Newcastle 2 Liverpool 2
Tactical Setup
Newcastle, 4-2-3-1: With Coloccini unavailable, Yanga-Mbiwa came in while Ben Arfa started up top instead of the misfiring Cisse. The same 5 midfielders from last Gameweek started this week. After Mbiwa's red card, Dummett was brought in for Sissoko, turning Newcastle into a 4-4-1. Ben Arfa off for Ameobi and Cabaye off for Anita were like for like.
Liverpool, 3-4-2-1: With Enrique injured and Lucas unable to play due to the birth of his child, Henderson once against started in central midfield alongside Gerrard, Cissokho coming in for Enrique. Glen Johnson also came in for Sterling as wingback instead of Sterling. Alberto on for Sakho later turned Liverpool into a 4-4-2, Alberto shifting to right wing, occasionally drifting in. Johnson off for Sterling was like for like.
Top FPL Performers:
All 4 goalscorers
Top FPL Underperformers:
Liverpool Defense
Lessons Learnt from Past Weeks and how they fared this week
- Liverpool have a bad habit of allowing TOO MANY shots from outside the box, and unsurprisingly Cabaye's screamer gave Newcastle the lead. They've also conceded quite a number of goals from set pieces now, which is inexplicable tactically but FPL-wise it's a huge "sell" sign.
- Newcastle's defence concede a lot of good chances in general, and today was no different. If not for the wastefulness of Liverpool's strikers this game could've finished a lot worse for them.
The Stars: Suarez & Sturridge, Gerrard, Cabaye
The Suarez/Sturridge combo doesn't need to be elaborated on. In terms of shooting both are about equal, but I can verify that Suarez does possess a much larger assist potential (especially with corner duty) and is probably worth the extra investment over Sturridge.
Gerrard's output was typical, but to field him week in week out banking on Liverpool winning pens is only a move for someone with too much money and a lack of faith in City/Chelsea expensive mids. Cabaye's shots were all from way out, and as an FPL option he doesn't warrant investment for now.
The Big Decision: Liverpool Defence and Moses
The Liverpool defence has been conceding way too many shots recently as part of their "shelling" strategy. A benefit from this is that their wingbacks, Johnson and Enrique (when fit) get additional attacking potential, Johnson's 3 Key Passes against Newcastle and Enrique's assist last Gameweek for example.
Liverpool's next immediate opponents aren't pushovers anymore (WBA, ARS) so you don't have to pick them up now. Good pickup points are the FUL game or post Everton. If you don't rate their attacking potential, West Ham, Swansea or Chelsea defenders are good long term alternatives.
Despite Moses' advanced position, his attacking stats were so-so, so you're better off saving your Liverpool slot for someone else down the line. There are plenty of better and cheaper alternatives.
The potential Differential: No one
Swansea 4 Sunderland 0
Tactical Setup
Swansea, 4-2-3-1: The biggest concern here was for Ben Davies, who had an op before the international break and safely started. Davies, Bony and Routledge off for Taylor, Alvaro and Pozuelo respectively were like for like substitutions.
Sunderland, 4-5-1: Larsson started on the right wing this week at the expense of Ki, pushing Giaccherini into an advanced position behind the recovered Steven Fletcher. At the back, Bardsley came in for Colback. Colback's introduction for Johnson slotted him into left mid, while Borini slotted in behind Fletcher as a second striker for Giaccherini. Fletcher off for Altidore was like for like.
Top FPL Performers:
All goalscorers and the Swansea defence
Top FPL Underperformers:
Davies, Giaccherini, Michu
Lessons Learnt from Past Weeks and how they fared this week
- This game was about how Swansea possession play could pick apart Sunderland's "deep block" defence, and the symptoms of an attack v defence was there: Shots from outside, crosses, and lots of set pieces.
- Swansea used their set pieces well (2 goals from corners), and de Guzman's goal was definitely one for the Youtube reels. The last goal was a penalty.
The Stars: All the goalscorers
I'm going to emphasise on the fact that despite the scoreline being slightly flattering but fair result-wise, Swansea's goals were either from Sunderland's mistakes or Swansea's moments of quality. Swansea did create decent chances of their own, but only in the second half when Sunderland tired and were more vulnerable from crosses.
