And breathe…
It was manic, unpredictable and, most importantly, packed full of draft fantasy football twists and turns. As the dust settles on the first gameweek of the season, we take a look back at each of the fixtures. The standout performers, the disappointments, and the ones to keep a close eye on.
Liverpool 3 – Watford 3
What a game! Last season Liverpool built up a reputation as prolific scorers but shocking at the back. And from the looks of their first game of the season, not a lot has changed. Liverpool were tantalising in front of goal, reinforcing the pre-season confidence in the likes of Mane (1 goal), Firmino (1 goal, 1 assist) and the new boy Salah (1 goal, 1 assist). If you have any of these players, hold tight to them, they look to be great assets in the weeks to come. At the back, it was disappointment after disappointment, particularly for the popular James Milner, who started on the bench. Watford were a surprise package for the gameweek, looking frail at the back but decent up front. The goals and assists were spread evenly among a host of players, but the stand out performers of Okaka and Doucoure are certainly ones to keep an eye on.
Southampton 0 – Swansea 0
It was a bit of a snooze-fest at St Mary’s Stadium this weekend. There had been some early interest in Southampton’s attacking players, but if this fixture is anything to go by, stay clear my friends. Both teams looked devoid of ideas up front and with Sigurdsson looking to be on his way to Everton, things look particularly bleak for the Swans. Southampton defensive options look like a good investment ahead of a very decent run of fixtures. With Van Dijk still absent from the backline, there are some gems to be found in Yoshida, Stephens, Bertrand and Cedric, not to mention their steadfast goalkeeper, Forster. If they haven’t already been snapped up, grab one now!
Everton 1 – Stoke 0
It was written in the stars. Wayne Rooney, after 13 years away at Manchester United, returns to Everton to score the only goal of their opening fixture, and it was a beauty too! Whoever snatched up Rooney in your league (surely someone did!) looks to have made a shrewd investment. Following the loss of Lukaku, it looks like Wayne will become the go-to guy at Goodison Park this season. Everton also looked strong at the back with particular notice to be taken of Keane and Jagielka. Stoke, meanwhile, had little to smile about. The only player of mention would be Darren Fletcher who seems set to benefit from the Kante rule. Worth keeping an eye on.
Crystal Palace 0 – Huddersfield 3
The biggest shock of the gameweek had to be the incredibly impressive away win for newly promoted Huddersfield Town. Most would have anticipated a home win for Frank De Boer in his first game in charge at Palace, but things are already looking shaky for the Dutchman at Selhurt Park. Huddersfield Town dominated the play throughout, denting early confidence in the likes of Benteke and Zaha, as well as the Palace backline. On the other hand, many will have already pounced on the likes of Mounie (2 goals), Zanke (assist) and Mooy (assist), as well as perhaps even stretching to a Huddersfield defender. With a kind run of fixtures in the coming weeks, Huddersfield Town might be a great source of points if you’re looking for a short-term punt.
Brighton 0 – Manchester City 2
As anticipated, it was an away win for the Premier League favourites against newly promoted Brighton. However, it’s worth noting that it took 70 minutes for City to break down the stubborn resistance of Chris Hughton’s side. Although there won’t be many jumping at Brighton’s assets, I can see them keeping a fair few clean sheets at home this season. Manchester City, on the other hand, were an interesting watch. Jesus and Aguero look set to form a reputable front-line for the Sky Blues, and midfielders De Bruyne and Silva both looked dangerous, Silva in particular. At the back there was a plethora of points with the big hitters of Walker, Stones, Kompany and Danilo all scoring well. Note to all, Danilo was removed just after the hour mark and might be one to monitor in your squads.
Well there you have it ladies and gentlemen. It was a stellar week of fixtures and I can’t wait for Saturday to come round again! Keep an eye out for Part 2 of the Gameweek Review, written by my rival @JonnyWalker who clinched our Lightning Draft this week by a painful 3 points!
Recent Comments