Gameweek 26 in the Fantasy Premier League came to an end in spectacular fashion with a top four double header on Sunday. In the early kick off Arsenal scored a last-minute winner, thanks to a returning Danny Welbeck, to beat table-topping Leicester City and go within two points of them in the table. While in the afternoon kick-off, Spurs fought hard for a memorable victory over Manchester City, winning 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium.
With just 12 games remaining, the league is tight as just six points separates the top four. More importantly, though, who was in this week’s FPL dream team, and did they help your team surge up the league? Without further ado, here is our gameweek 26 review:
Goalkeeper
Fraser Forster – Since Forster’s return from injury, Southampton have climbed from 14th to 6th in the table, keeping several clean sheets along the way. Their fight for a European finish was aided by a 1-0 win over Swansea, with Forster scoring seven points.
Defenders
Kolo Toure – Due to several injuries Kolo Toure has found extended playing time in Liverpool’s defence this season, with many arguing he has been their best defender. A goal and a clean sheet in the 6-0 thrashing of Aston Villa gives him 14 points for the week, and adds to the argument he is now the Reds most valuable centre back.
Nathanial Clyne – The Liverpool right back joins Toure in this week’s dream team, also joining him on the scoresheet. 13 points caps off a great week for Clyne, one of last season’s highest scoring defenders.
Jonas Olsson – If there’s one thing Tony Pulis excels in it’s getting clean sheets. Jonas Olsson scored 12 points this week as he helped West Brom keep another clean sheet while also getting an assist.
Virgil van Dijk – Southampton have been solid at the back recently thanks to a change in formation and a great run of form from their defender, van Dijk. A clean sheet and three bonus points gives van Dijk a place in this week’s dream team.
Midfielders
Pedro – The Chelsea winger has caused a mix reaction from Chelsea fans since his summer arrival from Barcelona. However, his place as joint second top scorer can’t be argued. Two goals and three bonus points gives him a total of 15 for the week.
Philippe Coutinho – It’s no coincidence that Coutinho’s return from injury has coincided with Liverpool’s return to form. He was instrumental in the 6-0 dismantling of Aston Villa, setting up three goals in the process. Three extra bonus points gives him 15 for the week.
Dimitri Payet – One of the most popular picks in FPL this season, it was looking like most players would have to settle for just two points from Payet. Then, with just 15 minutes left he popped up with a goal and an assist to rescue a point for West Ham, rescuing many FPL teams in the process. From two points to 10 just like that for West Ham’s best player.
Willian – The Chelsea attacking midfielder has been a bright spark in what has been a very dim season for Chelsea. He was in fine form again as Chelsea put Newcastle to the sword, beating them 5-1. One goal and one assist gives him a total of 13 for the week.
Ibrahim Afellay – The Dutch midfielder hasn’t performed as well as he would have liked over the course of the season for a Stoke team who are performing above expectations. However, he was in form on Saturday, scoring one and gaining 10 points as Stoke beat Bournemouth 3-1.
Strikers
Troy Deeney – Watford’s captain put in a Man of the Match display, scoring twice as Watford beat Crystal Palace by two goals to one. Ighalo has been getting most of the plaudits for Watford this season, but Deeney’s contribution cannot be understated. 13 points for the week and 116 for the season means he is one of the league’s top points scorers.
How did you do this week? Other than Payet, none of the regular points scorers featured in the dream team, meaning it would have been a good week for anyone willing to take a gamble.
It’s hotting up in the Premier League and it’s certainly getting spicy in FPL, with Coutinho’s return to form, Fraser Forster’s clean sheets and Pedro’s formidable goal record, there are some big decisions to be made ahead of Gameweek 27.
Written by Simon Banks
