The Knee Jerk – Sinful Saint
Filed under: The Knee Jerk - Posted by: Mark
Last weekend it was Dimitar Berbatov, this evening it’s Rickie Lambert that will be wandering into our minds mid-conversation, over the Saturday evening tipple. Prompting nagging doubt, questioning our best-laid plans.
Lambert is the latest to cause cracks in our established Fantasy thinking. Like the Bulgarian, he arrives in a Gameweek where, once again, the likes of Eden Hazard and Michu – assets who were cemented in our squads – returned blanks. The foundations of the template team again come in question then, with Lambert joining the queue to find a place in our forward lines that looked so settled just a fortnight ago.
There’s little doubt that, as we suggested in the midweek Watchlist article, Lambert has emerged as the budget striker of choice. However, we also spent some time in said article pondering if he could be more than that. If he could displace the array of mid-price assets fighting for our attentions – Dimitar Berbatov, Steven Fletcher, Jermain Defoe. Tonight, I’m even wondering if he can threaten to break up the heavy-hitter pairings.
I’ll be watching Carlos Tevez carefully against Arsenal. While he’s flourished in the opening matches, Sergio Aguero’s return to fitness and Roberto Mancini’s “nine lives” approach to Mario Baltoelli raises a cause for concern. That’s before we consider that Eden Dzeko has, as he’s done so often, found the net when he’s given pitch time.
A Tevez blank or, worse still, an early withdrawal against Arsenal, could trigger a rethink. There’s little doubt that City have the fixtures to find goals in the coming weeks, but growing concerns about their defence and Mancini’s insistence that it must approve, has raised alarm bells for me.
I remember when City battened down the hatches, when they fought for 1-0 wins away from home. Should Mancini take that route again, we could see 4-5-1 with Yaya Toure behind Aguero away from home, something that would hurt Tevez’ scoring potential immeasurably. While Sir Alex appears to be going all out for goals, will Mancini dare to tweak his tactics to tighten up?
Such thoughts crop up before I even consider the merits of sticking with the ultra-expensive Robin Van Persie, under the threat of rotation and rest. I’m trying to fight those doubts off, however.
There is clearly a very attractive plan B forming. Lambert, like Berbatov, offers assured starts. He offers the “big fish in a small pond” scenario. He offers spot-kicks, assists and he faces a long line of fixtures that could bring further returns. The temptation to go with this option, even over the proven class of Tevez, does begin to mount when you consider that Mancini’s whims can waver and throw us the unexpected.
This kind of talk is almost sinful, “Knee Jerk” material of the highest order. We’re talking about supreme Fantasy assets here, while Lambert is perhaps just a noisy new arrival at the party. Four goals in five games is a decent entrance, however, and certainly Tevez will need to offer a reminder of his class on Sunday if tonight’s bout of puzzle-head isn’t to transform into a fully-fledged plan of action.
About The Author
“Mark created the beast. He's now looking to tame it.”
Mark
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September 23 at 8:48 am
daniel says:
Hello Good Morning All,
Is there anybody who watched Westbrom- Reading match?
or anyone watched the highlights?
FPL gave the assist for Lukaku goal to Chris Brunt.
I just watched the highlights and I think it is Shane Long who headed the ball towards Lukaku?
Does anybody know why it is given to Brunt?
Thanks and Appreciate your reply.
September 23 at 8:50 am
Demi says:
FPL will change it to Long today.
September 23 at 8:52 am
Pratik says:
Then they may even adjust the bonus, right?
September 23 at 8:53 am
Demi says:
I would think so. Foster could even move up to 2bps if Brunt’s assist goes.
September 23 at 8:54 am
daniel says:
I have also sent email to FPL too. Bcoz all the news also says that it’s Shane Long assist. And other Fantasy sites gave the assist to Shane Long too.
September 23 at 8:53 am
lilmessipran says:
u sure??
September 23 at 8:54 am
Demi says:
Yeh
September 23 at 8:56 am
daniel says:
Thanks Demi!
