Game week 27 came to an end in the Etihad on Wednesday night as Man City strolled to a 2-0 victory over hapless West Ham. Elsewhere Man United breathed new life into their fight for the Champions League by defeating Chelsea 2-0 at Stamford Bridge. Sheffield United and Spurs won again to close the gap on a top four spot or should I say top five? And Liverpool continued their stroll to the title with a 1-0 success over Norwich City.
So how did the round's action affect the Advertiser Tribal League in association with Monroe's Live?
Top three
1 Declan Ryan - Decs Villains - 1,582
Our league leaders had an excellent round picking up 71 points over the fortnight. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ricardo Pereira picked up clean sheets, Jack Grealish provided an assist, and the front three of Danny Ings, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin all found the back the net for The Villains in game week 26. However, the player of the round for Declan Ryan's men was the brilliant Belgian midfielder, Kevin De Bruyne, who scored and set up another goal to leave him with 14 points. With only 12 rounds to go, The Villains look on course for a special day out in May.
2 Will Mooney - The Kouyaté Kid - 1,571
With 68 points, Will Mooney's charges have risen to second spot in the table. What was impressive about The Kids' performance at the weekend is that the points came from all over the pitch with defender John Lundstram, midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, and strikers Danny Ings and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang all finding the back of the net. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson provided shutouts with Bukayo Saka providing an assist. Trailing the league leaders by only 11 points, Mooney's men are well in this title race and could be on top of the pile come 7pm on Sunday evening.
3 Kieran Ryan - TheDodgyTickers - 1,564
Seven points back is TheDodgyTickers who had a big game week securing 77 points. The fab four of captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (16 ), Danny Ings (7 ), Heung-Min Son (13 ), and Richarlison (13 ) were the players who brought home the bacon for the third placed side with John Lundstrom, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Jack Grealish providing a points boost as well. Manager Kieran Ryan will be pleased that his men narrowed the gap on the top two places, however, losing Heung-Min Son for the rest of the season to a fractured arm is a huge blow for The Ticks. Will Ryan be able to replace him and continue his men's title charge?
Top picks
With game week 26 being played out over two weekends, Fantasy managers have not had to make tough selections for almost a fortnight. But who should they pick this weekend to get the job done?
Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Everton - £6.1 million ) v Arsenal
Some players benefit from a change in manager and Everton striker, Dominic Calvert-Lewin is one those players with nine goals in 11 league appearances since Marco Silva was handed his P45 by Everton's top brass, the 22-year-old has flourished under the stewardship of the Italian master Carlo Ancelotti. On Sunday, Everton travel south to take on a somewhat resurgent Arsenal who have not lost in six matches. Mikel Arteta has made the Gunners, dare I say it, difficult to beat, creating an atmosphere where those in red simply do not roll over if they fall behind. I think Sunday's clash at the Emirates will be tight but I am going for a 2-1 home win but Calvert-Lewin to register for the visitors.
Sadio Mané (Liverpool - £12.2 million ) v West Ham
It is fair to say Liverpool will win the league this season. The only questions to be answered are - when will their champions tag be confirmed? and can they go the season undefeated? One of the key men in the Reds' title charge has been Senegalese midfielder Sadio Mané. However Liverpool's number 10 was in a bit of a rut having gone three games without a goal before troubling the scorekeepers at Carrow Road on Saturday. On Monday evening, Liverpool host West Ham at Anfield. I'm expecting a thumping for the Hammers with Mané wreaking havoc. Make him your captain for double the points.
Christian Benteke (Crystal Palace - £5.7 million ) v Newcastle
After 26 rounds of Premier League action, the big Belgian striker finally broke his duck as he found the back of the net against Everton, and I think the boost of confidence Benteke will take from the goal will see him go on a scoring run. On Saturday, Newcastle are the visitors to Selhurst Park. Like Palace, the Magpies are in a wretched run of form with only one win in their last eight league matches. This match is a must-not-lose for either outfit so expect a tight encounter. I am going for a 1-0 home win with Benteke to be the hero. Get him in your team.
Don't miss a minute of action with Monroe's Tavern
Remember you can catch all of game week 27's action live at Monroe's Tavern where punters can enjoy wings and a pint or burger and a pint for €10 during the matches.
Saturday:
Chelsea v Spurs (12.30pm ) BT Sport.
Sheffield United v Brighton (3pm ) Premier Sports.
Leicester City v Man City (5.30pm ) SKY Sports.
Sunday:
Arsenal v Everton (4.30pm ) SKY Sports.
Monday:
Liverpool v West Ham (8pm ) SKY Sports.