I'll conclude just for this game that Sunderland are currently still error prone, but from their next few opponents, those who are on set piece duty would probably benefit.
The Big Decision: Michu
Michu was alarmingly quiet this game but with West Ham, Cardiff and Stoke coming up, he's definitely worth holding on to, and maybe even worth buying as he'd be relatively cheap now.
The potential Differential: De Guzman
Set piece duty puts De Guzman in the limelight here, but with Europa League around the corner, unless there's an injury best avoid JDG for now.
Arsenal 4 Norwich 1
Tactical Setup
Arsenal, 4-2-3-1: Wenger decided to keep the same double pivot as last Gameweek, with Cazorla coming in for Ramsey as one of the 3 supporting attacking mids behind Giroud. Flamini's clash with Tettey in the first half resulted him in being brought off for Ramsey, while later on Cazorla off for Rosicky and Giroud off for Bendtner were like for like.
Norwich, 4-5-1: The injured van Wolfswinkel out for Hooper was the only change this week, and with Norwich chasing the game, Redmond and Hoolahan were brought on for Pilkington and Tettey, turning effectively into a 4-4-1-1.
Top FPL Performers:
The holy trifecta of Arsenal: Ramsey, Ozil, Giroud
Top FPL Underperformers:
Arsenal Defence
Lessons Learnt from Past Weeks and how they fared this week
- Reverting to a standard double pivot, Arsenal only had their front 4 to rely on in terms of attack, and link up well they did. Norwich were fairly attacking themselves despite the 4-5-1, with Fer pressing relatively high up while Tettey alone shielded the defense instead of 2 central midfielders usually (Howson + Johnson). The result - Arsenal's attacking midfielders constantly outnumbering Tettey while for Norwich had shots when outnumbering Arteta too.
- Arsenal's opener had Tettey watching Cazorla and Wilshere, while for Ozil's header, Tettey attempted to win the ball high up and couldn't recover in time to get back for the counter. Ramsey's goal basically had Arsenal attack outnumbering Norwich defence 4 v 3, while Ozil's second had Ramsey and Ozil outnumbering Garrido 2v1 as well.
- Norwich's chances also were a result of Snodgrass cutting in (and Arteta unable to cover both Fer and Snodgrass) while Fer had shots from outside the box too due to Ramsey not covering well enough. Howson's goal was also in Ramsey's area, Gibbs being outnumbered due to marking Snodgrass as well.
The Stars: Ramsey, Ozil, Giroud
Giroud has the best shot locations, Ozil has the most Key passes, and Ramsey has shots from outside but tactically causes a lot of havoc and has astronomical finishing powers. Take your pick, or take all 3.
The Big Decision: Arsenal Defence
Arsenal's defence is AT LEAST worth keeping for the Palace game up next. In terms of picking one up, post internationals is the best entry point, otherwise don't even consider.
The potential Differential: Wilshere
Wilshere's stats read: 1 goal from 2 shots, 3 Key Passes (from just outside the box + the assist for Ramsey) and not enough pass % or CBI to warrant bonus points. He is a punt if you're absolutely sick of Ramsey's face.
Stoke 0 West Brom 0
Tactical Setup
Stoke, 4-5-1: Geoff Cameron didn't recover in time for the clash, Wilkinson taking his place. Assaidi kept his place ahead of Etherington after impressing last Gameweek, with Wilson sacrificed for Adam alongside N'Zonzi in midfield. Adam off for Wilson was like for like, while Jones on for Walters pushed Arnautovic into midfield.
West Brom, 4-2-3-1: No changes in this side compared to last week, bar Anichebe in for Anelka. In search of a winner, Anelka and Morrison were brought on for the wingers, Brom going 4-2-2-2 with Sessegnon and Morrison the attacking mids behind the 2 strikers. Anichebe off for Long was like for like.
Top FPL Performers:
Both Defences
Top FPL Underperformers:
Amalfitano, Arnautovic and Wilson
Lessons Learnt from Past Weeks and how they fared this week
- With Stoke fielding a relatively attacking lineup compared to previous weeks, West Brom had a lot of space to make plays. With only 5 defensive players for Stoke, WBA's midfielders were afforded time and space to make runs with the ball into the box, usually outnumbering N'Zonzi in midfield. Sessegnon, Berahino and Amalfitano all had chances with dribbles from outside the box.
