As the Premier League eases into Gameweek 24, the brief pause provided some teams a momentary respite from the relentless schedule, notwithstanding those engaged in FA Cup battles. The title race has dramatically widened, courtesy of Liverpool's recent defeat at the hands of Arsenal, placing Liverpool, Manchester City, and Arsenal in a tightly contested sprint for supremacy. Simultaneously, the battle to avoid relegation intensifies, with Everton, Luton Town, and Nottingham Forest jostling for safety, separated by the slimmest of margins. Luton Town, holding a game in hand, finds itself in a precarious yet opportune position to escape the drop zone. This week promises to deliver another thrilling chapter in both the quest for glory and the fight for survival.
Key Takeaways from Gameweek 23
Gameweek 23 delivered an electrifying mix of high-scoring draws and pivotal matches that reshaped the Premier League's title and relegation battles. Everton and Tottenham kicked off with a 2-2 draw, vital for Everton's escape from relegation. Astonishingly, Luton Town scored four in a draw against Newcastle, while Aston Villa saw five different goal scorers illuminate their match. Wolverhampton's Cunha stunned with a hat-trick to defeat Chelsea 4-2 at Stamford Bridge. The spotlight fixture, Arsenal vs Liverpool, ended in a surprising defeat for Liverpool, flinging the title race wide open as Manchester City, boosted by a Phil Foden hat-trick, secured a crucial win to tighten the contest at the top.
Players to watch out for Gameweek 24
As the Premier League gears up for Gameweek 24, teams welcome back their stars from the AFCON and AFC Asian Cup, injecting fresh energy into the league. However, fantasy managers must navigate the challenges posed by notable absences in their squads. With the conclusion of international duties, while Son Heung-min returns to bolster Tottenham, key players across the league are sidelined, necessitating astute adjustments to fantasy line-ups. Remember, leveraging your free transfer wisely is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge.
Notable Absences
Fantasy teams will feel the impact of missing players: Bournemouth's dynamic midfielder Philip Billing sits out due to a red card, and Liverpool's Ibrahim Konate, pivotal in their title pursuit, is also suspended. Manchester United's defense takes a hit with Lisandro Martínez sidelined by a knee injury, likely affecting their backline for several weeks. Crystal Palace faces double trouble, missing Marc Guehi and the influential Michael Olise, the latter due to a hamstring injury, challenging managers to seek effective replacements for these key contributors.
Forwards
Pedro Neto. Source: https://www.givemesport.com/
a. Carlton Morris (Luton Town) has been in scintillating form, contributing goals and assists in his last three appearances. His dual assists in the previous match against Sheffield United spotlight his critical role in Luton Town's quest to escape relegation. As they face Sheffield United again, Morris's ability to influence the game could be pivotal for Luton's survival ambitions.
b. Alejandro Garnacho has emerged as a vital player for Manchester United, netting braces in both his last match and the preceding fixture against Aston Villa. His explosive performance places him as a key asset for United in their challenging away match against a resilient Aston Villa.
Tip: Despite injury setbacks, Pedro Neto (Wolverhampton Wanderers), has managed to compile an impressive tally of 2 goals and 8 assists this season. His recent form, scoring and assisting in the last two matches, underscores his importance to Wolves' attack. In the upcoming home match against Brentford, Neto's creativity and goal-scoring ability will be crucial for Wolverhampton's success.
Midfielders
a. Riding high on a spectacular performance, Phil Foden (Manchester City) netted a hattrick in Manchester City's latest fixture, demonstrating his exceptional form even in the presence of Kevin De Bruyne. With City set to face Everton, a team embroiled in the relegation battle, Foden's prowess and current momentum position him as a prime candidate for significant contributions in the upcoming match.
b. Jack Hinshelwood (Brighton), Brighton's emerging talent, has made headlines by scoring in his last match and continuing his goal-scoring form in the previous encounter against Tottenham Hotspur, who will be Brighton's next adversary. His recent performances suggest that Hinshelwood could play a pivotal role in Brighton's efforts to secure a positive result in their rematch with Spurs.
Tip: Priced under 10 credits, Kai Havertz (Arsenal) emerges as an attractive midfield option for fantasy managers. With a knack for scoring crucial goals, Havertz is expected to leverage the confidence gained from Arsenal's victory in the last gameweek as they prepare to face West Ham United on their home turf. Havertz's ability to make impactful plays could prove invaluable for Arsenal's ambitions and fantasy managers alike.
Defenders
a. Fresh off a commendable performance in the FA Cup victory against Aston Villa, Malo Gusto (Chelsea) has shown his prowess not just in defense but in contributing to Chelsea's attacks from the full-back position. As Chelsea prepares for their away game against Crystal Palace, Gusto's role could be crucial in helping the team find their form in the Premier League and secure a much-needed win.
b. Despite experiencing a slight dip in form in recent matches, Kieran Trippier (Newcastle United) demonstrated his enduring threat by scoring in the dramatic 4-4 draw against Luton Town. Known as the second-highest assist provider this season, his ability to contribute significantly in both defense and offense makes him a key player for Newcastle's away game against Nottingham Forest.
Tip: Marcos Senesi (Bournemouth) offers fantasy managers a solid option in defense, boasting a record that highlights his capabilities in both defending and contributing to his team's offensive plays. Given Bournemouth's upcoming fixture against a Fulham side known for its unpredictability,
Goalkeepers
a. Despite a challenging match recently, Alisson Becker (Liverpool) remains a cornerstone for Liverpool, boasting 7 clean sheets this season. His exceptional skills will be vital as Liverpool continues their pursuit of the Premier League title. His reliability and shot-stopping ability make him a key player for fantasy teams aiming for clean sheet points.
b. Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa) showcased his talent with an impressive performance against Sheffield United, affirming his status as a crucial element of Aston Villa's success. As Villa faces a Chelsea side known for its unpredictable attack, Martinez's form will be essential in securing valuable points, both for Aston Villa and fantasy football managers.
Tip: Despite Brentford's defeat to Manchester City, Mark Flekken's (Brentford) performance was noteworthy. He'll need to maintain his high level of play as Brentford prepares to travel to Wolverhampton Wanderers.
What Next?
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