Gameweek 16 Review – FPL Tips

Gameweek 16 would see a set of festive fixtures for Premier League fans to enjoy as we head ever closer to Christmas, and the January transfer window after that. It kicked off with Everton hosting a Chelsea side that have impressed this season. Liverpool travelled to Bournemouth while Spurs faced Burnley. A much-anticipated Manchester derby would see the day out as City looked to keep the pressure on at the top. Leicester were in action against Villa on Sunday before Arsenal faced West Ham to end the weekend. Anyway, here’s the FPL Updates gameweek review…

Goalkeeper

Vicente Guaita – Crystal Palace travelled to face a Watford side welcoming a new manager in Nigel Pearson at Vicarage Road. While the former Leicester boss was not in the dugout, he was present to see his new side take on Roy Hodgson’s men. Watford had chances to win the game, and were much improved, but a mixture of poor finishing and strong goalkeeping from Vicente Guaita meant that they would have to settle for a point. The Hertfordshire side may well be in the market for a striker come January.

Defenders

Sam Baldock – Sheffield United’s full backs have been two of the Premier League’s standout performers this season, and they took the plaudits as the Blades came from behind at Norwich to take all three points. Alex Tettey had thundered the home side in front after Chris Wilder’s side had failed to clear, before Enda Stevens levelled the scores. The Blades were on top by this point, and when Norwich missed a good chance to go in front again, they were punished, this time with George Baldock netting the winner.

Jan Vertonghen – Spurs seem to have found their feet since José Mourinho took over. They hammered Burnley on Saturday. They will however potentially be looking to bring some players in over the January window, especially with several stars out of contract in summer. It may even see the North London side look to shift some of them for some money prior to their contract expiry. The likes of Christian Eriksen and Toby Alderweireld may well be available should a side come in with a decent offer.

Federico Fernandez – Things seem to really be turning around for Steve Bruce and Newcastle, who have put together a strong run of form in recent weeks, especially at home where the Magpies have won several times in recent weeks. They secured a 2-1 victory over Southampton on Sunday, courtesy of goals from Federico Fernandez and Jonjo Shelvey. They cancelled out a Danny Ings goal to secure a victory. Andy Carroll will have been delighted to pick up an assist having returned to his boyhood club in summer.

Midfielders

Naby Keita & Mo Salah – Liverpool just don’t look like stopping this season. Unbeaten, and having only drawn once in the Premier League, it looks like the burden of catching the Reds may be on Leicester City rather than Manchester City. Jurgen Klopp’s side ran out 3-0 winners as they made the long journey to face AFC Bournemouth at Dean Court. Mo Salah found the net as he so often does, but Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita also got their names on the scoresheet much to the delight of the Anfield faithful.

Nicolas Pepé – It looks like Nicolas Pepé may have finally arrived in London after he stole the show with the Gunners coming from behind to win 3-1 at West Ham. After Angelo Ogbonna put the Hammers in front Gabriel Martinelli drilled home into the bottom corner to grab his first Premier League goal. Just minutes later the ball fell to Pepé, who cut inside and flashed an effort into the top corner in style. The Gunners killed it off shortly after with Pepé’s lovely curled ball finding Aubameyang who volleyed in to seal the win.

Heung-Min Son – We saw a goal of the season contender as Spurs thrashed Burnley on Saturday from none other than Heung-Min Son, who picked the ball up on the edge of his own penalty box before powering through several Clarets players. The crowd were on their feet as the Korean international powered through on goal before slotting home past Nick Pope. It sparked wild celebrations on a wonderful day for the home crowd, who saw their side hit the Clarets for five on a day to forget for Sean Dyche’s side.

Forwards

Harry Kane – Never one to be left out at Spurs, Harry Kane got in on the act as his side romped to an impressive victory on Saturday afternoon. He netted a brace as he continues his impressive form this season. You wonder whether José Mourinho might be able to take the England captain’s game to the next level after a brilliant time so far in his Spurs career. Mourinho, renowned for his defensive approach, has had no problem with his side scoring in recent weeks, with players throughout the side finding the net.

Diogo Jota – Wolves are another side who are in strong form after a poor start. Perhaps it took them some time to get to grips with their packed schedule, with Europa league football this campaign. They had to settle for a point at the AMEX when they faced Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday. A stunning performance from Diogo Jota wrote the headlines though, with the former FC Porto man grabbing a brace to ensure the midlands side return home with a more than useful point on the road. Nuno will be pleased with his side’s resilience.

Jamie Vardy – Nobody can stop Leicester’s in form striker at the moment. Jamie Vardy, now having scored in eight consecutive Premier League games may be eyeing up his own Premier League record for consecutive goals, after the Foxes frontman broke it on the way to winning the title a few years ago. He celebrated in front of the Villa fans as he netted a brace at Villa Park on Sunday. Kelechi Iheanacho has also impressed for the Foxes, who seem to have it all figured out as they chase Liverpool at the Premier League summit.

Written by Ryan Nevin (@RNevin7)