Matchweek 36 sees the fight for the European spots tense up as the in-form Arsenal, who are unbeaten in three Premier League matches, take on champions Liverpool in a crunch tie for a European spot. On other important ties, two more European aspirants Leicester City and Sheffield United battle it out for a place in the top six, with both clubs looking to take advantage of Chelsea’s loss to Sheffield last time round.
While the race for the Golden Boot gets as heated as the fight for European competition, with the primary contenders being Jamie Vardy, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Danny Ings, let’s have a look at five players to have in your Nostragamus fantasy teams:
Player: Raheem Sterling
Team: Manchester City
Match: Manchester City vs Bournemouth
Raheem Sterling might not have been at his razor-sharp best this season but the former Liverpool player has been one of their most prolific goalscorers against AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League. The English wideman scored one goal the last time these two teams met, taking his total tally to four against the Cherries in their last five games. With Pep reportedly more interested in finishing second, he will hope Sterling will be able to find his scoring boots for the third match running against Bournemouth.
Player: Mohamed Salah
Team: Liverpool
Match: Arsenal vs Liverpool
Mohamed Salah has always shown the knack of scoring goals against Arsenal. The Egyptian winger has scored five goals in as many appearances against the North London club, including three in the last two for Liverpool. He will look to continue this form against Arsenal, who haven’t lost a game at home against Liverpool in their last five fixtures.
Player: Jamie Vardy
Team: Leicester City
Match: Leicester City vs Sheffield United
Although Arsenal vs Liverpool could prove to be the blockbuster fixture for the next matchweek, the game between Leicester and Sheffield will prove to be a crunch tied for both teams. Jamie Vardy was back to his goalscoring best and added another goal against Arsenal to get an important equaliser and lead the goalscoring charts. He will need to be at his firing best against Sheffield, or risk losing the third spot to Chelsea.
Player: Mason Greenwood
Team: Manchester United
Match: Crystal Palace vs Manchester United
Mason Greenwood has been creating ripples in recent times with his strong performances for Manchester United. The front three of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Greenwood have scored the bulk of United’s goals since the restart, with the addition of Bruno Fernandes giving the team a cutting edge in their attack. The England youth international has now scored four goals in three appearances, making him among the top-scoring teenagers in Premier League history.
Player: Danny Ings
Team: Southampton
Match: Southampton vs Brighton and Hove Albion
Brighton will be wary of the in-form Southampton in a bid to stay above the relegation zone. Danny Ings has one goal in two appearances as a Saints player against Brighton, but his current goalscoring form, which allowed his side to earn an important draw against Everton, will be key against Brighton. He now has 19 goals, and with both Aubameyang and Vardy facing tough fixtures, all eyes will be on Ings to grab a goal or two against the Seagulls.
Feature image courtesy: AFP / Peter Byrne
