December
28

The Watchlist – Kevin Nolan

Filed under: The Watchlist - Posted by: stilicho

Many moons ago, it was common practice within the Fantasy Football community to refer to a combination of Cristiano Ronaldo, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard as “The Holy Trinity”. The cost was considerable, but many a season was saved by their union in a Fantasy Premier League (FPL) squad. With those days now long past, the opening months of this campaign threatened the establishment of a new Nicene creed of marauding midfielders. Playing just off, or sometimes as, the striker – the mid-price potency of Michu, Marouanne Fellaini and Kevin Nolan was such that Mark and Granville were left pondering whether the current FPL fabric could long contain the latest revelations.

Whilst Michu is still exalted atop the midfield points list, and the progress of Fellaini tempered only by his temper, Kevin Nolan has spent the last 40 days wandering in the wilderness – and given the recent inundation of the West Ham fixture list it’s difficult to blame him. Since Gameweek 10 The Hammers have been plagued by visits from Man City, Stoke, Chelsea, Liverpool and Everton, and endured unhappy exoduses to Newcastle, Spurs, Man Utd and West Brom.

With their Boxing Day blank now behind them, the claret and blue tribe have at last reached the promised land, in terms of fixtures. This Saturday’s trip to Reading marks the start of a seven Gameweek run (rdg, NOR, sun, QPR & ars, ful, SWA, avl) that should afford Sam Allardyce’s attacking assets every chance to go forth and multiply their returns. That run includes a double fixture in Gameweek 23, with two London derbies against QPR and Arsenal on offer.

Bagging four goals and two assists in just eight games before the schedule took a turn for the worse, Nolan has an overwhelming edge over his team mates in terms of bang for one’s attacking buck – and at a current valuation of 6.6 in FPL (4.9 in the Sky Sports game) he is now substantially cheaper than both Michu and Fellaini. Whilst his overall ownership is still high, at 18%, it is likely that amongst active players his ownership is considerably lower, and whilst perhaps not approaching differential status his long barren run has certainly served to sink him below the mainstream radar at a useful time for the more dedicated player.

Andy Carroll’s absence through injury has been cited as another factor behind Nolan’s recent slide but with the giant Geordie expected to return to training next week, Nolan’s potential could be set for an upturn. If Nolan can avoid fifth yellow card at the Madejski and perhaps re-announce himself with a goal, a new bandwagon may well start warming its engines.

As the likes of Gareth Bale and Juan Mata continue to bring home the bacon at the pricier end of the scale, and cut-price alternatives such as Raheem Sterling and Jason Puncheon retain their popularity in the “fifth mid” spot – a squad containing all three of Michu, Nolan and Fellaini (upon the latter’s return from suspension in Gameweek 21) will doubtless represent an unusual setup. With the approach of winter wildcard season affording Fantasy Managers the chance to experiment with a get-out-of-jail-free card in their pocket, though, a reformation to 3-5-2 to incorporate the new Holy Trinity may yet turn water into wine for potential proselytes.

About The Author

“I never make predictions and I never will”

stilicho

> See all posts by this author

  1. ATHLETICO TIMBO
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    Shall I do Mata to joe cole for a hit? Mata might get rested and joe cole always looks good in training apparently.

    1. Somebody's gonna get L…
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Yeah man. Do it.

    2. Lawro
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Joe Cole? Joe's a top player for the best team in England, maybe even the world. No Brainer.

      2. ATHLETICO TIMBO
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        See that goal he scored in the World Cup. He does it in training all the time. He's due one as they say.

      3. Lucky_2010
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        joe played better when he's with the blues even though less playing time .... he should stay then but he looking for better prospect with pool so have to wait for his coming silverware!!

    3. Zep Dhoni - Team India Cric…
      • Reputation Level: Scout
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member

      Absolutely...

      What are you waiting for?

      1. La Roja
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        you inspired millions here, i am doing the same for a hit and Joe Cole captain

        Jog on dude

        1. ATHLETICO TIMBO
          • Reputation Level: Scout

          Nobody says jog on anymore mate.

