The Watchlist – Shane Long
Filed under: The Watchlist - Posted by: Jonty
Among the most eye catching statistics that have defined Shane Long’s excellent season is that he has scored or assisted in every one of West Brom’s seven home games. The entire team’s outstanding Hawthorns form under manager Steve Clarke has been a key factor in helping Long achieve this feat, while keen competition for places up front is also keeping the Irishman on his toes, with Chelsea loanee Romelu Lukaku, Marc Antoine-Fortune and Markus Rosenberg all waiting in the wings.
Although Long is clearly the top choice striker and has played more minutes than his attacking rivals, Gameweek 14 served as a timely reminder that no one in the West Brom ranks is free from a slap in the face from the fickle hand of rotation. An unused sub during that game, Long watched on as his team suffered a 3-1 away defeat to Swansea.
In all likelihood, this is down to a hamstring issue that has been plaguing the player all season. Despite Clarke’s declaration that he has no concerns over his fitness, it’s likely that this weekend’s home derby against Stoke had a significant bearing in his team line-up last night:
“I’ll make the changes from game to game as and when I think I should make the changes. If Shane has to play 90 minutes he can play 90 minutes no problem. He can play two in four days and three in a week if I need him but then I’d have to manage the training.”
The Baggies subsequent defeat at Swansea may just persuade Clarke that Long is a player he cannot afford to rest or rotate. The last time he failed to make the starting 11 in a Premier League fixture, during the Gameweek 5 home victory with Reading, he came on as a 65th minute sub to register an assist for the game’s only goal, suggesting that even if dropped he still has a chance to shine.
The standing of the opposition also fails to dent Long’s confidence at home, with Champions League holders Chelsea falling to the West Brom sword in Gameweek 11, when he racked up 12 points in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game after scoring and assisting in a valiant 2-1 victory. He also accrued maximum FPL bonus points that week.
As if such home reliability wasn’t enough to tempt managers, there are signs that Long is also able to produce on the road. Two of his five goals this campaign have come away from the Hawthorns, with his strike against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light during West Brom’s 4-2 victory in Gameweek 13 the latest to prove Long may deserve to start every game.
Already this season Long is the sixth best striker in the Sky Sports game, where he is priced at 7.7m and sits on 64 points. In the FPL game he is priced even more generously at 6.3m and has 63 points, making him the eighth best striker and the joint best West Brom asset alongside midfielder James Morrison. Despite his consistency, he is owned by just over 6% of FPL managers, though the Republic of Ireland international clearly offers a strong mid-price alternative to the likes of Steven Fletcher, Dimitar Berbatov and Rickie Lambert up top.
With three home games in the next four gameweeks (STO, ars, WHU, NOR) Long looks to be a safe bet for points in the short term. Even West Brom’s Christmas matches from Boxing Day to New Year’s Day (qpr, man, FUL) offer the prospect of points. Clearly, this is shaping up to be the Irish international’s best season yet – he has already matched last term’s bonus tally of nine in the FPL game and is well on course to surpass his final FPL points total for 2011/12 of 97.
About The Author
“Fantasy Football Scout community manager and podcaster.”
Jonty @newsandfeatures
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November 29 at 7:20 pm
LordCisse says:
What’s the overall opinion on Mata then? People shipping him out or giving him another GW? I need some extra in the bank for my lack luster midfield and getting shot would free up funds. Thoughts?
November 29 at 7:22 pm
Captain Shirokov says:
I would ship him out but not sure it’s worth a -4.
November 29 at 7:23 pm
Stoker says:
Who is that in your Grav? Looks very similar to my cousin.
November 29 at 7:24 pm
Captain Shirokov says:
Salmon from The Hardy Bucks.
November 29 at 7:22 pm
Hutton dressed as Lahm AKA Yaya Banana says:
He will come back to good IMO, Benitez will open up soon and also realise Mata plays behind the striker or not at all!
November 29 at 7:24 pm
LordCisse says:
Cheers. Think i’m gonna hang on for one more week. If he doesn’t return anything then his times up!
