Approaching the midway point, the Premier League gears up for a festive spectacle with five Boxing Day matches. Manchester City, fresh from their FIFA Club World Cup triumph, capitalizes on a pivotal draw between Arsenal and Liverpool, solidifying their favorable position. The top of the table sees a razor-thin 6-point margin among the leading five teams, intensifying the title race. Meanwhile, at the lower end, Burnley, Luton Town, and Sheffield United's recent performances narrow the gap with Nottingham Forest, who cling to a precarious 17th place, just two points clear of the relegation zone. With fixtures unfolding rapidly, fantasy football managers are fervently dissecting every detail to gain an edge in the points tally, adding an extra layer of excitement to this exhilarating season.
Key Takeaways from the Gameweek 18
The high-profile clash between Arsenal and Liverpool concluded in a 1-1 draw, mirroring two other matches between Crystal Palace vs Brighton and Aston Villa vs Sheffield United. Tottenham Hotspur secured their third consecutive win with a 2-1 victory over the in-form Everton side, while Chelsea suffered a setback, succumbing to Wolverhampton Wanderers by the same scoreline.
West Ham United climbed above Manchester United in the points table after a convincing 2-0 win at the London Stadium. Luton Town surprised Newcastle United with a 1-0 upset, and Burnley also notched a 2-0 victory over Fulham. The most thrilling encounter of the round was the Bournemouth vs Nottingham Forest clash, ending 3-2 in favor of Bournemouth, propelled by Dominic Solanke's hat-trick.
Players to watch out for Gameweek 19
As injuries take a toll on several teams towards the year's end, managers are exercising caution with their available resources. Before identifying potential game-changers for your fantasy team, it becomes crucial to stay alert to any notable absences from starting lineups. These omissions can significantly influence your team's fantasy league performance, highlighting the importance of staying informed and adaptable in the constantly changing realm of fantasy sports:
Notable Absences
Arsenal will go up against West Ham United without Kai Havertz, who is suspended for the upcoming game. Chelsea will be without Cole Palmer and Raheem Sterling in their next match against Crystal Palace due to suspension. Everton faces a setback as Idrissa Gueye will be sidelined for the coming weeks after sustaining an injury in the last game against Tottenham Hotspur. Liverpool experienced a significant injury setback in the game against Arsenal, with Kostas Tsimikas suffering a broken collarbone, ruling him out for an extended period.
Forwards
a. Danny Welbeck (Brighton) scored the equalizer for Brighton in their 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace in the last match. The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward provides the much-needed experience to this talented yet youthful Brighton’s forward line. It would be crucial for them in their next game against spurs.
b. Julián Álvarez (Manchester City) scored a brace in the final of the FIFA Club World Cup which Manchester City won. With Erling Haaland recovering from the injury, Álvarez could prove to be important for Manchester City as they look forward to asserting their usual dominance post-Christmas and pushing for their fourth successive league title.
Tip: For 11.5 credits (590 points), Luton Town’s Elijah Adebayo could be a great gamble for fantasy managers. The forward has been the top scorer for the Luton side which are now finding their feet in the Premier League and a win in their upcoming match against fellow promoted side Sheffield United could see them move out of the relegation zone.
Midfielders
a. Christopher Nkunku (Chelsea) made an impactful debut for Chelsea last week, scoring his first goal for the club despite ending up on the losing side. The talented French international, who had been eagerly anticipated by Chelsea fans, finally took the field after months of waiting due to injury. Expectations are high for Nkunku, and his promising start suggests he could be a significant asset to the team moving forward.
b. Lucas Paquetá (West Ham United) has assisted 4 goals in the last 2 matches as West Ham United enters in the race for European Competition spots. The Brazilian Midfielder is regarded highly for his talent and ability and would be crucial for West Ham United as they face leaders Arsenal next.
Tip: For 10.8 credits (836 points), Bournemouth’s Philip Billing can prove to be a reliable choice for fantasy squads. The midfielder has often produced decent performances this season for his club and is crucial for Bournemouth as they continue on their upward trajectory in the League Table.
Defenders
a. Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal) scored the opening goal for the Gunners in their 1-1 draw against Liverpool in the last match. The defender has formed a formidable partnership with William Saliba and would be important for their success against West Ham United in the next match.
b. Joachim Andersen (Crystal Palace) has proven to be a valuable asset for Crystal Palace, showcasing his defensive prowess and making significant contributions with goals. The Danish defender's dual capability makes him a key player for Palace, and his role could be pivotal in the upcoming match against struggling Chelsea.
Tip: For 6.3 credits (359.6 points), Tottenham Hotspurs’s Emerson Royal presents an intriguing prospect for fantasy football managers considering a transfer. The former Barcelona fullback not only excels in defensive duties but also possesses an eye for goal, making him a potential point accumulator for fantasy squads.
Goalkeepers
a. Alisson Becker (Liverpool) continues to play a pivotal role in Liverpool's pursuit of the title. The seasoned goalkeeper's experience and skill make him a crucial asset for the team. In the upcoming game against Burnley, Alisson is anticipated to have a relatively quiet outing, given Burnley's reputation for not being prolific goal-scorers.
b.José Sá (Wolverhampton Wanderers) made an important save against Chelsea in the last game to help his side win 2-1. With Wolves facing in-form Everton in the next game, his contribution could prove to be crucial for Wolves as they aim to break into the top half of the League Table.
Tip: For 5 credits (205.4 points), Newcastle United’s Martin Dúbravka could prove to be an interesting transfer choice for fantasy managers. With Nick Pope injured for a long duration, Dúbravka is expected to continue his run in the team unless Newcastle United signs another goalkeeper in the January Window, ensuring he earns decent points for his fantasy squads.
What Next?
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