The Premier League resumes after a thrilling international break, with the season approaching its quarter-mark. While the title race intensifies, the battle for survival is heating up in the bottom half of the table. Southampton, still searching for their first win of the season, will face fellow promoted side Leicester City. Ipswich Town, having snapped their draw streak against West Ham, will look to build on that momentum against Everton. Meanwhile, the winless Crystal Palace and Wolverhampton Wanderers face daunting tasks against Nottingham Forest and Manchester City, respectively. Fantasy managers must carefully strategize their squad transfers to maximize points as the league heads into a crucial stretch before the next international break.
Key Takeaways from the Gameweek 7
Liverpool maintained their top spot in the Premier League with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace. Arsenal demonstrated their resilience, overcoming an early deficit to secure a 3-1 win against Southampton. Manchester City echoed Arsenal's comeback, rallying from a goal down to defeat Fulham 3-2. In a thrilling encounter, Brentford edged out Wolverhampton Wanderers 5-3 in a goal-laden match. West Ham United entered the international break on a high note, claiming a convincing 4-1 win over Ipswich Town.
Brighton's second-half performance was nothing short of sensational as they overturned a two-goal deficit to claim a dramatic 3-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur. Leicester City finally broke their winless streak with a narrow 1-0 triumph over Bournemouth. Chelsea's momentum was halted by a 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest. The Manchester United-Aston Villa and Newcastle United-Everton clashes ended in goalless draws, highlighting the competitiveness of the league.
Players to watch out for Gameweek 8
The international break proved to be a double-edged sword for many Premier League clubs, as injuries to key players threatened to disrupt their domestic campaigns. Fantasy managers now face the daunting task of navigating this uncertain landscape, carefully balancing their squads to maximize points while minimizing the risk of losing valuable assets. The following section offers invaluable advice to aid in their decision-making process:
Notable Absences
Liverpool's title aspirations received a significant blow as goalkeeper Alisson Becker sustained a hamstring injury in their recent match against Crystal Palace. Manchester United will be without midfielder Kobbie Mainoo for several weeks due to a muscle injury suffered in their clash with Aston Villa. Newcastle United could be deprived of the services of experienced defender Kieran Trippier, who is doubtful for their next match due to injury. Chelsea will face Liverpool without their defensive duo of Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana, both of whom are suspended after accumulating five yellow cards.
Forwards
a. Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton) is gradually regaining his top form after a lengthy injury absence that curtailed much of his previous season. The Brighton forward showcased his brilliance against Tottenham Hotspur, providing a decisive assist for his team's second goal. As Brighton prepares to face Newcastle United, their fans will be eager to see Mitoma continue his resurgence and contribute to their success.
b. Jarrod Bowen (West Ham United) played a pivotal role in West Ham United's much-needed victory over Ipswich Town, their first win in five matches. The forward's goal and assist showcased his undeniable importance to the Hammers. Bowen's continued form will be crucial if West Ham United are to maintain their aspirations of securing a European place this season.
Tip: For 12 credits (373.2 points), Ipswich Town's Liam Delap, a graduate of Manchester City's prestigious academy, has been making a significant impact in the Premier League this season. His move to Ipswich Town has proven to be an inspired choice, as he continues to impress with his goal-scoring ability. With crucial fixtures against Everton and Leicester City on the horizon, Delap's goals could be instrumental in securing vital points for Ipswich Town in their fight to avoid relegation.
Midfielders
a. Facundo Buonanotte (Leicester City), on loan from Brighton, proved to be the hero for Leicester City, scoring the decisive goal in their 1-0 victory over Bournemouth. The 19-year-old Argentine has made a strong impression in the Premier League since his arrival, showcasing his immense talent. Leicester City will be hoping that Buonanotte continues his impressive form throughout the season and contributes to their success.
b. Thomas Partey (Arsenal) may not be a prolific scorer, but his defensive prowess and ability to control the midfield are invaluable to Arsenal's success. His presence allows players like Rice and Ødegaard to focus on attacking contributions. With Ødegaard's absence, Partey's partnership with Rice will be crucial in maintaining Arsenal's title aspirations.
Tip: For 7.2 credits (133.4 points), Manchester United’s veteran midfielder Christian Eriksen could be considered a steal for his current value. Despite not finding the net in the Premier League, he has been in excellent form in the Europa League. Eriksen also showcased his class during the international break, scoring a goal and providing an assist in Denmark's 2-2 draw against Switzerland. Manchester United will be hoping that Eriksen's recent performances can inspire them to secure a victory against Brentford in their upcoming match.
Defenders
a. Joško Gvardiol (Manchester City), a young defensive sensation, has been living up to the hype surrounding him at Manchester City this season. His performances have solidified his reputation as one of the world's most promising defenders. With Nathan Aké sidelined due to injury, Gvardiol's importance to City's success has become even more pronounced.
b. Levi Colwill's (Chelsea) presence will be instrumental in Chelsea's upcoming match against Liverpool, especially with Cucurella and Fofana unavailable due to suspension. The young English defender will be eager to seize this opportunity to showcase his abilities and strengthen his case for a potential England call-up amidst a competitive pool of defensive talent.
Tip: For 5.3 credits (297.2 points), Crystal Palace’s Marc Guéhi could be a valuable addition to your fantasy team. Despite his team's recent struggles, Guéhi has maintained a consistent level of performance, reinforcing his reputation as one of England's most coveted defenders. His defensive prowess and ability to contribute to build-up play make him a worthy consideration for your fantasy squad.
Goalkeepers
a. Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa) delivered two exceptional performances against European giants Bayern Munich and Manchester United, keeping clean sheets in both the Champions League and Premier League matches. His outstanding form has been a crucial factor in Aston Villa's pursuit of Champions League qualification, and his continued excellence will be vital for the team's success.
b. Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool) is the most likely candidate to fill in for the injured Alisson Becker between the Liverpool goalposts. As Liverpool currently sit atop the Premier League table, manager Arne Slot will be hoping that Kelleher can maintain the team's momentum and contribute to their continued success.
Tip: For 4.6 credits (269.2 points), Everton’s Jordan Pickford offers a reliable option for fantasy managers. The England international goalkeeper has consistently impressed with his performances, as evidenced by his clean sheet in the recent draw against Newcastle United. Pickford's steady presence between the sticks is crucial for Everton's stability and could be a valuable asset to your fantasy team.
What Next?
Compete for a share of the 75,000 USDT prize pool in the Premier League 2024-25 on KridaFans. So far, users have won over 150k USDT worth of rewards. Sign up for free and experience the thrill of winning big on KridaFans. And if you’re into trading, don’t miss out on our $1500 monthly player cards trading competition!
About KridaFans:
KridaFans redefines fantasy football, where performance and strategy reward users through a dynamic skill-based rarity of player cards (NFTs). Elevating the fantasy sports experience, KridaFans combines innovation and fairness to stand out in the digital arena.
Website | Twitter | Discord | Blog
