The Watchlist – Thomas Vermaelen
Filed under: The Watchlist - Posted by: Jonty
It is hard to believe Thomas Vermaelen is a defender by trade, such is the frequency in which he appears in opposition penalty boxes. With his surging runs up the field and set piece threat, the Arsenal defender exhibits a level of attacking skill that leaves many designated forwards in the shade. With this in mind, it’s no surprise to see him topping the defender goal scoring charts, having notched five times already this term.
Finding the net hasn’t always been a facet of the Belgian international’s career, however. A product of the Ajax’s famed youth academy, he has notched 24 career goals since making his first team debut for the Dutch club in 2004, though half of these have come since joining Arsenal in 2009. It is no wonder he is referred to as the Gunners’ second best striker after Robin Van Persie, although on paper this season, he is the fourth most clinical in terms of goals scored.
Despite missing nine games this term through injury and suspension, Vermaelen has still managed to accrue 115 points and is the sixth best defender in terms of total points in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game. Goals have undoubtedly helped him achieve this, with four double-figure returns and 13 bonus points to his name already. Among his most recent hauls was a goal and maximum bonus points in Arsenal’s Gameweek 29 victory over Everton at Goodison Park.
In recent weeks a resurgent Arsenal have tightened up markedly at the back, racking up four clean sheets in the last five Gameweeks. Vermaelen’s influence in the Gunners’ backline is obvious; in the 23 games he has started, they have returned 10 clean sheets but without Vermaelen in the first XI, Arsenal have chalked up just two clean sheets in 10 matches; a drop from 43% to 20%.
Crucially for those Fantasy managers scrabbling around to get a team together for the problematic Gameweek 34, Vermaelen is set to host Wigan this Monday. The recent improvement in form for the relegation-threatened Lancashire side will not worry Vermaelen, though; Arsenal’s Gameweek 14 clash away to Wigan was the scene of a 16 point haul for the centre-half, his biggest of the season so far.
The 7.0 priced defender then faces ( CHE, sto, NOR, wba) over the last four fixtures of the season and, with considerable potential to accrue points at both ends of the pitch, Vermaelen seems well-placed to pick up the points as Arsenal look to secure an automatic Champions League spot in the race for third with north London rivals Spurs.
About The Author
“Fantasy Football Scout community manager and podcaster.”
Jonty @newsandfeatures
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April 13 at 12:33 pm
H.Arfa La Vista says:
Anyone else thinking of getting Stephen Ireland for the GW35 DW?
Was thinking of bringing him in this week just to fill in the 11th spot. It’s likely to be just 2 points but better than 0.
April 13 at 12:35 pm
Perthite says:
Not me – am probably looking at BAE/Huth, Bale, Adebayor in to current team by GW36.
April 13 at 12:34 pm
Perthite says:
1 short this GW. Do I use my free trade (to get a full team GW34) and have 7 DGWs in GW36 (or 8 with a 4 point hit)?
Vorm (Schwarzer*)
McAuley Vermaelen Evans (Simpson* Baines*)
Walcott Valencia Surman (Dempsey*)
RvP Rooney (Cisse*)
0.1m in bank
April 13 at 12:37 pm
Chris_White says:
I wouldn’t get rid of anyone, tbh
If you were to do anything, Simpson > Sunderland defender
April 13 at 12:40 pm
kev90787 says:
Is Bardsley nailed on?
April 13 at 12:41 pm
Chris_White says:
When fit, yes. Slight doubt this week though
April 13 at 12:38 pm
Chris_White says:
Who is your 5th mid, btw?
April 13 at 12:43 pm
Perthite says:
Oops – 5th mid Sigurdsson.
Was thinking as a possible trade Baines->Kompany for this week to get the full team. Only lose 0.1m. All the other DGWs will lose a bit of money.
April 13 at 12:34 pm
E's Eleven says:
What’s the latest on Yaya – back for the weekend??
