ROUND 31: FANTASY EPL REVIEW
With only four matches in the last round, there isn’t much to review. Mohamed Salah was the star of the show with four goals in Liverpool’s 5-0 thrashing of Watford. He has been simply spectacular and the best player this season (in fantasy too). Two late goals by Stanislas and Ibe turned a loss into a win for Bournemouth versus West Bromwich. The Baggies are well on their way towards relegation. Crystal Palace stopped the bleeding with a 2-0 win in Huddersfield. In the match, Luka Milivojevic converted his sixth penalty kick of the season. Everton recorded its second straight win on the road against Stoke. The Turkish international Cenk Tosun scored both goals on either side of Choupo-Moting’s strike for Stoke. Charlie Adam earned a straight red card in the 30th minute in the 2-1 loss.
ROUND 31: HIGHEST FANTASY SCORERS
Goalkeepers: Wayne Hennessey (Crystal Palace), Loris Karius (Liverpool).
Defenders: James Tomkins (Crystal Palace), Andrew Robertson (Liverpool).
Midfielders: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Junior Stanislas (Bournemouth), Jordon Ibe (Bournemouth), Luka Milivojevic (Crystal Palace), Sadio Mane (Liverpool).
Forwards: Cenk Tosun (Everton), Roberto Firmino (Liverpool), Jay Rodriguez (West Bromwich).
ROUND 32: FANTASY EPL PREVIEW
Crystal Palace vs. Liverpool
– How will the extended break affect Liverpool? We’re about to find out. Crystal Palace is not a team that should be underestimated. I have a feeling The Reds won’t have it easy on Saturday. Tomkins, Joel Ward, Zaha, and Sorloth are all dealing with injuries and are questionable to play. As for the visitors, Lovren and Can are questionable, while Joe Gomez is out, which means Alexander-Arnold should start.
Brighton vs. Leicester
– This is a direct matchup of teams battling for the seventh spot on the EPL table. I see it as a draw (1-1 perhaps). My prediction is not good for fantasy purposes, as it means no one keeps a clean sheet and only one player from each squad finds the net. Knockaert is suspended, while Dale Stephens is questionable for Brighton. Leicester is relatively healthy.
Manchester United vs. Swansea
– The situation in Manchester United is more sour than sweet. Pogba and Mourinho are not on the same page, but that doesn’t mean Swansea will not be defeated. I expect an easy win in which Lukaku shines. Phil Jones and Ander Herrera are out, McTominay and Ashley Young are questionable for The Red Devils. Jordan Ayew is suspended for Swansea.
Newcastle vs. Huddersfield
– Well, Newcastle is the better team here. The question is whether it’ll prove it on the pitch. I say yes. Kenedy is the team’s rising star. Other than him, I like Gayle and the defense, led by goalkeeper Dubravka. Matt Ritchie is questionable, but he should play. Huddersfield is pretty much healthy.
Watford vs. Bournemouth
– Just as things were starting to look up for Watford, it suffered two consecutive heavy defeats. Bournemouth is tough on the road, yet I’d say this should be a match with plenty of goals. Troy Deeney is the host team’s main threat. Will Hughes might have sneaky value if he’s inserted into the starting eleven after three straight matches entering from the bench. For Bournemouth, Begovic, Adam Smith, Simon Francis, Harry Arter and Josh King are all questionable to play.
West Bromwich vs. Burnley
– I don’t like this matchup for Burnley. WBA has not tasted victory in a long time and it’s about time it catches a break. If I had to pick one player who I think will score, it would be Jay Rodriguez.
West Ham vs. Southampton
– This is a meeting between the most disappointing teams in the league this season. I give the edge to The Hammers, if Lanzini plays. He and Antonio are capable of making the difference. Mark Hughes will make his debut on the coach’s bench for The Saints. We’ll see what lineup he sends on the field.
Everton vs. Manchester City
– Regardless of which lineup Guardiola uses, this is a game Manchester City should win because it’s the superior opponent. Ashley Williams is suspended, Gueye is doubtful and Tom Davies is questionable on The Toffees’ side. Other than Aguero, everyone else is available to Pep.
Arsenal vs. Stoke
– This is one of those rare occasions when I believe in Arsenal. Kolasinac is questionable with a knee injury, but Monreal and Bellerin are fully healthy. I love Mkhitaryan’s prospects in this contest.
Chelsea vs. Tottenham
– The weekend ends on a high note when Chelsea takes on Tottenham on April Fool’s Day. Despite the fact that Courtois and Christensen might not be available for Conte, I believe his team will come out on top. Willian and Hazard are your safest fantasy bets. I also wouldn’t be surprised to see Morata make a difference from the bench. Kane and Winks are the only injured players in Pochettino’s team.