The Digest – Gameweek Fourteen
Filed under: The Digest - Posted by: Mark
The curtain falls on another gameweek, leaving us to consider the services of a reborn Fantasy force, the shape-shifting goal power of Roberto Mancini’s title challengers and the merits of ousting a Dutch master…
The Player
Yakubu single-handedly carried Blackburn to three precious points against Swansea. A smart side-foot finish, two close range headers and a spot-kick completed a one-man destruction of the slick-passing Welshmen. It also put Fantasy managers on full alert to the potential of the Rovers striker.
We’ve long been discussing the potential of the revitalised Nigerian. Back in early November we unveiled an impressive shot per minute ratio – bettered only by Demba Ba amongst our analysis of the sub 7.5 FPL strikers. Two weeks later, we acknowledged Yakubu’s rise in our Watchlist prior to gameweek 13 trip to Stoke. While that encounter saw him draw a blank in a disappointing Rovers showing, a week later Yakubu took his goal tally for the season to 9, putting him on a par with Wayne Rooney and Ba.
There will of course be an influx of investment following such a major points haul. Already Yakubu has seen a price rise to 5.6, as thousands look to bring the budget option into their frontline; without doubt, Yakubu’s bandwagon is on the move.
Can it keep rolling? Looking at his form and fixtures, you’d have to say the omens look good. Rovers have a trip to struggling Sunderland next, having scored in every single away game so far this season. After that, Steve Kean’s side face both West Brom and Bolton at Ewood – both beatable, both unlikely to halt a Rovers attack that has scored 11 goals in their last 5. Yakubu looks well placed for a festive feast.
The Team
While Tottenham’s usual suspects put up another vibrant display against 10-man Bolton, Man City spread five goals throughout their lineup against a Norwich side caught in the headlights of their title charge.
It’s been a while since we switched our attention to Roberto Mancini’s outfit and, though many will point to the 5-1 win over Norwich as a flattering scoreline, there’s no denying the efficiency displayed in humbling Paul Lambert’s side, who have previously shown such determination in trips to Anfield, Stamford Bridge and Old Trafford this season. Against City however, the gulf in class became glaringly obvious – Norwich could not repel the waves of attacking talent in City’s armoury.
The goals came from Sergio Aguero, Samir Nasri, Yaya Toure, Mario Balotelli and Adam Johnson. David Silva and Edin Dzeko had to be content with an assist, Micah Richards, Vincent Kompany also got in on the act. That’s nine names sharing the Fantasy spoils – emphasing not only how goals flow throughout the side, but also how difficult it’s become for Fantasy managers to isolate a secure source of points within Mancini’s shuffling lineup.
Owned by a third of FPL managers, Aguero is proving the ultimate frustration – doing just enough to warrant holding him, without delivering the kind of explosive returns we saw earlier in the season, or indeed that we’ve seen of late from Robin Van Persie.
Aguero’s goal was his third in six league matches – he’s started all six but has been subbed in each one. Dzeko has four goals over the same spell, but has started just two matches. Balotelli meanwhile, also has four goals over the last six gameweeks, again starting two.
Aguero ownership and FPL price tag has held firm but, when you consider that the Argentine has returned fewer goals than the other City strikers and is priced almost 3.0 more, there’s reason to start fidgeting and considering the options elsewhere. Aguero needs to deliver a brace or more before Christmas, otherwise his ownership and price could come down with the decorations.
The Talking Point
Tottenham have been a “Digest” regular in recent weeks, with Gareth Bale, Emmanuel Adeabyor and Rafael Van der Vaart staple ingredients in the gameweek round-up. Once again it’s Spurs, and in particular Van der Vaart, who are at the centre of the main issue troubling Fantasy managers this week.
Having made a satisfactory recovery from a hamstring injury, Van der Vaart found himself confined to bench duty for the 3-0 win over Bolton, emerging to replace the zesty Aaaron Lennon late on. While the Dutchman sat in reserve, Lennon and the frighteningly consistent Bale, tore up the Bolton defence and laid further claims for slots in our Fantasy squads. Jeramain Defoe took up Van der Vaart’s place and scored again – making Harry Redknapp’s team-sheet headache that little more intense.