April 13 at 12:35 pm
Yes the Sess! says:
Looks that way.
April 13 at 12:36 pm
Crouch Potato says:
Mancini stated he was progressing well and would decide tomorrow.
April 13 at 12:35 pm
iCon says:
Any word on why Neil Taylor was taken off at half-time on Wed?
April 13 at 12:38 pm
Crouch Potato says:
Couldn’t deal with Zamora, tactical.
April 13 at 12:41 pm
iCon says:
Is this something Rogers said or your educated opinion? He had had a mare in the first half alright.
April 13 at 12:44 pm
Crouch Potato says:
Pretty much my view and match commentate rs, c view, certainly no sign of injury.
April 13 at 12:37 pm
Dynamic says:
Is my team ready to go for this gameweek?
Mignolet
Vermaelen Evans Caulker Kompany
Sigurdsson Walcott Valencia
RVP(c) Rooney(vc) Odemwingie
Friedel Dempsey Miyaichi Simpson
April 13 at 12:37 pm
Chris_White says:
Aye
April 13 at 12:38 pm
kev90787 says:
Nice
April 13 at 12:39 pm
General Mustard says:
Looking good for GW35/36 too (as long as Miy isn’t rotated).
April 13 at 12:41 pm
Crouch Potato says:
He definitively will be.
April 13 at 12:38 pm
OneTwo says:
Thoughts on WC team:
Vorm (Bogdan)
Sagna Turner Evans (simpson shotton)
Walcott Valencia Sig Mclean (dempsey)
RVP Roo Kun
.2 in the bank
GW35-Walcott to Bale
GW36-Sagna to BAE
Protecting a 23 pt lead in ML
April 13 at 12:40 pm
Chris_White says:
Shotton looks back in favour, but not convinced by him.
Rest looks flawless
April 13 at 12:41 pm
OneTwo says:
Needed Shotton to save the $
April 13 at 12:42 pm
Chris_White says:
Yeah I see, he could come in handy if he starts the remaining games
April 13 at 12:41 pm
Rufige says:
would it not of been more beneficial to have saved that for 36?
April 13 at 12:42 pm
OneTwo says:
Thought long and hard about it but not convinced the DGWers in 36 are guys I want on my team long term…FA Cup/CL Rotation
April 13 at 12:43 pm
Willis_Hide says:
You used your WC this week?
April 13 at 1:00 pm
Phaze 1 says:
Epic fail if u already activated ur W/C
April 13 at 12:39 pm
kev90787 says:
Hey guys sorry for reposting. Please share your views for Gw34.
Vorm
Sagna, Evans, McAuley
McClean, Valencia, Siggurson, Walcott
Rvp,(c), Rooney(vc)
Subs Krul, Simpson, Bale, Cisse, Kelly
Have 2 free transfers and 5.1m in bank.
Should I bring somebody for Kelly to get 11 players? And who should it be?
A. Kompany: Nor(A), Wol(A), MU(H), New(A), QPR(H)
B. Bardsley: Wol(H), Ast(A), Bol(H), Ful(A), MU(H)
C: Caulker: Bla(H), Bol(A), Wol(H), MU(A), Liv(H)
D: Bring in a better DGW defender (i.e Baines/ Bae, etc)
April 13 at 12:41 pm
Chris_White says:
Bardsley is a slight doubt according to MON, and Swansea look done for the season
A for me, out of those options at least.
April 13 at 12:42 pm
kev90787 says:
Thnx dude.
April 13 at 12:39 pm
issaclun says:
how’s my team entering for tis gw:
mignolet
evans/vermaelen/turner
walcott/valencia/sigg
rooneyy/rvp
i’m worrying dat mignolet and turner will get rotation risk..
ideas??
April 13 at 12:41 pm
issaclun says:
nid some response…
April 13 at 12:43 pm
issaclun says:
and also i got bendy!
