Mick McCarthy’s Wolves are grinding their way to Premier League safety. Last weekend’s win at Burnley gave them breathing space in a season which so far, is best remember for McCarthy’s Old Trafford team selection. Ever since, we’ve seen the Wolves boss keep things consistent on his teamsheet and the approach. His side have developed a reputation for seeking draws from the first whistle on their travels. With two trips in store for them in the gameweek, they look set to remain one of the more modest sources of fantasy talents around…
The Opponents
Wolves face two away games – both potentially tricky prospects. They first travel to Villa Park to come up against Martin O’Neill’s watertight defence, before facing more friendly opponents in Gianfranco Zola’s West Ham in midweek. At first glance both look like potential blanks for McCarthy’s men but neither Villa nor West Ham will scare them. Villa have just a single win in their last five home matches, while West Ham’s recent record at Upton Park is stronger – three wins and a draw in five – but they are West Ham. There’s no escaping that or their inconsistencies.
Current Form
Things will have improved in the Wovles camp no end after the 2-1 win at Burnley last weekend. This was only their second win in the last eight league matches and a first away win since the success at White Hart Lane on December 12.
The statistics show that Wolves are actually more effective on the road, having scored 13 goals as opposed to a miserable ten at Molineux. They have shipped goals both home and away though, with 27 fired past their defence on their travels.
Current away form also tells a story. Before the Turf Moor victory, McCarthy’s side took on Bolton, Birmingham, Hull City and Wigan and managed just a draw from the four games. It’s also worth noting that they had scored just four goals in ten matches prior to the weekend win, conceding 15 in the process.
Rotation Risk
Practically zero. McCarthy has become one of the most consistent managers when it comes to his starting eleven, mainly because his options are so limited. He’s been opting for a 4-5-1, spearheaded by Kevin Doyle, for many weeks now. That’s resigned Sylvan Ebanks-Blake to the bench, ensuring that the much-hyped striker has enjoyed a fantasy flop season of Gary McSheffrey proportions.
Matt Jarvis is commissioned to buzz around the busy Doyle, while Kevin Foley is played wide left and David Jones is pushed up in support from midfield. The creative influence of Nenad Milijas is left keeping McCarthy company on the bench.
Following the win at Burnley, it’s hard to see any unforced changes to McCarthy’s lineup for either of these away trips.
Potential Targets
Matt Jarvis
Priced at just 4.4 in the Fantasy Premier League game, Jarvis is one of the cheapest regular starters around. He’s also got some potential when fixtures fall his way. Quick and busy with a decent delivery on occasions, Jarvis has returned four assists and two goals this season, with two goals, an assist and three bonus points in his last seven Fantasy Premier League gameweeks. Jarvis will cause issues for both Villa and West Ham and judging by Jonathan Spector’s performance against Florent Malouda at the weekend, Jarvis will certainly fancy his chances in that game.
Predicted Return: 1 assist
Kevin Doyle
The capture from Reading arrived at Wolves with proven Premier League pedigree and it’s shown. At the end of the season he’s likely to walk away with all the Wolves player year gongs. Sadly for McCarthy, he’s also likely to walk away from Wolves.
Doyle has performed well in the lone striker role with a string of omnipresent displays that has won him the admiration of his manager. Goals have remained hard to come by however, and his return of six belies the quality of his season. One goal in his last 11 starts is hardly the kind of stat that will sell him to fantasy investors for the gameweek but six bonus points in the last six gameweeks is more a measure of his performances. Doyle will be the key threat to both Villa and West Ham and should offer some returns for the 5.4 Fantasy Premier League outlay.
Predicted Return: 1 goal, 1 Bonus Point