It’s gameweek 6, and another set of exciting fixtures lay ahead of us this week. London’s biggest teams go head to head as well as another classic in the West Midlands derby. Without further ado, here is out fantasy premier league preview for the up-coming gameweek, along with our star men tips:
Chelsea v Arsenal
The Gunners haven’t beat Chelsea in Premier League competition since their enthralling 8 goal match back in 2011. However this is Wenger’s best chance since then to get a victory. An embarrassing two defeats in a row for the blues including last week’s battering to Naismith and co. have contributed to speculations about Mourinho’s job safety at the club, who are now only 2 points off the relegation zone. On the other side of London, Arsenal recorded a comfortable victory against Stoke and it looks as if Sanchez, Giroud, Ozil and Walcott are finally having an effect. They have also now kept 3 clean sheets in a row, so Chelsea’s goal scoring challenge will be even harder.
Star Man – Alexis Sanchez
The Chilean looked revitalised in last week’s victory. He came close to a goal multiple times and showed shades of himself from last season. While only claiming a measly 3 points in FPL, the 11.0 priced attacker will be in search of those bonus points.
Aston Villa v West Brom
The second of this week’s derbies and both teams come into the game in similar positions. It was Villa who were the most creative out of the two last week, even though they eventually lost to a late Leicester winner. WBA on the other hand, have had more usage out of their defence than attack. They do however have the capability to attack with players including new signings Rondon and Rickie Lambert and never say never to the possibility of Berahino putting his controversial transfer saga behind him.
Star Man – Boaz Myhill
The Ex-Wales shot stopper is in the form of his life at the age of 32. He has kept an impressive 3 out of 5 clean sheets this season and should be able to add one more to the list.
Bournemouth v Sunderland
Newcastle v Watford
It’s not been a good season so far for the Magpies. A spending of £50M hasn’t shown so far. A 2-0 loss to West Ham where they managed their first shot on target in 3 games, albeit coming from right back, Janmaat. A first win of the season for Watford, especially against a team such as Swansea is good for their self esteem, however they shouldn’t just settle for that. Taking advantage of Newcastle’s poor form will be key. As for McClaren’s team, this is a case of revival. Not managing to get a point here will be disastrous !
Star Man – Troy Deeney
The attacker was great in the Championship last season during Watford’s promotion push, but he is yet to score in the league. He has contributed but a goal to his name wouldn’t do any harm either and I expect him to get it on his team’s trip to Newcastle.
Stoke City v Leicester City
Mark Hughes’ search for a win this season continues. They currently are in the relegation zone, two points off safety and this week their challenge comes in the form of Leicester City who currently sit second in the standings. Their comeback against Villa proved their good start to the season could be the real deal, whereas Stoke’s first few games have been baffling. They have quality in their team, yet the results just aren’t happening. I expect them to step up their game but I doubt they will take any points from Leicester.
Star Man – Riyad Mahrez
A superb start has continued this season for the Algerian. After only completing half the game before the international break, Mahrez made his return against Aston Villa with two assists and a total of 11 points for owners of the midfielder in FPL. He is on a run and is set to continue it this Saturday.
Swansea v Everton
Both clubs have had great starts to the season and are currently in 6th and 7th place respectively. Strikers were the problem for Everton last season but the surprising form of Kone and the hat-trick man, Naismith as well as Lukaku establishes a decent attacking threat. Swansea suffered a shock loss to Watford last week, however they should be able to bounce back on Saturday.
Star Man – Ross Barkley
The England midfielder has crushed the doubters so far this season. With the help of Everton’s on form strikers, he has an assist or two in him for Everton’s trip to Swansea.
Manchester City v West Ham
City have taken maximum points in the league and are yet to even concede. The Hammers have won both of their away games this season against PL giants Arsenal and Liverpool. In City’s case they have a dilemma due to Aguero’s fitness and in contrast West Ham have had strikers returning from injury this week with Andy Carroll getting a few minutes against his former club and Zarate fit for action as well. In my opinion West Ham will have the best chance of getting the ball in the City net so far this season but Pellegrini’s side have dominated so far and the additions of KDB and Otamendi, who haven’t been rushed into the starting line up, proves it.
Star Man – Dimitri Payet and Jesus Navas
How could it be anyone else? For the third week the French maestro gets the pick of Star Man. His two goals against Newcastle and bags of skill have conquered defenders so far, and as my FPL captain for last week, he picked up 32 Points for me in a fantastic performance. I’ve also selected Navas of City, who has surprised in his performances. At 6.5 he’s a good selection for your team.
Tottenham v Crystal Palace
While Palace may have lost to a late winner against Man City they should have lots of enthusiasm about their performance. Tottenham got the better of Sunderland last week but their performances have just not been convincing enough and last season’s big hit Harry Kane hasn’t looked the same player. Although they currently lack in strikers due to injuries, Palace still have a strong attacking force with several attacking midfielders and wingers chipping in to fill the void each week. I think Palace will be back to winning this week.
Star Man – Yannick Bolasie
Bolasie still may have not played a full 90 minutes this season but he got to play the majority against City and provided glimpses of the skill we saw last season. Along with the likes of Zaha and Sako, The Eagles have a deadly attacking force.
Liverpool v Norwich
A miserable loss for Pool and an enjoyable win for Norwich leaves the Reds and Canaries level on points. The appointment of West Ham outcast Jarvis on loan proved a good choice and it looks like Norwich have settled into Premier League life fairly well. However, you would think it was Liverpool who were the ones not accustomed to the BPL. The lack of goal threat meant that only a Benteke wonder goal could be the talking point in terms of Rodgers’ team going forward. Unless Liverpool fix up, the Norfolk based side could take points away from home in this game.
Star Man – Wes Hoolahan
13 FPL points, a goal and an assist with shinpad in hand and all. The £5.0m priced midfielder looked energetic against Bournemouth. Wes and Jerome could break through a Liverpool defence that have turned bad in recent weeks.
Southampton v Manchester United
United finally brought out the goals last week and will try to continue this week in an away game to Southampton. I’m not sure what to say about S’hampton – They have had on and off games, not something FPL owners of their players want to hear. Although they haven’t neccesarily played bad, The Saints players haven’t been efficient enough. Man Utd took bragging rights in a 3-1 win over Liverpool and finally showed a bit of driving force, even though it took over 50 minutes of boring football to do so. They should be able to score 3 points again but Southampton could surprise as well.
Star Man – Anthony Martial
It is way too soon to say if the 36m signing of Martial has paid off or not yet, however his fancy footwork leading to a goal on his debut has already sparked much talk about the youngster.
By Allan Smith.