April 13 at 12:43 pm
som3awy says:
They should start, I think!
April 13 at 12:45 pm
issaclun says:
i hope so! haha…
April 13 at 12:43 pm
Chris_White says:
I’m worried about Mig as well, just hope he keeps his place.
No freebies to field at least 10?
April 13 at 12:44 pm
issaclun says:
i left one… it’s bendy!
April 13 at 12:46 pm
Chris_White says:
ok, good to go imo
April 13 at 12:39 pm
FC Barsenalona- Manager of Sturm Graz says:
RMT
Vorm
Olsson-Caulker-Evans-Verm
McClean-Walcott-Valencia
Graham-RVP(C)-Rooney(vc)
Bench: Friedel, Bale, Ben Arfa, Dempsey
Out of 10, how good is my team for this week?
April 13 at 12:40 pm
FC Barsenalona- Manager of Sturm Graz says:
* Bench: Friedel,Simpson,Ben Arfa, Dempsy
April 13 at 12:41 pm
kev90787 says:
8
April 13 at 12:43 pm
Rufige says:
7.9
April 13 at 1:08 pm
Phaze 1 says:
6/10
April 13 at 12:40 pm
McTown says:
10 for this gw ok? have 1 ft but dont think it will be useful (needed for gw 36 preperation)
April 13 at 12:41 pm
McTown says:
have ade, bale, krul, simpson, enrique sitting out this gw
April 13 at 12:42 pm
jkisthe1 says:
Resteady
My current DGW team
requires an 8 point hit, buts sets me up nicely for GW37 as well
Freidel (BLA, bol)
Huth (ARS, EVE), Baines (FUL, sto), Santon (wig, che)
Sess (BOL), Siggy (WOL), Bale (BLA, bol), Dempsey (eve, liv)
RvP (sto), Cisse (wig, che), Ade (BLA, bol)
Mingolet (BOL), McClean (BOL), Caulker (WOL), Verm (sto)
Means I can dump Sess and Siggy for Theo and Moses in GW37
April 13 at 12:45 pm
Mac says:
I’d play Verm over Santon but other than that it looks dandy.
April 13 at 12:46 pm
Chris_White says:
I’d tap that
April 13 at 12:47 pm
kev90787 says:
Why are u dumping all Man Utd players?
April 13 at 12:42 pm
McTown says:
Question. Do people car more about ranking or ml? for me its ranking as mates arent that good (hence 163 point lead)
April 13 at 12:44 pm
Willis_Hide says:
Ranking.
April 13 at 12:45 pm
Chris_White says:
ML
Would probably have been all abour OR now if I didn’t have the worst nightmare ever start to the season…
April 13 at 12:46 pm
Perthite says:
A bit of both. Have raked in a 100pt lead down to 18pts now. But am keeping an eye on overall rank which is starting to improve after a terrible start.
April 13 at 12:48 pm
kev90787 says:
H2H league as I have like 100 points lead in my Master league but only 4 points lead over second in my H2H league and I am playing him in Gw34.
April 13 at 12:52 pm
EpicFAIL - Sporting Lisbon RIP </3 AVFC <3 says:
Mini league. I don’t care about ranking. That’s not to say I don’t want to get as high as possible, but I’m not particularly concerned.
April 13 at 1:07 pm
jkisthe1 says:
ML
The way I see it, if you focus on trying to do as well as possible in your ML (i.e score as highly as you can) your OR will follow.
April 13 at 1:12 pm
Phaze 1 says:
Well you could easily look at it the other way round. Focus on the best ranking possible and the ML ranking will follow.
April 13 at 1:11 pm
Phaze 1 says:
Ranking
April 13 at 1:16 pm
Lucky says:
Mini league, despite my 120 point lead
April 13 at 12:43 pm
General Mustard says:
People, have 10 playing including Mig and Gibbs at risk. Any news on them? Worth covering defence with Man City / Arsenal to get at least 9 (if both don’t play)? Verm/Lescott?