September 23 at 8:56 am
kaz says:
what do u think about pienaar’s assist?
September 23 at 8:56 am
Pasqualinho says:
I agree with Demi. The Press Association had a bad day yesterday, but I’m confident FPL will sort out the Pienaar/Long assists. PA also gave wrong (duplicate) information for Berbatov’s shots on target, which affected his PPI – but I don’t expect this to change.
September 23 at 8:49 am
Pratik says:
Anyone considering Southampton midfielders? If so which one, and why?
September 23 at 8:50 am
China Mag says:
Me me me me. Gonna give it a few games to decide between ramirez and lallana. Whoever I go for will be rotated with berba. Great rotation for ages. Who are you thinking about? Anyone any idea how they lined up yesterday?
September 23 at 8:53 am
China Mag says:
I’m quite excited to actually have the chance to use the members comparison tool!
September 23 at 8:55 am
Lateriser12 - "I am a consulting detective. The only one in the world" says:
Uhm, Berba played away yesterday and got an 8
September 23 at 9:22 am
leroy8888 says:
Fulham are usually rubbish away, and yet they won and Berba got 8 pts. I wouldn’t be too hasty about getting rid of him considering the fixtures coming up.
September 23 at 8:57 am
Pratik says:
I did not see them play….Have only seen their entire match against United. Rest were just highlights.
I think Ramirez is gonna be my choice, but am definitely open to opinions. Please keep me updated on whom you decide.
Btw it’s either a Southampton mid, Sterling, Morrison, or Felliani (would mean downgrading someone else too as I have 6.8 in the bank if I get rid of Dyer)
September 23 at 8:59 am
Milanista says:
The assist by Ramirez was rather nice. If I didn’t have Lambert I’d look at getting him.
September 23 at 9:01 am
Berbilly Gilmore - Nuevo Gerente del Betis says:
Get on the Gaston Martin
September 23 at 9:14 am
In Like Flynn says:
Puncheon agood diff imo Pratik.
September 23 at 8:49 am
Cheeseoid says:
Somehow am up to 318 in world. Must be because I only have Tevez & Cazorla left to play. Team was pretty shoddy on the whole this week 44 of of 9 players. Should never have captained Torres thats for sure. Looking to dump him, who would you buy for 10.2 or less?
September 23 at 8:51 am
Berbilly Gilmore - Nuevo Gerente del Betis says:
You’re 231 in the world
September 23 at 8:56 am
Cheeseoid says:
Even better, don’t know how I read that.
September 23 at 8:58 am
Pratik says:
Bonuses were added
September 23 at 9:01 am
Cheeseoid says:
That will be it. Cheers
September 23 at 8:58 am
daniel says:
WOW! Great!
September 23 at 8:53 am
EpicFAIL - AVFC <3 says:
Well done, Dizzy.
September 23 at 8:55 am
Cheeseoid says:
Cheers. I was 880 before the week started I will be surprised if I am not lower than that when all is said and done.
September 23 at 8:56 am
Have you seen this dog? says:
I am looking to shift Torres too, alreadt have Tevez and Berba. I am thinking of downgrading eother a mid or def to get the extra 1.8 mil I need to get RVP….
September 23 at 8:58 am
Cheeseoid says:
You have the same frontline as me. I would like RVP ideally. I think a decision needs to be made today as Torres will drop like a stone this week. Is having Fletcher/Lambert a good idea or do you think that is going to cheap?
September 23 at 9:15 am
Have you seen this dog? says:
Must admit I would be a bit worried with both Fletcher / Lambert and Berba. That said, I am 203000 in the world and you are 231, so if you do it then I will for sure!!!
September 23 at 8:58 am
boc610 says:
nice long winded way of telling us your rank and score
well done.
September 23 at 9:02 am
Cheeseoid says:
If something can be said in 3 words why not say it in 20?
September 23 at 9:04 am
Spencer says:
That’s fantastic! Well done.
