Window Watching – Turner to Sunderland

It’s just after midday on deadline day and Sunderland’s capture of Hull’s Michael Turner remains the one confirmed deal that gets close to piquing the interest of us fantasy managers.

The Black Cats have swooped for the commanding Turner for the usual “undisclosed fee”, handing them a considerable boost to their defensive credentials, whilst leaving Hull more than a little vulnerable. Paul McShane’s move in the other direction will surely be little compensation for Hull City fans.

Not that we really care about Hull City fans. What we want to know is just how this deal impacts on the value of Turner in fantasy circles…

Turner’s credentials as a strong, towering Premier League defender cannot be questioned. His presence on the field translates directly to his fantasy football reputation too.

Turner headed up the Guardian game defender rankings last term, notching huge numbers of clearances, tackles and interceptions. That added to a haul of 4 goals in an ever-present 38 league appearances for the Tigers last season. In the Fantasy Premier League game meanwhile, Turner ranked in the top 20 defenders, despite being part of a leaky Hull defence (particularly in the second half of the season). An impressive gathering of 23 bonus points in that game, second only to Joleon Lescott, helped his tally along considerably.

So far this season, Turner has remained well under our fantasy radars. Hull’s start and particularly the 5-1 home mauling to Spurs, has made sure of that. Valued in the low-to-mid price bracket across the various fantasy games, this transfer to Sunderland will surely change that.

Taking the Fantasy Premier League game as an example, Turner is valued at a modest 4.5. That’s directly in line with Sunderland’s other defenders – Ferdinand and Bardsley and actually makes him cheaper than McCartney. Given his substantial goal threat and potential as a bonus point magnet, that immediately screams “bargain”.

So far this season Steve Bruce’s side have claimed just one clean sheet – in the opening game against Bolton. Arguably however, their fixtures have not been too kind. Rovers at home. Yeah okay, Sunderland should have done better but a home game with Chelsea and a trip to the Britannia are hardly clean sheet fodder. The good news is – prospects for defensive returns improve immediately.

Ironically, Sunderland face Turner’s former club Hull at home after the international break. That’s followed by a trip to Burnley and a home game with Wolves in gameweek 7. Things stiffen from that point on with United and Liverpool to follow, with a trip to Birmingham and a home game with West Ham after that. If you have decent alternatives on the bench for gameweeks 8 and 9 then, Tuner looks a very strong option right up until the end of October.