As the Premier League season enters its thrilling final stretch, Matchday 35 promises intense battles for title contenders, top-four hopefuls, and relegation-threatened sides alike. Arsenal's clash with high-flying Newcastle United may be decisive in the title race, while Liverpool aims to break into the top four amidst Manchester United's struggles. Nottingham Forest has a crucial opportunity to separate themselves from their relegation rivals.
Key Takeaways from Matchday 34
Manchester City secured two victories in the latest round, maintaining their position at the top of the table, despite Arsenal's notable 3-1 triumph over Chelsea. The latter has yet to find success under Frank Lampard's management. In contrast, Liverpool emerged victorious in both their matches, with one being a nail-biting 4-3 win against Tottenham Hotspur, who displayed resilience after an early 3-0 deficit.
On the other hand, Manchester United's performance was inconsistent, claiming a 1-0 win against Aston Villa but subsequently falling to Brighton with an identical scoreline. Brighton achieved their largest Premier League victory by defeating Wolves 6-0. Newcastle United, Crystal Palace, and Brentford also celebrated wins in their respective matches. Lastly, Leicester City's 2-2 draw with Everton, a relegation rival, might hinder their pursuit of a spot in European football.
Players to Watch for Matchday 35
As stakes rise, fantasy managers must make strategic player selections and transfers to maximize points. Here are some key players to watch, along with notable absences:
Notable Absences
Some essential players will be missing from the action, including Kevin De Bruyne for Manchester City and West Ham's Declan Rice, Tomas Soucek, and Nayef Aguerd due to illness. Kurt Zouma is still recovering from a foot injury.
Forwards
a. Danny Welbeck (Brighton) displayed his importance by scoring a brace in Brighton's 6-0 victory over Wolves. The forward is now just a few goals away from reaching a double-digit goal tally this season, which would be a significant achievement.
b. Ivan Toney (Brentford) netted his 20th goal of the season and continues to be a key player for Brentford. The English forward hopes to add more goals to his tally and solidify his position as one of the league's top three strikers this season.
Tip: For 9.4 credits, consider Leicester City's Jamie Vardy (947 points), whose recent form could make him a valuable addition to your fantasy squad. The veteran striker has found the back of the net in Leicester's last two games.
Midfielders
a. Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) remains essential in their pursuit of Champions League football, consistently contributing goals and assists. His winning goal against Aston Villa exemplified his importance to the team.
b. Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace) returned from injury and immediately made an impact, scoring against West Ham United. His presence adds further strength to Palace's attack, who have been performing well under Roy Hodgson.
Tip: For 9.9 credits, Manchester City's Bernardo Silva (1497 points) could be a smart choice in Kevin De Bruyne's absence. Silva is likely to be the chief creator for the talented City squad and should provide ample opportunities for points.
Defenders
a. Serge Aurier (Nottingham Forest) will be vital against Southampton as they fight for survival. The defender's ability to impact the match on both halves of the pitch makes him an essential player for Nottingham Forest.
b. Ben White (Arsenal) will play a key role in Arsenal's title chances, aiming to shut down dangerous strikers and prevent any costly slip-ups. His consistent performances as a key defender have been crucial for Arsenal this season.
Tip: For 6.2 credits, Liverpool's Virgil Van Dijk (1686 points) remains a top defender and could be a wise transfer with only 5% ownership. Despite Liverpool's struggles this season, he continues to be one of the best defenders in the league.
Goalkeepers
a. Jordan Pickford (Everton) faces a tough test against Brighton, as they fight for survival. The goalkeeper is expected to make multiple saves to keep his team's chances alive and secure crucial points.
b. Nick Pope (Newcastle United) has proven to be one of the best goalkeepers in the league this season. He will look to continue his excellent form by denying Arsenal in their next match, as he chases Manchester United's David De Gea for the prestigious Golden Gloves award.
Tip: For 4.5 credits, Fulham's Bernd Leno (1595 points) is a solid goalkeeper choice against relegation-threatened Leicester City. Leno has been a consistent performer, and this match offers a good opportunity for clean sheet points.
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