The Watchlist Updated – Gameweek 10
Filed under: The Watchlist - Posted by: Mark
Three of the four top spots in our Watchlist rankings remain the same in this week’s refresh, although there is plenty of movement lower down, with mid-price assets still proving worthy options for the month ahead. Here’s a breakdown of the key movements this week, with the full listings in your right sidebar…
Goalkeepers
It’s no surprise to find Asmir Begovic remaining on top of the keeper rankings. The Stoke stopper returned a clean sheet against Sunderland last weekend and, with a continued run of favourable fixtures in his favour in addition to news that full-back Marc Wilson is now injured, Begovic is arguably the best option available to cover the Potters’ back four, although there remains clear alternatives.
Begovic’s fixtures are strong enough that a rotation option is hardly required until perhaps Gameweek 18; QPR’s Julio Cesar is one alternative (RDG QPR SOT FUL NEW AVL avl FUL), while Jussi Jaaskelainen – although a miserable choice for the next ten Gameweeks – offers home and away rotation with Begovic right to the end of the season; their next nine would afford you (nor QPR STO FUL NEW wba LIV EVE EVE).
Sunderland’s Simon Mignolet, in rotation with Newcastle’s Tim Krul is another attractive route for keeper rotation – albeit more expensive. Both have strong short-term fixtures and perfect home and away rotation. These two offer a particularly strong run over the next six Gameweeks (AVL WHM SWA WBA QPR WIG) before Gameweeks 16 and 17 pose a problem.
Defenders
With form and fixtures still in his favour, it’s hard to see Leighton Baines being relieved of his mantle at the top of the defender rankings. While clean sheets have been scarce, Baines has returned goals, assists and bonus points in recent weeks to keep him simmering nicely and earn him further Fantasy suitors.
Rafael’s continued attacking impetus has him rise dramatically up the rankings ahead of United’s tremendous run of fixtures. The Brazilian’s ownership has been on a steady ascent in recent weeks and that should continue given his form, despite the imminent return to fitness of both Chris Smalling and Phil Jones as options. Right now, it’s difficult to see Rafael surrendering the right-back role.
Stoke’s Robert Huth is the luxury option within Tony Pulis’ back four, with Ryan Shawcross and Geoff Cameron available for those with tighter budgets. Arguably, coverage of the Stoke defence looks essential given their run over the next ten Gameweeks; on paper, Spurs away is their only real uphill encounter in that spell.
QPR’s Ryan Nelsen enjoys a big rise up the rankings off the back of improved showings from the R’s defence but mainly due to their opponents over the next three. Mark Hughes’ side is another that face an encouraging run of fixtures, with United away in Gameweek 13 their only big test until the trip to Newcastle in Gameweek 18.
Below the R’s man, both Newcastle’s Danny Simpson and Sunderland’s Carlos Cuellar offer the cheapest routes into their respective defences, and rotate perfectly home and away; both have strong fixtures in the next six Gameweeks.
Chris Baird also makes an appearance after back-to-back goals from his holding midfield role. We’re presuming that Baird’s start is at risk but, given his form in his new position in the Fulham engine room, it seems likely that he will hold in the short-term and offer potential for those looking to take a punt on further attacking returns: given his opponents, clean sheets look a big ask. Baird picked up a knock against Reading last weekend and was subbed off on 79 minutes but there’s no indication that he is a doubt for the visit of Everton this Saturday.
Midfielders
Juan Mata climbs from second to the top of the Watchlist off the back of a staggering run of scoring over the past five Gameweeks. While there’s a clear concern that acquisition would now be chasing points, the allure of the Spaniard is so strong and there is no apparent sign of his returns slowing – although that does seem inevitable at some point. Mata’s climb results in team-mate Eden Hazard taking a severe decline in the rankings: clearly there is only one contender right now for those looking for investment in Chelsea’s midfield. Hazard owners, meanwhile, continue to face the dilemma of swapping and risking a switch in fortunes.
Mata’s climb knocks Santi Cazorla off the top spot but he holds in second with Gareth Bale’s tougher short-term fixtures keeping him third – for now at least.
The sheer value of Raheem Sterling, playing up almost alongside Luis Suarez in Liverpool’s lineup, has him climb into our top five. While Brendan Rodgers’ side have difficult fixtures to come, Sterling’s price makes him a hot property as the fifth midfielder in our squads.
Steven Pienaar enjoys a rise, having served his one-match suspension – he ranks above team-mate Marouane Fellaini with the Belgian just one booking away from a ban.