Bale’s form is a force of nature with few defences able to withstand his pace and power. He has become a priority target in the Spurs lineup, a status only boosted by this recent turn in fortunes for Van der Vaart. Lennon too, for a player available for just 7.2 in the FPL, will surely attract further interest from those looking to maximise their allocation of Tottenham’s attacking players.
This all leaves Van der Vaart’s future in our Fantasy squads as far from certain. We’re seeing heavy FPL sales and, as Nani hints at emerging from a recent slump to help inspire United over a run of favourable games, there is a clearly defined exit route outside of Harry’s squad.
It’s now a question of timing. Do we hold Van der Vaart and wait to see what Harry conjurs up with his lineup at Stoke, or take him on his word and decide that Van der Vaart’s hamstring will indeed be wrapped in cotton wool over the busy Christmas period.
Tottenham’s performance against Bolton would suggest that Harry can afford to keep the Dutchman preserved, but shedding one of the Premier League’s biggest Fantasy damage dealers is never going to feel comfortable, regardless of the logic behind it.
About The Author
“Mark created the beast. He's now looking to tame it.”
Mark
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Recent Comments
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Yeah, same here by the looks of things.... » -
I'm athsmatic anyways so it's all good » -
Good effort. http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh66/quantumformx/dance-o.gif » -
RUSSIA: http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2012/05/15/end-of-season-awards-the-forwards/comment-page-7/#comment-… »
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Love it BTW m8, nice to hear peoples opinions as Sir P has to keep a balanced argument for each individual. PS. you… »
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Italy defense GW2 + 3 for me » -
sorry I just assumed no as he plays for Newcastle so thought if he is a starter for France he would be at a abig club. » -
Close - but no cigar!!! ;-) » -
I agree but I was curious... Opens up some other interesting options tho. :) »
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Yes. Almost nailed on. »
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December 6 at 1:03 pm
keith says:
Just looking at post Xmas fixtures cant believe there are PL games on 26 27 30 31 Dec, 1st 2nd 3rd and 4th Jan! Surely time to move to as nailed on starters as possible?
December 6 at 1:05 pm
MJ6987 says:
Yes, I was looking at that. Plus, there are 6 gameweks in December!
December 6 at 1:06 pm
Phil_McMahon says:
Aye, love that time of the season. Could see a lot of them postponed due to Snow though (like last season). Then see some games postponed even though it’s fine to play e.g. Chelsea V United. Around the time of Chelsea’s poor form too .
Also, new Wildcard then as well!
December 6 at 1:04 pm
MJ6987 says:
Anyone know what GW Demba Ba is likely to play until before he goes to the African Nations?
Thanks
December 6 at 1:08 pm
seaunicorn says:
hmm.. good point.. dont have the answer though. I bailed on Ba last week for Ade and praying Ade does better than him. Else I wud be gutted
December 6 at 3:35 pm
bazrah99 says:
There is actually a Premier League break just before the African Nations so I would not be surprised if players are released early by their clubs. I would also expect some international friendlies leading up to the competition so Ba’s last game could be Man Utd at home.
December 6 at 1:04 pm
weetonyharris says:
how do u link your team?
December 6 at 1:06 pm
Frazek says:
Check FAQ’s, it’s all there.
http://www.fantasyfootballscou.....-glossary/
December 6 at 1:09 pm
1966 was a great year for English football - Eric was born says:
Frazek, have you seen that new Pearl Jam Twenty documentary? Well worth a watch.
December 6 at 1:13 pm
Frazek says:
Err, no. In all honesty, ’66, I think Ten is an excellent album, but not been hugely chuffed by other stuff they’ve done. The whole Grunge thing as all very hit ‘n’ miss for me.
