The Premier League returned after a short break for domestic cups, with teams facing key player absences due to AFCON and the AFC Asian Cup. Arsenal's recent defeats have seen Liverpool take the lead, while Manchester City remains a strong contender. The absence of stars like Salah and Son adds intrigue to an already tight title race. Meanwhile, Krida fans gear up for an intense start to the new year.
Key Takeaways from the Gameweek 20
Arsenal encountered another setback last week, succumbing to a 2-1 defeat against Fulham. Meanwhile, Aston Villa rebounded impressively from their previous loss to Manchester United, securing a 3-2 victory over Burnley. Manchester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers showcased their dominance with comfortable wins in their respective matches, triumphing over Sheffield United (2-0) and Everton (3-0).
Chelsea faced a resilient Luton Town, managing to resist a late comeback to secure a 3-2 victory. In contrast, Manchester United suffered another blow, this time losing 2-1 to Nottingham Forest. Struggling Brentford faced a 3-1 defeat against Crystal Palace, while Spurs overcame the in-form Bournemouth with the same scoreline. The round concluded with a goalless draw between Brighton and West Ham United.
Players to watch out for Gameweek 21
As highlighted earlier, the impending departure of several key players for AFCON and AFC ASIA Cup introduces a dynamic element into team dynamics. To optimize your fantasy team, it is imperative to maintain a vigilant stance toward any significant absences in starting lineups. The potential loss of key contributors can exert a considerable influence on your team's fantasy league performance, emphasizing the need for continuous awareness and adaptability in the dynamic landscape of fantasy sports. Proactively addressing injuries and fine-tuning strategies is paramount for sustaining a competitive advantage throughout this pivotal phase of the season. Stay informed, stay agile, and navigate the twists and turns of the fantasy realm with strategic acumen.:
Notable Absences
The following is the list of a few important players missing for the next few weeks due to participation in AFCON and AFC ASIA Cup:
- Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
- Son Heung-Min (Tottenham Hotspurs)
- Yoane Wissa (Brentford)
- Nicolas Jackson (Chelsea)
- Serge Aurier (Nottingham Forest)
- Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
Note: Many other players are missing from their teams, with Nottingham Forest missing as many as 6 players. André Onana is expected to play for Manchester United on 14th Jan before departing for AFCON and is likely to be absent in the following round
Forwards
a. Matheus Cunha (Wolverhampton Wanderers) has been an important player for Wolves throughout the season and his importance will only increase as Hwang hee-chan is absent due to his participation in the AFC ASIA Cup. Cunha scored one of three goals for Wolves in their 3-0 win against Everton.
b. Julián Álvarez (Manchester City) has played the role of the central striker well in the absence of Erling Haaland, scoring in each of the last two matches in the league as well as in the FA Cup match against Huddersfield Town. The Argentine forward is expected to continue his run in the team as Haaland is yet not fully recovered.
Tip: For 9.1 credits (672.6 points), Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo could prove to be an affordable option. The Dutch forward is likely to be more influential for the league leaders without the talisman Mo Salah.
Midfielders
a. João Palhinha (Fulham) is once again rumored to be a target for Bayern Munich in the winter transfer window. After missing out on a move in the summer, the midfielder has regained top form and is expected to play a crucial role for Fulham in their upcoming match against Chelsea. The speculation around his potential transfer adds an extra layer of intrigue to both his immediate contributions on the field and his future in the transfer market.
b. Tomas Soucek (West Ham United), often overshadowed by the spotlight on Bowen and Paqueta during West Ham United's impressive season, has been quietly instrumental. The underrated midfielder has consistently delivered crucial goals, adding substantial value to the team. As West Ham readies to face Sheffield United, Soucek remains determined to sustain his impactful form and establish himself as a pivotal force in the team's success.
Tip: For 10 credits (810.8 points), Luton Town’s Ross Barkley can prove to be a great gamble for fantasy managers much like it has been for Luton Town. The experienced midfielder who just joined the newly promoted side in the summer window has helped them find their feet in the league and could play a great role in their next match against Burnley.
Defenders
a. Kieran Trippier (Newcastle United) has struggled in the last few matches which in turn led to Newcastle’s dip in form. The veteran defender remains Newcastle United’s biggest asset as they face Champions Manchester City in the next match.
b. William Saliba (Arsenal) is surely on the way to establishing himself as one of the greatest defenders in the Premier League. The French international needs to ensure that Arsenal shore up their defenses particularly as the goal has been hard to come by the gunners in the recent matches.
Tip: For 6.7 credits (874.4 points), Manchester United’s Diogo Dalot could prove to be a great choice as a defender. Manchester United has been inconsistent this season but Dalot has been impressive in recent matches, particularly in the attacking sense having scored in the FA Cup and getting very close to scoring in the defeat against Nottingham Forest.
Goalkeepers
a. Jordan Pickford (Everton) conceded three goals against Wolverhampton Wanderers but he remains a key strength of Everton. Everton is again in the relegation mix and Pickford could help them move up the table by keeping a clean sheet against second-place Aston Villa.
b. Matt Turner (Nottingham Forest) made crucial saves against Manchester United to help his side win 2-1. The American goalkeeper, who joined Forest from Arsenal in the summer, would be looking to continue his form against Brentford who are struggling at the moment.
Tip: For 5.1 credits (830.2 points), Bournemouth’s Neto could be an interesting choice for fantasy squads looking for a new goalkeeper. The Brazilian goalkeeper has made several key saves this season and has 5 clean sheets to his name so far. He could prove to be a difference-maker as Bournemouth face leaders Liverpool in the next game.
What Next?
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