The Digest – Gameweek 2
Filed under: The Digest - Posted by: Mark
The first Digest of the season finds us purring over Chelsea’s new Belgian, throwing admiring glances in the direction of the Liberty Stadium and daring to question Fantasy royalty…
The Player
Eden Hazard is proving impossible to ignore. His first Premier League from the spot against Newcastle represented a milestone and yet Hazard had already cemented a place on our watchlists with a string of assists amidst two dazzling displays prior to Saturday’s game. Six assists in total have lifted Hazard to the top of the points rankings across the games and have left us in little doubt that the Belgian is a rare talent with Fantasy points simply spilling from him.
Hazard always had the potential to establish himself as a Fantasy darling. He arrived at Stamford Bridge off the back of a season for Lille which had seem him fetch 20 goals and 15 assists; clearly that signposted him as a player who could deliver returns on all fronts.
Few will have anticipated the impact that Hazard has made, however. So much is made of the pace and power of the Premier League and yet Hazard’s transition from Ligue 1 has been seamless – his productivity in England similarly spectacular.
Despite facing a blank in Gameweek 3, Hazard goes on attracting new suitors – Fantasy managers intent on benching their new capture, rather than risk his price escalating beyond affordable levels. Those without Hazard at this moment in time will be looking at their budget with some concern, knowing full well that he has become the first player to emerge as an “essential”.
While Fernando Torres does all he can to present an alternative option amongst Chelsea’s new attacking verve, Hazard looks to be the real prize, freeing up a precious forward slot in the process.
The Team
Eight goals scored, none conceded. Against that backdrop, Michael Laudrup’s Swansea are maintaining their expansive football of last season and have added a cutting edge. The goals are flowing at one end, while Michel Vorm remains a formidable barrier in front of a settled and assured back four at the other.
Laudrup’s side have surprised me. I saw a transition phase, a period of settling in while Laudrup’s new signings gelled and the hangover from the departure of Joe Allen and Gylfi Sigurdsson subsided. Neither have surfaced; instead Laudrup appears to have injected new spirit and conjured tactical tweaks that have allowed both Nathan Dyer and Wayne Routledge to become key figures, rather than peripheral touchline huggers.
Elsewhere, Angel Rangel scored his first Premier League goal on Saturday, helping him to the top scoring mantle in the Gameweek. A polished and skillful full-back, we’ve long backed his potential as a Fantasy asset and the weekend showing may well, at last, be evidence of that materialising. Again, we perhaps only have to look to the belief and systems implemented by Laudrup to find the catalyst for such an upturn.
The Talking Point
It’s ironic that, over the past twelve months, Robin Van Persie has presented Fantasy managers with security, an assurance that, above all others, he’s the best source of returns in a given Gameweek. And yet, Saturday’s first start in United colours, capped by his fine strike after just 10 minutes, has now created uncertainty and insecurity. Fantasy managers will be processing their thoughts, pondering if they can afford to get him or, indeed, afford to be without him.
Van Persie’s price tag is, without question, inflated to the extent that his value – points per million – is a concern. Personally I’ve no argument that Van Persie is overpriced given that his chances of replicating the form that earned him such a price tag look remote.
Having said that, the true value of Van Persie is that he solves the Captaincy conundrum week after week. Certainly, looking at Gameweek 3 ahead, with Chelsea’s Hazard and Torres out of the equation, Van Persie’s appeal and potential impact as an unlikely differential captain, is strong.
Thankfully, for those looking to bide their time, Carlos Tevez has the fixture and the form to present a solution but Van Persie proved last season that his return rate away from home can surpass all others – even an in-form Tevez. That consideration, together with the fact that Van Persie will likely assume spot-kick duties with Wayne Rooney sidelined, could well tip the balance. Indeed, those questioning the merits of Van Persie only have to ponder just how many of those with Wildcards active are set to go forward without the United striker. We’d wager not too many.