December 6 at 1:17 pm
1966 was a great year for English football - Eric was born says:
Ten and Vs were great, not bought any of their stuff since the disappointing Vitalogy, but there’s some great early footage of them.
December 6 at 4:31 pm
jimnastics says:
My favourite Pearl Jam era is 1996 to 2000, No Code / Yield / Binaural… I love those albums. After that it went downhill for me from Riot Act onwards, but you are missing out on some great music if you’ve bailed on them after Ten!
December 6 at 1:11 pm
weetonyharris says:
thx
December 6 at 1:04 pm
Nibbsy says:
Aguero…
I bought him last week as a one week punt against Norwich but it didn’t really pay off. My plan was to ditch him for Ba this week to free up cash.
But I’m not so sure now. Surely he will be more nailed on for minutes with the Champs League out of the way, and City will always score goals. He’s also suddenly a bit of a differential at the top of my minileagues, with most having ditched him for the RVP, Ade, Ba/Sturridge frontline.
Anyone else considering keeping?
December 6 at 1:06 pm
MJ6987 says:
City are not out of the Champs League…yet
December 6 at 1:06 pm
tosey says:
either way theres no CL games until feb
December 6 at 1:09 pm
MJ6987 says:
Oh, I see. having second thoughts now then. I was set to do Aguero > Ba tonight but Aguero free of Champions League distractions could be very good!
December 6 at 1:19 pm
Nibbsy says:
Exactly, he could be the nailed on forward for the best attacking team in the league.
Also, I’m not sure where I’d spend the extra cash. Probably Nani or Mata but either would be a bit of a punt at this stage.
December 6 at 1:06 pm
tosey says:
i was but may shift vdv instead
December 6 at 1:12 pm
weetonyharris says:
i am prob going to bring in Ba for Aguero
December 6 at 1:04 pm
AnthonyJV says:
Team for GW15
Vorm (Ruddy)
Simpson / RTaylor / Kompany (Jags / Barmett)
Bale / VDV / Silva / Dyer (Ferguson)
Ade / RVP / Aguero
Really can’t decide what route to take for GW15. Tempted to drop VDV for Mata as I’ve already got Bale and Ade for Spurs cover but then again I can’t see Chelsea scoring many past Man City at the weekend. Think my defence needs work too but again tempted to sit tight and see how Newcastle gets on at the weekend. So what do you think, sit tight and save the transfer or VDV for Mata?
December 6 at 1:05 pm
Joddvar says:
Since my last post disappeared at the end of the second page, I’m audacious enough to repost:
This whole VdV-farce is really getting on my nerves. Just noticed that I brought him in when he was 9.9, which means I can afford another price drop. So I guess I’ll stay with him yet another week.
Unless, if I do sell him this week and bring in Bale, I will have enough ££ to get in Vermaelen for Shawcross. What do you suggest?
I am really fond of VdV due to the fact that he’s on most set-pieces and kind of plays OOP, but if he keeps getting little game-time, I might just as well have Bale. Although I fear bringing in Bale now is too late, and that I have missed out on all the fun…
December 6 at 1:07 pm
MJ6987 says:
I am not sure that VDV is nailed on now regardless of fitness as Defoe is playing so well and scoring regularly.
December 6 at 1:08 pm
Frazek says:
Patience Joddvar, and getting injured is hardly a farce, nor is Droopy picking an in-form Defoe. If you really like DVD, keep him, he’ll be back starting this GW, IMO.
December 6 at 1:15 pm
seaunicorn says:
I second that and keeping all fingers crossed.. though I have both Bale and DVD, getting points from DVD somehow feels nicer
December 6 at 1:08 pm
MAD says:
fun is only just beginning
December 6 at 1:17 pm
peppieandfelix says:
i would wait, plus shawX bound to get another yellow shortly and miss a game so just wait for that and take him out then.
December 6 at 1:05 pm
Jiber says:
Begovic -> Krul? Schwarzer?
Vorm is my other keeper.
Thanks!
