Gameweek 28 saw the return of Chelsea and Tottenham, after the anti climatic final of the Capital One Cup. But with numerous suspensions and injuries, managers looked to their consistent, high scoring players to perform in a vital stage of the season. With 25 goals and 6 clean sheets, the game week was nothing to shout about as many teams drew blanks or secured a low scoring, less interesting fixture. Lets check how the week went by looking at the Fantasy Premier League dream team.
Goalkeeper
In goal, we have Forster with his 13th clean sheet of the season, making it no surprise that he manages to hop into the dream team after a poor Crystal Palace display ending 1-0. With Southampton managing 23 shots on target, Palace struggled to get a grip on the game leaving a strong display from Forster inevitable. The English goalkeeper will be looking to grow his record throughout the season and please the 15% of managers who put faith in the saints superstar.
Defenders
Next up, we have 29 year old Phil Bardsley and with a strong performance from Stoke City, it is no shock to see 2 of their 4 defenders earning a well deserved spot in the dream team. The Stoke defender managed to keep a clean sheet and an assist tallying his total up to 12 points.With the additional 3 bonus points and a man of the match performance, the much needed 2-0 win against Everton will be remembered as a strong defensive performance in more ways than one.
Now we have his partner in crime, Marc Wilson with his 5th clean sheet of the season, tallying his total up to 60 points for the season. With this Stoke duo keeping Everton silent throughout the game, they both fully deserve to see their names in the dream team. They kept Everton to 11 shots and with key blocks and vital tackles the defenders are looking confident for the rest of the season.
Finally, in this brick wall of a defence is Kieran Gibbs as his 2 assists helped inspire Arsenal to a 2-1 win against a QPR side with bags of momentum. With his 2 assists edging Arsenal after a tight game, it is no shock that he managed to secure a spot on the team of the week. He will be looking to carry this form onto the FA cup tie against Manchester United as they look to secure a place in the semi-finals of the cup.
Midfielders
Firstly, in this 5 man midfield we have former England sensation, Andros Townsend. With a mix of injuries and lack of playing time, many managers forgot he existed as the youngster who was deemed to be England’s saviour finally starts to find some form. With 2 games under his belt for this gameweek, he managed to secure a very strong goal, assist and clean sheet to help Tottenham win 2 of 2 as they look to secure a top 4 spot.
Next, we have the young prodigy of Jordan Henderson, with his wonderful half volley eliminating Burnley from getting into the game. With his involvement with both goals, the Liverpool captain is sparking into form as his 2 goals in 2 games helped secure much needed wins for Liverpool as they face off against rival teams in hope of Champions League football next year.
The 2 games this week favour Tottenham’s chances of dream team participants as the hard working and underrated Ryan Mason finds himself on the dream team for the first time this season. With only 53 points this season it is no shocker that only 0.2% of managers opted for him and with a goal and an assist he looks to exponentially grow his tally for the rest of the season.
The controversial, diving Ashley Young gets a shout next, as his 89th minute goal helped secure his team stay above Liverpool as the fight becomes tighter. A gift from Krul helps secure his spot as does the 3 additional bonus points after playing his first full 90 minutes in a while. He will look to impress Van Gaal in the upcoming weeks as he looks to secure a starting spot in the highly talented squad around him.
Finally in this midfield is the most surprising, Mane. With a goal and 3 bonus points, he finds himself in the top 11 for the 3rd time this season as he looks to edge the unlikely Southampton into the top 4. With performances from players like these I wouldn’t count the Saints out of it as they look to grind results out in hope they can shock the nation.
Strikers
Well it wasn’t long until Harry Kane found himself on the dream team for yet another week, making my job harder and harder. With 2 goals, and almost half of managers allowing him to earn them points, the Englishman secures a dominant 15 points. With both his goals happening at the weekend, he helped secure a 2-1 win and looks to grow his tally in all competitions and fight for the golden boot, with Costa losing his edge over recent weeks.
Finally, we have the one and only Benteke, with a much needed goal and assist to keep Villa’s survival chances alive. A much needed confidence boost for the Belgian striker as the criticised star has been struggling recently with his forever lasting goal drought and a lack of action for anyone who supports Villa.
So, how did the week turn out for you? If you were stacked with Tottenham players I’m sure you were happy and with the FA cup taking over this weekend, I’m sure many managers will look to change their teams around as they look to continue or start a high scoring streak.
Morgan.