- Stoke's best chances came from the wide areas, this despite Stoke putting in a meagre 19 crosses, which is a lot less than their usual amount. Beyond counterattacks however, Stoke didn't show much attacking cohesion besides crosses from the wings.
The Stars: Both Defences
Unsurprisingly both keepers with their CSs picked up bonus, while the defenders in the BPs basically had good enough pass % and CBI to pick up their bonuses, Ridgewell's crosses and recoveries nudging him ahead of the others. Stoke got let off here, so I'd avoid for now, while WBA's fixtures don't get easier until after the international break (with Liverpool next as well).
The Big Decision: Arnautovic
His stats weren't encouraging to say the least, and the only real positive is that he was on corners and he made quite a few chances for his teammates - Perhaps when Stoke turn the corner offensively he'll be decent as an OoP, but at the moment there are so many sub 6.0 players that are better it's not funny.
The potential Differential: Sessegnon
It's relatively safe to say now that West Brom's signings have made their impact, and among the front trio of Sessegnon, Amalfitano and Berahino behind the rotating pair of strikers, Sessegnon has been the most encouraging of the 3, possessing the most goal threat out of the 3. Don't get him in a hurry, but have him on your radars if you're saving 2 transfers for after the next international break.
Chelsea 4 Cardiff 1
Tactical Setup
Chelsea, 4-2-3-1: The injured Cole was replaced by Bertrand this week, while ahead of the double pivot, Willian and Hazard started ahead of Oscar and Schurrle. While Mata off for Oscar was like for like, chasing the game Chelsea briefly went 3 at the back, Bertrand coming off for Torres. Straight after taking the lead, Mourinho reacted again, Azpilicueta coming on for Eto'o meaning that Chelsea reverted to their 4-2-3-1, Azpilicueta playing left-back.
Cardiff, 4-4-1-1: With Mutch and Cowie impressing in recent weeks, both got starts while Odemwingie started up front ahead of Campbell. Medel, Odemwingie and Gunnarsson off for Kim, Campbell and Gestede respectively were like for like substitutions.
Top FPL Performers:
Hazard, Eto'o. Oscar
Top FPL Underperformers:
Chelsea Defence, Mata
Lessons Learnt from Past Weeks and how they fared this week
Cardiff's bizzare opener and Chelsea's equally odd leveller aside,
- Chelsea's strategy still revolved around isolating their wingers against opposition fullbacks. This worked to decent effect for Hazard in particular, resulting in his second goal and his reverse pass for the Eto'o goal.
- Beyond the error, Chelsea were pretty diligent in blocking Cardiff's shots in the box, as well as narrowing Cardiff's goal threat to a minimum. Cardiff's best chance came from a set piece, which has been typical of their season.
The Stars: Hazard, Eto'o, Mutch, Oscar
While Oscar and Eto'o had limited time to prodce significant attacking output, Hazard's case was more curious: In this game, he scored from 2 of his 3 attempts, while his key passes have all been from central areas. While Hazard's steadily falling price is tempting to some, waiting for the City game to pass would be an astute move. Mutch didn't do much else besides the goal.
The Big Decision: Mata, Chelsea Defence
Chelsea defence continue to be really decent regardless of fixture, and post City are worth holding onto/buying even if you're impatient. Juan Mata continues to be the Mirallas of Chelsea - Shooting, Creating but not scoring nor assisting. Yet. Wait for it.
The Potential Differential: Bertrand
Wait for post City for this move as well, and keep a look out for Cole's rib injury status. Anything long term and Bertrand will really be worth a pickup for the next few games.
Everton 2 Hull 1
Tactical Setup
Everton, 4-2-3-1: The left wing spot continues to be rotated with Barry's return, otherwise things remain unchanged for Martinez' side, Osman taking up the left flank instead of Naismith last Gameweek. Lukaku for Kone was like for like, while Naismith played central for the first time when coming on for Barkley, and Pienaar took up the left flank replacing Osman.
Hull, 4-4-2: Brady was welcomed back into the side at the expense of Quinn, if not things remained unchanged. Graham off for Sagbo early in the first half was like for like, while in the second half Boyd was introduced on the right wing for Rosenior, relegating Elmohamady to right back and Quinn's introduction for Aluko was to help bolster the midfield (to no avail).
