Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Update: Key Takeaways from the Thrilling Liverpool vs West Ham Match
The Premier League never fails to deliver drama and surprises. And this weekend's clash between Liverpool and West Ham United was no exception, offering a thrilling spectacle and plenty of FPL talking points.
Florian Wirtz's Absence and the Midfield Shuffle:
Florian Wirtz, the highly-anticipated £8.3m midfielder, was notably absent from Liverpool's squad, and it seems his return is still a way off. Manager Arne Slot hinted at a longer recovery process, stating, "I think [Gameweek 29] will be too early... Now we are thinking it doesn't have to take too long, but Tuesday will probably be too early."
In Wirtz's absence, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai took turns in the central attacking midfield role, but it was set pieces that brought them success. But here's where it gets controversial: was it skill or luck?
Set-Piece Specialists: Liverpool's New Arsenal?
Liverpool's set-piece woes in the first half of the campaign seem like a distant memory now. They've scored nine set-piece goals in the last six Gameweeks, a remarkable turnaround. This improvement coincides with the departure of Aaron Briggs and the increased influence of set-piece analyst Lewis Mahoney. But is it all down to coaching? Arne Slot suggests variance plays a part, as their xG for set pieces (2.92) is significantly lower than their actual goal tally.
Ekitike's Haul and Salah's Misfortune:
Hugo Ekitike, Virgil van Dijk, and Alexis Mac Allister all found the net from corners, though Ekitike's goal was from a recycled set piece. Ekitike's recent form has been promising, and he finally converted that into FPL points with a 15-point haul. Mohamed Salah, on the other hand, despite his usual high involvement, couldn't find the net, leaving his owners disappointed.
Frimpong's Return and West Ham's Bright Spots:
Jeremie Frimpong made a successful return from injury, and his fitness could see him start in Gameweek 29. For West Ham, despite the 5-2 scoreline, there were positives. Konstantinos Mavropanos, Jarrod Bowen, and Tomas Soucek all had chances, and Crysencio Summerville was a constant threat down the left flank.
And this is the part most people miss: West Ham's xG suggests they were unlucky not to score more, and their performance offers hope for the future.
What are your thoughts on Liverpool's set-piece transformation? Is it a sustainable source of FPL points? And do you think West Ham can turn their performances into results? Share your opinions in the comments below!