          1. La Roja
            • Reputation Level: Scout

            why, out of fashion. I am interested

    4. Glory Glory Man Utd
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Mata won't be rested. They know Everton is a tough game & they won't rest their best player for this fixture. He maybe rested against QPR

      1. ATHLETICO TIMBO
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        Good point. Sod it then.

        1. lfc123
          • Reputation Level: Scout

          lol

    5. Captain Shirokov
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Yeah, probably worth it.

    6. Gotta Loic Remy
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      he doesn't start.

    7. faulksp
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Yeah I mean what has Mata done all season whereas Joe .........

  2. Somebody's gonna get L…
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    At the moment, it looks like i'll be without Cazorla for the DGW, scary.

    1. Bemba Da
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      would you rather have walcott or cazorla?

      1. Somebody's gonna get L…
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        Hard to say, if both play the same amount of minutes over the season I'd back Walcott. Cazorla will play more though.

      2. Lucky_2010
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        walcott if less budget

    2. COMH
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Surely you will be able to bring him in by then with the WC or a FT?

      1. Somebody's gonna get L…
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        I don't see how. I'll have this next week: Walcott, Bale, Michu, Fellaini, Nolan.

        1. Somebody's gonna get L…
          • Reputation Level: Scout

          I could lose Bale as he has Utd that week but I'll end up losing value on a player I'd want to get straight back.

          1. COMH
            • Reputation Level: Scout

            Bale v United is nothing to fear. United are shipping goals. Even if they weren't I would still fancy Bale against any of their RB's.

            1. Somebody's gonna get L…
              • Reputation Level: Scout

              True, might look at Podolski upfront if he looks like starting both.

          2. faulksp
            • Reputation Level: Scout

            Er goal and assist at Old Trafford earlier in the season ......now Man Utd leaking goals for fun

            Captain Gareth.......

            Ok getting carried away but I see Bale as fixture proof

        2. COMH
          • Reputation Level: Scout

          Ah right you have Walcott so I wouldn't worry about it.

          Great midfield btw.

    3. Gotta Loic Remy
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      there is a wildcard.

  3. fusen
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    I wish there was some raphael news, haven't sold in case he comes back this game but if he's out again then have to sell to make sure I have enough defenders play... Already lost 0.3 on him over last 2 weeks

    1. ATHLETICO TIMBO
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Demi you around?

      1. fusen
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        I'm not interested in tennis news

  4. Yxz
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    Long -> Cole

    Anyone considering Cole?

    1. NapalmDeath
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Joe? No....

      Carlton?............ no.

  5. kvtvk
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    Repost. Early planning for DGW23.

    I currently sit on this combo:
    Mata – Puncheon – Sterling (5.1) – Berba

    What combo should i aim for?

    A) Michu – Puncheon – Nolan – Giroud (3 transfers)
    B) Fellaini – Nolan – Sterling – Podolski (3 transfers)
    C) Walcott – Nolan – Sterling – Berba (2 transfers)

    I already have Cazorla.
    Can keep Mata, if i sell Bale instead.
    Will activate wildcard for GW24.

  6. Glory Glory Man Utd
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    What do ya say about this for the coming GW?
    0 FT (-4)

    GK: de Gea
    DEF: Rafael, Vertonghen, Ivanovic, Aaron Hughes
    MID: Bale, Sterling, Sidwell, Mata
    FWD: Defoe, Podolski

    SUBS: Jaaskelainen, Jose Enrique, Hoolahan, Shane Long

    I think Jaask for de Gea?? And Jose Enrique for Ivanovic as Everton away would be tough? (C) Bale or Podolski??

    1. Nikola
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      i would not do it for -8... your team is slim on points anyway

      1. Glory Glory Man Utd
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        im talking about the subs

  7. Spoiler
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    Suggestions?
    0.1 in bank and 2 freebies

    Begovic
    Enrique | Nelsen | Demel
    Bale | Michu | Mata | Silva
    RVP | Berba | Ba

    Foster, Puncheon, Cuellar, Cameron

    1. Glory Glory Man Utd
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Michu wont play

  8. Captain Shirokov
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    Good evening everyone.

    Now, why the feck is Tevez a doubt? :evil:

    1. Lawro
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Missed training yesterday, I think it was because he was ill.