November 29 at 7:22 pm
Dr. Ex: Proud Owner Of Jonny Evans (0.6% Club) says:
One more week and he’s out for me. Whether he produces or not.
November 29 at 7:31 pm
Evstastic says:
Same here
November 29 at 7:24 pm
Bemba Da says:
he will probably start this gameweek but chelsea under benitez just do not look a threat going forward. The tactics are incredibly negative and thus I can’t see mata really making a major impression right now fantasy wise.
They have 2 tricky games on paper v west ham and sunderland away then off to japan for the world club championship.
Rotation is a major factor too, Benitez is known for this. Plus the fact they have a major CL game in mid-week and world club championship GW17 I can see mata being rested for sunderland away.
November 29 at 7:25 pm
Nopli-Unleashthedrog says:
He is a season keeper IMO. Last season there was no Mata love on here but i had him all season long and its going to be the same this term as well. Big point haul on the horizon
November 29 at 7:21 pm
Bemba Da says:
why do people say walcott is risky short term transfer?
Looking to ship mata but I keep getting this response. Is it because he is injury prone or because his gametime will be limited or perhaps both.
Wenger confirmed on arsenal.com he should be fine for saturday and walcott said he will only sign a new contract if he is guaranteed starts. Sounds like he will start more often and become a regular now?
November 29 at 7:23 pm
Hutton dressed as Lahm AKA Yaya Banana says:
Can get rotated, but shouldn’t, good option imo
November 29 at 7:27 pm
Santiagounreal - proud owner of garrido says:
Because he is too often a risky short term transfer?
November 29 at 7:32 pm
rdpx says:
Because he is made out of string and balsa wood.
November 29 at 7:21 pm
Nopli-Unleashthedrog says:
Sterling (C) DONE DEAL!!!!!!!!!!
November 29 at 7:23 pm
mossy says:
ballsy!
November 29 at 7:28 pm
Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad says:
+50000
November 29 at 7:21 pm
MJ6987 (Atalanta) says:
Who to play…
Fellaini or Michu
The bookies make Michu slightly more likely to score anytime.
November 29 at 7:23 pm
Chu Young Ping Pong says:
Both. Who are ur other mids?
November 29 at 7:23 pm
MJ6987 (Atalanta) says:
Bale, Cazorla and Sterling.
November 29 at 7:23 pm
Captain Shirokov says:
Both of them, preferably.
November 29 at 7:24 pm
phy5tij says:
Tough one to call, guessing u have sterling as ur 5th mid? I’d actually favour playing Michu and Fellaini over sterling if that’s the case
November 29 at 7:25 pm
MJ6987 (Atalanta) says:
That defies logic surely?
November 29 at 7:27 pm
sminkypinky says:
I’ll bench Michu. Same dilemma.
November 29 at 7:21 pm
Goldilocks says:
So, who to bench:
Sessegenon v. NOR (A)
Sterling v. SOU (H) – also have Enrique and Saurez…
Michu v. ARS (A)
What to do, what to do…..
November 29 at 7:23 pm
MICHELIN says:
Michu
November 29 at 7:25 pm
Goldilocks says:
That’s where I was leaning, thank you.
November 29 at 7:22 pm
MICHELIN says:
Evening all,
current lot is:
Bego Schwarzer
Demel Gorkss Baines Rafael Cuellar
Sterling Maloney McAnuff Santi Bale
RVP Tevez Fletcher
0.2 in bank, 2 FTs
and thinking of Schwarzer & Baines out, Szczesny & Enrique/Wisdom in for GW15.
Would appreciate any thoughts.
Cheers.
November 29 at 7:23 pm
Dr. Ex: Proud Owner Of Jonny Evans (0.6% Club) says:
My rival had Nelsen, Routledge off the bench, A Fonte assist added and Snodgrass as (VC) with Tevez (C) :/
November 29 at 7:23 pm
JKisthe1 - Los Colchoneros 2 - The Revenge says:
my 2 main rivals 1 got the Fonte assist, one got Routledge and Sidwell off his bench
November 29 at 7:23 pm
MJ6987 (Atalanta) says:
How awesome is our team? What transfers are we doing this week?
