What a weekend of Premier League action that was.
There were seven goal thrillers at Molineux and Anfield, crucial relegation clashes, and a very angry Italian manager after a tepid London derby loss for Chelsea against Arsenal on Saturday evening. Thankfully there is cup action this week to give all Fantasy managers a well earned break. And with no league action this weekend let's have a look at the top three in the Advertiser Tribal League in association with St Anthony's and Claddagh Credit Union.
1 Michael Walsh - Christians picks - 1,504
Manager Michael Walsh picks the team and he is picking winners as Christians picks sit at the summit of the league. The main man for Walsh is the exceptional Egyptian, Mohamed Salah. The busy Christmas period can make or break teams' title challenges, Salah has been in inspirational form for Christians picks and Walsh has responded to Salah's brilliant run by giving him the captain's armband. Notably, when Salah is not leading the team, Christians picks have not performed. But football is not a one man sport and Salah has been ably assisted by Marcus Rashford up front with Andrew Robertson providing commanding performances at the back. The big questions are, can Salah keep up his form and stay injury free? If so, then Christians picks may still be top come trophy time in May.
2 Michael Ward - Mané on a mission - 1,494
Snapping at the heels of the league leaders in second place is Michael Ward and his charges, Mané on a mission. It is easy to see where the power base is in this team and that is midfield. Paul Pogba, Eden Hazard, Raheem Sterling, and Mohamed Salah, sees Ward's outfit having arguably the strongest midfield quartet in the entire league. The fab four have been providing assists and scoring goals over the Christmas and New Year period and this sees Mané on a mission now within touching distance of top spot. If Ward can managed to bring in a top marquee striker, then Mané on a mission may see their ribbons on the league title in May.
3 Alan Forde - sinko de mayo - 1,486
They may be called sinko de mayo, but Alan Forde's men are anything but sinking. Sitting in third place, the Five Sinks have quietly gone about their business during the busy festive period and are only 18 points off the lead. Forde's charges love attacking and are scoring goals for fun as they blow away teams with their forward power. However, what may hold sinko de mayo back from maintaining a serious title challenge is the defence. Forde's backline has been providing assists and scoring goals but a defender's bread and butter is to keep goals from going in. Clean sheets are what is needed for sinko de mayo. Sort that out and we may see a team in top spot.