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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Christina. My rank GW15 is laughable. 499,023. :lol: » -
hahah brilliant :D :D » -
you missed this: http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2013/05/19/martyniak-claims-fpl-crown/comment-page-4/#comment-… » -
Maybe he think i beat him. He said he will stop playing Fpl if he finishes below me. » -
inside the top 3k http://fantasy.premierleague.com/entry/798466/history/ »
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Where did Unreal go? Did I miss something, or he just disappeared? » -
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Interesting. So i'm saying if top choice is Sturridge vs. QPR, and you have a Bale playing West Ham, go for it. Not an… » -
below acqua and ahead of christina I remember. i'll look up his rank in a sec »
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“We have dynamic players with good movement, so if he can link with them fine. He can play a bit higher because his timing getting into the box is very good.”
Rafa Benitez talks up the role that Frank Lampard can play in his Chelsea revolution
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August 27 at 6:56 pm
thegaffer82 says:
Am thinking of ditching Ivan as my free trannie this week. I’m bringing in BAE or Walker (not sure which yet). This will leave me with exactly 1.0 in the bank to do Bale>Hazard the following week. Anyone think its a good idea?
The only downside I see is that it’s using a trannie for a DF sub when I could save the trannie and then have more room for manouvre the following week. i.e keep Bale if he destroys Norwich and Spurs look miles better and maybe downgrade in DF and do Kagawa>Hazard instead.
Whatever happens though, as the article says, Hazard has become a must, but I’d rather wait and get the best team possible for the next week
August 27 at 7:19 pm
Greatest Mind says:
Is this a good WC team or complete suicide?
http://i.imgur.com/auSNQ.jpg
August 27 at 7:25 pm
JohnOC91 says:
I wouldn’t go with Sigurdsson, too expensive and he/Spurs haven’t looked great. I’d go with Michu and use the 2 to upgrade elsewhere, maybe Taylor to Kompany/Baines. Overall it looks pretty good though (if you’re completely set on using your wildcard).
August 27 at 7:28 pm
Defoe-tastic says:
Terry, Vermalean, Mata, Aguero > Baines, Rangel, Hazard, Ade
Worth an 8 point hit before Kun goes to £11m and Hazard gets to £10m?
August 27 at 7:36 pm
Will.I.Am says:
Just did A.Cole > Baines with $1.0 M in the bank (Free Transfer).
I have one free transfer left. What should I do?
Yaya, Kagawa, Hazard, etc?
I’m thinking of offloading Mata.
Any upgrades necessary this week? I’m running out of patience with Mata and Cazorla and am considering eventually upgrading to Hazard. I need some United coverage as well but I’m not sold on Valencia or Nani (playing time and position issues).
Friedel-Federici
Baines Lescott Hangeland Demel Clyne
Bale Mata Noble Cazorla Guthrie
Torres Tevez Graham
August 27 at 8:33 pm
VanPersienator says:
I think Valencia will be in the points soon, he’s the best crosser in the league, an assist machine. Having said that he is expensive this year and Kagawa looks the better option. I did Mata to Hazard and Torres to RVP and with Rafael too, can afford to wait on MU midfielders.
August 27 at 8:35 pm
Will.I.Am says:
Would you advise Mata to Hazard even though he doesn’t play for 3 weeks? No points this week plus with the international break his price could be lower.
August 27 at 8:44 pm
VanPersienator says:
Yes, it was my first transfer. Mata is falling in value and Hazard is rising which in my book makes a 4pt hit worthwhile. Early in the season maintaining value is important so you can make the big money transfers later on.
August 27 at 8:56 pm
Will.I.Am says:
I agree with you there. Overall, how would you rate my team? Any glaring weak spots?
August 27 at 9:20 pm
VanPersienator says:
Looks good to me. Lescott and Bale may lose some value for you next week though
August 27 at 9:22 pm
Will.I.Am says:
I’m afraid so. If they continue to be dead weight, I’ll be forced to do something. I’d like to wait it out and eventually grab a United player or two. With so much uncertainty I see it as too risky.
Am I primed for a breakout eventually?
August 27 at 9:31 pm
VanPersienator says:
It’s good to wait in this game, the points will come. No point making a transfer unless a drop is imminent or you’ll lose the chance of getting someone like Hazard or Michu.
