We begin gameweek 7 of the Fantasy Premier League, off the back of a goal fest last week, so hopefully we have something similar this week!
Crystal Palace vs West Brom
After a great start, Palace have dropped down multiple places in the table and do not look as vigorous as before. West Brom do confuse me sometimes – one week with a brilliant attack, the next not being able to attack at all. Last week they surprised again, but not in a good way. Their normally solid defence let in 3 goals after leading 2-0.
STAR MAN – Yohan Cabaye
The Frenchman recorded a vital goal last week for his team but away from goal he has also contributed well to the team. Pardew will be proud of his summer signing.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 2-1 West Brom
Aston Villa vs Stoke City
Both teams will feel that this match is an opportunity to gain leverage in the Premier League. A win for Stoke, who surprisingly put in a consistent performance against Bournemouth, and even though Villa lost, they were still able to create several opportunities. Neither defence is amazing but both are capable up front.
STAR MAN – Mame Biram Diouf and Rudy Gestede
For the first time this season, we can select the highly rated Diouf as the star man, as he may have a point to prove this week, but so may Gestede as they both face off in this fixture.
Prediction: Aston Villa 2-2 Stoke City
Bournemouth vs Watford
A bubbly start to the season for both these teams, but neither could take any points in their matches last week. Yet, neither team should be disheartened by this as their losing margin was only slim. We also witnessed the unfortunate injury of Callum Wilson, who was on a great run of form before having to come off in the early minutes of the match last week. While both teams have their separate dilemmas, they have also proven, so far, worthy of a Premier League place.
STAR MAN – Matt Richie
Without their main striker, it looks like Bournemouth will struggle, however this man has been decent in midfield and we’ve also seen what he can do with a ball with his thunderbolt strike against Sunderland. With a key component of the team missing, he should step forward in the attacking ranks.
Prediction: Bournemouth 1-2 Watford
Manchester City vs Newcastle
Consecutive defeats for City have seen them drop to second in the table, conceding 6 goals while doing so. On the other hand, Newcastle managed a shock draw against the reigning champions and face another challenging game. Any more losses for City could leave Pellegrini red faced. They need to dominate this game.
STAR MAN – Kevin De Bruyne
The attacking midfielder has settled well into Man City life. With 2 goals in 2 Premier League starts, he has covered for his injured team mate David Silva, and a solid FPL score over the last fortnight has left the Belgian being the one to watch in the league.
Prediction: Man.City 3-1 Newcastle
Norwich vs Leicester City
Norwich have gained momentum in the 2015/16 season and looked promising in their 2-2 draw last week against West Ham. They played their advantages well and i especially think their attacking midfielders such as Hoolahan and Matt Jarvis have made an impact. As for Leicester, their trouble free season came to an abrupt end in a 5-2 defeat to Arsenal. They will have to regroup to try and get back to winning ways.
STAR MAN – Nathan Redmond
While the likes of Jarvis, Mahrez and Hoolahan were all in contention for this spot, I believe the Norwich wide man has real star quality at a price of 5.7 for your team.
Prediction: Norwich 2-2 Leicester City
Sunderland vs West Ham
Still bottom of the table, there doesn’t look to be much hope for Sunderland at the moment. They were no competition for title challengers Man U and shouldn’t be this week either. West Ham registered a hard fought draw against Norwich, although they did make several mistakes, one of which leading to a goal for the opposition. However with an almost certain win in this game they could go top of the league by next week! Bilic will be happy with his team so far but will also want consistentency this season.
STAR MAN – Diafra Sakho
The Senegalese striker already has 3 goals this season, and has formed a nice link with the main man Payet. Even with competition from Carroll and Zarate, Sakho has kept his starting place deservedly. Expect him to contribute to the goals in this game.
Prediction: Sunderland 0-2 West Ham
Chelsea vs Southampton
What has happened to Chelsea? They have crumbled this season, so much so that even Newcastle at a point were leading them 2-0. It may be Mourinho or the fact that the same team won’t work as well the second time round but they need to fix up. The Saints got a win in style and I am especially liking their defence. It could be misery again for Chelsea.
STAR MAN – Van Djik
The all round defender has been quality so far and I doubt he will let Chelsea have any say on that.
Prediction: Chelsea 1-2 Southampton
Everton vs Liverpool
It’s the big one! The Merseyside derby takes place with Everton comfortably in 5th with some great showings while Liverpool sit behind in 9th. The current issue with Liverpool is that there doesn’t seem to be much clarity. However the return of Pool’s vital striker will be key in this match.
STAR MAN – Daniel Sturridge
As mentioned earlier Sturridge will be key to Liverpool’s rejuvenation. He scored a double last week in their 3-2 win and will be sure to contribute here. The man with the iconic celebration could even get teammate Beneteke back to scoring!
Prediction: Everton 1-2 Liverpool
Arsenal vs Man United
After a forgettable encounter with Chelsea, Arsenal discovered some well timed form against Leicester. With their star man Sanchez completing a hat-trick and both strikers contributing to the 5-2 score line. It looks as if their issue in front of goal seems to have ceased, yet The Gunners are known for unpredictability. On the other hand, United have been on a route to the title, scoring 3 in each of their last 3 matches. Sitting top of the table and with no sign of much fault, for the first time since 2013, their title ambitions seem possible.
STAR MAN – Alexis Sanchez
A superb showing from the Chilean, completing a hat-trick in Arsenal’s impressive victory last week. He has regained his form and just as well too. After a shaky start he looks on track for another good season.
Prediction: Arsenal 1-1 Manchester United
Swansea vs Tottenham
An amazing and utterly surprising performance for Tottenham last week, managing to score 4 against the former leaders. Swansea on the other hand have now not scored a goal in two straight games. After a courageous start, this news is fairly startling. Swans fans should not worry though as I think they will be able to get back on track but against a team with as much momentum as Spurs, this could be a challenge.
STAR MAN – Eric Dier
At 5.1, Dier is listed as a defender in FPL but has played in a midfield row for the last few matches and done a decent job at it too. He’s not afraid to help out the forward but recovers well.
Prediction: Swansea 1-1 Tottenham
By FPL Aid
