WEEK 12: Fantasy EPL REVIEW
Round 12 was marked by the triumphal return of “Poggy.” The Frenchman led United to a much-needed victory, while at the same time reminding the world of how valuable he really is to this team. Both Martial and Lukaku scored, while Rashford assisted on Paul Pogba’s goal. Ibrahimovic also found his way onto the field as a late-game substitute. So, as a whole, it was a great day for Manchester United fans, and the 4-1 final score was only the cherry on top.
In general, it was a goal-heavy weekend, with an average of 3.2 goals scored per contest. Bournemouth upended Huddersfield, despite Francis’ red card at the end of the first half. Callum Wilson was the star of the show with his hat-trick, a flashback performance that took us back to 2015, when he burst onto the Premier League scene with a hat-trick against West Ham for the then newly-promoted “Cherries.” The reigning champions took care of business at WBA, effectively terminating Pulis’ contract and relieving him of his duties. Hazard bagged two, Morata and Alonso grabbed one apiece, while Fabregas recorded two assists. Salah was Liverpool’s main man once more. Two first-half goals by the Egyptian ensured a calm second half, in which Coutinho simply finished Southampton off. City dominated with 75% of the possession, yet failed to create many opportunities. Still, it was a routine 2-0 road win at Leicester, who recorded only two shots on goal. Jesus and De Bruyne were the goal scorers. Guardiola’s men are marching toward the title. I believe we are all eagerly anticipating the clash between him and Mourinho in two weeks.
Arsenal surprised many (but fulfilled my prediction) by defeating Tottenham in the London derby in the first game of the week. Mustafi scored from a corner kick, and Alexis Sanchez pounced on a rebound for a quickfire double that was enough to see The Spurs off. Burnley met expectations, beating Swansea by the same 2-0 score, as did Watford in its 2-0 win against West Ham. The match between two current bottom-dwellers Crystal Palace and Everton ended in a 2-2 tie. It was marred by Niasse’s diving ability, which earned the team a penalty kick during the game, but also earned him a two-game suspension after the league reviewed his actions. On Monday, Brighton and Stoke shared the spoils in an unexpectedly entertaining affair in which Stoke led twice, only to be undone by Gross, and later on by Izquierdo. Moting and Zouma were Stoke’s goal scorers.
Week 13 highest fantasy scorers
Goalkeepers: Petr Cech (Arsenal), Asmir Begovic (Bournemouth), Nick Pope (Burnley), Heurelho Gomes (Watford), and the rest who kept clean sheets.
Defenders: Shkodran Mustafi (Arsenal), Marcos Alonso (Chelsea), Kyle Walker (Manchester City), Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal), Charlie Daniels (Bournemouth), Kurt Zouma (Stoke), Marvin Zeegelaar (Watford).
Midfielders: Eden Hazard (Chelsea), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Will Hughes (Watford), Philipe Coutinho (Liverpool), Paul Pogba (Manchester United), Jack Cork (Burnley), Pascal Gross (Brighton), Maxime Choupo-Moting (Stoke).
Forwards: Callum Wilson (Bournemouth), Oumar Niasse (Everton), Alvaro Morata (Chelsea), Gabriel Jesus (Manchester City).
WEEK 13: Fantasy EPL PREVIEW
West Ham vs. Leicester
– The Hammers didn’t look good in the first game under Moyes. Carroll and Arnautovic were overly aggressive, and the entire team looked disoriented on the pitch. Chicharito will likely miss this game, as well, while Ayew should be back after a mystery illness ruled him last week. As for Michail Antonio, his situation is one to monitor. It’s quite possible we won’t be seeing him often in a West Ham jersey even after he recovers from his latest injury since he doesn’t seem to be on board with Moyes’ hire. Leicester is looking more and more like a team that will fight to survive, rather than a team that will fight for a spot in Europe. Therefore, it’s hard to be optimistic about any of their players.
Crystal Palace vs. Stoke
– If there’s a good news for Palace, it’s that Benteke is back. They still have only one win on the season (against Chelsea, no less), but to Hodgson’s credit, his squad has consolidated some and has played better. I have the feeling victory #2 is on its way, and if that happens, Benteke will be involved.
Manchester United vs. Brighton
– We might see a repeat of last week’s game at Old Trafford, especially after a frustrating mid-week loss in Switzerland. United failed to convert and was punished at the buzzer. Now, they will look for redemption. Sorry, Brighton, but your undefeated streak is about to come to an end. Lukaku, Martial, Pogba, Rashford, De Gea, and all the defenders are must-starts. Phil Jones will not play, while Eric Bailly is questionable.
Newcastle United vs. Watford
– This could be a good game for fantasy owners. Watford plays open soccer, while Newcastle will want to end its three-game losing streak and should be on the attack from the get-go. Lascelles is questionable, Hayden is suspended, and Atsu will miss the contest with a thigh injury. Dwight Gayle is officially back in the fold, as he has started the last two games. Richarlison has been phenomenal for Watford, to the point where the big clubs have taken notice. He scored again last week and has become one of the biggest draft day/free agent steals.
Swansea vs. Bournemouth
– All of a sudden, Bournemouth is in rhythm. After only one win in the first eight matches, they’ve won three of the last four (the only loss came against Chelsea). Swansea, meanwhile, has suffered four consecutive losses. However, I think we might see more of a fighting spirit from the Welsh side at home, resulting in a draw. Tammy Abraham is questionable with a back injury. If he were to miss the game, Bony would benefit the most.
Tottenham vs. West Bromwich
– Anyone who thought Tottenham would be rattled by the loss to Arsenal was mistaken. A win in Dortmund in one of the most menacing atmospheres in Europe is evidence enough. Now, a manager-less WBA comes to town, meaning three points should be a certainty. The only problem with The Spurs is that you never know who will Pochettino choose as his right and left full back on a game-to-game basis, especially now that Danny Rose is back. I can assume Davies and Trippier get the starts, since Rose and Aurier played in the Champions League on Tuesday. Expect another feast for Harry Kane.
Liverpool vs. Chelsea
– The Reds squandered yet another hefty lead on Wednesday in Sevilla, something that has become somewhat of a habit under Klopp. Chelsea, on the other hand, made easy work of Qarabag. With Kante back and Hazard at his best, The Blues are tough to beat. Liverpool has the firepower to penetrate Conte’s defense. The question is whether the defenders can fend off their opponents. Salah, who has been the fantasy player of the season thus far, will have an extra incentive playing against his old club. Both teams are fully healthy (only Matip is nursing an injury he should be able to play through). Therefore, we’re in for a fun ride.
Southampton vs. Everton
– Just as we thought Everton might be recuperating, they get demolished by Atalanta in the Europa League. Next on the schedule is Southampton, a team itching for a victory. The Saints haven’t shown any signs of improvement, so it’s far from a given they’ll get that victory, but this is an excellent chance for them to get out of the funk. It’s about time Tadic and Redmond do something.
Burnley vs. Arsenal
– Can The Gunners follow up on that impressive showing versus Tottenham? I wouldn’t bet on it. Burnley is as tough as they come, and with a win here they can actually jump over Arsenal on the table. This is an intriguing and likely low-scoring matchup.
Huddersfield vs. Manchester City
– City is devouring opponents, and Huddersfield is standing in the path of its domination. It’s shaping up to be another field day for De Bruyne, Jesus, Aguero and company. Enjoy!