Mig
Gibbs, Caulker, Jevans
Tony V, Walcott, Siggy, Sess (vC)
RVP (c), Rooney
April 13 at 12:43 pm
McTown says:
Oh and thoughts on enrique, keep or switch for cahill/huth/gallas? have 5.6 to spend
April 13 at 12:46 pm
Mac says:
Well none of them have fixtures this week so probably not.
April 13 at 12:47 pm
McTown says:
i mean for gw 36 sorry
April 13 at 12:43 pm
RenNy says:
Vorm
Evans
Valencia Sigurdsson Walcott McClean
Yakubu Rooney RVP
No game: Dempsey Cahill Huth Kelly Simpson Bogdan
Thinking these transfers this week to field 11:
Cahill -> Turner
Huth -> Vermaelen
No brainers as I still have my WC and 2 FT?
April 13 at 12:48 pm
FC Barsenalona- Manager of Sturm Graz says:
Huth
Verm is a no brainer but people are saying that Turner may drop out tomorrow so I wouldn’t do that one. Maybe Cahill 
Caulker/McAuley
April 13 at 12:52 pm
RenNy says:
Cheers, I didn`t know that.
April 13 at 12:45 pm
tosey says:
final time im chucking this out there before i make the move
mignolet
verm, kompany, evans, caulker
valencia, walcott, siggy, surman
rooney, rvp
bogdan, kelly, dempsey, cisse
1ft, 1.3m in bank
surman > mclean the obvious move?
April 13 at 12:48 pm
Chris_White says:
Yeah I guess, Lamberts rotation policy doesn’t opt for any security at all
April 13 at 12:49 pm
Perthite says:
Looks like it, unless you want to save the trade. I’d be thinking that same trade to give me 11 this GW if I had the money in the bank.
April 13 at 12:49 pm
riQuelme techniQue - Moses' Sold Me Down The River says:
yep
April 13 at 12:49 pm
jimski says:
I would go with that.
I have a similar team – Sess instead of McClean, Vorm/Turner instead of Mig/Caulker. And crucially no Verm. Is it worth Skrtel -> Verm for a 4pter?
April 13 at 12:50 pm
ThomasF438 says:
yes
April 13 at 12:51 pm
tosey says:
to field 11 yes, if you have 11 already no. that way its effectively costing 2pts if he doesnt score or keep a cleanie
April 13 at 12:55 pm
jimski says:
Yes, it’s to field 11. I think I will then do it if nothing else comes up to affect me on today’s tweets. Thanks!
April 13 at 12:49 pm
Snid says:
I’d say do the move.
April 13 at 12:50 pm
Connor's Calling says:
Hi tosey, seems a good move to me. you dont want Surman long term anyway, with rotation risk + weak fixtures.
McLean is great for this week and will be good security on your bench til the end of the season.
good move IMO
April 13 at 12:51 pm
tosey says:
cheers lads, just done it!
April 13 at 12:51 pm
Rufige says:
Definetly. Same team as me but you have Kompany and Caulker, I have Aguero.
April 13 at 12:53 pm
Jack(off)Attack says:
No – McClean’s an injury doubt.
April 13 at 12:54 pm
tosey says:
he can keep turner company in the stands then
April 13 at 12:56 pm
Jack(off)Attack says:
He’s not really.
April 13 at 12:54 pm
Bouncebackability says:
Yeah, seems fair enough to me. Virtually the same starting XI save for Caulker. Now, what are your thoughts for the DGW tose? I think a lot depends on the Cup Semi results and I’m not convinced having 9/10 DGW’s is the way to go at all. I think there will be a lot of rotation going on. If Tottenham beat Chelsea at the weekend then it will be anyone’s guess.