There are a whole host of strong mid-price options available, with Adam Lallana, Kevin Nolan, Adel Taarabt and Michu all making strong cases for inclusion. Lallana and Taarabt have the advantage of fixtures, while both Nolan and Michu are enjoying advanced roles which could bring continued returns, despite their tough opponents to come.
Forwards
Robin Van Persie continues to reign supreme in the forwards rankings and Sunday’s returns at Stamford Bridge only strengthened his position at the top.
Carlos Tevez’s winner against Swansea lifts him above team-mate Sergio Aguero and has him back in our thoughts as coverage of City’s attacking potential in the forthcoming weeks. While Tevez has just one strike in six Gamweeks, he has ticked along with assists and FPL bonus and continues to look assured of starts in Roberto Mancini’s lineup. His price tag of 9.4, compared to Aguero’s 11.1, is enough to earn him preference right now, with Aguero struggling to light the touch paper.
Demba Ba’s form also continued in Sunday’s matches and, with strong fixtures to come, he remains an exceptional option up front but injury concerns are now mounting following Alan Pardew’s comments today. As discussed earlier, Ba is rated as 50:50 for the Anfield trip which dents his investment potential in the short-term.
Nikica Jelavic and Peter Crouch are your mid-price option, with the Stoke man still perhaps the preferred route to cover the Potters’ encouraging schedule. Below that pair, Luis Suarez suffers from being perched on the suspension tightrope, despite outstanding current form. Dimitar Berbatov’s recent rib injury scare, allied with a schedule that is far from friendly in the coming weeks, keeps the Bulgarian’s ranking in check.
The budget market in this position is far from burgeoning right now, with Rickie Lambert’s form and starts in question. Pavel Pogrebnyak and Grant Holt offer alternatives for those on a budget.
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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Close NBA game so far. » -
Basically our WB's are a little inadequate in some ways but good in others. Thats what you get with a social team. » -
Yep that would be ideal. We certainly have a tough player at RWB who's reasonably quick but is a little too defensive… »
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I'm not sure if Wing backs count as a mid or a defender so equally it could be seen as a 3311 much like what Wigan use. »
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you need tough, pace and solid right-wing player. Like Valencia, even though suck but can run forward and defence at the… » -
The other thing is our CB's can be slow but pairing with a fast sweeper should help out in that area. We normally play a… »
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:) » -
Yeah we are in a social league »
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might as well give it a shot. the alternative is a 433 where the wing forwards and the outside backs give the width. and… » -
Most of the week. »
“I understand you don't consider Dempsey a striker. He has developed into playing in different positions, but for me he is a pure striker. ”
Andre Villas-Boas reveals his views on Clint Dempsey's best position.
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October 31 at 4:59 pm
sean4 says:
Who likes my WC:?
Lloris Gomes
Hooiveld Maicon Azpiculetta Ferreira Enrique
Nani Malouda Yaya Sessegnon Siggurdson
Borini Cisse Bent
October 31 at 5:02 pm
Shipstontrev - BREST - LIGUE 1 REVIEWS ARE US says:
Clattermole for Sess and you’re sorted
October 31 at 5:02 pm
floydy_floyd says:
Song in for yaya
October 31 at 5:03 pm
Old School says:
October 31 at 5:05 pm
The Parmtree says:
Kenny Dalglish?
November 1 at 7:21 am
aaamanion says:
no john obi mikel?
October 31 at 5:00 pm
JKisthe1 - Los Colchoneros 2 - The Revenge says:
eyup laddies
October 31 at 5:03 pm
Herr Vets - Die Rothosen says:
How did it go JK?
October 31 at 5:04 pm
JKisthe1 - Los Colchoneros 2 - The Revenge says:
nothing new to report
October 31 at 5:05 pm
Herr Vets - Die Rothosen says:
Aaah… no news is bad news then
October 31 at 5:05 pm
JKisthe1 - Los Colchoneros 2 - The Revenge says:
I’m not sure what to think tbh.
October 31 at 5:08 pm
Herr Vets - Die Rothosen says:
Then don’t. It’s what I do best
October 31 at 5:09 pm
JKisthe1 - Los Colchoneros 2 - The Revenge says:
I might just go the Doosra route.
Pretend everything is just a You Tube clip
October 31 at 5:03 pm
The Parmtree says:
Success?
October 31 at 5:06 pm
JKisthe1 - Los Colchoneros 2 - The Revenge says:
look up mate
October 31 at 5:07 pm
The Parmtree says:
Errrr….
I’m not too sure what to make of that
October 31 at 5:08 pm
JKisthe1 - Los Colchoneros 2 - The Revenge says:
exactly. I’m not holding out much hope for an upset here
But at least i gave it a go.