September 23 at 8:50 am
Sweet Carroll Nine says:
Torres + Guthrie ——> Lambert + Fellaini/Barfa/Nolan/Yaya for a 4 point hit? If so what
September 23 at 8:51 am
Sweet Carroll Nine says:
Midfielder for less than 8.5mil should I have?*
September 23 at 8:54 am
Cheeseoid says:
I would say Fellaini Evertons fixtures are the best- do you already have Pienaar?
September 23 at 8:55 am
Sweet Carroll Nine says:
Yeah that’s the problem for me, I also have Baines and I’m a Liverpool fan! Disgusting. :L
September 23 at 9:03 am
Cheeseoid says:
Ha Ha. I probably wouldn’t have both either, but form & fixtures are very good. It would be tempting.
September 23 at 9:24 am
leroy8888 says:
FPL is about going with your head, not your heart
September 23 at 8:52 am
Krisbee says:
i know its a bit early but I am off on holiday! Who is the best captain choice next week?
Fletcher, Baines, Pienaar!
September 23 at 9:03 am
Cheeseoid says:
All good selections. I will plump for Baines
September 23 at 8:54 am
Spencer says:
McAuley still the West Brom defender of choice?
September 23 at 8:55 am
Quish_ says:
Foster Fed
Cashley Hangleland Demel Fabio Lescott
Hazard Michu Mcclean Noble Dyer
Berba RVP Tevez
In view of the GW7 – GW8 space i intend to WC then. Got 1 FT now should i
A) Dyer > Morrison / Sterling
B) Lescott > Baines & Dyer > Sterling for a Hit (I already gotten a hit twice in past 2 GWs)
Suggestions?
September 23 at 8:56 am
Evs says:
Well, I HATE taking hits but looks like I will be taking my 3rd 4 pointer on the spin.
This week…. Lampard & Zab out, Felliani and Baines IN.
feels right.
Ahh, at least the wc is still safe:-)
September 23 at 8:55 am
Pasqualinho says:
Well done Evs. Admirable WC restraint.
September 23 at 8:56 am
Evs says:
It wasn’t easy…
September 23 at 8:56 am
Steel Arm - Berba "Unstoppable, Unforgettable... Irreplaceable." says:
Sounds good
September 23 at 8:58 am
Spencer says:
Captain one of them too against Southampton and you’re sorted regarding the points hit.
September 23 at 8:58 am
Pratik says:
Great move, do it tonight
September 23 at 9:27 am
leroy8888 says:
Great choices. But your team must of been in a right mess if this is your 3rd hit in a row
September 23 at 8:56 am
Just A Hat says:
I love Lambert!
September 23 at 9:01 am
fatherted says:
The Richard or the Paul????
September 23 at 9:07 am
Cheeseoid says:
Christopher? The highlander
September 23 at 8:56 am
Steel Arm - Berba "Unstoppable, Unforgettable... Irreplaceable." says:
Only ba can save my gw now…..
September 23 at 8:56 am
EpicFAIL - AVFC <3 says:
Don’t worry. Santi hattrick coming up too.
September 23 at 9:01 am
Steel Arm - Berba "Unstoppable, Unforgettable... Irreplaceable." says:
not much hope from him though….
September 23 at 8:56 am
Just A Hat says:
and Ben Arfa!
September 23 at 9:00 am
Steel Arm - Berba "Unstoppable, Unforgettable... Irreplaceable." says:
He’ll only ruin it – main opponent has him (c)
September 23 at 9:07 am
fatherted says:
I have him as (c) so you are very safe
September 23 at 8:57 am
Evs says:
I’m with you brother….
