Game week 35 came to a close on Monday night with a strike from Irish striker Michael Obafemi in the 96th minute to dent Man United's Champions League aspirations. The round saw plenty of upsets and action with West Ham, Watford, Bournemouth, and Aston Villa earning crucial wins in the fight against relegation, Sheffield United and Wolves clawing their back into European contention and Norwich City being confirmed as the first team to succumb to the drop.
Round 36 begins this evening but before we make any predictions, let us look at the top three of the Advertiser Tribal League in association with Monroe's Tavern.
Top three
Damien Ruigrok - Flying Dutchmen - 2,207
Flying in the name and flying in the league, Damien Ruigrok's men are top of the pile with only three rounds to go. A score of 58 was enough for The Oranges to hold onto first place thanks to goal difference. Raúl Jiménez, Marcus Rashford, and Anthony Martial all found the back of the net for Ruigrok with captain Bruno Fernandes (10 ), goalkeeper Ederson (6 ), and defender Matt Doherty (6 ) chipping in with good scores. While their attacking prowess cannot be disputed, the leakiness in defence should be cause for concern and could cost them the title at the end of the month.
Declan Ryan - Decs Villains - 2,207
An 18 point deficit is no more, as Decs Villains have reeled in the Dutchmen to leave only goals as the differentiating factor. It is all about attack for manager Declan Ryan who can thank Raheem Sterling (21 ), Gabriel Jesus (14 ), Anthony Martial (13 ), captain Bruno Fernandes (10 ) for covering for a woeful defence performance which included two zero point showings by Kasper Schmeichel and James Justin. Like Flying Dutchmen, The Villains really need to tighten up at the back if they want to maintain their charge for glory in the most exciting finish we have ever had in Tribal League history.
Reggie Red - Reginald's Reds - 2,180
In third spot is Reginald's Reds. The Reds' foundation is their backline which performed again with Andrew Robertson. Romain Saïss, and Kyle Waker securing 21 points among them. Despite finding the back of net three times during the round, in front of goal is where manager Reggie Red will need to find the right formula if The Reds are to reel in the top two.
Top tips
It is less than 24 hour turnaround from round 35 to 36 so Fantasy managers need to be on the ball. Who are the players to get the job done?
Michail Antonio (West Ham - £7 million ) v Watford
Cometh the hour, cometh the man; when West Ham needed a hero, the club's number 30 stood up to be counted. Yes Michail Antonio has scored six goals in four games plus providing an assist to give The Hammers real hope of beating the drop. Antonio who is listed as a midfielder in Fantasy but actually plays as a striker, plundered four goals in game week 35 to leave the east London side three points clear of the relegation zone. On Friday, West Ham host Watford in a match that could be crucial in who stay up. Watford are on a good run of form as well with back-to-back wins. I believe this could be a cracking match as both sides know a win will all but guarantee safety. I'm going a 2-2 draw with Antonio to be on the score sheet. Get him in your team.
Raheem Sterling (Man City - £11.8 million ) v Bournemouth
It is funny to think that people believe Raheem Sterling is having a poor return to football with six and three assists in six appearances. But such is the standard the England winger has set himself over the past two seasons, a goal a game can sometimes be considered not a good enough return. On Wednesday, Man City welcome Bournemouth to Eastlands. The Cherries earned a massive win over Leicester City on Sunday but I can only see one outcome and that is a comfortable City victory with Sterling finding the back of the net.
Jamie Vardy (Leicester City - £9.8 million ) v Sheffield United
Looks like Jamie Vardy is back to having a party as the Leicester striker has now struck four times in three games. Before his brace against Crystal Palace, the England international could not buy a goal since the restart but with further goals against Arsenal and Bournemouth, it is clear the number nine has found his mojo in front of goal once more. On Thursday, The Foxes welcome Sheffield United to the King Power Stadium. The Blades are right among the challengers for Champions League places thanks to 3-0 victory over Chelsea on Saturday. This game could be quite a cagey affair which neither side can afford to lose. I believe it will be 1-0 to the home team with Vardy getting the winner.
Enjoy round 36 with food and a pint with Monroe's Tavern
With Monroe's Tavern announcing that it will open its doors to the world in late July, punters do not have the opportunity to watch round 36's matches in the pub's pleasant surroundings. However, the next best thing is available with Monroe's Takeaway and Dial-a-Pint service. Operating Wednesday to Sunday, simply call (091 ) 583 397 to place your order for food and a pint and the team at Monroe's will deliver right to your front door.
So sit back, relax, and eat and drink the delicious food and pints from Monroe's Tavern in the comfort and safety of your own home while watching some top flight football.
Tuesday:
Chelsea v Norwich City (8.15pm ) SKY Sports.
Wednesday:
Burnley v Wolves (6pm ) BBC.
Manchester City v Bournemouth (6pm ) SKY Sports.
Newcastle v Spurs (6pm ) BT Sport.
Arsenal v Liverpool (8.15pm ) SKY Sports.
Thursday:
Everton v Aston Villa (6pm ) SKY Sports.
Leicester City v Sheffield United (6pm ) SKY Sports.
Crystal Palace v Man United (8.15pm ) BT Sport.
Southampton v Brighton (8.15pm ) BT Sport.
Friday:
West Ham v Watford (8pm ) SKY Sports.
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