November 29 at 7:24 pm
Hutton dressed as Lahm AKA Yaya Banana says:
Lucky lucky!
November 29 at 7:30 pm
Stan The Man says:
Remember to play your own game – don’t let your rivals decisions/luck cloud your judgement. Mistake I made repeatedly last year.
November 29 at 7:23 pm
JKisthe1 - Los Colchoneros 2 - The Revenge says:
what do we think of this team for the weekend? would cost -8 to do it
Migs
Baines, Rafa, Enrique
Bale, Fellaini, Sterling, Michu
RvP (c), Berba, Long
Foster, Ramirez, Huth, Shorey
November 29 at 7:23 pm
chickenwithpeas says:
baines might be out
November 29 at 7:23 pm
Dr. Ex: Proud Owner Of Jonny Evans (0.6% Club) says:
Not worried about an RVP rest then?
November 29 at 7:24 pm
JKisthe1 - Los Colchoneros 2 - The Revenge says:
no chance he will be rested, we have Cluj midweek, he can be rested for that ready for the Derby. Thoughts overall?
November 29 at 7:24 pm
Chu Young Ping Pong says:
Dont get long for a hit imo
November 29 at 7:27 pm
JKisthe1 - Los Colchoneros 2 - The Revenge says:
Hits will be for Enrique and Fell
I have 2 FTs I will have to use tonight. It will be Mata and Jelly to Bale and Long
November 29 at 7:24 pm
alankritchona says:
so much money in defence!! get a better striker/midfielder!!
November 29 at 7:27 pm
JKisthe1 - Los Colchoneros 2 - The Revenge says:
Bale, Michu and Fellaini are all big hitters
Bar RvP (who I have) and Suarez (who I don’t want) name me another big striker who is delivering the same effectiveness as Berba and Long?
November 29 at 7:23 pm
Aatish says:
NEW POSE http://www.fantasyfootballscou.....meweek-14/
November 29 at 7:25 pm
John Terry's Dog - Forgetfulness is a form of freedom. says:
New post
November 29 at 7:25 pm
John Terry's Dog - Forgetfulness is a form of freedom. says:
New article has landed
November 29 at 7:25 pm
TheSharpeEnd says:
With a front 8 of
Fellaini, Michu, Silva, Sterling (Maloney)
RVP, Berbs,Tevez
what’s the best move? Any move will cost me -4
Silva -> Walcott
Tevez -> ???
I want Bale asap but Silva -> Bale is 0.1m too expensive. FML
November 29 at 7:25 pm
phy5tij says:
Does anyone know wtf is going on with Fellainis price? Protected?
November 29 at 7:37 pm
Evstastic says:
What do you mean ?
November 29 at 7:49 pm
ashish.patel says:
I think he will rise tonight.
November 29 at 7:26 pm
Krisbee says:
Play Cuellar or Cameron?
November 29 at 7:37 pm
Evstastic says:
Cuellar
November 29 at 7:26 pm
Captain Shirokov says:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4frqj40slk
The ‘soon to be’ greatest movie of all time.
November 29 at 7:30 pm
Herr Vets - Die Rothosen says:
November 29 at 7:26 pm
Dr. Ex: Proud Owner Of Jonny Evans (0.6% Club) says:
Benching dilemma between Michu and Fellaini.
I have a feeling one of them is going to end up with a 2 pointer, just have to guess which one!
November 29 at 7:28 pm
JKisthe1 - Los Colchoneros 2 - The Revenge says:
I’m planning to play both and benching Ramirez
November 29 at 7:30 pm
ATHLETICO TIMBO says:
Bench michu
November 29 at 7:36 pm
Evstastic says:
Playing both
November 30 at 11:42 am
lavernm says:
Same problem I am facing.
November 29 at 7:28 pm
ATHLETICO TIMBO says:
I take it there’s been no more news on Baines yet?