Kids to school now so over and out
August 30 at 3:03 am
justinlippy says:
Mate I like Kagawa – he’s assured of starting now that Rooney is gone for a little bit… but that’s a strong team there… very nice… I’m following this guy’s advice and his team generally answers you if you comment on his post for advice:
http://footballfortheday.com/2.....sy-review/
August 27 at 8:10 pm
RenDog says:
Does anyone have a list of MOTM from the skysports game? cheers
August 27 at 9:29 pm
Connor's Calling says:
Rooney set to drop tonight?
Worth binning him now?
August 27 at 9:37 pm
Will.I.Am says:
That could change everything…
August 28 at 3:14 pm
NapalmDeath says:
Doubling up UTD defence in the form of DDG (already have him) and Rafael a bad idea?
This would fill up my UTD quota with RVP up front.
August 28 at 4:15 pm
_____JR_____ says:
Did Clarke for Villa get any ban?
August 28 at 8:46 pm
MK Don says:
More good news for the Dons….Jimmy Bullard has signed until the end of the season
Which makes for a great midfield….
Potter – Gleeson – Chadwick – Alan Smith – Jimmy Bullard
HAPPY HAPPY DAYS
“MK Dons…we’re going up, MK Dons and we’re going up !” 
August 28 at 8:48 pm
MK Don says:
And everyone will confuse Bullard for Winkelman – tastic
Oh and forgot to add…..Ian Wright Wrigh Wright is now a coach here, as is Mick Harford….
August 28 at 8:54 pm
puzzydee says:
Here’s my squad.
Szczesny, Cerny.
Hangeland,Shawcross, Ivan, Clichy, Clyne
Noble,Michu, Kagawa, Cazorla, Allen
Torres, Ade, Tevez.
Think it’s worth taking a 4 pt hit for
Cazorla —> Ben Arfa
Or Torres –> Cisse.
Torres could be a keeper IMO
Suggestions
August 29 at 7:13 pm
pajda82 says:
Ben arfa is not stabilling form…one match 12 points and from three next matches every 2 points…
August 29 at 7:11 pm
pajda82 says:
any DEF from Lescott 6.00-6.50?
OUT-Mata+Lescott
IN-Michu or Yaya+DEF 6.00-6.50
GW4 Bale+0.4 replaced by Hazard
its good idea?
August 29 at 9:17 pm
cuppatea78 says:
My team is:
Vorm (Green)
Shawcross – Williams – Lescott – A Cole – Gunter
Lampard – Kagawa – Hazard – Michu – Kakaniklic
Tevez (c) – Petric – Jelavic
I have £0.9 in the bank.
Thinking of swapping Lampard for either Bale or Yaya Toure.
If I swap Lampard out I will have one sub (Gunter).
Any suggestions on this team?
August 30 at 12:14 am
Gatsby says:
Wilcard Team
Im thinking its a good one, would really appreciate if theres any clear mistakes ive made!
Vorm, Begovic
Hangeland, Collocini, Lescott, Bertrand, Jenkinson
Dyer, Hazard, Pienaar, Cazorla, Jarvis
Ba, Tevez, Torres
0.3m leftover.
August 30 at 6:49 am
sidd5678 says:
nice team, problems deciding who to bench……
August 30 at 4:39 am
eggchaser says:
Current team with .7m in bank. I’m going to suffer badly in gw3 as no chelski/reading games.
Do i play my wc or sacrifice some points?
Federici/Cerny
Kompany/Ivanovic/Clyne/Vermaelen/Barnett
Michu/Mata/Santi Cazorla/Yaya Toure/Obertan
Tevez/Torres/Pogrebnyak
chur
August 30 at 4:42 am
Yash:FlopFPLPlayer says:
Depends whether you’re happy bot those CHE and Reading players you’re having! If you’re happy, just do a trannie and if you aren’t, one word, ‘WC’!!!!!!
August 30 at 6:41 am
sidd5678 says:
Get rid of Mata mate…….
August 30 at 8:17 am
Milky - In Levy we trust says:
Here’s my WC Team
Begovic : Jaaskelainen
Cuellar : Jenkinson : S Taylor : Demel : Clyne
Hazard : Pienaar : Michu : Bale : Sterling
RVP : Tevez : Adebayor
Now I know it’s top-heavy, but I got a feeling that will be the trend this season.
Not sure of my goalkeeper selection so if anyone have a better combo do let me know.
What do you think?