Top FPL Performers:
Sagbo, Mirallas, Pienaar
Top FPL Underperformers:
Lukaku, Brady, Barkley
Lessons Learnt from Past Weeks and how they fared this week
- Everton have had goals from multiple sources, and this game highlighted 2 features in particular - Mirallas' drifting position, as he did last season gave Everton an overload on the left flank alongside the more disciplined Osman in the first half. That advantage gave Everton enough sustained pressure that led to the corner for Mirallas' goal.
- The second feature was Lukaku's link up play with the midfielders, as well as his isolation against the Hull centerbacks. Lukaku did generate some chances himself through outmuscling centerbacks, although more vitally (especially for Pienaar's goal) he was instrumental in making the initial header to Barkley from the goal kick, and then the decoy run to pull the centerbacks out of position for Pienaar to run into an advanced position.
- Hull themselves did well, Aluko in particular drifting wide several times to link up play with the midfielders, his assist for Sagbo's goal coming from a wide position after doubling up with the fullback.
The Stars: Sagbo, Mirallas, Pienaar
- Sagbo's output was of the "1 shot 1 goal" category as Everton dominated possession this game. Wouldn't touch.
- Pienaar had limited time but it did prove that supersubs do get "in the money" in terms of Bonus Points.
- Mirallas had only 2 pops at goal but his key passes were crazy to say the least. All 3 of his corners were key passes while he had another 3 from open play. It's quite safe to say that Mirallas has consistently been an FPL option and he thoroughly deserves his returns this game. Worth picking up if you're worried about Barkley and Everton coverage.
The Big Decision: Brady, Lukaku, Barkley
- Brady's output was as expected (0 shots, 1 key pass). Please let him go.
- Lukaku's stats were limited to the one attempt. It seems like Lukaku went quiet this game and we should monitor Lukaku's next game to see if he's truly FPL worthy or simply a Jekyll and Hyde player.
- Barkley's offensive stats were also typical, 3 shots, central and just outside the box and 0 key passes. For his price I would have no qualms in this output, at least compared to Lukaku and such.
The potential Differential: No one
Man United 1 Southampton 1
Tactical Setup
Man United, 4-4-1-1/4-5-1: Man United's lineup for the last 3 Gameweeks have been relatively stable bar the centerbacks, with Evans and Jones starting this time due to Vidic's injury. Fellaini got the nod over Cleverley in midfield after recovering from injury. Giggs on for Nani was like for like, Giggs was later shifted into central midfield with Fellaini departing for Welbeck, who took up the wings. Smalling was brought on for Rooney at the end to protect the lead.
Southampton, 4-2-3-1: Lallana regained his place in the side this week, Lambert sacrifice to have Osvaldo playing as the lone striker this week. Chasing the game, Ward-Prowse, Do Prado and and Lambert were brought on to change the game, essentially finishing with a 4-4-2 with Lallana on the right and Do Prado on the left wing.
Top FPL Performers:
RVP, Lallana
Top FPL Underperformers:
Both Defences
Lessons Learnt from Past Weeks and how they fared this week
- Southampton's pressing game has been discussed about quite a lot now, and it's encouraging to see United reacting by attempting to play passes early, resulting in 2 types of scenarios: United being forced into errors or United getting really, really good chances.
- Januzaj, Nani and Carrick all had created decent chances for Van Persie, Rooney and Evra in the first half, while Rooney had been pressed into an error that Osvaldo didn't take advantage of. Januzaj' early pass created Rooney's shot that led to United's opener.
- In the second half, Southampton's pressing wasn't as intense, and both sides' best chances came from set pieces more than open play. United attempted to introduce more pace in Welbeck, but his execution let him down and United didn't take enough of their chances, but Southampton did and deserved their equaliser.
The Stars: Both Goalscorers
RVP was at the end of a few chances today, but with not many high pressing sides coming up van Persie is a HOLD rather than a BUY, especially considering the alternatives. Lallana's overall attacking threat was pretty good - 4 attempts, 5 key passes including 2 corners. Good 4th midfielder to have if you're looking for a decent differential.