October 31 at 5:05 pm
FORCA INTER says:
hello JK,how’s it going?didnt see you few days
ur team doing well?
October 31 at 5:06 pm
JKisthe1 - Los Colchoneros 2 - The Revenge says:
team is a bit like my attempts at securing a date. At a standstill
October 31 at 5:07 pm
FORCA INTER says:
my new gf is reason i can’t log in so often anymore
can’t complaine since my season just get better since i dont overthinking about fpl
October 31 at 5:02 pm
The Parmtree says:
Who shall I dress up as for Halloween?
Berbatov or Samaras?
October 31 at 5:02 pm
JKisthe1 - Los Colchoneros 2 - The Revenge says:
Suarez.
October 31 at 5:04 pm
The Shadow says:
Scuba mask and flippers?
October 31 at 5:03 pm
Herr Vets - Die Rothosen says:
Bale.
October 31 at 5:05 pm
Shipstontrev - BREST - LIGUE 1 REVIEWS ARE US says:
Luke Chadwick
October 31 at 5:03 pm
Hibs Kid says:
Should I replace Wilson with Cameron or wilkinson, one is 4.5 the other is .4.4
November 1 at 3:16 am
threesticks says:
Cameron (I did)
October 31 at 5:04 pm
FORCA INTER says:
what’s your trasfer strategy?
last year i taking pts hits like crazy and that’ was one of reasons why i had terrible season(other is never C RVP ofc
)
this year i take 8pts hits so far only cause Rooney and jelavic get injureed
so far i find best save FT (if you can fill decent team for that gw,without any knee-jerks) and always have 2FT’s ready for next gw
October 31 at 5:06 pm
Herr Vets - Die Rothosen says:
That’s my strategy. Keeping to it is tricky.
October 31 at 5:07 pm
Shipstontrev - BREST - LIGUE 1 REVIEWS ARE US says:
One minute you say you make transfers when drunk, the next you say you have a transfer strategy. Get your story right Forca
October 31 at 5:07 pm
heco87 says:
Ah there he is… Mr Brest. Nice captain choice last weekend.
October 31 at 5:11 pm
Shipstontrev - BREST - LIGUE 1 REVIEWS ARE US says:
Thank you kind sir!
Unfortunately for you I had the luck with me this week!
October 31 at 5:13 pm
heco87 says:
Yes, not to worry .. hopefully our paths will cross again in weeks to come. Very solid week for you there, 67.
October 31 at 5:15 pm
Shipstontrev - BREST - LIGUE 1 REVIEWS ARE US says:
True, but you’re the one ranked at 2.5k. It’s a long time since I was at that level. Good luck for the rest of the season.
October 31 at 5:16 pm
heco87 says:
Ha, that pales into insignificance when compared against your previous seasons track record.
October 31 at 5:08 pm
FORCA INTER says:
it was only 1 gw
and i had saved 2FT,though
October 31 at 5:11 pm
Scroobius Mac says:
I take too many hits. Don’t overly care as I’m unlikely to win this thing as I’d rather have somewhere near the team I want. Hits pay off a reasonable amount of time as well as long as they aren’t inherently mental.
October 31 at 5:06 pm
Giggs Boson says:
Who wants to see a frog hit a high score on an iphone?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v.....re=related
October 31 at 5:07 pm
roscola says:
Who doesn’t? Great vid.
October 31 at 5:07 pm
Herr Vets - Die Rothosen says:
Brilliant!!!
October 31 at 5:10 pm
pinkfish says:
I Don’t like peeps that post You- Tube- Vids_ but that was funny
:
October 31 at 5:16 pm
MataUnreal says:
Haha, he tries to eat him at the end! That was the best part!
That frog reminds me of Berbatov…so languid…but never lacks a killer instinct.
October 31 at 5:06 pm
don says:
how much r the expectations on rvp???
i am thinking abt keeping him captain for the nxt 6 gamewks…!!!
wat do u guys think???
October 31 at 5:07 pm
Nitin Nagaraja says:
New post – http://www.fantasyfootballscou.....ue-focus-4
October 31 at 5:08 pm
Hiphopopotamus says:
Possibly a silly question (based on the fact he’s played all games this season thus far) but is Hughes (Fulham) nailed on? Worried there could be someone coming back from injury to nab his place…
Need a defender 4.6 or under and Fulham rotate well with Stoke. Would take Baird but his playing time looks a risk.
October 31 at 5:12 pm
RafaMC says:
Contemplating a 4pt hit
Jenkinson out for Cuellar
Lambert out for Crouch
Opinions ?????
