/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48580777/GettyImages-503260638.0.jpg)
Week 22 certainly hasn't disappointed as Saturday played host to a hand full of wild games - most notably the thrilling 3-3 draw between Chelsea and Everton (are we going to see a 3-3 draw each week?). Terry was able to score at both ends of the pitch as both sides grabbed a goal in stoppage time (10min really?). Controversy aside, this match certainly made for exciting viewing as a neutral.
Bournemouth ran out comfortable 3-0 victors over promoted rivals Norwich City in which newly signed Benik Afobe grabbed his first goal for the club. With Afobe off the mark so quickly (just his second start for the club) and his history of taking PK's for Wolves, the Cherries striker becomes an interesting budget option in the weeks to come.
West Ham continued their "flatter to deceive" role against lower tier sides by losing 2-1 to a rejuvenated Newcastle. Was Jonjo Shelvey really the missing piece of the Newcastle puzzle? Needless to say the former Swansea man has brought some much needed energy to their midfield. The fight goes on for the Geordie faithful.
Tottenham looked a bit vulnerable in the first half against Sunderland, with the Black Cats looking to take something from the match. But the second half didn't go according to plans for Big Sam, as Spurs crushed any resistance Sunderland had, running out comfortable 4-1 victors. Bitterly disappointed to have missed out on Christian Eriksen's brace, but he is just one of those frustrating fantasy picks that is so hard to predict when he will decide to have a massive game. Regardless, Spurs look well on their way for a solid top 4 finish this season.
Sergio Aguero came back to prominence after a two goal haul in City's 4-0 destruction of Crystal Palace. The question begs, does he need to be in your team in formats like the Official Fantasy when his price is almost unjustifiably high? Those who took the chance to captain the Argentine were richly rewarded.
Southampton returned to winning ways with a comfortable 3-0 victory over West Brom. James Ward Prowse was the two goal hero with a fine free kick and penalty. For his price and seemingly taking all kick duty, surely JWP becomes a viable budget option?
Leicester City will rue a second penalty miss by their star man Riyad Mahrez. The Foxes have now dropped 4pts with those two misses against Bournemouth and now Aston Villa. For a side that is pushing for an unimaginable title victory, these kinds of mistakes simply cannot be afforded. Is it time for Mahrez to relinquish penalty duty to Jamie Vardy? Yes, I think the fantasy and supporter community would welcome that. Villa, for their part, were well in for the point and probably should have taken all 3. Bottom line however, Villa need wins not draws, and this single point will do little to prevent the inevitable drop.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Today's matches start with the always bitter rivalry match between Liverpool and Manchester United, two clubs needing a vital 3pts to boost any hopes of a top 4 finish. Both sides have recently conceded 3 goals in two wild 3-3 draws to Newcastle and Arsenal respectively. The defense will need to be much better in this contest for both sides. I can't speculate without drawing in too much bias, but if Liverpool can come out and pressure United early, then Klopp's men stand a good chance of taking something from this match. This should be an electric encounter and the top match of Week 22 regardless.
Stoke City have undergone quite a transformation under Mark Hughes and will be looking to build off their solid season when they host title chasing Arsenal. The Britannia Stadium has never been an easy ground to play as a visiting side and it will be interesting to see if Arsenal can capitalize on Leicester City's stumble at Villa Park. Stoke have been surprisingly resilient against the traditional bigger sides this season and may very well give Arsenal trouble. These are the kinds of matches that make champions, can the Gunners end their long wait for the title?
Monday wraps up Week 22 with Watford travelling to a Swansea side in serious trouble. Why Jonjo Shelvey was seemingly pushed out of the club was a quandary for many as his first shift for Newcastle showcased his quality. The Swans are certainly embroiled in the mire of the relegation fight and face a very stern test against a Watford side that has thrived under Quique Flores's vision. I expect Odion Ighalo and Troy Deeney to find themselves back on the score charts after the dust has settled in this encounter.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
How have your teams done for Week 22? Who are you looking at bringing in for Week 23?
Cheers!
Kellz