November 29 at 7:34 pm
Evstastic says:
I don’t think he will play
November 29 at 7:48 pm
MC Glamour says:
he has a hamstring injury.
November 29 at 7:33 pm
Evstastic says:
Best goalkeeper ?
November 29 at 8:05 pm
EpicFAIL - AVFC <3 says:
Buffon.
November 29 at 7:38 pm
torres love says:
rafael or nastasic??
November 29 at 8:19 pm
ccc says:
Rafael. Way less of a rotation risk and gets in some advanced positions up the pitch.
November 29 at 7:39 pm
unitednations says:
Begovic (Mannone)
Rafael Baines demel Cuellar Davies
Michu cazorla bale Fellani sterling
Rvp berba fletcher
Have 0.2m….what shd I do??
Baines to Enrique?? Bt Baines is meant to be a season keeper. Any other way I can bring in Enrique?
Also I need to improve my goalkeeper
November 29 at 8:19 pm
ccc says:
I’d focus on your GK. Tremmel looks likely to rise tonight or tomorrow.
November 29 at 7:48 pm
ashish.patel says:
Who to bench ?
Fellaini vs. Man City or
Morrison vs. Swansea
November 29 at 7:49 pm
MC Glamour says:
morrison vs stoke you mean
November 29 at 7:51 pm
ashish.patel says:
Oops.
November 29 at 7:49 pm
MC Glamour says:
fellaini
November 29 at 7:58 pm
footiemad101 says:
Mata -> Caz or Walcott?
November 29 at 8:14 pm
ccc says:
I’m thinking Walcott. Value and more of FPL threat, from what is seems.
November 29 at 8:14 pm
ccc says:
I have 2 FT & 1.2m in the bank. I bought Mata @ 8.9m, so I am hesitant to sell him. Any tips? Thanks.
Bego/Jaask
Rafael/Shawcross/Cameron/McCartney/Gorkss
Mata/Silva/Cazorla/Fellaini/Sterling
RVP/Ba/Berb
A. Cazorla > Walcott
B. Cazorla > Bale
C. Gorkss > ?
November 29 at 10:11 pm
jamesmather says:
I’d definitely find a way to pick up Bale.
And Mata could be the way, despite it being painful!
Caz has some good fixtures coming up, and I think should come good.
November 29 at 8:52 pm
Warrior FC says:
First year playing, could use some advice on transfers I should make. My team is:
GK – Begovic; Jaaskelainen
DEF – Rafael, Shawcross, McAuley, Bassong, Reid
MID – Michu, Mata, Sterling, Nolan, Morrison
FWD – Suarez, Tevez, Giroud
I have 3.3m in the bank.
Any suggested transfers I should make? I have 1 FT this week. Is it worth it to take a point deduction for multiple transfers?
Any help appreciated!
November 29 at 10:08 pm
jamesmather says:
Any thoughts on who to bench for this week?
Pity to bench Hernandez, but who to swap out for him…
And am thinking of playing Jaas over Bego, what do you think?
Begovic WBA (A)
Jose Enrique SOU (H)
Bassong SUN (H)
Garrido SUN (H)
Santi Cazorla SWA (H)
Fellaini MCI (A)
Sterling SOU (H)
Bale FUL (A)
Suarez SOU (H)
Van Persie RDG (A)
Fletcher NOR (A)
Jaaskelainen CHE (H)
Huth WBA (A)
Gorkss MUN (H)
Hernandez ARS (A)
Also, anyone you’d trade out there? (Other than Gor)
Cheers
James
November 30 at 1:48 am
chocolove says:
i did my 2FT transfers yesterday and today
mostly based on price changes and fixtures
yesterday hazard -> bale and today jelavic -> suarez
good or bad transfers?
November 30 at 11:22 am
lavernm says:
Good
November 30 at 11:28 am
lavernm says:
I am still undecided who to bench this week.
Michu or fellaini?
Want to play mata, due to score or assist this wk.
Sterling – good fixture, bale – best form.