The final round of matches for the month is set to unfold in the Premier League, featuring several intriguing battles, including Chelsea vs. Brentford, West Ham United vs. Everton, and Bournemouth vs. Burnley. However, the highlight of the week will undoubtedly be the Manchester Derby between a resurgent City side, bolstered by Rodri's return, and Manchester United, who have managed to secure wins in their last two matches but still struggle to display top-quality performances. These matches also offer ample opportunities for fantasy managers to tweak their squads to maximize their point totals.
Key Takeaways from the Gameweek 9
Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur secured comfortable 2-0 victories in their respective matches against Everton and Fulham. Manchester City managed to overcome Brighton with a 2-1 win, while Manchester United achieved a similar result in their game against Sheffield United.
Arsenal mounted a comeback from a two-goal deficit to secure a thrilling 2-2 draw against their London rivals, Chelsea, in an entertaining game at Stamford Bridge. Meanwhile, Newcastle United put on an impressive performance, thrashing Crystal Palace 4-0. Under Unai Emery's guidance, Aston Villa continued to excel, defeating West Ham United with a score of 4-1.
Players to watch out for Gameweek 10
With midweek European matches on the horizon, teams are faced with the challenge of rotating their squads, especially considering the persistent issue of injuries that plague many teams. Before we delve into identifying potential game-changers for your fantasy team, it's crucial to keep a watchful eye on any notable absences from the starting lineups. These exclusions can have a significant impact on your team's performance in the fantasy league, underscoring the importance of staying informed and adaptable in the dynamic world of fantasy sports:
Notable Absences
Brighton will have to cope without the services of forward Danny Welbeck and Solly March for some time due to injuries sustained in their match against Manchester City. Meanwhile, Manchester City will miss Manuel Akanji, who received a red card in the same game. On the other hand, Newcastle United faced a series of setbacks, with Jacob Murphy ruled out and Alexander Isak in doubt for their upcoming match following their Champions League encounter against Dortmund. Additionally, Newcastle United has suffered another blow as Sandro Tonali has been banned from football for 10 months due to betting-related offenses.
Forwards
a. Mykhailo Mudryk (Chelsea) may have taken a few months to score his first goal for Chelsea, but now he has netted twice in three games, including the opening goal against Arsenal. If he can maintain his recent form and performance, he is likely to play a significant role for Chelsea in their upcoming match against Brentford.
b. Heung-min Son (Tottenham Hotspurs) continued to impress, adding another goal to his tally in the match against Fulham. The South Korean international boasts an excellent record against Tottenham Hotspur's next opponent, Crystal Palace, having scored 7 goals against them in the Premier League. His form and track record make him a key player to watch in the upcoming fixture.
Tip: For 11.7 credits (435.6 points), Burnley’s Lyle Foster could be a great gamble for any fantasy manager. With 3 goals and 2 assists already to his name, he could be a game-changer against the struggling Bournemouth side.
Midfielders
a. Douglas Luiz (Aston Villa) has been a standout performer for Aston Villa, sharing the top scorer position alongside Ollie Watkins with 5 goals each. The midfielder displayed his effectiveness against West Ham United by scoring a brace, and he'll be eager to continue his excellent form in the upcoming match against Luton Town.
b. Rodri (Manchester City) made a triumphant return to action after missing the last two games due to suspension. His absence from the Manchester City lineup in those two matches resulted in their only two defeats of the season, underscoring his immense value to Pep Guardiola's side. His presence in the team has proven crucial to City's success, and his return is undoubtedly a significant boost for the squad.
Tip: For 10.7 credits (603.8 points), West Ham United’s James Ward-Prowse could be a good transfer for a fantasy team. The former Southampton midfielder has been in terrific form since joining West Ham in the summer.
Defenders
a. Harry Maguire (Manchester United) has been a rock at the heart of the Manchester United defense in recent games, earning recognition as the Player of the Match in their recent encounter against Sheffield United. The defender, who has consistently been under the spotlight at Manchester United, will be eager to showcase his abilities in the upcoming fixture against the current Premier League and European champions, Manchester City.
b. Dan Burn (Newcastle United) has been a consistent performer for Newcastle United since the beginning of last year. As a left-back, he has played a crucial role in the team's recent impressive run in the Premier League. Burn's contributions to the team's defense and attack make him a valuable asset for Newcastle United, and he will be eager to continue their strong form in the league.
Tip: For 6.5 credits (410.8 points), Arsenal’s Oleksandr Zinchenko offers significant value to fantasy managers looking for proven choices. The Ukrainian brings the much-needed winning mentality to the Arsenal side having won multiple trophies with his previous club Manchester City.
Goalkeepers
a. Alisson Becker (Liverpool) continued his impressive run with another clean sheet in the match against Merseyside rivals Everton. Liverpool's upcoming game against Nottingham Forest presents a favorable opportunity for Alisson to secure another clean sheet. Considering the form and abilities of both teams, Alisson's goalkeeping skills will likely play a pivotal role in maintaining a strong defensive performance for Liverpool.
b. Bernd Leno (Fulham) may have conceded two goals in defeat against Tottenham Hotspurs but he did make a few important saves to keep Fulham in the game as long as possible. Fulham would again rely on his experience to look to bounce back against high-scoring Brighton in the next game.
Tip: For 5 credits (364.8 points), Wolverhampton Wanderer’s José Sá could be an interesting option for a squad looking for a change in goalkeeping position. Wolves face Newcastle United in the next match, who are missing several key players due to injury, improving José Sá’s chances to keep Newcastle United from scoring.
What Next?
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