The Premier League returns after a well-deserved breather following the international break, but the action just before the break was nothing short of infectious. Arsenal's triumphant victory over the defending champions, Manchester City, has injected a new level of excitement into the title race, and it appears that Tottenham Hotspur is fully committed to the challenge this time around. The recent wins by Manchester United and Chelsea suggest that the battle for Champions League spots might be even more unpredictable than in previous seasons. Everton's victory over Bournemouth could serve as a turning point in their season as they strive to create a comfortable gap between themselves and the relegation zone. The international break came at a perfect time for many teams to address their injury concerns, and as these players return, they introduce new variables into the equation that fantasy managers must navigate in the captivating world of KridaFans.
Key Takeaways from the Gameweek 8
Manchester City is trailing Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur after suffering their second consecutive defeat, this time with a 1-0 loss to the title-contending Arsenal. Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur managed to fend off a strong challenge from Luton Town with a narrow 1-0 victory. Everton, on the other hand, secured a comfortable 3-0 win at home against Bournemouth.
Chelsea is gradually finding their form with a convincing 4-1 victory over Burnley, signaling a potential turnaround from their early-season struggles. In contrast, Manchester United had to display resilience, securing a 2-1 victory over Brentford with Scott McTominay scoring twice in injury time. The matches between Liverpool and Brighton, as well as Newcastle United and West Ham United, provided thrilling action, both ending in 2-2 draws.
Players to watch out for Gameweek 9
The international break provided a timely opportunity for many teams to address their injury concerns. However, before we explore potential game-changers available for action, it's essential to remain vigilant regarding any significant absences from the starting lineups. These omissions can have a profound impact on your team's performance on the leaderboard, emphasizing the importance of staying informed and adaptable in the world of fantasy sports:
Notable Absences
Liverpool will face their derby rivals Everton without Andrew Robertson, who sustained a shoulder injury while representing Scotland during the international break. In the case of Tottenham Hotspur, Yves Bissouma will be unavailable for their game against Fulham this week due to suspension resulting from his red card against Luton Town in the last round.
Forwards
a. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) continues to find the back of the net for Liverpool, even amidst the team's recent disappointing results. With a strong track record against Everton, Salah is poised to play a pivotal role for Liverpool and could be a decisive factor in the upcoming match.
b. Raheem Sterling (Chelsea) appears to have rediscovered the form he exhibited during his time at previous clubs like Manchester City and Liverpool, and he's now bringing that form to his current team, Chelsea. With Chelsea gearing up to face a significant challenge against Arsenal, Sterling will need to be at his absolute best for Chelsea to secure victory in the game.
Tip: For 11.7 credits (503.2 points), Luton Town’s Carlton Morris could be a great gamble for any fantasy manager. With 3 goals and 1 assist already to his name, he could prove to be a game-changer against Nottingham Forest.
Midfielders
a. Abdoulaye Doucouré (Everton) has emerged as a surprise top goal scorer for Everton this season, underscoring his commitment to the game. As Everton gears up for their most significant challenge of the season in the Merseyside Derby against Liverpool, Doucouré's contributions will be pivotal in winning the midfield battle.
b. Declan Rice (Arsenal) appears to be handling the pressure of his substantial price tag in the transfer market with composure. The Englishman, who has been frequently linked with Chelsea, likely influenced by his youth career spent there, now aims to play a vital role in halting Chelsea's resurgence as Arsenal face Chelsea in the next game.
Tip: For 9.3 credits (228.2 points), Manchester United’s Scott McTominoy could be a good transfer for a fantasy team. The Scotland international might not be starting the games for United but his recent form for both club and country means Ten Hag could rely on him to change the game coming in as a substitute.
Defenders
a. Marc Guéhi (Crystal Palace) stock is on the rise, with the English defender demonstrating consistency for both his club and country this season. Crystal Palace may be encountering challenges in front of the goal. Still, their defense has been steadfast, maintaining three consecutive clean sheets in the last three games, with Guéhi playing a central role in the defense.
b. Pau Torres (Aston Villa) opened his goal-scoring account for Aston Villa in the last round, marking a significant moment for the Spanish defender. He holds high regard from his manager, Unai Emery, who has previously worked with him at their former club, Villarreal.
Tip: For 4 credits (2 points), Manchester City’s John Stones offers significant value to fantasy managers looking for proven choices. The defender is back from injury and would be an important part of Guardiola’s plan, having played a decent amount of football for England in the international break.
Goalkeepers
a. Guglielmo Vicario (Tottenham Hotspurs) has proven to be an excellent signing for Spurs in the current season. The Italian goalkeeper has already secured three clean sheets, including one in the most recent game against Luton Town.
b. Neto (Bournemouth) could potentially be the difference-maker for Bournemouth in their upcoming game against Wolves as they seek their first win of the season. The veteran goalkeeper has been in excellent form, making 36 saves thus far this season, and his performance could be crucial in their quest to survive another season in the Premier League.
Tip: For 4.9 credits (120.4 points), Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen could be an interesting option for a squad looking for a change in the goalkeeping position. The Dutch international seems to be ahead of Jason Steele in the pecking order and could cement his place in the starting if he performs well against Manchester City in the next game.
What Next?
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