December 6 at 1:09 pm
Joddvar says:
I think Krul is quality and Newcastle do have a nice upcoming run of fixtures. But with both STaylor and Coloccini out there will be leaks in the defence. I will still probably go with Krul in front of Vorm at least a few times during December.
Schwarzer is also good, but I’m thinking on waiting until January when Fulhams fixtures improve before taking him in (porbably for Krul).
You should also consider Foster, since West Brom have improved majorily in the back after Hodgson took over. And if you can afford it, Friedel and Howard are also good calls.
December 6 at 1:18 pm
seaunicorn says:
anyone other than Wigan keeper I guess.. Their poor defence was on display this week..
December 6 at 1:09 pm
Frazek says:
Krul for me all day, although Sorensen’s head injury might put Bego back in sticks. But, yeah, still Krul.
December 6 at 1:08 pm
ChristIna says:
New post b*tches
December 6 at 1:11 pm
Tmelt says:
If you had both Ben Arfa or Sinclair and were getting rid of one for Nani, who would you choose? Sinclair is on pens and some free kicks so is a threat there but he’s going through a bit of a crap patch atm. Ben Arfa on the other hand hasn’t been back from injury long and isn’t a guaranteed started but has some very tasty fixtures coming up (plus I only just bought him in!)
Sinclair: FUL, newc, eve, QPR
Barfa: nor, SWA, WBA, bol
December 6 at 1:21 pm
h338868 says:
Keep Sinclair IMO.
December 6 at 1:28 pm
seaunicorn says:
Tbh, Ben had only 3 matches after his come back and that too mnu, mnc and CHE.. not the right fixture for a come back.. i wud say, keep Ben.. and selling Sinclair will free up more cash for you..
December 6 at 1:42 pm
blip says:
Think Ben Arfa might find himself benched or playing half a game again, since Pardew fancies the fit-again Ameobi (who, tbf, played well v Chelsea)…
December 6 at 1:34 pm
ajr3107 says:
Ben Arfa or Gutierrez or midfielder 6.7 or less maybe sinclair, but i have dyer.
Any comments much appreciated.
December 6 at 2:02 pm
Daniyal says:
barton
December 6 at 1:41 pm
blip says:
Team is currently:
Vorm (Al-Habsi)
Jag, Jones, ShawX (Hughes, Bosingwa)
Sinclair, Ramires, VdV, Drenthe (Faurlin)
RvP, Yak, Ade
1 FT, £1.2m in the bank.
Was thinking VdV -> Bale/Silva
Alternatively, could do Adebayor -> Ba (decent fixtures coming up), which would free up enough cash for VdV & Drenthe -> Silva & Bale in the coming weeks.
Thoughts? I know the defence needs work, but I’m not really fussed about that for now…
December 6 at 1:54 pm
Canadian Football says:
Need to ask a question!
Why is everyone so high on Ba? 1 goal in past 4 GW (Cheap penalty vs MUN). Newcastle is torn with injury an will be changing tactics.
Why not wait one week and see what happens.
December 6 at 1:58 pm
Mark says:
Fixtures – he faces four of the most obliging defences in the league in December. That, together with the fact that Newcastle will likely be chasing games given their injuries at the back, points to Ba returns.
December 6 at 2:01 pm
Tommytour59 says:
Mark could you please change my name in the Paddy Power Cup from Timmy Loving to Tommytour59 please, for some reason I gave my team name instead, thanks!
December 6 at 2:29 pm
Canadian Football says:
Hey Mark,
Thanks for the site, it has really helped. This is my first year in fantasy football and i am loving it. So much so that i now follow football closer than I follow hockey (which for a Canadian is sacreligious).
Please look at my team and let me know if you would do what i am thinking.
Here is my team;
http://fantasy.premierleague.c.....istory/14/
Option #1
Do nothing and next GW use free transfer….Aguero to Ba (or YAK) and Sinclair (or ramsay) to Bale
Option #2
do it this week and take 4 Pt hit?
Option #3
Your suggstions????
