UEFA Champions League (UCL)
Manchester City
One
of the craziest games in UCL history was played out in the first leg of the
round of 16 phase of the tournament, between Manchester City and Monaco. With
the result ending 5-3 in favour of the Premier league juggernauts, many FPL
managers will be looking at the score line with optimism as City players return
to the league in goal scoring form. In contrast, FPL managers should not be
looking to the blue side of Manchester for defensive selections and point’s
returns, as UCL staters John Stones and Nicolás Otamendi both had dreadful
displays of defensive skills. Without the wise head of Vincent Kompany
consistently at the back and no top tier goalkeeper, City will struggle to keep
clean sheets for the remainder of the season. Dissimilarly, all of City’s attacking
players – Agüero, De Bruyne, Silva, Sanè and Sterling were electric and got
amongst the goals and assists, setting up one another, working with cohesion
and fluidity. Agüero grabbing 2 goals and an assist is a scary prospect for FPL
managers as many have ditched the pricy forward. Recently this has been a good
decision after a series of blanks. However, if the Argentine once again becomes
the fixture-proof, scoring machine of years past he will warrant an inclusion
into more than the mere 16.9%TSB he sits at now. With the exception of the ever
present and reliable Kevin De Bruyne, Manchester City boast three other
exceptional midfielders, capable of rewarding FPL managers brave enough to
select them.
So,
What Manchester City players should be included without breaking the FPL bank?
David Silva
Not
as common FPL selection as in the past, Silva still has plenty to offer to Man
City and FPL managers. Registering double-figure assist totals in every season
(6) since moving to the Premier league in 2010, the Spaniard still has a fair
way to go to keep up that trend. Sitting on 5 assists, with a decent run of
fixtures upcoming, Silva has the pedigree to push on. Against Monaco in the
UCL, Silva was tenacious in the attacking third of the field, picking up one
key pass and an assist for Agüero’s second goal. With most of City’s play
travelling down the wings, Silva was instrumental to starting attacking raids
and linking play. He could have easily been credited with 3 assists had he been
more direct with his passing, rather than giving a pass that lead to an assist
by another player. Not registering a shot in the UCL tie against Monaco in such
an open game was unlike the Silva seen in the Premier League, who always takes
on the responsibility of shooting when on offer, averaging 1.4 shots per
90mins. Along with the 2.4 key passes per game in the league, Silva has the
ability to become a big point scorer. Should Agüero hit his straps again in
front of goal, Silva’s assist tally should skyrocket. Picking up the occasional
goal and being a constant threat could see a quantity of bonus points being
awarded to the Spaniard, which should entice FPL managers to consider Silva. At
£8.6, Silva has a £2.0 saving on De Bruyne, however could be picking up as many
if not more FPL points than the Belgian.
Leroy Sanè
One
of the hottest young prospects in Europe, Leroy Sanè has been in tremendous
form as of late. Breaking into the Manchester City starting XI in an attacking
position isn’t an easy feat with such a wealth of options available to Pep
Guardiola. However, Sanè has taken his opportunities with both hands. In the
UCL tie against Monaco, Sanè was one of the top performers on the pitch.
Registering a goal and an assist from 2 shots and 2 shot assists, Sanè was also
menacing in possession of the ball, showing outstanding fleet of foot and ball
manipulation to have 4 successful take-ons (second among all performers) and
provide 4 crosses for his teammates. Having been underutilised since his move to
the Premier league, only taking part in 752 minutes of league action, Sanè
hasn’t been on many FPL managers watch lists. However, when the young German
has started league games he has always performed, only blanking in 2 of his 8
games from the first whistle. Since GW22 Sanè has become a 90 minute player,
scoring one goal and providing 2 assists in the 4 fixtures. With his pace and
desire to take-on opposing defences, Sanè has the potential to gain FPL returns
to take note of through assists, goals and all important bonus points.
