Manchester United go into the Premier League weekend having lost to Juventus in the Champions League, 1-0. The Red Devils have now won just once in their last seven fixtures. Star striker Romelu Lukaku has failed to score in each of those matches. The Belgian has gone eight games without a goal in all competitions. Fantasy Premier League managers should drop the striker if they haven’t already and put their money behind Liverpool star Xherdan Shaqiri this weekend.
Lukaku does lead all Manchester United players in FPL points with 37. However, his last four games have seen him tally two points in each match. The Belgian’s last goal came against Watford when the Red Devils won 2-1. It isn’t just Lukaku who is struggling in FPL for Manchester United. Many of the team’s players are finding form and FPL points difficult to come by. Anthony Martial is one of the bright spots for the team and this week FPL managers responded by adding him to their squads en masse.
Manchester United play Lukaku’s former team Everton on Sunday. The Toffees are on a three-game winning streak. During that time, Everton have conceded just one goal. Lukaku will be playing at Old Trafford, but his performances do not warrant his inclusion.
Many Red Devil supporters have called for the striker to be benched for Sunday’s crunch fixture. The big problem for Manchester United is they do not have a No. 9 who can step in.
Xherdan Shaqiri to star for Liverpool
Xherdan Shaqiri cemented his place in the Liverpool squad in their 4-0 demolition of Red Star Belgrade on Wednesday night. The Liverpool star played in a more creative midfield role than previously deployed under manager Jurgen Klopp. Having the play ahead of him, he excelled and can now be the creative player Liverpool have been looking for this term.
The Swiss international has suddenly become the player Adam Lallana was supposed to be. However, injury has curtailed Lallana’s performances and playing time at Anfield in the last year.
Shaqiri has tallied just 19 points in FPL, but he will only cost managers £7 million. Now that he has proven his worth and Liverpool are struggling with injury, it is the perfect opportunity for Klopp to play the midfielder. Against Huddersfield, Shaqiri tallied six points thanks to an assist and clean sheet. Liverpool take on Cardiff City at the weekend. The Bluebirds’ defence has allowed 19 goals this term and is ripe for the picking.
Although Liverpool will play Arsenal in the following fixture, the Reds’ fixture list isn’t too difficult. If Shaqiri can get the run of games he deserves, he should thrive in Liverpool’s midfield three.
Will Liverpool star Xherdan Shaqiri get more match time for the Reds in the coming weeks?