With a quarter of the Premier League season in the books, the excitement continues to build. Arsenal's recent loss to Bournemouth has added a layer of intrigue, especially given the relentless winning streaks of Liverpool and Manchester City. The upcoming Liverpool-Arsenal clash could be a pivotal turning point, as a second defeat could significantly hamper Arsenal's title aspirations. Meanwhile, the bottom four teams desperately need their first win of the season. As the schedule intensifies, fatigue will be a factor for players, but fantasy managers will undoubtedly relish the opportunity to capitalize on these busy weeks and earn points in the thrilling world of Krida fans.
Key Takeaways from the Gameweek 8
Liverpool edged out Chelsea 2-1 in a highly contested clash, maintaining their lead at the top of the table. Manchester City kept the pressure on with a 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, despite playing against the league's bottom side. Arsenal suffered a setback, losing 2-0 to Bournemouth after being reduced to 10 men early in the game. Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa cruised to comfortable wins over West Ham United (4-1) and Fulham (3-1), respectively.
Manchester United staged a comeback to defeat Brentford 2-1, overcoming an early deficit. Brighton edged out Newcastle United 1-0 in a tightly contested match, while Nottingham Forest secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace. Everton extended their unbeaten streak to four games with a 2-0 win against Ipswich Town. Southampton squandered a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 to Leicester City in a captivating battle between two promoted sides.
Players to watch out for Gameweek 9
The intense Premier League schedule, coupled with midweek European fixtures, is increasing the risk of player injuries. Fantasy managers must carefully navigate this landscape to maximize points while minimizing losses. Prioritise players with strong injury records and diversify your squad to reduce the impact of individual team injuries. The following section offers invaluable advice to aid in their decision-making process:
Notable Absences
The upcoming clash between Arsenal and Liverpool is set to be a thrilling encounter, but both teams will be missing key players due to injuries and suspensions. Arsenal will be without their defensive mainstay William Saliba, who was sent off in their last match, and summer recruit Riccardo Calafiori is also a doubt due to an injury sustained in the midweek Champions League game. Liverpool have their own injury concerns, with forward Diogo Jota a potential absentee for the match. Fulham's Joachim Andersen will be suspended for their next game following a red card against Aston Villa, and West Ham United's Mohammed Kudus faces a severe three-game ban due to the nature of his red card against Tottenham Hotspur. Brighton and Manchester United are also dealing with injuries to their forward lines, with Danny Welbeck unavailable for Brighton and Antony missing for Manchester United.
Forwards
a. Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United) showcased his potential against Brentford, proving to be a constant threat throughout the match. His goal in the game highlighted his developing skills and maturity. The 20-year-old Argentinian forward is quickly becoming a valuable asset for Ten Hag's Manchester United.
b. Raúl Jiménez (Fulham) is on a hot streak, directly contributing to a goal in each of the last five Premier League matches. His strong record against Everton, with five goals in eight games, makes him a key player for Wolverhampton Wanderers as they look to rebound from their recent defeat.
Tip: For 11.6 credits (484.2 points), Nottingham Forest's Chris Wood could prove to be a great choice as a forward under 12 credits. The New Zealand international has scored 5 goals in 8 games so far and could add to his tally as Forest face Leicester in the next game.
Midfielders
a. Curtis Jones (Liverpool) played a pivotal role in Liverpool's 2-1 victory over Chelsea, scoring the decisive goal. After missing the start of the season due to injury, he has quickly become a key member of the first team and will be a valuable asset in Liverpool's upcoming match against Arsenal.
b. Carlos Baleba (Brighton) has been instrumental in Brighton's midfield this season, providing defensive stability and offensive creativity. His presence will be crucial as they aim to secure a victory against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Tip: For 10.6 credits (490.8 points), Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers seems to be a great choice for transfer in midfield. The young Englishman has been in great form as proven by his 2 goals and 2 assists so far this season and with Villa’s strong performances this season, he is likely to earn great point returns for his fantasy squads.
Defenders
a. James Justin (Leicester City) has been a vital contributor to Leicester City's survival efforts, providing valuable attacking support from the right-back position with two goals and an assist. His ability to create chances and score goals will be crucial as they strive to remain in the Premier League.
b. John Stones (Manchester City) has been a crucial figure for Manchester City this season, scoring crucial injury-time goals against Arsenal and Wolves. His versatility allows him to fill in midfield if required particularly with Rodri's absence this season. Stones' contributions will be vital as City aims to secure their fifth consecutive Premier League title.
Tip: For 6.1 credits (401 points), Brentford’s Ethan Pinnock could prove to be a good transfer choice in defense. Pinnock has featured in each of Brentford’s 8 games and is a reliable defensive presence with a knack for scoring goals proven by his 2 goals so far this season. He could prove to be a good investment for fantasy managers as Brentford plays Ipswich Town next.
Goalkeepers
a. André Onana (Manchester United) has been crucial to Manchester United’s season so far, leading the league in clean sheets. His impressive goalkeeping performances have been instrumental in their resurgence this season, providing stability and confidence to the backline.
b. José Sá’s (Wolverhampton Wanderers) impressive performance against Manchester City, despite the late goal, could solidify his position as Wolverhampton Wanderers' starting goalkeeper. While Dan Bentley has been preferred in recent matches, Sá's strong showing against a top-tier team might sway the manager in his favor for the upcoming fixtures.
Tip: For 5 credits (480.4 points), Chelsea’s Robert Sánchez could be a valuable asset for fantasy managers seeking a solid goalkeeper. With Chelsea's recent resurgence, Sánchez's clean sheets could contribute significantly to their points total, making him a worthwhile investment.
What Next?
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