The Big Decision: Both Defences
Both defences were terribly open this game, but more due to the good execution of their respective strategies, rather than consistent defensive errors. United's set piece defence still needs some work, and with Stoke and Fulham coming up you shouldn't be hoping for clean sheets, as Stoke have scored most of their goals through set plays while Fulham are also quite capable of taking advantage of slack set piece defending.
West Ham 1 Man City 3
Tactical Setup
West Ham, 4-2-4-0: West Ham stuck to the strikerless side (using Vaz Te as a winger) for the last 2-3 weeks now. Demel off for O'Brien was like for like, Jarvis on for Vaz Te was also pretty like for like while
Man City, 4-2-2-2: Man City welcomed back Nasri into the side, with the backline being rotated this time round, none of last Gameweek's defenders made it into the side. Kolarov's introduction later pushed Aguero into the lone striker spot while Kolarov was pushed into left wing, Silva central. Nasri for Milner was like for like while Aguero for Jovetic was also a straight swap.
Top FPL Performers:
Aguero, Silva and Morrison (to a certain extent)
Top FPL Underperformers:
Man City Defence and Yaya Toure
Lessons Learnt from Past Weeks and how they fared this week
- What was successful about West Ham's 4-2-4-0 formation was that they could use Diame and Morrison's strengths (direct dribbling) from deep in possession while having wide outlets to pass to (Vaz Te, Downing). Its weakness comes in the form of lack of pressure on deep lying playmakers.
- While the Hammers successfully snuffed out Spurs' advanced playmakers, City's first goal came from a Fernandinho pass virtually from between the 2 centerbacks, while City's third goal also involved Yaya Toure being allowed time and space from deep to pick out Aguero, who assisted for Silva.
- Swansea, Villa and Norwich roll up next, none with such a playmaker so West Ham should be fine in that aspect.
- Offensively West Ham had shots from Diame and Morrison from expected positions (central, around edge of the box) but fared better crossing from wide, as seen from their goal. Villa's narrow formation should allow some chances from there.
The Stars: Aguero, Silva
Silva's stats didni't exactly stand out, so if you are banking on Silva delivering you're better off hoping it happens against weaker opposition, as Silva does very little in terms of key passes, crosses and shots. Aguero was a lot more encouraging, although this largely owed to City's deep midfielders running the show. Aguero more worth picking up for Norwich than Silva.
The Big Decision: Both Defences
Man City's defence was a new look one compared to last Gameweek, so with no real certainty on what Pellegrini fields next, you're better off looking for greener pastures. West Ham's defence is living pretty dangerously but has the fortune of playable opponents in the next 3, so hold on to what Hammers defenders you have, and if you have no other problems Reid is definitely worth picking up if you're looking to let go of Enrique/Zabaleta.
The potential Differential: Morrison
3 attempts from outside the box (central) and 1 key pass doesn't spell much for Morrison, but with decent fixtures who are prone to losing out on the second ball, Morrison owners/prospectors do have reason to be optimistic on him. Best sub 4.5 midfielder for the next 3 games.
Aston Villa 0 Tottenham 2
Tactical Setup
Aston Villa, 4-3-3: No changes from last Gameweek apart from Baker coming in for Clark, who didn't make the squad. Kozak, El Ahmadi and Agbonlahor off for Benteke, Sylla and Tonev were like for like subs.
Spurs, 4-2-3-1: Chiriches made his debut, ousting Kyle Naughton while Vertonghen went to left back, while Sandro started ahead of Dembele. Holtby also came in for Eriksen, which was left on the bench. Sigurdsson and Soldado for Lennon and Defoe were like for like, while Holtby off for Dembele pushed Paulinho slightly ahead of the Dembele/Sandro pair, effectively becoming a 4-3-3.
Top FPL Performers:
Soldado, Spurs Defence and Townsend
Top FPL Underperformers:
Sigurdsson/Eriksen
Lessons Learnt from Past Weeks and how they fared this week
- Spurs have been creating a lot but have been pretty wasteful with their chances. With Spurs playing against a relatively narrow formation, it wasn't surprising to see Spurs' best chances coming from the wings, Townsend in particular putting in 10 crosses alone while his goal itself was from a wide area.
- Townsend's opener came as a relief, as both sides were really cagey prior to the goal. Villa were still limited to shots outside the box as Spurs had majority of possession after taking the lead.
