Hull down to 10 men after only 14 minutes, Mark Hughes waited until just before half-time to unleash Bojan at the KC – suggesting that he’s keen to gradually ease him into life in the Premier League. Fantasy managers can’t afford the former Barcelona man such patience, though, and with Everton’s Steven Naismith offering an obvious exit route, the Potters’ summer signing could be set for an exodus.
The Ivanovic engine is a potent weapon…
Jose Mourinho’s decision to retain faith in last season’s back-four has seen the Serbian flourish at right-back. Ivanovic’s tireless overlapping runs have made him integral to Chelsea’s attacking ploys, and with a goal and assist in his first two outings, that 7.1 price tag still looks good value right now. Filipe Luis may have to wait a little longer for his top-flight introduction, and while Gary Cahill and John Terry look equally secure in the heart of the back-four, Ivanovic is the stand-out back-line option right now for the Blues.
Clinical Costa is providing a cutting edge…
Two goals from two appearances underlines the summer signing’s predatory nature in and around the box. With Eden Hazard and Cesc Fabregas both providing plenty of creativity, Costa will continue to be fed with numerous chances as he looks to replicate last term’s 27 goals for Atletico Madrid. Hazard had it all his own way last season, but with Fabregas pulling the strings in the centre of the park and Costa looking the ideal talisman up top for Jose Mourinho’s side, the attacking options could sway many to double or even triple up if the current trend continues.
…and other teams are lacking just that….
Goals have been hard to come by for the likes of Aston Villa, Newcastle, Southampton and the promoted sides thus far. As many teams look to keep it tight at the back, there’s stronger potential for clean sheets on offer, thus enabling us to find budget and mid-price options for defensive returns. The Magpies will be hoping Siem de Jong can makes an impact at home to Palace next weekend, while both Dusan Tadic and Graziano Pelle also offer hope for the Saints, but at the moment, it’s difficult to look beyond their defences as a source of potential returns.
We have to question the Palace rearguard…
Despite the encouraging opening day showing, conceding three to West Ham on home turf rings alarm bells and has to have us re-assessing the worth of the Eagles’ defensive assets. Palace managed 12 clean sheets in the final 28 Gameweeks of the previous campaign after parting company with Ian Holloway but the resilience instilled by Tony Pulis seems to have quickly ebbed away – unless they can sort themselves out, more owners will be seeking alternatives sooner rather than later.
Swansea’s 4-5-1 isn’t helping Bony’s pitch time…
Hooked off just after the hour mark at home to Burnley, with Bafetimbi Gomis available as an option, Wilfried Bony owners seem unlikely to get 90 minutes from their man right now. It may well be that the Ivorian is still lacking in match sharpness after a late return to training following World Cup duties but, with Garry Monk determined to retain a lone striker system after a brief flirtation with 4-4-2 proved disastrous in the summer, the current situation merely compounds the value offered by Gylfi Sigurdsson in the Swans midfield.
We can add Chadli to the mid-price midfield chocolate box…
While a price of 5.5-6.0 won’t buy too many assurances (Sigurdsson aside, it seems), there’s a whole cast of options making themselves known in that bracket that warrant at least a passing glance. Nacer Chadli added his name to that list with an unlikely brace for Spurs as the Mauricio Pochettino effect quickly takes hold in the Tottenham attack. The Argentine transformed the Fantasy fortunes of Adam Lallana and Jay Rodriguez at Southampton last season and his impact also brings Erik Lamela into contention in the mid-price bracket – a 4-0 win over QPR was accomplished without a goal or assist for Christian Eriksen, suggesting the Dane has real competition as the best route into the north London club’s flourishing midfield.
It’s folly to write Mata off…
United may be struggling for any semblance of consistency under Louis van Gaal but the little Spaniard is still managing to pick up the points. Sold by almost 100,000 Fantasy Premier League managers after failing to make an impact in the season opener at home to Swansea, Mata struck his seventh goal in the previous eight league matches for the Red Devils – a superb strike rate that highlights his capabilities from a central role. With the fixtures still firmly in his favour, that 19% ownership will surely rise again if he can maintain his current form, though it remains to be seen whether the imminent arrival of Angel di Maria will force a change in formation from the new man in charge.
Zarate could be the spark the Hammers require…
Benched for the season opener at home to Spurs as Sam Allardyce opted for Carlton Cole up front, the little Argentine’s first start proved instrumental for the West Ham last weekend. With Kevin Nolan sidelined due to a shoulder injury sustained in training, Zarate tucked in behind Cole in the attacking midfield three and grabbed his chance with both hands, inspiring Allardyce’s side to a 3-1 win at Palace – Nolan is expected to be out for six weeks but may find it difficult to retain his starting position if the South American can push on from his weekend showing.
