Month: February 2018

Matt Ritchie gave Newcastle United’s survival hopes a huge lift as they stunned Manchester United 1-0 at St James’ Park on Sunday, scoring the winner after 65 minutes with his first Premier League goal of the season. Not only did this strike secure a much needed three points for Rafa Benitez’s side, it also saw the Scotland international bring an end to a quite miserable record. Ritchie emerged with 11 points from St James’ Park, taking his season tally to 111 points. But, most importantly, his winner against Jose Mourinho’s Red Devils ended a run of 43 shots without a...

Mohamed Salah has been a revelation since his return to the Premier League with Liverpool, hasn’t he? Perhaps, then, it was only a matter of time before he started smashing records for his new club. The Egyptian international, who signed for the Anfield outfit for £34 million in the summer window, grabbed a goal and assist in the club’s recent 2-0 victory over Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium, a win that cemented the Reds hold on a top four position. Salah’s contribution against the Saints means he has now been directly involved in 29 Premier League goals this season (22...

Chelsea forward Eden Hazard showed once again exactly why he is such hot property, scoring a brace in a much-needed victory over Premier League strugglers West Brom. Full of his usual attacking energy the Belgian international netted either side of half-time in Antonio Conte’s side’s 3-0 win over Alan Pardew’s Baggies. Hazard’s display saw him attempt three shots at goal, while creating more key passes than any other player (5). He also completed five take ons, as he increased his reputation as the Premier League’s most tricky player in possession – he leads the top flight with dribbles per...

Welcome back to Draft Fantasy, and thanks for reading this week’s waiver wire column. The transfer window is now shut and we’ve all had a week to see how the movers have settled. If you happened to miss out on the biggest names last week, never fear: there are still some diamonds in the rough left to be unearthed. Read on for the latest recommendations on players who might be available in your league. Gerard Deulofeu, FWD, Watford Javi Gracia will be thankful that the Spaniard winger’s arrival coincides with his own start as manager. Deulofeu was undoubtedly the...

Manchester United January signing Alexis Sanchez had broken two season records as he walked off the pitch following victory against Huddersfield Town at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon. Firstly, the Chilean international set about outdoing a perhaps unwanted club statistic, losing possession more often (32 times) than any other United player in a Premier League game this term. Meanwhile, he also found himself fouled more times (7) than any other English top flight player in a single match in 2017/18. From a Draft Fantasy perspective, owners of Sanchez will have looked on with intrigue, but will ultimately be disappointed...

Oliver Giroud completed a deadline day move from Arsenal to Chelsea, in a transfer that could see him become a very promising Draft Fantasy option. Having spent six years at the Emirates Stadium, during which time he made 253 appearances and scored 105 goals, the France international signed a 18-month deal with Antonio Conte’s side, in a deal worth a reported £18 million – a bargain considered today’s market. Joining from London rivals Arsenal in the closing day of the winter window, the Frenchman will be hoping to make a first team sport at Stamford Bridge his own, which...

Tottenham completed the £23 million signing of winger Lucas Moura from Paris Saint Germain on deadline day, with the winger joining the Lilywhites on a five-and-a-half-year deal. Becoming the London outfit’s first winter transfer signing since the arrival of Dele Alli from MK Dons in 2015, Spurs fans will be hoping he can make just as big an impact, as will on looking Draft Fantasy managers. A traditional winger, who likes to get out on the flanks and attack his full-back, we are likely to see a significant contribution, in terms of creativity and assists, when Moura features in...