The Premier League serves up another fresh and exciting round of football, with only a one-day break as the season shifts gears, entering perhaps its most dramatic phase. Manchester City has been held to a draw for the third consecutive match, this time by Spurs, who are still in the title race, trailing leaders Arsenal by just six points. City's next opponent, Aston Villa, is only a point behind them, making this match a potential starting point for another City juggernaut or an indication of their dominance being challenged this season. At the bottom of the table, Everton seems to be fighting hard to climb out of the relegation zone, as their win last week places them just two points below Luton Town. Like Premier League teams, fantasy managers hardly have time to catch their breath as they need to adjust their transfer strategy to make the most of this hectic month of football.
Key Takeaways from the Gameweek 14
Manchester City were held to a thrilling 3-3 draw by Tottenham Hotspurs, while Liverpool staged a comeback, scoring two goals in two minutes to win 4-3 against Fulham. Arsenal fended off a late surge by Wolverhampton Wanderers to secure a 2-1 victory, and similarly, Chelsea edged out Brighton 3-2.
Burnley dominated Sheffield United, scoring five unanswered goals, while Brentford secured a 3-1 win against Luton Town. Newcastle United and Everton narrowly won 1-0 against Manchester United and Nottingham Forest, respectively.
Players to watch out for Gameweek 15
With only a one-day turnaround, teams had little time to recover from injury or fatigue. Hence, before exploring potential game-changers for your fantasy team, it's essential to remain vigilant about any significant absences from the starting lineups. These exclusions can wield a considerable impact on your team's performance in the fantasy league, underscoring the necessity of staying well-informed and adaptable in the ever-evolving landscape of fantasy sports:
Notable Absences
Newcastle United suffered another injury blow over the weekend, and now they will be without Nick Pope shortly. Manchester City will face Aston Villa without the duo of Rodri and Grealish, as both will be sitting out due to suspension. Chelsea also will be without Conor Gallagher in the next match due to suspension. Arsenal will miss the services of defender Takehiro Tomiyasu due to injury.
Forwards
a. Dwight McNeil (Everton) scored the winning goal for Everton against Nottingham Forest in the last match. The winger, trusted by Sean Dyche and having played under him at Burnley too, was crucial for Everton's survival last season and continues to prove his importance this season as well.
b. Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa) is enjoying a great season for Aston Villa having made 14 goal contributions (8 goals and 6 assists) in the Premier League so far. His 90th minute goal rescued a point for Villa against Bournemouth and they would be heavily relying on him against Manchester City in the midweek game.
Tip: For 11.5 credits (439 points), Tottenham Hotspurs’s Brennan Johnson could be an interesting choice for fantasy managers. The forward has been settling well in Ange Postecoglou’s attacking style and could be a consistent performer in the upcoming games.
Midfielders
a. Enzo Fernández (Chelsea) scored a wonderful brace against Brighton to help Chelsea win 3-2 in a tough game. The midfielder has been playing well in recent matches and could prove to be a difference-maker against Manchester United by winning the midfield battle.
b. Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal) scored his fourth goal for the season as he helped Arsenal defeat Wolverhampton Wanderers in the previous round. Having recently recovered from injury the Gunners captain now could pave the way for a successful title challenge as they lead the league table.
Tip: For 10 credits (704 points), Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimarães can prove to be a reliable choice for fantasy squads. The midfielder seems to be always present for Newcastle United amid the injury crisis at the club, helping them remain competitive at the top end of the league.
Defenders
a. Ben Mee (Brentford) has faced injury challenges this season, but the veteran defender showcased his importance with a crucial goal that helped his side overcome Luton Town 3-1. His role will be vital for his team as they aim to defend against the high-scoring De Zerbi's side in the upcoming matches.
b. Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool) scored a decisive goal in consecutive weeks as his latest goal helped Liverpool beat Fulham 4-3 in a thrilling encounter. The full back who often plays midfield this season, remains one of Liverpool’s biggest assets particularly with his passing range and abilities.
Tip: For 6.5 credits (410 points), Burnley’s Charlie Taylor could be a great gamble for any team looking for transfers in the defense. The left-back played a crucial role by assisting one of Burnley's five goals in the last match and could continue to be a significant contributor to Kompany's team as they aim for a revival.
Goalkeepers
a. Martin Dúbravka (Newcastle United) came as a substitute for the injured Nick Pope in the 86th minute against Manchester United and is expected to play the next few games in the absence of Pope. The former first-choice goalkeeper could use the opportunity to prove that he still possesses great quality and in the process help Newcastle United in their campaign.
b. Bernd Leno (Fulham) conceded a freak own goal in the match against Liverpool as his side lost 4-3. The former Arsenal goalkeeper, however, has been great for Fulham this season having made 60 saves so far, second only to Wes Foderingham (Sheffield United).
Tip: For 5 credits (526.6 points), Bournemouth’s Neto could prove to be an interesting strategic transfer for fantasy teams. The Brazilian has been consistently decent for the Bournemouth side which usually finds themselves involved in the relegation battle. His 48 saves this season have ensured Bournemouth remain 6 points clear of the relegation spots at the moment.
What Next?
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