The Premier League resumes after the international break, marking the onset of a hectic holiday period. The comeback features a highly anticipated top-of-the-table clash between Manchester City and Liverpool, followed by nine additional fixtures, including a Monday Night Football matchup. While significant movements are expected at the league's summit, there's also noteworthy action at the bottom. Everton, facing a ten-point deduction for breaching the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules, is slipping into the relegation zone. With the promise of thrilling football ahead, fantasy managers are diligently tweaking their squads to optimise results in the relentless Premier League juggernaut.
Key Takeaways from the Gameweek 12
Cole Palmer converted an injury-time penalty to help Chelsea draw 4-4 against his former club Manchester City. The last game before the international break treated fans to a spectacular showdown between Manchester City and Chelsea, culminating in a thrilling 4-4 draw at Stamford Bridge. Meanwhile, Liverpool showcased their dominance with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Brentford. In contrast, Manchester United again had to grind out a result, securing a narrow 1-0 win against Luton Town.
Arsenal and Aston Villa displayed their prowess with convincing 3-1 victories over Burnley and Fulham, respectively. Everton and West Ham United engaged in thrilling encounters, securing wins against Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest, with a 3-2 scoreline. In a surprising upset, Bournemouth emerged victorious against Newcastle United with a 2-0 score.
Players to watch out for Gameweek 13
International breaks often result in a fresh wave of injuries, and this one has been no exception. Before identifying potential game-changers for your fantasy team, it's crucial to stay vigilant regarding any notable absences from the starting lineups. These exclusions can have a substantial impact on your team's performance in the fantasy league, underlining the importance of staying well-informed and adaptable in the ever-evolving landscape of fantasy sports:
Notable Absences
João Palhinha will be unavailable for Fulham in their upcoming match against Wolverhampton Wanderers, serving a suspension after receiving his 5th yellow card in the last game. Manchester United faces multiple injury concerns after the international break, with Rashford and Onana doubtful for the Everton match. Meanwhile, Danish duo Rasmus Højlund and Christian Eriksen will be out due to injuries. Nottingham Forest suffers a significant setback as they will miss forward Taiwo Awoniyi, who sustained an injury while representing Nigeria during the international break.
Forwards
a. Dominic Solanke (Bournemouth) delivered an impressive performance, netting a brace as Bournemouth secured a victory over Newcastle United in their recent match. The forward has been showcasing excellent form, contributing six goals and one assist this season.
b. Darwin Núñez (Liverpool) showcased his skills for the Uruguay national football team during the World Cup qualifiers, amassing an impressive tally of 5 goals and 2 assists. While he may not have replicated the same level of consistency for Liverpool this season, the forward has proven himself valuable at critical junctures. His contributions could significantly impact Liverpool in the upcoming game against rival Manchester City.
Tip: For 11.6 credits (650 points), Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson could be a great choice as a forward, considering his recent goal-scoring form. There are still doubts about his consistency, but he has been great against top sides like Tottenham Hotspurs and Manchester City, and Chelsea will be playing another formidable opponent in Newcastle United next week.
Midfielders
a. Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace) marked his sensational return from injury by providing an assist and finding the back of the net in his first two games. The midfielder will be eager to continue his impactful performances and play a crucial role in guiding Crystal Palace to victory against newly promoted Luton Town in the upcoming match.
b. Rodri (Manchester City) has emerged as Manchester City's linchpin this season, with the team noticeably struggling in the games he was absent. Although there were initial concerns about his fitness during the international break, the midfielder is set to be available for the crucial clash against title contenders Liverpool. Guardiola will undoubtedly rely on Rodri's presence to bolster City's midfield and enhance their chances in this important matchup.
Tip: For 9.8 credits (648 points), West Ham United’s Lucas Paquetá can be an excellent transfer for a fantasy manager. The Brazilian midfielder has shown glimpses of his genius this season, and West Ham hopes he can dominate the midfield against struggling Burnley.
Defenders
a. Kieran Trippier (Newcastle United), amid a slew of injuries for Newcastle United, stands out as the beacon of hope in the upcoming game against Chelsea. With several creative players sidelined, the fullback's contribution becomes crucial. Trippier, who has already provided six assists this season, is expected to play a pivotal role, and manager Eddie Howe will heavily rely on his skills to influence the game positively.
b. Victor Lindelöf (Manchester United) was the unlikely goal-scoring hero for Manchester United in the last game against Luton Town. In the absence of Lisandro Martínez, Lindelöf has been a regular part of the Ten Hag’s plan this season, and has not disappointed his manager.
Tip: For 6.6 credits (563.8 points), Aston Villa’s Lucas Digne offers significant value to fantasy managers looking for proven choices. As Villa plays against injury-ridden Spurs in the next game, Digne could conjure up a decent return in terms of points.
Goalkeepers
a. Guglielmo Vicario (Tottenham Hotspurs), a notable addition to the revamped Spurs lineup under Ange Postecoglou, has demonstrated his worth in goal. Despite recent struggles for Spurs, marked by injuries and absences, Vicario's commanding presence between the posts could be the catalyst for a return to winning ways. The upcoming match against Aston Villa allows him to showcase his skills and potentially secure a positive outcome for his team.
b. Jason Steele (Brighton) would be looking to help his side return to winning ways against Nottingham Forest in the next game. With De Zerbi constantly switching between Steele and Verbruggen, a clean sheet in the next match could be beneficial for Steele in solidifying his position in this team.
Tip: For 5 credits (423.2 points), Wolverhampton Wanderers’ José Sá presents an exciting choice for transfer in the goalkeeping position. The Portuguese goalkeeper made his debut for his national side this international break because of his outstanding performance for Wolves. He will be looking to continue his remarkable run as Wolves face Fulham, who have struggled to score goals in recent matches.
What Next?
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