This morning saw Defoe, WAG on arm, kick down our metaphorical fantasy manager office doors and scream “sign me up boss”. True to early season bandwagon form, thousands have already obliged. Perhaps selling United players will free up the necessary funds for the rest of us? Last night’s 1-0 shock defeat at Turf Moor looks is a concern. Ferguson’s shuffled lineup an even bigger one.
Elsewhere, Glen Johnson blinked brightly on our radars and Gerrard and Torres, like proven World Strongest Man contestants, dragged their inevitable bandwagons forward just a little. Here’s my garbled learnings from last night’s events…
Ferguson is true to his word when it comes to rotation…
He promised us that he’d vary his lineup and last night’s team-sheet brought us the horrible realisation that he meant business. Anderson and Park came in at the wide positions, while Carrick was restored in midfield for Fletcher. Most significantly, Owen got his run-out and an ineffective one at that. This left a sulking Berbatov warming the timber. Will the 1-0 defeat convince Ferguson to restrain his rotation? Unlikely. Clearly, United’s attacking players (Rooney aside), carry a big risk – particularly when United get their Champions League campaign underway. Given their injuries at the back, I’m really struggling to see a chink of light in the United squad right now.
United will struggle without Ronaldo…
Really? Tell us something we didn’t know. Yeah okay, but if some of the jury were still out on that theory, last night’s defeat at Burnley provided the cast-iron evidence. Typically, Burnley away is the kind of fixture that Ronaldo used for shooting practice. He’d have fired in 10 shots against Jensen in goal and would have undoubtedly stroked home the penalty that Carrick woefully missed. Without Ronaldo and with Ferguson opting to drop Valencia and Nani, United lacked the searing pace that could threaten the Burnley back four. The Champions had chances but one goal in two games is worrying and gives us further justification for shying away from their attacking players.
Defoe is on fire…
A hat-trick for Spurs in their demolition of Hull followed his brace for England last week. Yes Harry has options up front but the post-match comments from Redknapp indicated that he wouldn’t entertain the idea of dropping Defoe, despite the talent he has on the bench. As a mid-price option with decent short-term fixtures (WHM bir), Defoe is already the most popular “transfer in” as we approach Saturday’s gameweek deadline. Expect an FPL price rise very very soon. Be warned though – Spurs have United and Chelsea looming in gameweeks 6 and 7 – a rocky road approaches for Defoe bandwagon then.
It’s not all about Modric then…
Two assists for Lennon last night. That overshadowed the Croatian creators contribution – Modric somehow delivered a big fat zero, causing fidgets for all his early investors. Huddlestone also chipped in with an assist and is apparently holding down a starting role in Harry’s side. A new budget consideration then, although the risk of rotation is strong in this one.
Hunt is Hull’s only hope…
No really. A second goal of the season last night. If you really insist on risking a Tiger in your pack then Hunt looks the only viable option right now.
Pompey guarantee clean sheets…for their opponents…
Paul Hart’s side are struggling for a cutting edge. Piquionne isn’t the answer (fancy that?) and poor old Kranjcar can only do so much (before he gets injured again). Signings are on the way but Hart can’t splash the amounts he needs to stave off the misery. Right now, backing their opponents for a shut-out looks sensible. All on Arsenal this weekend then – for goals and a cleanie. What price another six for the Gunners. Perhaps Paddy can tell us…
Glen Johnson is a fantasy force…
A huge performance by the England right-back, capped with a stunning volley, an assist and maximum bonus points in the Fantasy Premier League game. On so many occasions last night, it was Johnson providing the width for Rafa’s men – he was almost a right winger at times. Add to this the fact that he has a very kind run of games approaching (AVL bol BUR whm HUL) and what more do you need? Johnson looks the pick of all top price defenders – Terry, Ferdinand and even Vidic on his return.
Gerrard and Torres have their motors running…
Liverpool stuttered and Gerrard looked sluggish at Spurs on Sunday but the Scouse skipper still came away with a penalty. Last night he edged back near to his best, orchestrating the routing of Stoke with two smart assists and some FPL bonus points. As Lampard’s role in the Chelsea lineup shifts around the diamond, Gerrard remains installed up with Torres – thanks to decent and unforeseen form from Lucas in midfield. Fabregas is currently the most popular midfield signing amongst fantasy managers – that might change very soon, given Liverpool’s forthcoming fixtures.
Torres meanwhile, got his first goal of the season and looked sharper – that’s just what you’d expect from the Spaniard at Anfield. He scores the majority of his goals in home games. With Villa, Burnley and Hull to visit next, Torres has the opportunities to add to his tally and start tempting the fantasy funds from us.