October 31 at 5:17 pm
Cahill says:
good changes but not worth a 4 point hit imo!
October 31 at 5:16 pm
Cahill says:
Hey guys,
In light of the news that aguero is called up for argentina to play on November 14th and will probably miss his game on November 17th should i just take out aguero now for tevez??
or sit tight tight with aguero?
October 31 at 5:17 pm
heco87 says:
I’ll certainly be sitting tight for another week or 2.
October 31 at 5:18 pm
Cahill says:
was planning that too but do you think aguero will start this weekend??
and it looks like he defo wont play gameweek 12, home to villa!
frustrating! dunno what to do
October 31 at 5:16 pm
Albertini Grab Your Panini says:
Any news on Berbatov the last few days? Has the cash to do Lambs -> Berbatov.
October 31 at 7:02 pm
JayCee says:
Hey guys, first time posting, been satisfied to just lurk till now but I had 2 absolutely terrible GW’s, don’t know what to do with this team:
Beg/Jask
Baines/Kolarov/Ivan/Demel/Clark(AVL)
Caz/Pienaar/Yaya/Michu/Kaca
Giroud/Ba/Jelly
obviously can’t fix this in one week, but any ideas? What should be my priority? I want RVP but don’t know how to get him
October 31 at 9:00 pm
DynamoTomato says:
Hi Folks, I have decided to wildcard. This is my first draft. I found it really difficult to get in RVP – ended up getting rid of Tevez. What do people think?? Not keen on midfield but had to go for 2 lower priced midfielders to afford the luxuries of Mata, Bale and RVP.
Thoughts appreciated. Cheers x
Begovic Federici
Baines Rafael Cuellar Cameron Nelsen
Bale Mata Pienaar Sterling McAnuff
RVP Ba Crouch
October 31 at 9:39 pm
Az says:
Had bets on Swansea, Norwich, Inter, Rangers, Chelsea and Napoli to win.
Napoli, Rangers and Chelsea let me down but the others are looking good for now. Did trebles… who knows what my returns will be. Probably my money back, which is a shame
November 1 at 5:30 am
xxnum45xx says:
thoughts on team and captain? anything would be great!
Hart
Baines – Vertonghen
Mata – Cazorla – Ben arfa – Toure – Bale (c)
Tevez – RVP – Giroud
November 1 at 7:36 am
Never Gunned Down says:
Begovic
Riise Baines Walker
Hazard Mata(C) Pienaar Ben Arfa
Berb Pogrebynak Ba
Subs: Cerny, Verm, Gibbs, Dyer
Already used my FT.
November 1 at 8:15 am
Zoroarke says:
Thinking of Schwarzer + Skrtel + ShawX to Tremmel + Baines + Wilkinson. WC active, other keeper Begovic. Also, since Wilson is injured, Wilkinson is likely to start. Thoughts pleaseeeee.
November 1 at 8:25 am
Mats says:
Not sure about Tremmel. You have to use a FT to get him out unless you do it in the TWWC. Also, N. Taylor is out, and they have not great CS form or fixtures.
November 1 at 1:29 pm
Chicharoen says:
Mertesacker worth a look at? His extremely cheap and looks to be starting every game and picking up a few clean sheets here and there. What do you guys think?
November 1 at 2:42 pm
tadtman says:
Hey guys,
I am in desperate need of some assistance yet again. I think that I am finally going to swallow my pride and get on the RvP bandwagon, but I will have to take a 4 point hit and lose one of my mids in the process. I have 1 FT and I currently have 0.9 in the bank. I also have not used my WC. So it would work like this..
Cazorla out, Morrison in
Torres out, RvP in
That would leave me with 0.5 in the bank, but I am desperate need of any other suggestions!! Help!
Schwarzer (Rudd)
McAuley Baines Reid
Bale Hazard Cazorla Michu (Noble)
Torres Berbatov Crouch
November 2 at 4:02 pm
isacki - losing makes winning sweeter says:
Sometimes when I spend all week agonizing over transfers, benching and captaincy I start to wonder why I bother.
What’s the point of putting so many hours into trying to gain a theoretical point here and a theoretical point there?
That’s when I read this:
http://www.fantasyfootballscou.....nt-4182513
This:
http://www.fantasyfootballscou.....nt-4184813
November 2 at 4:03 pm
isacki - losing makes winning sweeter says:
This:
http://www.fantasyfootballscou.....nt-4184806
And this:
http://www.fantasyfootballscou.....nt-4192150
And suddenly I have all the motivation I need.