This article is part of our Ball Watching series.
Do the Dew
"The football was typically dour and dull, with enjoyable and exciting games a rarity."
This was one of the many one-liners aimed at Alan Pardew on sackpardew.com. There could not be a more untrue statement regarding the Englishman's current tenure at Crystal Palace. The Eagles continue to soar after Yannick Bolasie bagged a hat trick after being moved into the no. 10 role behind Glenn Murray, who scored and assisted two in the 4-1 drubbing of Sunderland. It should be noted that Murray has scored six goals and four assists in the last eight games. Also worth noting should be that Bolasie was preferred to Jason Puncheon in the no. 10 role and, if this continues, the French-Born Congolese international should be the No. 1 Palace midfield option.
Burnley Continues to Slump
As high as the Eagles are, the Clarets of Burnley are as low, particularly offensively. In the thick of the relegation battle, the northern English club have to start scoring goals and grabbing three points or else they will find themselves back in the Championship. The good news for Burnley is that their fixture list contains no team currently ranked higher than ninth (West Ham). This means that Danny Ings will return to the budget forward discussions. Now is the time to buy.
The time to buy Christian Benteke, however, may have passed.
Even though Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud has received most of the praise with his six goals in as many games, Benteke has eight goals in the same time period, which is the most in the Premier League. However, with most fantasy formats giving Villa a blank Gameweek 33, now is the time to sell.
What's Next for Man City?
Perhaps the toughest question in FPL circles is, "What to do with struggling City?" Despite the 4-2 loss in the Manchester derby in Matchweek 32, the Sky Blues have struggling West Ham up next. Lost in the derby matchup was Sergio Aguero's return to form by netting twice, albeit one in the equivalent of "garbage time." Even though all goals count, garbage time goals are particularly tough to depend on every week. However, West Ham have only won once in their previous 10 before their trip to the Etihad in Gameweek 33. This smells like the week City reminds the footballing world that they are still a force. There will be inquests regarding City's performance, but whoever starts should have ample opportunities to score. Furthermore, with Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho both an injury risk, Joe Hart and the defense of Manchester City may also play a part.
Tinkering Saints
Another club that has been tinkering with its lineup is Southampton. The South Coast club finally saw its prized Italian striker, Graziano Pelle break his 15-game goal drought against Hull, but they have been a far cry from the club that was contending for a Champions League place earlier this season. To make matters worse is that four of their final six fixtures come on the road, where they have only kept four of their Premier League-leading 15 clean sheets. Even more confusing was the benching of Nathaniel Clyne, who manager Ronald Koeman said was "given a rest." Hopefully, that's the case, and the English right back continues his fine form for club and fantasy owners.
