News 27 August 2016
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Author: Saquib Butt

Premier League Preview: Spurs v Liverpool, Andre Gray & Arsenal [002]

Author Saquib Butt
27 August 2016
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So, last week I tipped Ibra, Carroll, Aguero, Firmino & Andre Gray for Fantasy captains.

Ibra scored twice, Carroll missed out through injury, Aguero scored twice, Firmino didn’t have a good game and Andre Gray scored against Liverpool. 3/5 is not a bad start at all!

Now onto Gameweek 3..

Tottenham v Liverpool

The obvious viewing is at White Hart Lane where Liverpool pay a visit to Tottenham. 

Both sides have had a mixed start to the season but can make a real statement with a victory today. Tottenham seem to be suffering a slight hangover from last season and aren’t firing going forward just yet, with only a Victor Wanyama header helping them beat Palace last week. Pochettino seems to be struggling with finding a system that can accomodate summer signing Janssen without dropping any of last seasons stars such as Harry Kane, Alli, Lamela & Eriksen. 

Liverpool had a very successful visit to North London last time out as they battered Arsenal 4-3. Sadio Mane is expected to feature again and will definitely be a problem, it’s also looking like Firmino will start upfront in a false nine-esque kind of role with Sturridge on the bench. 

We’re hoping for and expecting goals, let’s see if we get our wish. 


FANTASY PICKS:


Erik Lamela

I fancy the Argentinian to give Liverpool’s full backs some real problems. Whether it be makeshift left back James Milner or the dodgy Nathaniel Clyne, Lamela’s quick feet and bag of tricks will cause Liverpool’s back 4 problems. 


Sadio Mane


The Senegalese was a real menace against Arsenal and is likely to be a problem again. Neither Rose or Walker are the best defensively and will be looking to their defensive wingers for support. Mane followed up his Arsenal performance with two assists against Burton in mid-week and I fancy him to grab some points today.


PREDICTION:
2-2 (Lamela & Janssen, Mane & Firmino) 

OTHER PICKS:


Ross Barkley
 – The Englishman seems rejuvenated under Ronald Koeman as is pushing for his best season yet. He’s been in the press and saying this is the season where he has to fulfill his potential. He’s always had the talent but it now looks like Barkley’s head is in the right place and as he matures this season he could enter that world class bracket. I fancy him to rack up some points against a out of sorts Stoke side and with a hungry Lukaku in front of him looking to prove a point, Barkley could also grab an assist or two.

Riyad Mahrez – This may seem like an obvious choice but I think Leicester’s Mahrez could bag a double today. He’s up against a Swansea side who I’ve tipped for relegation after they lost their highly influential captain Ashley Williams. He bagged 4 goals against them last season including a hat-trick and after a slight hangover themselves I think Leicester will want to remind people that they’re still here. 

Andre Gray –  As weeks go it’s been a topsy turvy one for Andre Gray. Last week he scored the winner against Liverpool and this led to Twitter users digging up some rather vulgar old tweets from the young centre-forward. He’s going to get some stick from the opposition stands for a while but he’s come out, he’s made an apology and I actually think that will spur him on to silence all the talking. He seems like a strong character and a rather bullish striker, he’s up against a tough Chelsea side but with his pace and directness he could cause the old legs of John Terry & Gary Cahill some real issues.