Gameweek 12 Review – FPL Tips

Gameweek 12 would see Premier League sides looking to secure some precious points prior to the international break. For some it would come at a bad time, while other sides will be pleased to have a break from a difficult start to the season. It kicked off with Watford travelling to Carrow Road to face Norwich, with both sides desperate for a win. Other notable fixtures included Leicester hosting Arsenal at the King Power, and Wolves facing Aston Villa. It all ended with the most anticipated fixture of the season as Liverpool hosted Manchester City. Anyway, here’s the FPL Updates gameweek review…

Goalkeeper

Nick Pope – Burnley stopper Nick Pope was looking to give Gareth Southgate something to think about prior to leaving to join up with the England squad over the following fortnight. His performance against West Ham United must have done the trick, as he featured against Kosovo for the Three Lions on Sunday. He made a string of saves against the Hammers as the Clarets marched to a strong 3-0 win on the day. Burnley look to be somewhat of a force this season, especially at Turf Moor where they are notoriously hard to beat.

Defenders

James Tarkowski – Burnley fans will be delighted by their win against West Ham, especially to see their side find the net three times in a single outing. Ashley Barnes and Chris Wood both found the net to the delight of boss Sean Dyche. Roberto in the West Ham goal had a day to forget though, as he could only punch a deep cross into the back of his own net under minimal pressure. West Ham are in poor form, and fans may be starting to doubt Manuel Pellegrini’s ability to get a tune out of his current squad.

Ciaran Clark – Newcastle United know that if they are to avoid a relegation scrap this season, they will need to find some serious home form ahead of the new year. They secured a priceless win at home to AFC Bournemouth, grinding out a 2-1 win on the day. DeAndre Yedlin flew in at the back post to thunder home a diving header before Ciaran Clark got the slightest of touches to send the ball past Aaron Ramsdale in the Cherries net. There were joyous scenes at the final whistle, with Magpies fans hoping to put a run together.

Fikayo Tomori – Chelsea have been one of the surprise packages of the season, currently finding themselves third in the Premier League after many tipped them to struggle. They went in front against Crystal Palace as Tammy Abraham ran through to slot past the onrushing keeper. They doubled their advantage in the second period as Christian Pulisic pounced on a loose ball to head home from close range. Frank Lampard’s side seem to be a real force and very few Premier League sides would want to face them now.

Midfielders

Ruben Neves – Wolves knew they would need to be at their best as they welcomed Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon. In a tempered affair Wolves would hit the front shortly before half time when a neat set piece routine found Ruben Neves to whip home a brilliant effort from the edge of the box. Raul Jimenez doubled the advantage with just five minutes remaining. Villa did however make it tense when Trezeguet scored what turned out to be a consolation goal deep into injury time. It’s a big win for Nuno’s side.

Tom Davies – Everton fans have had precious little to get excited about this season, but smelled blood as they arrived at St. Mary’s to face Southampton. They were right to, as they took the lead through Tom Davies in the first half. Danny Ings would drag the home side level, and as the clock ticked down it looked destined to end all square. However, Richarlison would get on the end of a cross to volley home the winner, sparking wild scenes in the away end. The pressure continues to mount on Ralph Hasenhuttl.

Harry Wilson – It was disappointment for Eddie Howe’s AFC Bournemouth side as they fell to a narrow defeat away at Newcastle. Their highlight will undoubtedly be a well-worked set piece routine that saw Harry Wilson smash into the corner. The Welshman has been in fine form this season, continuing after a stellar campaign on loan at Derby County last season. Having started the season on the bench he seems to have secured a starting birth, and why not when he’s in such good form in the Premier League.

Anthony Martial – Manchester United just can’t seem to get going on a real rich vein of form this season. Every time they start to put some results together, they tend to collapse. They did however manage to secure a strong three points at home to Brighton and Hove Albion last weekend. Goals from Marcus Rashford and Andreas Pereira did the damage, as well as an own goal from Davey Propper. Lewis Dunk’s strike proved to be a mere consolation come full time, with the Red Devils securing the win.

Bernardo Silva – In the game of the season, there was massive controversy between Liverpool and Manchester City, as a supposed handball was seemingly missed by VAR as Liverpool went to open the scoring through Fabinho. Just minutes in the Reds found themselves two goals up when Mo Salah headed home. It was game over when Sadio Mané extended the lead further early in the second half. Bernardo Silva’s strike ten minutes from time would see Liverpool fail to keep a clean sheet yet again at home.

Forwards

Gerard Deulofeu – Watford finally secured a priceless win in the Premier League at the twelfth attempt as they ran out 2-0 winners against Norwich City at Carrow Road. Gerard Deulofeu struck instantly for the Hornets to stun the home crowd. Andre Gray doubled the advantage in the second period to all but secure the points. They did however have to see out the game with ten men when Christian Kabasele received a second yellow for an unnecessary foul far from goal. The Hertfordshire side managed to cling on for a massive win.

Jamie Vardy – The form striker in the Premier League right now, Jamie Vardy was at it again as he opened the scoring for Leicester City against Arsenal at the King Power on Saturday evening. The former England international continues to score in the league, and this one was vital in a game that had been tight up until that stage. James Maddison struck a brilliant second from the edge of the box to make the points safe. The pressure continues to mount on Unai Emery, with the Gunners in poor form in recent weeks.

Written by Ryan Nevin (@RNevin7)