ROUND 33: FANTASY EPL REVIEW
The meeting between Manchester City and Manchester United was one of the most anticipated matches of the season, and it more than delivered on its promise. It was a tale of two halves. City dominated the first half and went into half-time leading by two goals (Kompany and Gundogan). It could’ve easily been more if Sterling had been more focused. Mourinho’s half-time talk, combined with a few tactical tweaks and some Pogba magic, helped United get back into the game. And then Smalling got his revenge on Kompany and completed the comeback. Now, Guardiola’s men will have to wait at least a couple of more games to be officially crowned as champions.
Chelsea gambled away its last opportunity to remain in contention for that last Champions League spot by drawing at home with West Ham. Chicharito was the one who came on as a substitute and doomed The Blues. The other London teams, Tottenham and Arsenal, both recorded one-goal wins. Kane found the net again in The Spurs’ 2-1 victory at Stoke, while Welbeck scored twice in The Gunners’ tense 3-2 home victory against Southampton. Elneny and Stephens were both sent off in injury time. The Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool ended without goals. With not much to play for — other than pride — Jurgen Klopp didn’t risk Salah and also left Firmino on the bench to start the game. The Toffees came close to scoring on a couple of occasions in the closing minutes, but the goalkeepers ended up being the fantasy winners.
Burnley extended its winning streak to four games with a 2-1 win in Watford. Roberto Pereyra gave the home team the lead, but two goals in quick succession by Vokes and Cork turned the score around. Leicester lost at King Power stadium to a suddenly hot Newcastle team (three wins in a row), which means Burnley is now six points clear in the battle for the last European qualification spot. The three remaining contests were all draws. For the second consecutive week, Bournemouth saved a point in the dying moments. Last week it was Defoe; this week it was King. Milivojevic continued his breakout campaign with yet another goal, this time from a free kick. An own goal by goalkeeper Jonas Lossl and a goal by Steve Mounie meant the newcomers Brighton and Huddersfield shared the spoils. Davy Propper received a straight red card and will not feature for Brighton until May 4. Jay Rodriguez and Tammy Abraham were the goalscorers in the 1-1 tie between West Bromwich and Swansea.
ROUND 33: HIGHEST FANTASY SCORERS
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton) and Loris Karius (Liverpool).
Defenders: Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Cedric Soares (Southampton), Dejan Lovren (Liverpool), Michael Keane (Everton), Chris Smalling (Manchester United).
Midfielders: Christian Eriksen (Tottenham), Paul Pogba (Manchester United), Jack Cork (Burnley), Luka Milivojevic (Crystal Palace), Alexis Sanchez (Manchester United), Alex Iwobi (Arsenal), Roberto Pereyra (Watford), Solomon March (Brighton), Ilkay Gundogan (Manchester City), Jonjo Shelvey (Newcastle).
Forwards: Danny Welbeck (Arsenal), Ayoze Perez (Newcastle), Tammy Abraham (Swansea), Jamie Vardy (Leicester), Mame Biram Diouf (Stoke), Jay Rodriguez (WBA).
ROUND 34: FANTASY EPL PREVIEW
Southampton vs. Chelsea
– With nothing to play for and several players participating the World Cup, we might see some experimental lineups for Chelsea in the coming weeks. Morata has started the last two fixtures, but don’t be surprised if Giroud is given an opportunity this time around. Southampton is on the opposite end of the spectrum. The Saints have dug themselves a hole and will now fight a battle for survival until the end. Every remaining match on the schedule is meaningful. That is good for fantasy purposes, as the main contributors will still feature. Mario Lemina and Shane Long are questionable to play.
Burnley vs. Leicester
– Who would’ve thought that with so many talented teams in the league, Burnley would be in pole position for the final Europa League berth? Three points in the head-to-head matchup with Leicester this weekend and they’re practically in. Captain Ben Mee will almost certainly miss the contest with a shin injury, while Gudmundsson is questionable. Chris Wood and Ashley Barnes have been outstanding during the last few weeks and are must-starts. I expect both teams to score.
