As the Premier League ushers in a new month, the fixture between the top two of last season becomes the high point of the upcoming round. With several surprising upsets in the past week, the upcoming matches promise to be even more intriguing. Fatigue appears to be another factor in the equation, with the tight schedule due to participation in multiple competitions affecting some teams more than others. Bournemouth and Sheffield United are still in search of their first win of the season, while Arsenal and Spurs stand as the only teams yet to suffer a defeat. With so much on the line for these clubs, fantasy managers are also fully engaged, striving to make their mark on the leaderboard in this pivotal week.
Key Takeaways from the Gameweek 7
Manchester City's impressive winning streak came to an end as Wolverhampton Wanderers pulled off a surprising 2-1 victory, a week in which City were also eliminated from the EFL Cup. Manchester United experienced back-to-back home defeats, with Crystal Palace securing a 1-0 win. Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur extended their unbeaten run with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Liverpool, further adding to the intrigue of the Premier League season.
Aston Villa delivered a resounding 6-1 triumph over Brighton at home, showcasing their attacking prowess. Arsenal displayed their offensive prowess as well, scoring four unanswered goals against Bournemouth. Newcastle United and West Ham United both secured comfortable 2-0 victories. Luton Town and Burnley celebrated their first wins of the season, while Chelsea managed to clinch just their second victory, with Mudryk netting his inaugural goal for the club.
Players to watch out for Gameweek 8
Injuries have become a significant factor as numerous teams are coping with players sidelined due to injuries sustained in either the Premier League or European competitions. Before we delve into identifying potential game-changers for your fantasy team, it's imperative to stay vigilant regarding any notable absences from the starting lineups. These exclusions can wield a substantial impact on your team's performance on the leaderboard, underscoring the importance of staying informed and adaptable:
Notable Absences
Arsenal may have to do without Bukayo Saka in their upcoming match against Manchester City, as he sustained an injury in their Champions League defeat to Lens. Brighton has been dealt a blow with the long-term injury of Pervis Estupinan, impacting their defensive options. Crystal Palace will be without midfielder Ebererchi Eze due to injury. Liverpool faces multiple absentees, including Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota, who are suspended, along with Cody Gakpo due to injury. Newcastle United will miss the services of the suspended Anthony Gordon when they face West Ham United.
Forwards
a. Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa) showcased his striking prowess with a fantastic hat-trick in Aston Villa's remarkable 6-1 victory over the high-flying Brighton. The forward, who has earned a call-up to the England national team under Gareth Southgate, will undoubtedly be eager to maintain his exceptional form when Villa faces Wolverhampton Wanderers, further solidifying his credentials before representing England.
b. Rasmus Højlund (Manchester United) has been a shining light in an otherwise disastrous week for Manchester United, as they suffered defeats against Crystal Palace and Galatasaray at Old Trafford. The Danish forward is set to play a pivotal role for United as they brace themselves to face another tough opponent in Brentford, counting on his contributions to help steer them back on course.
Tip: For 7.6 credits (183.6 points), Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus would be a tempting choice for fantasy managers as Arsenal would rally on Jesus more for goals, particularly because of the absence of Bukayo Saka.
Midfielders
a. Miguel Almirón (Newcastle United) enjoyed a splendid week, finding the back of the net for Newcastle United in both the Premier League and the Champions League. While it may have taken him some time to settle in the Premier League, he has undoubtedly transformed into a reliable performer for Eddie Howe's team, showcasing his growing impact and contribution to their success.
b. Yves Bissouma (Tottenham Hotspurs) may not have had a stellar first season at Spurs, but he has started the current season strongly under new manager Ange Postecoglou. The former Brighton midfielder is poised to play a pivotal role for Spurs as they aim to sustain their bright start to the season, with his contributions expected to be significant in their midfield setup.
Tip: For 9.8 credits (465.6 points), Brentford’s Christian Nörgaard could be a calculated risk for a fantasy team. The midfielder would face a Manchester United side that is devoid of confidence in his next match.
Defenders
a. Kyle Walker (Manchester City) continues to showcase his remarkable speed on the pitch, even at the age of 33. The veteran defender's extensive experience and pace make him a crucial asset for Manchester City, particularly as they prepare to face title challenger Arsenal. His contributions in defense and support in attack will likely be instrumental for City in this high-stakes matchup.
b. Levi Colwill (Chelsea) has rapidly established himself as a defensive cornerstone for Chelsea, an impressive feat at just 20 years old. The highly sought-after defender is determined to provide stability to his side's performances, building on his excellent display against Fulham last week as he continues to grow and contribute to Chelsea's success.
Tip: For 6.5 credits (387.6 points), Liverpool’s Andrew Robertson offers significant value to fantasy managers looking for proven choices. The full-back, who is enjoying his 7th season at Anfield, would be crucial for Liverpool as they look to bounce back from defeat last week.
Goalkeepers
a. Bernd Leno (Fulham), despite a challenging performance against Chelsea last week, continues to be regarded as one of the premier goalkeepers in the league. With his wealth of experience, he'll be determined to help his team bounce back and showcase his top-notch goalkeeping skills in the upcoming matches.
b. José Sá (Wolverhampton Wanderers) made several key saves to help Wolves upset Manchester City. He has made the second most number of saves this season (33) and would need to be at his best again as his side faces Villa side that scored six past Brighton.
Tip: For 5 credits (158.2 points), Everton’s Jordan Pickford could be an interesting option for a squad looking for a change in goalkeeping position. Everton faces Bournemouth in the next match, which could prove to be an important match towards the end of the season and Pickford could prove the difference between the two sides.
What Next?
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