Gameweek 22 turned out to be a major buzzkill in the Premier League since most top teams failed to perform. This meant that the average score stood at an astonishingly low figure of 35 because most key players failed to perform. Chelsea, however, despite getting just a point in their match against Liverpool, only strengthened their lead after the other teams failed to cover ground.
Arsenal, on the other hand, lost to Watford in a shock defeat where Arsene Wenger admitted that the Arsenal team did not look mentally prepared. Their arch rivals Tottenham also did not fare too well as they managed a goalless draw against lowly Sunderland. Elsewhere, Manchester United failed to breach the Tigers’ defence after some excellent keeping by Jakupovic. The only club amongst the top teams to get 3 points was Manchester City who thrashed West Ham 4-0.
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The next FPL gameweek will be essential to cover the lost ground and Sportskeeda brings to you 5 players that you could pick for Gameweek 24:
#1 Raheem Sterling
Pep Guardiola is known for rotating his squads which has made a lot of people apprehensive over getting City players. However, Sterling seems to be an exception. The Englishman has started the last eight games and finished most of them. The player has in this time assisted seven goals and scored once as well. His exemplary performance has allowed him to cement a place in the City XI, where even Aguero has been benched. Sterling’s speed and dribbling abilities make him a tough player to mark and we believe his performances will only improve.
Manchester City face Swansea City in their next game at the Etihad Stadium. New manager Clement has stabilised Swansea’s performance however, City’s form is too good at the moment. If things go Guardiola’s way, we may see a major bashing at the Etihad Stadium.
Next 3 fixtures: Swansea (H), Bournemouth(A), Sunderland(A)
#2 Scott Dann
Crystal Palace haven’t had the best of seasons by any stretch of the imagination but Sam Allardyce’s appointment looks promising for the Eagles. The London club will certainly become defensively solid thanks to Big Sam, who is known for making his teams tough and resolute. Palace captain Scott Dann stands to gain a lot from this managerial change. The English defender is also a massive aerial threat and can get you goals as well.
Crystal Palace host Sunderland this gameweek at Selhurst Park. The Black Cats are at the bottom of the table and have no major attacking threat except Jermain Defoe. The lack of a creative midfield also means that the Black Cats may have a tough time breaking down the Crystal Palace backline.
Next 3 fixtures: Sunderland(H), Stoke (A), Middlesbrough(H)
#3 Sadio Mane
The Senegalese came off the bench against Chelsea which assures us of the fact that he will start Liverpool’s next game. Mane’s impact on the Reds performance has been phenomenal and the team really struggled to break down oppositions in his absence. Klopp surely knows the kind of impact the team can make if the summer signing is back into the starting XI. Mane has been Liverpool’s most consistent player this season and has already racked up 9 goals and 6 assists.
Liverpool play their next fixture against Hull City, a team which has slowly started to show signs of a resurgence. However, the match is a must win for Klopp’s men who have been really falling apart. Mane’s presence in the squad could certainly raise the morale around and get the Reds up and running again.
Next 3 fixtures: Hull(A), Spurs(H), Leicester(A)
#4 Chris Brunt
The Baggies player has been a stellar performer for his team and has the ability to give great attacking returns. He has been one of the most prolific defenders in the league statistically with 3 goals and as many assists. Tony Pulis’ teams are also more often than not defensively sound and West Brom are no exception to this. With a good bunch of fixtures coming up for them, it will be useful to have coverage from the Baggies backline.
A fixture against Stoke City at home looks promising for West Brom who have the ability to shutdown defences. Brunt’s offensive prowess and long range shooting are an added asset which gets him on this list.
Next 3 fixtures: Stoke(H), West Ham(A), Bournemouth(A)
#5 Harry Kane
The Englishman blanked last gameweek against Sunderland which raised a lot of doubts on his FPL form. However, one look at Spurs’ upcoming fixtures make it clear that it is necessary to have an attacker from their team. The Spurs forward is amongst the top scorers in the league with 13 goals and appears to be a good pick.
Kane is also the first choice penalty taker for the club which makes him an added threat from set pieces. With a creative midfield powered by Eriksen and Alli, Kane should have plenty of opportunities to pounce upon.
The North London club will be playing at White Hart Lane against Middlesbrough who have not been as resilient away as they are at home. With the race for top 4 approaching the final straight, Mauricio Pochetino’s men will have be at their best.
Next 3 fixtures: Middlesbrough(H), Liverpool(A), Stoke(A)