- In the second half, Benteke's introduction made Villa A LOT more threatening as he had 2 chances himself, even when Villa went 2 goals down. Paulinho's presence also became more prominent, missing some really good chances but at least he was rewarded with his assist for Soldado's goal.
The Stars: Soldado, Townsend, Chiriches, Dawson
- Soldado was 1 shot 1 goal again, although he did create quite a few chances, which is what we pretty much expect from him. With these kind of stats he has the quality to score a goal maybe every 2-3 games, and with coming fixtures a mixed bag, he'd easily stay in your teams but there's no point picking him up in a hurry.
- Attacking stats among the Spurs midfield can be categorised into 3 categories: Shot quality (positioning), shot/key pass volume, and conversion rate. Paulinho has the best shooting positions, Townsend has the best volume while Sigurdsson has the best conversion rate. Take your pick.
- 7 BPS (including CS) was needed for the final bonus point, so in terms of consistency I don't expect Dawson or Chiriches to get much in the future in terms of BPs, at least with this back 4.
The Big Decision: Sigurdsson, Eriksen
If you currently hold him and you are thinking of letting go, make sure you have settled everything else first. Siggy's stats read - 1 shot, 7 crosses (5 of them from corners), 1 Key Pass. Typical Siggy game, and if that floats your boat you might as well keep for the next 2-3. As for Eriksen, you probably need 1 more game to confirm he's out, although no one will give you dirty looks for letting him go early for say, Ramsey or Oscar.
The potential Differential: Chiriches
While Chiriches put up decent stats to warrant BPs, the fact that he's trusted alongside Dawson basically pits him up against Rose, who is "now running and is probably one week away.", according to AVB. Pick up if you feel that you want a differential to Dawson.
Crystal Palace 1 Fulham 4
Tactical Setup
Palace, 4-3-3: Slight reshuffle in the midfield again as Palace opted to use an additional holding midfielder in Campana, Puncheon being pushed forward. All 3 forwards from last week faltered and were replaced by Puncheon, Gayle and Bolasie. Trailing at half time, Thomas and Chamakh were brought on for more attacking threat at the expense of Campana and Puncheon, while Phillips on for Gayle was like for like.
Fulham, 4-4-2: Fulham reverted to a 2-striker system with Bent coming in at the expense of Duff, while Parker came in for Karagounis. Hangeland for Amorebieta was like for like, while Duff on for Bent turned Fulham into a 4-5-1 to protect the lead. Fulham's last sub had negligible effect.
Top FPL Performers:
Ruiz, Berbatov, Sidwell
Top FPL Underperformers:
No one really
Lessons Learnt from Past Weeks and how they fared this week
- Fulham have always been weak at set pieces, and it was no surprise that Fulham conceded from a corner. Hangeland, the culprit, was rightly brought off at half time.
- Although 2 of Fulham's goals were pretty sweet volleys, the fact that 3 of Fulham's goals came about from set pieces highlights how important set piece takers are against them. Arsenal (Ozil), WBA (Amalfitano) and Everton (Baines) roll up next.
- The game descended into a scrap at 1-1, which has been typical of both teams this season. After Fulham took the lead, they were more content on defending it, and to be honest they were pretty good at it, which is a good sign if Fulham do improve offensively in the future.
The Stars: Berbatov, Sidwell, Ruiz
- Ruiz on corners. Went well against Palace, but upcoming opponents are really really difficult. Don't touch.
- Sidwell didn't do much besides the goal. Good pass % and CBI but that's about it. Not as attractive as Kasami (as a 5th mid option)
- Berbatov's shooting stats were poor too. Pass% were good but that's all he had really, so unless Fulham dominate and he scores (unlikely with sou, MUN and liv next) Berba's a pass for now.
The Big Decision: No One.
I don't expect many people to have players from this side. If you do, bench forever or don't touch.
The Potential Differential: Kasami
Kasami is really purely for goal threat, as he was Fulham's most threatening player, and he has been for a while anyway. You only have 2 competitors for the 4.5 midfielder bracket (him, WHU's Morrison and Cardiff's Mutch) so if you are not keen on Morrison for some reason, no one will laugh at you for having the Swede.
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