The Premier League is set to resume in a whirlwind as midweek fixtures kick off just one day after the last round of action-packed football. With the race for the title reaching a crucial juncture, Manchester City has a golden opportunity to put one hand on their third consecutive title if they can overcome Arsenal this week. However, Chelsea and Spurs find themselves in a perplexing situation with their seasons seemingly lacking direction, and incoming managers in the summer will have the daunting task of reigniting the winning ambitions of these talented squads. The stakes are higher than ever as fantasy managers gear up to make strategic moves and capitalize on the upcoming fixtures as the season approaches its climax.
Key Takeaways from the Matchday 32
Arsenal's title hopes took a hit with a thrilling 3-3 draw against Southampton, marking their third consecutive draw and leaving them with ground to make up in the title race. In other matches, Newcastle United stunned Tottenham Hotspur with an impressive 6-1 victory, boosting their hopes for Champions League football next season and damaging Spurs' chances. West Ham United moved closer to safety with a 4-0 win over Bournemouth, while Liverpool and Fulham kept their European football bids alive with wins over Nottingham Forest and Leeds United, respectively. Leicester City finally secured their first win since February, reviving their hopes for Premier League survival.
Players to watch out for Matchday 31
Fantasy managers are facing a daunting task as matches come thick and fast in the midweek, with a full set of fixtures lined up. The intensity of the schedule requires careful squad maneuvering, and strategic decisions in this round could prove to be beneficial in the upcoming gameweeks. With teams playing multiple matches within a short span of time, fantasy managers need to be astute in their player selections and transfers to maximize their points and stay ahead in the ever-competitive fantasy league. Let's look into notable absences before going through players which can help you to top the leaderboard:
Notable Absences
While there would be a plethora of talent to choose from in the upcoming fixture, a few crucial players would be missing from the action. Tottenham Hotspur will be without their regular goalkeeper, Hugo Lloris, for their upcoming game against Manchester United. Brighton's Evan Ferguson, who missed their FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United, is uncertain for their midweek fixture against Nottingham Forest due to injury. Due to ongoing injury recovery, Roberto Firmino is expected to be absent from Liverpool's away match against West Ham United.
Forwards
a. Ivan Toney (Brentford) is on the verge of a landmark achievement, with just one more goal needed to reach 20 goals in a single premier league season for the first time in his career, after scoring his 19th goal in Brentford's recent 1-1 draw against Aston Villa.
b. Riyad Mahrez's (Manchester City) incredible form this season, including his hat-trick against Sheffield United in the FA Cup semi-final, may have flown under the radar amidst the constant spotlight on Erling Haaland and his goal-scoring records. The Algerian forward could play a crucial role in his side winning the historic treble.
Tip: For 9.9 credits, Liverpool’s Diogo Jota (806 points) appears to have regained his goal-scoring prowess, as the forward netted his second brace in a row against Nottingham Forest. With Liverpool fiercely pursuing Champions League qualification, Jota could be a savvy addition to fantasy teams, considering his current low ownership rate of less than 1%.
Midfielders
a. Joseph Willock's (Newcastle United) remarkable assist for Isak's goal against Newcastle United's opponents resulted in what could be argued as the pass of the season, highlighting the young midfielder's exceptional talent and potential. With impressive performances throughout the season, Willock has been a standout player, realizing his full potential and making a significant impact for the club.
b. Christian Eriksen's (Manchester United) impending reunion with his former club, Spurs, in Manchester United's next game has generated significant anticipation among fans and pundits alike. Despite missing a considerable portion of the season due to injury, the midfielder has been a key creator for United, amassing an impressive 7 assists.
Tip: For 10.1 credits, Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz’s (1733 points) impressive performances for Aston Villa this season make him an enticing addition to any fantasy squad seeking a change in the midfield. The Brazilian midfielder has been in top form, already registering 4 goals and 5 assists, showcasing his ability to make a significant impact in Villa's attack.
Defenders
a. Joël Veltman’s (Brighton) consistent performances have been a bright spot for Brighton this season, and the upcoming fixture against Nottingham Forest presents an opportunity for the versatile defender to showcase his skills once again. As a reliable presence in defense, Veltman's defensive awareness and ability to contribute in attack make him a valuable asset for Brighton.
b. Jefferson Lerma’s (Bournemouth) imposing presence in midfield has been a driving force for Bournemouth's campaign to secure their Premier League survival. As they prepare for a crucial match against Southampton, Lerma's defensive skills, tenacity, and ability to disrupt opposition attacks make him a key player for Bournemouth.
Tip: For 6 credits, Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi's (1319 points) recent performances for Crystal Palace have been impressive, and he could be a hidden gem for fantasy managers looking for a differential pick in defense. Despite featuring in less than 2% of squads, Guehi has been a solid presence at the back for Palace, contributing to their recent defensive improvements with two consecutive clean sheets.
Goalkeepers
a. Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal) will be critical for Arsenal in their season-defining match against Manchester City in midweek. Despite experiencing ups and downs this season, Ramsdale has emerged as a key player for Arsenal. The upcoming match against the defending champions could be a significant moment in his career.
b. Jordan Pickford's (Everton) consistent performance has been a bright spot in Everton's challenging season as they fight to avoid relegation from the league. Despite the team's struggles, Pickford's shot-stopping abilities and commanding presence in the box could play a crucial role in helping Everton secure a much-needed victory against Newcastle United in their battle for survival.
Tip: For 4.2 credits, Manchester United’s David De Gea (1554 points) features only in 11% of the squad despite leading the race for the premier league golden gloves with 14 clean sheets. He made a couple of important saves against Brighton in the FA semi-final and would be confident in a goal against Spurs in the next match.
What Next?
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