Gameweek 15 turned out to be a goal fest with over 35 goals scored over the weekend. On the first day itself, every home team scored a minimum of 3 goals. Despite this, the average score stood at a not so high 46 points.
Manchester City were stunned by Leicester City as Jamie Vardy scored a hattrick after a barren run of 10 games. The defending champions punished the Citizens’ defence and the match ended 4-2.
Arsenal continued to display their grit as they overcame Stoke City, after going a goal down. If Arsenal want to win the title, they will have to display this kind of relentless attitude. Their rivals Chelsea continued their stay at the top after battling past West Brom, taking their winning streak to 9 games.
Also read: EPL 2016/17: 10 things we learned from Gameweek 15
Manchester United edged past Spurs thanks to Mkhitaryan’s strike which was the only goal of the game. Finally, Liverpool were held to a draw by West Ham due to which the Merseyside club are now 3 points behind 2nd place Arsenal.
Here are 5 players we believe could do well over the midweek:
#5 Jamie Vardy
The Leicester striker was on a ten game barren run but came back in style as he scored a scintillating hat-trick against Manchester City. The hat trick included some fantastic finishes and were from gameplay typical to Leicester City’s smash and grab style.
Vardy made the most of his pace and precision as he tormented Claudio Bravo ,who did not have the best of evenings in goal. Hopefully, for Leicester City, this game brings back Vardy’s confidence and form as the club definitely need him at his best if they are to continue with good results.
This week Vardy faces Bournemouth, a club which has kept just one clean sheet in their last 5 matches. It’ll be important for Leicester City to turn up that day if they want to move up the points table.
Next 3 fixtures: Bournemouth(A), Stoke City(A), Everton(H)
#4 Virgil van Dijk
The Southampton first choice backline has been in impeccable form this season and van Dijk is at the heart of it. The player has been of such significance for Southampton that according to rumours a lot of top clubs have lined up to sign him in the winter transfer window.
His performances for the club have been exemplary, and with only a mediocre 11.1% of managers selecting him in their team, van Dijk could be a great differential for your Fantasy Premier League team. In midweek, Southampton face Stoke City at the Brittania Stadium. The Potters have scored a total of 3 goals over 5 matches and hardly look like a threat.
Next 3 fixtures: Stoke City(A), Bournemouth(A), Spurs(H)
#3 Michail Antonio
West Ham’s brilliant result away from home against Liverpool has taken them one point away from the relegation zone. Their league campaign this season has been dismal, to say the least, and manager Bilic is under fire.
Michail Antonio started off well but then slowly fizzled out much to the dismay of West Ham fans. However, the player looks like he’s coming back to form and one quick look at West Ham’s fixtures shows that Antonio is a must-have in any team.
This week’s game against Burnley at home is an extremely important fixture for them if they want to get to a safe distance from the relegation zone. Burnley had initially shown great resolve while defending, however, the team has conceded a total of 12 goals in their last 5 games in the league.
Next 3 fixtures: Burnley(H), Hull City(H), Swansea(A)
#2 Thibaut Courtois
Another clean sheet for Courtois means another bunch of points for the player who is currently the goalkeeper with the highest points in FPL. He is the cheapest and easily the most efficient way of getting into Chelsea’s backline.
Although Courtois hasn’t been tested a lot this season thanks to Chelsea’s defence, he has been able to do the job whenever called into action. Chelsea’s next fixture is against Sunderland, who are currently bottom of the table. The Black Cats’ attack will have to be at its very best if it wants to breach the Chelsea defence which looks highly unlikely. The club also has 4 easy fixtures on the trot coming up and this makes investing in a player from the Blues defence all the more important.
Next 3 fixtures: Sunderland(A), Crystal Palace(A), Bournemouth(H)
#1 Harry Kane
The forward looks like a great choice for the armband this week as he is up against Hull City who’ve been absolutely woeful when it comes to defending. Spurs did not have a great outing against Manchester United but that should not deter the managers from picking Kane, who is easily the numero uno goal threat for Tottenham.
The Englishman is also the penalty taker for his club and Tottenham this season have already got over 10 penalties in all competitions. The Tigers, who currently sit at the 19th spot on the table, will have to be at their best if they want to avoid a slaughtering at the hands of Spurs.
Next 3 fixtures: Hull City(H), Burnley(H), Southampton(A)
