RADIO
Heurelho Gomes – Goalkeeper – Watford – 4.5m
Season Stats – 450 Minutes Played, 3 Clean Sheets, 4 Goals Conceded, 14 Saves
Premier League Points – 29 (3rd Ranked Goalkeeper)
Week 6 Fixture – (A) vs. Newcastle: Saturday, September 19th @ St. James’ Park
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To the shock of many, the Quique Flores-led Hornets are playing superb football. After a 2-2 draw against Everton to open the season, Watford went on a three week run in which its “park the bus” technique merited just two draws and a loss. Last weekend against Swansea, the Hornets’ attack opened up a bit and, surprisingly, the vulnerable backline was stable and solid without the additional bodies in the box. Watford’s performance was even more endearing considering it came against the early season darlings of Swansea. Spearheading the shutout effort of the Swans was goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes. In five matches, the in-form Brazilian has surrendered just five goals, including three clean sheets. With Watford’s defense remaining staunch and its attack now confident enough to press forward, Gomes is a good buy. He remains poised to continue and earn not just shutouts, but victory points as well.
Wesley Hoolahan – Midfielder – Norwich – 5.0m
Season Stats – 33 Minutes Played, 2 Clean Sheets, 4 Goals Conceded, 1 Goal Scored, 4 Assists, 1 Yellow Card, 10 Fouls Suffered, 4 Crosses
Premier League Points – 31 (6th Ranked Midfielder)
Week 6 Fixture – (A) vs. Liverpool: Sunday, September 20th @ Anfield
A poor man’s David Silva, Wes Hoolahan has been an offensive superstar this season. The Irish international is the engine driving a surprisingly superb Norwich offense that has scored eight goals this season, which leaves them tied for the fourth-highest goal total in the league. Last weekend Hoolahan tallied an assist and a goal in their 3-1 victory over Bournemouth. The creative midfielder has used his impeccable vision and precise deliveries to inflate the stats of fellow Canaries Cameron Jerome and Nathan Redmond. On Sunday, Norwich has an enticing matchup against Liverpool. After surrendering zero goals in their first three games, the Reds have surrendered three in each of the last two matches. Hoolahan and the aforementioned duo should have an active day once again.
Alexis Sanchez – Midfielder – Arsenal – 11.0m
Season Stats – 361 Minutes Played, 3 Clean Sheets, 1 Goal Conceded, 1 Assist, 8 Shots on Goal, 13 Fouls Suffered
Premier League Points – 15 (Unranked Midfielder)
Week 6 Fixture – (A) vs. Chelsea: Saturday, September 19th @ Stamford Bridge
It is never easy to predict which Gunner is poised for a big game. Arsene Wenger has an arsenal of quality offensive talent at his disposal this season (very much pun intended). Impressive start notwithstanding, the squad’s offensive star has varied from week to week. Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Aaron Ramsey, and super-sub Olivier Giroud have all been key contributors for a Gunner squad currently residing fourth place in the league. Sanchez is positioned to be Arsenal’s star this week when he faces a chop-licking matchup against Branislav Ivanovic. The Serbian fullback has arguably been the weakest link in Chelsea’s disastrous rearguard and should have his hands full with the Chilean winger. Even after missing the campaign’s opening match, Sanchez has had eight shots on goal, tied for fourth most in the league. With more ample opportunities on goal to likely come against the Blue’s tawdry defense, Sanchez should have a big week.
Dele Alli – Midfielder – Tottenham – 4.9m
Season Stats – 144 Minutes Played, 1 Clean Sheet, 1 Goal Conceded, 2 Yellow Cards, 1 Goal Scored
Premier League Points – 9 (Unranked Midfielder)
Week 6 Fixture – (H) vs. Crystal Palace: Sunday, September 20th @ White Hart Lane
With injuries piling up for Spurs, the youngster is being thrust into a regular role. Midfielders Christian Eriksen, Mousa Dembele, and Nabil Bentaleb will all be out again this weekend as they continue to nurse lower body injuries. Ryan Mason, who has stepped up impressively in the aforementioned trio’s absence, is currently nursing a knock acquired when scoring the game winning goal against Sunderland last weekend, making him questionable to play this Sunday against Palace. If Mason sits, Spurs will be without four of their five regular midfielders. With several voids to be filled, the 19 year-old Alli will almost certainly play a big role in Tottenham’s offensive attack. The former MK Dons man has looked like a player beyond his years when called upon this season. With injuries paving the way to opportunity, a successful showing against Palace could be Alli’s breakout performance.
