The Premier League roars back this weekend, but the echo of the Carabao Cup final on Sunday reverberates through the fixtures. With two crucial games missing as Chelsea and Liverpool lock horns at Wembley, the stage is set for a power struggle at the top. Manchester City and Arsenal, hungry to close the gap on the leaders, have a golden opportunity to capitalize. Meanwhile, at the other end of the table, Everton eyes redemption after Luton's defeat. A win against Brighton could provide much-needed breathing space in the relegation battle. Crystal Palace, under the fresh leadership of Oliver Glasner, seeks a new beginning, hoping to inject energy into their season. This confluence of narratives makes for a tantalizing weekend for football fans and fantasy managers alike. With KridaFans buzzing in anticipation, every decision weighs heavily as managers strategize to maximize their returns.
Key Takeaways from the Gameweek 25
Gameweek 25 saw Liverpool and Arsenal cruise to comfortable victories, with the Reds smashing Brentford 4-1 and the Gunners thumping Burnley 5-0. While Manchester City stumbled to a 1-1 draw against Chelsea, they salvaged some pride with a narrow 1-0 win over Brentford. Meanwhile, Manchester United secured a thrilling 2-1 victory over Luton Town, with all the goals packed into a frantic first 15 minutes.
Aston Villa edged past Fulham with a 2-1 scoreline, while Tottenham Hotspur surprisingly fell to Wolves by the same score. Brighton showcased their attacking prowess with a 5-0 thrashing of Sheffield United. Everton, meanwhile, secured a crucial point against Crystal Palace (1-1), moving above Luton Town in the relegation battle.
Players to watch out for Gameweek 26
Fantasy managers face a unique challenge with only eight fixtures instead of the usual ten this gameweek. Balancing their squads to maximize points for this week without disrupting their overall strategy for the coming months becomes a delicate act. Every decision carries added weight. Injuries further complicate matters, demanding careful consideration. Worry not, for the following paragraph sheds light on some key injury concerns, empowering you to navigate this intriguing gameweek with confidence:
Notable Absences
Manchester United would face Fulham without the services of forward Rasmus Højlund and defender Luke Shaw. Fulham would also miss a key player in the same game with João Palhinha unavailable for selection due to suspension. Kalvin Phillips was awarded a red card in West Ham United’s last match against Nottingham Forest and would be suspended in the game against Brentford this gameweek.
Forwards
a. Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa) continued his great form this season by adding two more goals to his tally in the last match, which now takes his goal contribution to 25 this season. The forward would be eager to take revenge for Villa’s defeat to Forest earlier this season.
b. Pablo Sarabia (Wolverhampton Wanderers) made an important contribution to the Wolves' surprise win over Tottenham Hotspurs in the form of an assist. The Spanish forward would be crucial for Wolves as they miss Cunha due to injury.
Tip: For 11.6 credits (863.4 points), Brighton’s Simon Adingra could prove to be a good transfer choice. The AFCON winner made a cracking return to the Brighton side by scoring a brace against Sheffield United in the last match. He could prove to be a great asset for Brighton and fantasy managers.
Midfielders
a. Rodri (Manchester City), the metronome of Manchester City's midfield, proved his invaluable worth once again, pulling them back from the brink of defeat against Chelsea with a crucial equalizer. His ability to control the tempo and contribute in key moments makes him an indispensable cog in their title chase.
b. Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), the young midfield prodigy, is making waves with his ability to control the tempo of the game like a seasoned veteran. His composure and vision orchestrate the flow of play, while his clutch goal-scoring proves he's not afraid to step up in decisive moments. This young talent is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with on the pitch.
Tip: For 9.8 credits (811.2 points), Eveton’s Amadou Onana could be an inspired choice for fantasy teams looking for midfielders who can contribute with goals. He was impressive for Everton against Palace and would like to contribute similarly in the next game.
Defenders
a. Joachim Andersen (Crystal Palace), the Danish rock at the heart of Crystal Palace's defense, has been a stalwart this season. With his defensive duties, he has also been helpful going forward contributing 2 goals and 2 assists. Palace would be hopeful for him to continue his form and help their new manager climb the Premier League Table.
b. Jakub Kiwior (Arsenal) is enjoying a continuous run in the starting lineup in the absence of injured Zinchenko. The Polish footballer has used his opportunities and proved himself capable at Premier League level and Arteta would expect him to improve further.
Tip: For 6.5 credits (585.8 points), West Ham United’s Nayef Aguerd could prove to be a great choice as a defender. Moyes would be hopeful that Aguerd keeps the danger of Ivan Toney at bay as West Ham United looks to bounce back against Brentford.
Goalkeepers
a. Mark Flekken (Brentford) made as many as 10 saves to deny Manchester City scoring more than a single goal. The Dutch goalkeeper will hope for a better result if he repeats his performance against West Ham United in the next game.
b. James Trafford (Burnley), Burnley’s young goalkeeper, has quickly established himself as a key figure in their fight for survival. At just 21, Trafford's composure under pressure and leadership qualities make him a vital asset for the Clarets as they navigate the relegation battle.
Tip: For 5.1 credits (418.8 points), Newcastle United’s Martin Dúbravka could be an interesting choice for fantasy squads looking for a new goalkeeper. With his team facing high-scoring Arsenal in the next match, this represents an opportunity for the veteran goalkeeper to shine for his club.
What Next?
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