April 13 at 12:55 pm
tosey says:
no real plan yet
will have bogdan cisse n dempsey (also kelly but wont start him)
will get 2 (maybe 3 for a hit) in for it but unsure who n who for yet all depends on title race, fa cup etc
atm spurs defence would be my preference
April 13 at 1:03 pm
Bouncebackability says:
My thoughts too but have not exactly been convinced by that defence of that either! I’m eyeing up Huth big time.
April 13 at 12:48 pm
Back on the horse says:
I think I’m getting the Verminator in. (Cue Sagna goal and assist)
April 13 at 12:49 pm
Kerrazy says:
sensible to do Kompany>verm now for a 4 point hit? city’s fixture not really that tempting anymore from here on till end of season due to only 2 (H) out of 5 which is a hard game.
yay or nay ?
April 13 at 12:51 pm
kev90787 says:
Big NO
April 13 at 12:51 pm
Connor's Calling says:
nay for me
(opted for Kompany over Verm last week)
April 13 at 12:52 pm
kev90787 says:
NO
April 13 at 12:54 pm
Kerrazy says:
okay thanks, not be getting any of Verm action till the end of season i assume then. just thought of him as a differential would be nice
April 13 at 12:50 pm
rickatatastan says:
Why are people expecting Bale to do something all of a sudden? He doesn’t appear to have scored many points for a long time.
April 13 at 12:51 pm
Jack(off)Attack says:
Because some people watching football rather than looking at fantasy points.
I know right? Crazy.
April 13 at 12:52 pm
Jack(off)Attack says:
*watch
April 13 at 12:52 pm
rickatatastan says:
Frankly, yes.
April 13 at 12:51 pm
Count Of Monte Hristo - "AZ Alkmaar; KNVB Cup Winners 1978, 81 & 82. Moussa Dembélé MVP 2006-10. Jozy Altidore Top Scorer Season 2011/12" says:
There is logic to selling him now and bringing him back in for the DGW.
April 13 at 12:55 pm
Perthite says:
I did it last week (Walcott in) and seriously thinking about bringing him back in before DGW.
April 13 at 12:53 pm
Kerrazy says:
only nailed on+okay value for Spurs coverage for their tasty fixtures.
April 13 at 12:54 pm
Mac says:
His ICT scores are beastly – it’s quite amazing he hasn’t scored much better.
April 13 at 12:54 pm
EpicFAIL - Sporting Lisbon RIP </3 AVFC <3 says:
He has looked like scoring, he has been unlucky. Not like someone like Rooney who hasn’t even looked like doing anything worthy of points.
April 13 at 12:55 pm
som3awy says:
But he gets you the points at home. That’s all I care about!
April 13 at 1:00 pm
Kerrazy says:
you made me want trade Aguero>Rooney back for a 4 point hit
April 13 at 12:50 pm
Tmelt says:
I have 10 players (assuming Richards doesn’t get rotated AGAIN), is it worth using my FT swapping Bale for Sess to get up to 11 players? Certainly wasn’t planning on but with Spurs’ form and rotation issues with other DGW teams, I’m not sure how appealing a lot of DGWs are right now
April 13 at 12:53 pm
Yes the Sess! says:
I’m doing Bale > Silva
April 13 at 12:59 pm
som3awy says:
Don’t!
April 13 at 12:53 pm
Yes the Sess! says:
Has the city press conference happened yet?
April 13 at 12:53 pm
reo19uk says:
/Hey all which of these would you do?
A) GW34 Shotton to Kompany with FT to give me 11 players
B) Save FT and play with 10 players and GW35 do Rooney + McClean to Cisse and Dempsey
C) GW34 Shotton to Kompany and GW35 Rooney + McClean to Cisse and Dempsey for 4 point hit
Cheers for help
April 13 at 12:56 pm
Otis Kay says:
probably B as 10 players for gameweek 34 is still good and you arent deducting any points as well! nice choice of transfers too!
