Few could have imagined that Sheffield United would defeat Newcastle 8-0 on the road, shocking the Fantasy world as they traveled to Bramall Lane as the favorites to defeat the Blades.
Eight different goal scorers, including Sven Botman (£4.7m), the most expensive defense in Gameweek 6, scored for Eddie Howe’s team.
However, Kieran Trippier (£6.6m), who scored 18 points with three assists, a clean sheet, and the maximum bonus, outscored the Dutchman’s 12-point total.
Despite getting a little rest on Sunday after being substituted by Tino Livramento (£4.4m) on minute 69, Trippier still managed to generate five opportunities, which is tied for the most in Gameweek 6.
While few could have foreseen three assists, the nature of them was perhaps easier to predict, given that Sheff Utd were rock-bottom for headed chances allowed and efforts from set plays conceded going into this fixture, a stat which might be of interest to James Ward-Prowse (£6.2m) owners in Gameweek 7.
As for Newcastle, Trippier and co will feel confident of adding more clean sheets to their collection in the coming weeks. A home clash with Burnley at St James’ Park next weekend is followed by meetings with West Ham United, Crystal Palace and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
BARNES INJURY UPDATE
Harvey Barnes (£6.4m) started just his second Premier League match for Newcastle on Sunday but left the ground in a protective boot after injuring his toe early on.
On the injury, Howe said:
“It doesn’t seem promising. I believe he has a toe issue. When he started to move, he felt something in his toe. Although we don’t yet know what the ailment is, early indications point to it being there. Eddie Howe commented on Harvey Barnes’ injury.
His replacement, Anthony Gordon (£5.6m), put in an electric display from the bench, claiming his fourth and fifth attacking returns of the season. He teed up Sean Longstaff (£4.9m) for the first of Newcastle’s eight goals, before scoring the fifth when he cut in from the left flank and curled his shot beautifully into the far corner.
Gordon has favorable matchups on his side and should benefit from Barnes’ toe injury, but he already has four cautions this season and is one caution away from a suspension.
Sheff Utd, who were “outfought and outrun” by Newcastle, currently holds the lowest defensive ranking for the whole 2017–18 campaign, including goals, shots, and major opportunity conceded.
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