September 23 at 8:58 am
boney says:
hi gents, need some advice. here is my team:
foster, ruddy
baines,davies,mccartney,rafael,cuellar
michu,haz,caz,guthrie,pienaar
rvp,lambert,tevez
0 balance
got 2FT and was thinking to use it on the defence. what u think of this?
davies > nelsen (will never hold any SWA def, michu was there and that’s enough given their current injuries)
mccartney > demel (previously tot that mccartney is first 11, since i don’t have jaas then i guess i should stick to nailed on players)
is it a go or no go? or should i focus on cuellar, what’s his chance of playing the next gmw?
pls help! thanks in advance
September 23 at 8:59 am
Home Run Baker says:
Hearing a lot of talk about CHE lacking width. Which of their MFs can play wide? Could become an important issue in their rotation thinking.
September 23 at 9:12 am
In Like Flynn says:
Ramires, but may be biggest rotation risk too.
September 23 at 8:59 am
lightspeed says:
Who are the must haves on every position?
Jaaskelainen – Begovic
Baines
Toure – Fellaini
Tevez
Anyone else?
September 23 at 9:01 am
EpicFAIL - AVFC <3 says:
September 23 at 9:05 am
Berbilly Gilmore - Nuevo Gerente del Betis says:
^ This
September 23 at 9:06 am
lightspeed says:
Change your name, there is only one of us 😉
September 23 at 9:06 am
Berbilly Gilmore - Nuevo Gerente del Betis says:
LOL!
September 23 at 9:07 am
lightspeed says:
woah :O
September 23 at 9:00 am
Lateriser12 - "I am a consulting detective. The only one in the world" says:
Lescott>Baines no reason not to?
Would you do anything else?
Jussi Bego
Lescott Rafael Saylor Clyne Gorkss
Michu Yaya Pienaar Hazard Guthrie
Tevez RVP Berba
1.6M
September 23 at 8:59 am
kaz says:
rafa> baines?
September 23 at 9:02 am
Lateriser12 - "I am a consulting detective. The only one in the world" says:
Lescott more of a rotation risk imo
September 23 at 9:00 am
Lateriser12 - "I am a consulting detective. The only one in the world" says:
Was considering this yesterday.
September 23 at 9:03 am
Pratik says:
if you can afford this, much better move.
City’s fixtures improve, and United’s get worse.
September 23 at 9:06 am
Lateriser12 - "I am a consulting detective. The only one in the world" says:
I can afford it. Not sure Lescott is nailed on. I believe in United’s defensive abilities. A big
Rio + Nemanja fan.
September 23 at 9:02 am
Anurag Khetan - Ain't Got A Kalou says:
I have 7 out of your front 8 and I’m quite happy with it. Probably Lescott to Baines is a no brainer.
September 23 at 9:04 am
Milanista says:
No brainer. Leave the rest as it is.
September 23 at 9:10 am
Deicide88 says:
Yeah,get rid of lescott, he’s not nailed on anymore and city’s defence is awful
September 23 at 9:10 am
Cheeseoid says:
Nice team. Baines is essential. Man city defence has been pretty shoddy so far add into that Lescotts price and rotation risk and it seems sensible. I want to get rid of Kompany but keep having more pressing concerns and it just isn’t worth a hit
September 23 at 9:00 am
Home Run Baker says:
Does Dyer’s red result in a ban? How many games?
Thanks
September 23 at 8:58 am
kaz says:
he’s available for the next pl game.
league cup midweek
September 23 at 8:58 am
Milanista says:
League cup only. He’s available for the next PL game.
September 23 at 8:59 am
Evs says:
^^^^ fact.
September 23 at 9:01 am
Berbilly Gilmore - Nuevo Gerente del Betis says:
Banned from midweek League Cup game. Fine for next weekend.
September 23 at 9:02 am
Pratik says:
He will play this weekend (maybe on bench)….Capital Cup midweek. It was 2 yellow cards so 1 match man.
September 23 at 9:03 am
Home Run Baker says:
Thanks all. Seems nailed on for next weekend then.
September 23 at 9:02 am
Evs says:
Harsh og for Clark.