April 13 at 12:57 pm
Yes the Sess! says:
See my post below (reply fail)
April 13 at 12:55 pm
Otis Kay says:
Who should i get in for GW’s 34-35-36 :
- Silva
- Walcott
- Nasri
- Valencia
April 13 at 12:55 pm
Now back to the conspiracy... says:
Walcott
April 13 at 12:57 pm
Otis Kay says:
thanks, its out of walcott and silva really!
April 13 at 1:17 pm
Phaze 1 says:
walcott
April 13 at 12:55 pm
Alonso The Great Midfielder says:
is it true oshea will back and then left turner on the bench?
April 13 at 12:56 pm
som3awy says:
If that happens and Sunderland get a CS, I’ll quit.
April 13 at 12:57 pm
Jack(off)Attack says:
Kilgallon will be on the bench before Turner, I think.
April 13 at 12:58 pm
Yes the Sess! says:
Yeah if o’shea is fit it’ll be him and turner CB’s, although if bardo struggling more likely o’shea RB with killgallon and turner playing in the middle (richardson LB).
April 13 at 1:01 pm
som3awy says:
Yes the Sess, should I captain Sess? 8-|
April 13 at 1:27 pm
Yes the Sess! says:
Sorry, didn’t see post. I’ve got him VC. I expect him to get amongst the points but I’d be a lot more comfortable with the armband on RVP, even against an inform wigan.
April 13 at 1:05 pm
Alonso The Great Midfielder says:
i hope so…..just transfer him for skrtel…if he get benched, totally hopeless
April 13 at 12:55 pm
Snid says:
Very interesting……
Bloke in 2nd has taken an 8 pointer – clearly seen that his team has 5 blanks so has made moves to get more people in for this week but unaware of the DGW in 36. I’d be 67 clear if I either made no moves this week or just use my one free transfer.
Team:
Mig
Verm/Evans/Caulker
Valencia/Siggy/McClean/Walcott
RVP/Rooney
Subs: Sorenson/Cisse/Bale/BAE/Kelly
Now should I use the 1 FT or bank it – especially knowing that the bloke in 2nd has made his moves for hits?
Thoughts/advice always appreciated.
Thanks
April 13 at 12:56 pm
Yes the Sess! says:
It might be fully aware of dgw but more important to field more players this week as if he doesn’t he’s gauranteed zero points. At least in the DGW if you’re fielding players with only one game you know they’re going to pick something up.
April 13 at 12:58 pm
applebonkerž says:
false advertising!
April 13 at 12:55 pm
Yes the Sess! says:
Definately field 11 players imo. Not sure shipping rooney next week is the right move though.
April 13 at 12:55 pm
JedJez says:
Hey Guys –
Silva or Nasri for this weekend? I didn’t see the match at the weekend (Learning towards Silva myself)
Mucho Gratis
April 13 at 1:03 pm
Otis Kay says:
i have the same problem, i would go with silva out of those two but im going to get in walcott this week instead!
April 13 at 12:56 pm
i says:
My guys. My team is
Vorm
McAuley Evan Verm
Walcott Valencia Siggy
RVP Rooney
with Bogdan, Cahill, Simpson, Dempsey, Miyaichi, Cisse not playing.
I’d like to bring Sessegnon is, but I’m 0.2m short of swapping Miyaichi (I know he has double gameweeks, but his place doesn’t look secure) for Sess. Any suggestions on how to improve my team?
April 13 at 12:57 pm
i says:
Typo. Meant to type Hey guys.
April 13 at 12:58 pm
kev90787 says:
Miyachi=> McClean
April 13 at 1:09 pm
i says:
I guess that would be the easier solution, though i would rather get Sess. Maybe I’ll swap Cahill for a defender who plays this week to fund that move
April 13 at 12:56 pm
kev90787 says:
Last week Bardsley got substituted after 57 min. Was he injured?
April 13 at 12:57 pm
marvellus says:
I hear Turner is a doubt? I’d have thought Colback or Kilgallon would make way for OShea?