    2. Adam West
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      How big a doubt is he ?

      1. Captain Shirokov
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        75% chance to play the game according to FPL.

    3. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      He was ill and didn't train

    4. faulksp
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Nipped back home for New Year ..........

  9. andres
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    If you where bringing in an arsenal mid, would you go for walcott or cazorla?

    1. Alonso The Great Midfielder
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      for safety, carzola.....but if walcott comfirm to play as many games, so go for him..

      1. La Roja
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        theo

  11. Avona Berbatov
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    How am I looking lads? Trannys done.

    Begovic
    Sagna Enrique Cuellar
    Mata Silva Bale Cazorla
    Van Persie Berba Benteke

    McCarthy Puncheon Nelsen McCartney

    1. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Captain?

      Looks good mate

      1. SkyCell
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        Perfect

  12. Tony Hibbert's
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    My team...

    Jaask (Cerny)
    Davies Cuellar Enrique (Nelsen Shorey)
    Sterling* Hazard Mata Bale (Michu)
    RVP Berba Tevez*

    Originally had been thinking Hazard > Walcott/Cazorla but feel if Tevez likely misses out am super light.
    Considering Tevez > Hernandez Sterling >Nolan for a hit 4pts...wat you guys think?

    Any suggestion welcome...

    1. Glory Glory Man Utd
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Walcott for Hazard, Hernandez for Tevez.

  13. Alonso The Great Midfielder
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    should i lost sess or puncheon for walcott/nolan??

    1. Van The Man
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Puncheon imo

  14. Shaps
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    Plenty of hits to be dished out this week with the most popular defender and midfield out

  15. kvtvk
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    Berba -> Podolski sound good for DGW?

    Other option is to leave Berba in the team, and go Mata & Punch -> Walcott & Nolan.

    1. Van The Man
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      No way.
      Keep Berba.

  16. lazybones18
    • Reputation Level: Scout
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member

    michu rafael out

    evans walcott IN

    yay nay ?

    4 point hit

    i only have 2 defenders playing

  17. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    Anybody (C) Bale?

    1. COMH
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Na I think that will be a fairly low scoring game with plenty Mignolet saves. RVP(c) Berbatov(vc) for me.

    2. Alonso The Great Midfielder
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      no.....but who know, go with your gut

    3. Mtka™
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      RVP for me. Sunderland has a good defense, don't see a lot of chances for Bale to score.

  18. COMH
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    One thing i've noticed which i'm benefiting from this season is playing my players regardless of fixtures. In the past I would be blinded by fixtures and if a player was up against the top 4/5 teams I would normally bench.

    Berbatov and Michu at the Emirates, Rafael at the Etihad, Cuellar v City just some that I can remember. Sometimes it's too tempting to have the ideal team on paper with the nicest looking fixtures but it doesn't always pan out like that.

    1. thischarmingman
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      I've had such awful subs, so in the end it worked out the same :) Struggling to field decent 11 now, though.

    2. faulksp
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Great point

  19. thischarmingman
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    All I got for christmas was red and yellow flags.. And Wisdom who's not playing. Could really use some help here!

    begovic (jaask)
    vertonghen, wisdom, enrique (cameron, nelsen)
    michu, bale, silva, sterling (mcanuff)
    rvp, tevez, berbatov

    1FT, 0.4 in bank. Thinking Wisdom>O’Brien/Demel
    Would not be fielding and awesome 11, with McAnuff, Nelsen, Sterling and Demel - but still (maybe) 11.

    Sorry for n'th repost, guys.

    1. Van The Man
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      I would play McAnuff ahead of Sterling.
      O'Brien imo

  20. Larmuck
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    My Team.
    Bego
    Demel Gibbs Nelsen (Clyne ShawX)
    Bale Mata Walcott Michu (Schneiderlin)
    RVP Berba Suarez

    Got Michu at 7.7 so gained .3 on him and I'm looking to do Michu to Cazorla..good move?

