Manchester City vs. Nottingham Forest
Manchester City recorded a sixth consecutive Premier League win to start the 23-24 campaign and it’s already looking a hard task for any side to dethrone the champions.
An early Phil Foden goal was doubled by the inevitable Erling Haaland strike was enough, although the result was tainted by Rodri’s silly red card in the second period, which means he’ll miss the trip to Arsenal in GW8.
There appears to be a curse with the most brought player, with Julian Alvarez the latest to blank this season, scoring just one point after he was dragged on 57 minutes.
Despite playing a whole half with 10 men, Manchester City were rarely troubled and Forest managed just 0.73 xG with City conceding just 4.42 xG this season, comfortably the lowest in the Premier League.
Burnley vs. Manchester United
It was far from pretty, but Manchester United edged past Burnley to bring an end to their run of consecutive league defeats.
Burnley had greater possession and xG in defeat, but were beaten by a superb Bruno Fernandes winner, who returned 10 points for the 20% of FPL managers who own the Portuguese international.
Marcus Rashford’s quiet start to the season continued and despite having three shots, his involvement was low, with none of the chances of decent quality.
Andre Onana rewarded owners who kept faith in the United keeper, making four saves in a seven point return.
Arsenal vs. Tottenham
The shares were spoiled in the first North London derby of the season, with Arsenal and Tottenham playing out a four goal thriller at the Emirates.
Bukayo Saka, James Maddison and Son Heung-Min all had double returns, with the latter’s clinical finishes on full show, outperforming his xG by 1.07, with two goals from just three chances.
Brennan Johnson was given a surprise start and looked lively. He was only denied a first Tottenham goal by a superb David Raya save in the first period.
Arsenal’s home defensive record continues to frustrate for owners, conceding six goals in four games at the Emirates, which is stark compared to their away record of two clean sheets in as many games.
Fortunately for owners they’ve an away game in GW7 at Bournemouth so a clean sheet looks a safe bet.
Chelsea vs. Aston Villa
Where do we start with Chelsea? Another game another disappointing result, with the Blues claiming just five points from their opening six matches.
They were wasteful once again at Stamford Bridge, failing to score for a third consecutive Premier League match.
Raheem Sterling and Nicolas Jackson missed Chelsea’s best chances, with the latter receiving a fifth booking of the season on Sunday, meaning he’s banned for GW7.
Chelsea were the better side until Malo Gusto’s red card on the hour mark and Ollie Watkins opened his account for the Premier League campaign with a nice finish on 70 minutes.
Ben Chilwell was again benched, but he should come into the side next week. Chelsea have Burnley and Fulham up in their next two matches and my players are very much in their last chance saloon for these.
Liverpool vs. West Ham United
Another game, another Mohamed Salah return, with the Egyptian opening the scoring for Liverpool from the penalty spot.
At less than 30% owned, only the likes of Son, Saka and Haaland have outscored Salah this campaign and it won’t be long before he’ll be more teams than he’s not.
Darwin Nunez was given a chance in the XI and he looked good, scoring the vital second goal. Nunez had 1.27 xG and will be a consideration for those wildcarding soon.
Liverpool’s start to the campaign has gone under the radar, dropping just two points in six games. After games against Tottenham and Brighton, FPL managers will have numerous Pool options in their side.
West Ham United weren’t at their best, but with Sheffield United up next, the likes of Jarrod Bowen and James Ward-Prowse will be on the menu.
Sheffield United vs. Newcastle United
Sheffield United were outclassed in the final game of the week, with Newcastle hitting the Blades for eight at Bramall Lane.
Kieran Trippier produced a set-piece masterclass, providing three assists in a huge 18 point return for owners.
Defenders Sven Botman and Dan Burn scored from Trippier assists, to both earn 12 point hauls.
Newcastle produced a very high 5.11 xG at Bramall Lane and with their fixtures starting to turn, Newcastle assets will be more and more popular.
