With GW2 about to start here’s 10 things we’ll be looking out for in order to solve some of the puzzles arising out of GW1
fantasy premier league – The “geek detective” – 10 things we’ll be looking out for in GW2
1. Is the new and improved Villa defence a reality?
Lambert has never really struck me as a strong defensive coach but he’s got off to a good start in the new season with a clean sheet away to Stoke. The defence looks totally new with Hutton, Senderos and Cissokho introduced and Ron Vlaar going from near zero to hero at the World Cup. Certainly it coulddn’t be any worse than the bunch of kids such as the hapless Bennett of last year but is the defence the real deal? Newcastle after their bright performance against City and in particular Cabella will be an interesting litmus test as well as a chance to see if the Newcastle promise is also reality
2. Will Southampton be a better team than we expected?
A very lively performance in GW1 away to Liverpool where they looked good in defence and attack despite narrowly losing 2-1. Will the promise of new boys Tadic and Pelle continue when faced with opposition they are expected to compete against. Also will bargain £5.0m JWP hold his place and take the set pieces?
3. Will Siggy stay as a CAM?
What will happen to Siggy if Gomis and Bony become a pair against Burnley. Will he be shunted to the flank? While he was still effective and drifted in well for Spurs in doing this it’s not the same as his position against United where he was so successfull in GW1.
4. We’ll take a close look at Sanchez.
In some ways Baines’ forward runs could be ideal for Sanchez to find space in behind. Although he created chances last week he wasn’t the on the shoulder threat we expected. It will be interesting to see how he looks against Everton
5. Will Bojan continue his promising start?
Another player that will need close scrutiny after his non returning but promising start. Away to Hull is a tricky fixture but with other options for 3-5-2 coming forward another good performance is needed at least with City away in GW3.
6. Will we get any clue over the Spurs defence?
Naughton suspended and Walker injured will mean new bandwagon Dier likely to go to RB. That postion is ultimately Walkers though. So who will partner Vertonghen as a CB. That may remain unresolved until either Walker or Naughton is back. Rose starting as a LB is expected and will see any last hope that Davies can get into the side.
7. Will Man Utd be the same team away as last season?
The nightmare scenario for LVG is that he can’t improve the home form and United suddenly lose the ability to be one of the best away teams in the division. Sunderland and Burnley away couldn’t be better tests of this. Mata particularly after a poor home performance in GW1 will be firmly on the radar of scrutiny
8. How many minutes will Aguero play?
A crucial factor in whether to rejig our FPL teams for the home game for City in GW3 against Stoke. Another 8 minute cameo especially if City aren’t comfortable will make everyone twitchy about dumping Sturridge or such like for Aguero
9. The contuing saga of Eriksen v Lamela
I can excuse Lamela for no shots and no chances created as the sending off of team mate Naughtom made this a rather false contest. The mid game change of Lamela to the flank and Eriksen centrally was worse for Lamela as Eriksen was already stationed there because he constantly drifted in.
10. How much rotation will we see from Chelsea?
An interesting game this. Ostensibly an easy home game but will Mourinho rotate and risk losing momentum. He may want to rotate to keep everyone happy but with no domestic or Europan games at the minute he doesn’t need to rest people and could put out the same team. If the likes of Schurrle are rotated then any cheap attacking midfield option looks pff the table and it will be Hazard and Fabregas as lone targets. If they are rotated then we really have a quandry and probably a rush on Costa as the only stable option
Good luck for the gameweek
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