Just seen it on motd
September 23 at 9:00 am
lightspeed says:
I feel bad for whoever had Clark in their team
September 23 at 9:04 am
Pratik says:
Nitin
September 23 at 9:06 am
Berbilly Gilmore - Nuevo Gerente del Betis says:
And he had Dyer
September 23 at 9:05 am
Evs says:
He’s my first sub, and If zab doesn’t feature I will be one
September 23 at 9:10 am
Milanista says:
Don’t worry, Zab will play.
September 23 at 9:10 am
In Like Flynn says:
I thought it could be curling in anyway.
September 23 at 9:04 am
potatoace says:
Just like to point out mirallis first shot was over the line . The arguement over a second phase of play is rather irrelevant. Its a legitimate assist.
September 23 at 9:07 am
Milanista says:
Please, not this again. Debating it on here won’t get the 3 points awarded.
September 23 at 9:09 am
Anurag Khetan - Ain't Got A Kalou says:
^This. Even though I have him, I’m still quite done with it. They’ll give it if they think its meant to be awarded. Pienaar/Long assists post look like spam already.
September 23 at 9:08 am
Squerly4568 says:
Morning chaps – any one still got their cap to play today?
Hav to say in chuffed i didn’t cap hazard this week, it was close
September 23 at 9:07 am
Home Run Baker says:
Percy still to go – “Always captain RVP”
September 23 at 9:08 am
lightspeed says:
Ba capt.
Dodged one with hazard by the looks of it.
He was still the right choice on paper IMO.
September 23 at 9:14 am
fatherted says:
HBA…..bit left field considering I own Tevez, Carzola Baines Defoe. Just a gut instinct having removed RVP(again just a gut feeling….)
September 23 at 9:14 am
lilmessipran says:
Defoe(c).!!
September 23 at 9:09 am
Tuchap says:
NEW POST
September 23 at 9:11 am
EpicFAIL - AVFC <3 says:
Link?
September 23 at 9:09 am
Spencer says:
Ivanovic -> Baines or should I sort Fabio out first?
Jussi – Fed
Fabio – Rangel – Cuellar – Ivanovic – Hangeland
Hazard – Michu – Yaya – Pienaar – Kaca
RVP – Tevez – Berbatov
September 23 at 9:20 am
Cheeseoid says:
Why get rid of the top scoring defender? Could you not lose someone else for Baines? Fabio is fine as bench fodder. Personally would have gone for a 4 millioner though
September 23 at 9:11 am
Home Run Baker says:
EVS – I have Michu and Dyer. Fixtures suggest hold onto them. What d’you think?
September 23 at 9:13 am
jawain04 says:
Hi guys,
I currently have:
Foster ( federici)
WIlliams Hangeland Baines Reid barnett
Toure Michu Hazard Pienaar Noble
Tevez Torres Jelavic
What would you advise?
Nobel may drop in price again, i dont really like williams in the back 4 and torres isnt playing great.
My transfer was going to be torres out for podolski.
All comments greatly appreciated.
September 23 at 9:15 am
lightspeed says:
Would leave poldolski for another week.
Jelly and Torres are your priorities. There are plenty of good options out there.
September 23 at 9:15 am
Cheeseoid says:
I wouldn’t get Podolski. Chelsea next week and they have been pretty good defensively
September 23 at 9:14 am
Cheeseoid says:
Fletcher, Lambert, Ba or a punt on Cisse to replace Torres in my front 3? This is alongside Tevez and Berbatov. £10.2 to spend
September 23 at 9:28 am
bdwhite91 says:
Lambert imo
September 23 at 9:15 am
ninja says:
Didn’t pienaar get an assist?
September 23 at 9:28 am
bdwhite91 says:
Nope. I think the reason was that Vorm saved Mirallas’ first attempt.
September 23 at 10:07 am
zgunce125 says:
Fellaini 1 BP and no BP for Mata?WTF?
September 23 at 10:08 am
Ishaan-Do join my FPL leagues 70210-32772 and 70210-32818. says:
Berba or fletcher?