Crystal Palace vs. Brighton
– This a crucial match for Crystal Palace. A win against a direct competitor for survival will go a long way toward assuring it. Since both strikers (Benteke and Sorloth) are hurt, Zaha is The Eagles’ main threat, along with Milivojevic, of course. I expect at least a two-goal margin of victory and a clean sheet for Hennessey.
Huddersfield vs. Watford
– This is a matchup of two of the worst defenses in the league. Considering Huddersfield plays Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City in the last three rounds, this is a must-win match for The Terriers. Kachunga’s return to the field was short-lived, as he’s injured again. Van La Parra and Pritchard would be my fantasy choices from this encounter.
Swansea vs. Everton
– Everton has fallen behind in the race for that last Europa League spot and is one of a few teams in the league that can finish out the season in a relatively relaxed mood. That should mean more playing time for the youngsters and less for Wayne Rooney. Swansea is still living on the edge and can take a significant step forward with a victory here. We’ll see whether Tammy Abraham’s goal has earned him more playing time for the remainder of the season. If yes, he’s one of the top waiver wire pickups.
Liverpool vs. Bournemouth
– Salah and Firmino were back for Liverpool in the second leg of the Champions League matchup with Manchester City and scored a goal each in the 2-1 win. The Reds’ confidence is sky high at the moment, and I doubt Bournemouth will be able to do something about it.
Tottenham vs. Manchester City
– Can Tottenham prolong City’s title celebration even further? Perhaps. The Sky Blues will be demoralized after their Champions League exit, and The Spurs are the type of team that can feast on their pain, especially with a motivated Harry Kane, who’s determined to chase down Salah on the top goalscorers chart. Fernandinho is suspended until April 29 because of yellow card accumulation.
Newcastle vs. Arsenal
– The Gunners have won the last 10 league meetings between the two, but I have a feeling that The Magpies will not lose this time around. They’re playing their best soccer of the season, and it will show. Both teams should score. If I would have to pick one player from each team, they would be Aubameyang and Ritchie.
Manchester United vs. West Bromwich
– On paper, this is the easiest fixture for United this season. It might not be a blowout, but it should definitely be a shutout (David de Gea).
West Ham vs. Stoke
– West Ham would do itself a huge favor by winning this game. Arnautovic has been The Hammers’ best player lately, and with Lanzini and Antonio out, he’ll be counted on to make the difference. If David Moyes is smart, he’ll start Javier Hernandez. Stoke is in desperation mode, which should make them dangerous, but I don’t think it will.
There are four additional fixtures this coming week. Burnley vs. Chelsea is a postponed match from Round 31 that will be played on Thursday. Brighton vs. Tottenham, Bournemouth vs. Manchester United, and Leicester vs. Southampton are all games from Round 35 that are going to be played earlier because they involve teams that will participate in FA Cup’s semi-finals next weekend. Since they will not be included in my article next Friday, I’ll preview them now.
Brighton vs. Tottenham (Tuesday)
– With the semi-final against Manchester United looming on Saturday, I expect that Pochettino will rest some of his starters for this meeting. Brighton could profit from it with three points, but I predict a draw.
Bournemouth vs. Manchester United (Wednesday)
– Manchester United will have a day less to prepare for that semi-final. Watch closely who starts on Sunday, as it can be a helpful hint who will start the one afterward. Shaw, Rojo, Lindelof, Herrera, Martial, Mata, and Rashford are some of the players who could be part of that starting lineup on Wednesday. I anticipate a draw here, as well.
Leicester vs. Southampton (Thursday)
– Mark Hughes will have to make a choice – focus on avoiding regulation or focus on the FA Cup. I don’t think that he has the squad depth to do both. The meeting with Chelsea on Saturday will be a preview of their rematch in the second FA Cup semi-final to be played on Sunday, April 22. I believe The Foxes cruise in this one, with Jamie Vardy leading the way.
Burnley vs. Chelsea (Thursday)
– If Burnley beats Leicester, it’ll come to this game with much less pressure than it would if they don’t win. Regardless, I expect Chelsea to seek revenge for the embarrassing home defeat at the start of the season in what should be a tightly-fought contest.