FPL managers had to react quickly, to the news of David Silva being injured, and many looked towards Leicester as a replacement. With a successful start to the season, they’re racking up some high scoring points and I wonder how long this run will continue. Many Fantasy Premier League managers have now given up on Kane after a series of weeks without a goal, yet he showed form finding the net twice in as many games whilst in an England shirt. Gomis is also finding himself some form and with all these options, it left some managers bamboozled what to change, or if the fantasy premier league wildcard has to be played after missing out on such high scoring players consecutively doing the job. So, let’s see where the points could have been found in gameweek 5 after a much needed return from the international break!
Goalkeeper
Boaz Myhill – This week we start at West Brom, where Southampton struggled to score past a dominating defensive performance by the back 4 but particularly the number 1. A clean sheet and 4 impressive saves kept Pelle and co goalless for the week, making it a well deserved 2 bonus points which kept l him above the other Premier League keepers who collectively kept 7 clean sheets this week!
Defenders
Ritchie De laet – Leicester found themselves 2-0 down with 20 minutes to go, but an inspiring performance from all parts of the field gave the home side all 3 points with De Laet grabbing himself a goal in a game which was packed with action. His goal gave the team confidence to go and score 2 others and an impressive performance kept them in it when they could have easily been down 3 or 4 if Villa were more clinical in front of goal.
Steve Cook – Here is a player I told you all to look out for at the start of the season! The cherries defender has a record of scoring, but unfortunately it didn’t stand for much as Norwich were already in charge of the game as it finished in a one sided 3-1 victory. Bournemouth will need to step things up quickly, as they find themselves with only 4 points from 5 games so far this season.
Eric Dier – A man of the match performance from the Spurs defender gave him a nice 3 additional bonus points to add to his collection. A clean sheet was much expected against a struggling Sunderland side who haven’t bagged many goals this season and this trend will continue until a big change happens to either their side or the management. A certain starter for Tottenham this season as he has shown what he is capable of to the fans and the manager.
Midfielders
Wes Hoolahan – An assist and a goal saw the Norwich playmaker leap into the dream team, as Norwich cruised past their previously championship rivals Bournemouth. This is his 2nd time appearing in the dream team, and with Liverpool next week, the experienced midfielder will need to keep up this form to help Norwich take anything away from Anfield.
Riyad Mahrez – This player has been a top scorer for 80% of this season with last week being a one off, but he returned to usual business this week with 2 assists inspiring Leicester to a great comeback against Villa. He is currently the highest scoring player in fantasy football and it looks as though he will keep this accolade for a while as he continues with his inhuman form. A player to look at no doubt going forward!
Ryan Mason – The English midfielder was disappointed to not be included in the England team who secured a place in the Euros but made up for it this week and disproved critics after taking a huge part in the 1-0 win against Sunderland. His assist makes it 3 for the season as he is playing a vital part in keeping Tottenham stable after a quiet transfer window yet again.
Daley Blind – A tough game saw United and Liverpool sitting equal until an impressive rocket from the Dutchman broke the deadlock after a successful training ground routine which fooled Liverpool and gave an easy strike for the United midfielder. This sprung the game into action but Blind maintained the defensive duties and kept Liverpool to only 1 goal as the game concluded in a 3-1 scoreline. The game had multiple headlines such as a goal of the season contender from Benteke and a debut goal for 19 year old substitute Martial.
Dimitri Payet – This has to be one of the more successful signings of the transfer window as the Hammers playmaker who cost only 11m, made an instant impact by grabbing 2 goals against a Newcastle side in Monday Night Football. That makes it 3 goals in 5 games and the skilful player will be looking to grab some headlines in the future as it seems the spark for success is only just beginning to light in this player with massive potential.
Forwards
Steven Naismith – Going into the week with just 4 points, and no goals or assists, not even the craziest fans could predict Naismith bagging a hattrick against last season’s champions. This shut the game down in the first 30 minutes as Everton had found themselves 2 goals ahead. This week’s deserved star man and he will look to build on this performance as he has been chosen as a starter in recent weeks for Everton.
Odion Ighalo – The Watford forward grabbed himself a goal to make it a week where all 3 newly promoted sides feature a player in the dream team! His first goal since the opening weekend helped defy the odds and beat a strong Swansea side 1-0 in a close encounter which could have went either way. But luckily, Watford recorded their first win of the season and will look to build on this.
So how did the week go for you? Was it a success? Some big news is that the Champions league is starting so squad rotational players are definitely worth a look at, and with Aguero being forced off due to an injury at the weekend some managers will need to alter their squad. Will Kane begin to score again? Will Mahrez continue his form? Find out all the answers to these questions as the season unfolds further and further!
Tweet us @FPL_Updates with any questions!
By Morgan Kidson
