Round 35: Fantasy EPL Review
Because of the FA Cup semi-finals, there are only six matches present in this week’s review. Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool were the top teams in action. City celebrated its title in style with five goals past Swansea. David and Bernardo Silva, Sterling, De Bruyne and Gabriel Jesus scored a goal each. De Bruyne and Sterling had an assist each as well, Fabian Delph had two, while Jesus missed a penalty.
The final score of 4-1 seems convincing, but Arsenal needed three goals after the 80th minute to earn the three points against West Ham. Two of them were scored by Lacazette and one by Ramsey. Earlier, Nacho Monreal and Marko Arnautovic had found the nets. Liverpool held a 2-0 lead at West Bromwich that it failed to protect. Ings’ and Salah’s goals were canceled out by late strikes from Livermore and Rondon.
In the rest of the fixtures, Watford and Crystal Palace played out a goalless draw, Stoke and Burnley shared the spoils as well in a 1-1 tie, whereas one goal was enough for Everton to stop Newcastle’s winning streak. Papa Ndiaye and Ashley Barnes scored the goals in the Stoke vs. Burnley match, while Theo Walcott was the player who gave Everton the win.
Round 35: Highest Fantasy Scorers
Goalkeepers: Wayne Hennessey (Crystal Palace), Lukasz Fabianski (Swansea) and the rest who kept clean sheets.
Defenders: Nacho Monreal (Arsenal), Danilo (Manchester City), Mamadou Sakho (Crystal Palace), Leighton Baines (Everton), Michael Keane (Everton).
Midfielders: Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), David Silva (Manchester City), Jake Livermore (West Bromwich), Papa Ndiaye (Stoke), Theo Walcott (Everton), Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City).
Forwards: Alexandre Lacazette (Arsenal), Salomon Rondon (West Bromwich), Ashley Barnes (Burnley), Gabriel Jesus (Manchester City).
Round 36: Fantasy EPL Preview
Liverpool vs. Stoke
– The Reds are on fire. They just obliterated Roma in the Champions League and look like the favorites to win the competition. Mohamed Salah had two goals and two assists in that game before being substituted in the 75th minute. That means he’ll be available on Saturday, and that is bad news for Stoke’s miniature hopes of surviving. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain suffered a knee injury in that match versus Roma that will force him to not only miss this encounter, but miss the World Cup in Russia too.
Burnley vs. Brighton
– A win for Burnley will secure it a Europa League berth. Therefore, Ashley Barnes and Chris Wood are the most attractive fantasy options from this matchup.
Crystal Palace vs. Leicester
– Even though it spent a decent chunk of the season in the danger zone, Crystal Palace did not give up hope. With three games remaining, a good result here will likely mean safety. The same way Richarlison was the breakout player of the first half of the campaign, Luka Milivojevic has been the breakout player of the second half. He, Zaha and Townsend are your best bets for a good fantasy day. Kasper Schmeichel is out injured, so Ben Hamer will be on the Foxes’ goal.
Huddersfield vs. Everton
– Huddersfield is still theoretically in danger of dropping out the first division and Everton is still theoretically in play for the seventh spot on the table. Therefore, both clubs theoretically have something to play for. I see Aaron Mooy, Alex Pritchard and Steve Mounie as the most appealing fantasy options.
Newcastle vs. West Browmich
– WBA has surprised everyone with back-to-back games without a loss against Manchester United and Liverpool. The Magpies, on the other hand, lost for the first time after winning four straight. That makes this encounter trickier to predict than it appears at first glance. I’m still firmly convinced Newcastle will come out on top. Dubravka, Lejeune and Ayoze Perez are my players of preference.
Southampton vs. Bournemouth
– The Saints will need to pray results go their way until the end if they want to remain a part of the EPL next season. The least they can do is take care of their own business, starting with three points on Saturday against Bournemouth. I’d take my chances with Tadic and Austin, despite the fact that the latter might not even start.
Swansea vs. Chelsea
– Swansea is living on the edge and will need to scrap every point it can get in order to avoid falling off the cliff. Chelsea is far from an easy opponent, but the Blues can be held to a draw with the proper tactic and some luck. With Bony injured and Abraham ineligible to play against his parent club, Jordan Ayew is the closest to a striker Carvalhal has available. Center back Federico Fernandez is questionable. As for Chelsea, Emerson should start again in place of the suspended Marcos Alonso. Giroud or Morata is a 50/50 call.
West Ham vs. Manchester City
– West Ham has had a disappointing season — that’s a fact. However, the mission now is to ensure survival. With Lanzini back healthy and an in-form Arnautovic, a point versus Manchester City is not entirely impossible. Stones and Aguero are doubtful to play for the champions. Keep an eye on Bernardo Silva and Leroy Sane. They could provide some vital fantasy points this weekend. After coming from the bench at the end of last round’s game, don’t be surprised to see Benjamin Mendy in the starting lineup this time around.
Manchester United vs. Arsenal
– My my! The last meeting between Jose Mourinho (“The Special One”) and Arsene Wenger should indeed be special. The Red Devils are the definite favorites, especially since the Gunners had a game on Thursday. Alexis Sanchez and Paul Pogba are the players to own from Manchester United right now.
Tottenham vs. Watford
– Harry Kane! Harry Kane! Harry Kane!