Raheem Sterling
Opening
the season with flurry of points, Sterling was many FPL managers prized
possession. However, after GW6 Sterling fell into obscurity on the FPL scene,
blanking in 9 consecutive games. After the horror run many FPL managers are
finding it hard to trust the Englishman, but his performances have been quite
good in recent weeks. Since GW16, Sterling has provided a remarkable 8 assists
along with scoring 2 goals. This form has transitioned over into the UCL, where
Sterling got a goal and an assist yet again from his 2 shots, 2 crosses and 30
touches of the ball. Having a shot every 42.8 minutes of action and providing a
goal scoring opportunity every 48.6 minutes, Sterling is always in the action
that Manchester City create. FPL managers should look to transfer Sterling into
their squads to cash in on his reliable form, providing 5 or more points in 7
out of last 10 games. This form could continue for the reminder of the season
as Man City look to secure a top 4 finish.
Leicester City
What
more can be said about Leicester that hasn’t already been covered. League form
has been atrocious but cup form is remarkable. The UCL round of 16 phase was
expected to halt the Foxes progress, but somehow it looks like Leicester could
get through to the final 8 of the competition. The tough prospect of Sevilla
away looked to stop Leicester in their tracks however a late goal from Jamie
Vardy secured a vital away goal. Although Sevilla still won the game 2-1, there
is more than just hope of Leicester pulling off another miracle. Only having
27% possession, Leicester couldn’t spark any threatening offence, however a
multitude of saves from Foxes goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, including a penalty
save, allowed the English club to head into the second leg at the King Power
Stadium with enough hope to yet again defy the odds. Nevertheless, this hope in
the UCL wasn’t enough to keep manager Claudio Ranieri at the helm and see out
the season as he was sacked from the job the following day. The trust given to
Riyad Mahrez, Jamie Vardy and defensive pairing Robert Huth and Wes Morgan
after such underwhelming performances in the league spelt the end for the
Italian manager. Although fans might dislike the decision to part ways with the
manager that won the league less than a year ago, it could mean a change in
fortunes for the Foxes who are in serious relegation danger. Role changes and
pressure put on players to impress the new manager could ignite Leicesters
fighting spirit, allowing them to kick on for the final portion of the season.
So,
with a change in manager, what could be the potential for the remainder of the
season?
Danny Drinkwater
One
of the driving forces in midfield that allowed Mahrez and Vardy to excel in the
2015/16 Premier league season en route to the title, Drinkwater, like all
Leicester players hasn’t been in the same class in the current season. With 3
goals and 8 assists last season, Drinkwater has dropped to only 1 assist this
campaign so far. Having 1.2 shots per game doesn’t fill FPL managers with much
hope as to how the Englishman can provide points to their FPL squads. However,
with a change in manager, Drinkwater could see a shift in position further up
the field. In the UCL tie against Sevilla, Drinkwater provided the
all-important cross and assist for Jamie Vardy’s goal. This showed Drinkwater’s
prowess in the attacking third of the field and match-awareness to insert
himself at the correct time after completing a load of defensive work,
registering 5 successful tackles, leading all Leicester players. A move to the
number 10 role in the Foxes starting XI could be good news for FPL managers as
Drinkwater would be one of the cheapest players (£5.3) at the position. The
change in roles could free up regular attacking threats Mahrez, Vardy, Gray,
Slimani and Musa, as Drinkwater would still take on defensive responsibilities,
while providing the crucial link up play. Drinkwater’s defensive pressing would
occur further up field with Ndidi, Amartey and Mendy taking control of tracking
back. Should Drinkwater’s role in the side change, it could spark a successful
run of form to survival from Leicester similar to what was seen in the final
games of the 2014/15 season. FPL managers would be wise to take a punt on the
English international should this occur.
Kasper Schmeichel
Registering
4 clean sheets in the Premier League this season so far, Schmeichel hasn’t been
as safe with the gloves as in the past. The lack of clean sheets has been a
pivotal part to Leicesters poor run of form. However, Schmeichel has been
providing good numbers in goalkeeping statistics to show FPL managers that with
an improved defensive line he could be top clean sheet scorer again. Against
Sevilla in the UCL, Schmeichel made 5 saves along with a penalty save to keep
the Foxes alive in the tie. A quantity of saves is a common occurrence for the
Danish international who averages just under 4 saves per game. With a
relatively simple run of fixtures ahead in the league, if Leicester can keep clean
sheets, Schmeichel’s FPL potential and point’s returns should increase. The
incentive of clean sheet and saves points, along with the occasional bonus
could be a handy scoring addition for a player worth £4.9 with a 5.4%TSB for
FPL mangers looking to move up the ranks.