December 6 at 4:08 pm
weetonyharris says:
i just clicked on your link without reading what you wrote. i thought to myself u should bring Ba in for Aguero and drop Sinclair and bring in Bale…..then i read what you wrote….do it this week
December 6 at 2:29 pm
jimnastics says:
Thinking of a little GW15 Sturridge > Ba, GW19 Ba > Sturridge switcheroo. Waste of 2 transfers? I would have no Newcastle coverage for their nice fixtures without this.
December 6 at 4:12 pm
Gunning 4 Glory says:
Seriously can’t decide to swap DVD for Bale or not. I know if I do, DVD will play and spuds will get two pens (which DVD will score) If I don’t then ill lose out on points in my mini league as everyone now has Bale
what do I do?
December 6 at 4:15 pm
Gunning 4 Glory says:
also i have 2 free transfers so could do
DVD & Jags > Bale and Vermaelen
I know the Gooners don’t/won’t keep many cleanies, but big Tom is always good for a goal.
December 6 at 6:05 pm
donaldducksnr says:
Right, before you have a go, I hold my hands up and admit I’m an idiot. So, on with my tale:
After Lampard’s miss on Saturday I logged on to FF straight away and got that twat out my team. Took a hit too – got Mata in instead and took Dzeko out for Hernandez as I wanted United coverage. Yes, Hernandez for a 4 point hit. That twat then proceeds to get kackered in the later kick-off. Chances? Anyway, now having taken a 4 point hit for a crock I had to get rid. So i got Suarez. Who I have to make Captain as he’s cost me 8 points to get him in (technically). And now that twat looks like he’s getting a 2 match cocking ban. So, if that happens, who should I get who is gonna make me at least 12 points next weekend to ensure I don’t smash my telly in? And is unlikely to fall over and die on grass this week. Or abuse a fan. Or be crap. Oh yeah, I have Van Persie already. Got him when he was 11.9. just to prove I have some clue.
Cheers.
December 7 at 12:21 am
jagshmash says:
adebayor
December 6 at 6:22 pm
Gavin - Give Walter a Knighthood!! says:
Evening all, Just back from a couple of days away in London and just noticed I scrapped through in the PP cup by 1pt.
How’d everyone else get on???
December 6 at 6:47 pm
giannirivera says:
Getting rid of VDV and Ramsey. Have 16.9 to spend and 2 freebies. Which players do I get??
Vorm
Raylor Enrique Kompany
Silva Ramsey VDV Bale
Ade RVP Ba
Given Moses Simpson Wilko
December 6 at 7:19 pm
Canadian Football says:
Mata and Larrson
December 6 at 7:18 pm
ThomasF438 says:
1 Transfer 1.7m in the bank
Vorm (Habsi)
Enrique, Jones, R Taylor (Wilkinson, Caulker)
Bale, Walters, Silva, Sinclair (Ferguson)
Aguero, RVP, Adebayor
Any ideas for imrpovement(s)?
I had thought of Sinclair out for S. Larsson…
December 6 at 7:21 pm
Canadian Football says:
im thinking of doing the same Sinclair for Larsson! You have enough money….how about Yaya Toure?
December 6 at 8:49 pm
ThomasF438 says:
I’ve already got Aguero and Silva for the city cover… and they are playing Chelsea away and then Arsenal. Might not be the best fixtures.
Have you thought about Murphy or anybody else?
December 7 at 4:35 am
Canadian Football says:
might do one of 3 things.
1. do nothing
2. aguero for ba and take 4 pt hit for bale or VDV
3. Sinclair or Ramsay for Larrson.
Not sure which direction i want to go.
ugh…..gotta love fantasy football.
December 7 at 4:36 am
Canadian Football says:
or even sturridge for Ba
December 6 at 7:51 pm
weetonyharris says:
Drogba is back
December 7 at 12:59 pm
kaz-glasgow says:
Given
Kompany evra j Enrique
Silva bale Walcott dyer
Ade rvp sturridge
Need to change given to krul ?
Pls can some one tell me wat they think of my team ???