The Premier League is back in action this weekend, following the first international break of the season. This break undoubtedly had a varying impact on players, with some returning a bit fatigued after representing their national teams, while others enjoyed a much-needed respite. Unfortunately, several teams are grappling with injury crises across multiple positions, exacerbating their challenges as they prepare to face European competition starting next week. This impending addition of fixtures only adds to the complexity for managers who must carefully strategize their squads to juggle the demands of multiple competitions. This intricate dance of player management doesn't just affect the real-world football realm; fantasy managers find themselves navigating the same turbulent waters. They, too, must deftly balance their virtual squads, taking into account the prevailing injuries that seem to afflict various teams across the league.
Key Takeaways from the Gameweek 4
Arsenal scored three goals, including two injury-time goals, after going a goal down against Manchester United to win the game 3-1. West Ham United continued their impressive start to the season with a solid 2-1 win over Luton Town. Manchester City overcame Fulham's challenge 5-1 courtesy of Erling Haaland's hattrick.
Tottenham Hotspur, Brighton, and Liverpool secured comfortable victories, firmly establishing themselves in the upper echelons of the league table. On the flip side, Chelsea endured another setback, succumbing to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Nottingham Forest. In a battle of the strugglers, Sheffield United and Everton finally notched their first point of the season, playing out a hard-fought 2-2 draw.
Players to watch out for Gameweek 5
Now that the transfer window has slammed shut, fantasy managers can breathe a sigh of relief regarding squad changes. However, before we dive into the potential game-changers for your fantasy team, it remains crucial to stay vigilant about any conspicuous absences from the starting lineups. These omissions can play a pivotal role in determining your team's success on the leaderboard.
Notable Absences
As the upcoming fixture list offers a plethora of skilled players to consider, it's important to bear in mind that specific pivotal individuals will be missing from the action. Both Antony and Jadon Sancho will be missing from the Manchester United squad due to off-field issues. Thomas Partey, who missed Arsenal's Last game, will be out for a few more weeks due to a groin injury. Virgil Van Dijk's suspension was extended for an additional week and he will be unavailable for Liverpool's game against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Forwards
a. Son Heung-min (Tottenham Hotspurs) made a resounding statement by notching his first goals of the season with a superb hat-trick against Burnley in the previous round. As the newly appointed captain of Spurs, he undeniably ranks among the premier attackers in the league, and fans can reasonably anticipate that he will shoulder the responsibility of filling the goal-scoring void left by Harry Kane's departure, thus playing a pivotal role in Tottenham's offensive efforts.
b. Marcus Rashford (Manchester United) displayed his undeniable talent by notching the opening goal in the match against Arsenal, yet despite his efforts, Manchester United ultimately fell short, succumbing to a 3-1 defeat. Rashford's form while representing England during international duty has been promising, and it's clear that United will heavily depend on his goal contributions as they aim to find their footing in the current season.
Tip: For 11.8 credits (292 points), Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Pedro Neto could be a smart transfer as the forward features only in 4% of the squad yet. He has started the season really well with 3 assists to his name already.
Midfielders
a. Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool) notched his first Liverpool goal in the recent game against Aston Villa. The Hungarian talent is already proving to be a promising midfield prospect for the club, potentially shaping the team's future for the next decade.
b. John McGinn’s (Aston Villa) impressive form for Scotland in Euro qualifiers and his positive history against Aston Villa's next opponent, Crystal Palace, make him a key player as Villa seeks to bounce back from their recent loss to Liverpool.
Tip: For 9.8 credits (217.2 points), Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White could be a great gamble for a fantasy team. The midfielder, who features in less than 1% of the squad, has tremendous potential as suggested by his strong performances in the last season.
Defenders
a. William Saliba (Arsenal) has solidified his status as a top-tier defender in the Premier League. The French international provides a dependable presence in Arsenal's defensive lineup, contributing to their sustained resilience over the past season and beyond.
b. Lewis Dunk (Brighton) earned his second England cap last week, marking a remarkable return to international duty after a five-year hiatus, a testament to his exceptional performances with Brighton in recent seasons. The 31-year-old defender is eager for the chance to face Manchester United, particularly given their current struggles in scoring goals, presenting him with a promising opportunity to make an impact.
Tip: For 7.1 credits (225.8 points), Chelsea’s summer signing from Lyon, Malo Gusto, has already made his mark with 2 assists this season. Selected by 12% of the squads, the right back provides a great option for squads looking for high-action defenders.
Goalkeepers
a. Ederson (Manchester City) has once again enjoyed a stellar start to the season, already securing two clean sheets. Thanks to Manchester City's dominance in most games, Ederson faces fewer shots on goal. However, when called into action, he rarely falters, consistently showcasing his reliability and goalkeeping abilities.
b. Alphonse Areola (West Ham United) has emerged as an excellent choice for West Ham United, earning the nod from manager David Moyes over the veteran Fabianski this season. As the French goalkeeper readies himself to take on Manchester City, it marks his most significant challenge yet. Areola is undoubtedly eager to demonstrate his skills against the reigning champions and further solidify his position as West Ham's top goalkeeper.
Tip: For 4.9 credits (177.8 points), Sheffield United’s Wes Foderinhgam could be an interesting option as he features in less than 1% of the squads. Sheffield United may be facing a challenging period, but Wes Foderingham has made an impressive start in the Premier League, tallying an outstanding 20 saves thus far.
What Next?
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