UEFA Europa League (UEL)
Tottenham
What
to say about Tottenham! After the first leg of their UEL tie against KAA Gent,
a cup run was looking like a possibility. However, errors and poor discipline
meant that once again Spurs and their fans would have to wait until next season
to have another shot. The final score of 2-2 on the day and 3-2 on aggregate to
Gent showed Tottenham’s lack of experience, where they gave the opposition
every opportunity to win the game. For FPL managers, Tottenham out of Europe
could be a positive factor to their league performances and point’s returns for
players such as Eriksen, Kane, Alli and co. Although the UEL fixture finished
in a draw, Spurs dominated attacking stats. Had it not been for an own goal by
Harry Kane and an ill-disciplined red card from Dele Alli, Tottenham could be
progressing through to the next phase. Spurs managed 25 total shots and 65%
possession in the tie with defenders Kyle Walker, Jan Vertonghen and Toby
Alderweireld all registering 3 shots a piece. For FPL managers who own Spurs
defensive players this is good news as clean sheets are common occurrences at
Tottenham and the odd goal and assist picked up can be a huge game changer in
points and bonus returns. As mentioned in the European roundup Part 1 article –
Christian Eriksen is an FPL must have player, and he yet again proved so
against Gent. Having 5 shots, over 60 touches of the ball and delivering 7 key
passes, he grabbed another goal and an assist. With partner Dele Alli off for a
majority of the game, Eriksen went to another level. Bringing this form back to
FPL could place Eriksen as a nailed on captain choice for a large portion of
the remaining league fixtures. Additionally, the ever present Moussa Dembèlè
also did his FPL stocks justice against Gent as he showed he can be a feared
attacking threat when given licence to move forward. Covering for Dele Alli’s
red card, Dembèlè produced 3 successful take-ons and supplied 4 shot assists.
FPL managers could be bold and select the underrated £5.4 Belgian for a decent
differential pick (0.4%TSB) to allow for upgrades in other areas of their
squads.
Manchester United
With
a big 3-0 win in the first leg, United complimented that with a 1-0 away
victory over French opposition Saint Etienne in the second leg of their UEL
tie. Despite changing the starting line-up and being on the lesser side of most
statistics, United came away with the victory, expressing their squad depth and
desire to perform in all competitions. A solitary goal from Henrikh Mkhitaryan,
assisted by Juan Mata was enough to win. Although two attacking players grabbed
the winning goal and assist it was United’s defence that truly won them the
game. Being reduced to ten men just after the hour mark from an Eric Bailly
sending off, it was Daley Blind, Chris Smalling and to an extent Michael
Carrick who kept United from conceding. With United’s league fixtures ahead,
Blind proved why he could be one of the best acquisitions in FPL. Having made 3
successful tackles, 4 clearances and 5 interceptions along with providing 2
shots assists, Blind was central figure in United’s play. The transition of
form to league competition could rank Blind as high as counterparts Kyle
Walker, Marcus Alonso and Seamus Coleman for attacking threat and FPL point’s
returns on a regular basis. However, his much cheaper value could allow FPL
managers to acquire better selections in other areas of their squad. Spaniard
Juan Mata is also prospect to consider for FPL in the coming weeks. Despite having
2 blanks in the next 3 GW’s, United play Bournemouth, Middlesbrough and West
Brom in their next 3 fixtures in the league and Mata has been in terrific
scoring form, providing a goal or assist in his last 4 starts for the red
devils. As United’s cheapest regular attacking player, sitting at a mere £7.2,
the Spanish international could be a godsend, if his form continues for FPL
managers looking to bolster their squads for the upcoming DGWs.
By
Luke Scali – Twitter @LS_Potzi