  21. Fasua11
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    Begovic or Lloris?

  22. Sideshow Luiz
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    What do I do with this lot Rafael, Demel, Tevez & Michu. I have already taken a 4 point hit getting Shorey out for Luiz and Rooney out for Little pea. My subs are Clyne so I would have to hope Demel plays and Tevez plays a part and Clyne comes in for Rafael or just take 8 point hit and sell one of the above help appreciated ????????? Cheers?

  23. Sulk
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    How's my team?

    Bego
    Wilko huth zab Jose
    Santiago Nolan bale
    Suarez rvp Defoe

    Jussi michu shorey sterling

    I have 4fts until Dgw. Thinking of :

    Suarez- cole
    Jose-Gibbs
    Sterling-walcott

    What other coverage could I get before I play my wc with the last transfer?

  24. Louise Garcia
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    // Bego //

    O'Brien // A Cole // Gibbs

    Cazorla // Bale // Silva // Sessegnon

    RVP // Berb // Hernadez

    Jaas, Michu, Cuellar, Nelsen

    Sexy and I know it baby...

  25. Perthite
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    Right to play Jaas over Federici of my two keepers this gw (in same game)?

  26. Perthite
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    btw - can anyone fill me in on the news that sent Michi's yellow flag to red and the removal of Suarez's yellow flag?

You need to be logged in to post a comment.

Scout Picks

Team of the Season 2012/13

  • Jääskeläinen
  • Baines
  • Vertonghen
  • Zabaleta
  • Davies
  • Walcott
  • Mata
  • Michu
  • Bale
  • Suárez
  • van Persie
  • Evra
  • Cazorla
  • Benteke

Comments

Recent

Hot Topics

Next Six Ticker

The Watchlist

Goalkeepers

Player Club Factors
No Change Hart MCI B, Vs
Up Cech CHE B, Vs
Up Robles WIG C, Vs, £
No Change Lloris TOT C, Vs
No Change Foster WBA C, Vs
No Change Vorm SWA C, Vs
No Change Mignolet SUN B, Vs
No Change De Gea MUN A
Up Boruc SOT B, Vs, £
No Change Jääskeläinen WHM A
No Change Begovic STO C
No Change Howard EVE A

Defenders

Player Club Factors
No Change Kompany MCI B, Vs, Rest
No Change Vertonghen TOT A, Vs, Rest
Up Luiz CHE A, Vs, Rest
No Change Baines EVE A
Up Boyce WIG C, Vs, OoP
Down Bassong NOR B, Vs
Up McAuley WBA C, Vs
Down Johnson LIV B
Up Jones MUN A
No Change Sagna ARS B
Up Huth STO C
No Change Cuéllar SUN B, Vs, £
No Change Rangel SWA C, Vs
Up Clyne SOT B, Vs, £

Midfielders

Player Club Factors
Up Bale TOT A, Vs
No Change Mata CHE C, Vs, Rest
Up Walcott ARS C, OoP
Up Hazard CHE B, Vs, Rest, Inj
Up Maloney WIG B, Vs, £
No Change Y Touré MCI B, Vs
No Change Silva MCI B, Vs, Inj
No Change Fellaini EVE C
No Change Coutinho LIV B
Up Morrison WBA C, Vs
Down Cazorla ARS C
No Change Snodgrass NOR B
Up Kagawa MUN B, Rest
Up Walters STO B
Down Lallana SOT C, Vs
Down Sissoko NEW C

Forwards

Player Club Factors
Up Tevez MCI A, Vs, Rest
Up Koné WIG B, Vs, £
Down van Persie MUN A, Vs
Up Sturridge LIV B
Up Lukaku WBA B, Vs, Rest
Up Benteke AVL A
Down Aguero MCI B, Vs, Inj
Up Rodriguez SOT A, Vs, £
Up Defoe TOT B, Vs, Rest
Down Lambert SOT C, Vs
Down Rooney MUN C
Up Carroll WHM A, VsX
Up Ba CHE C, Vs, Rest
Down Berbatov FUL C
Up Cissé NEW B
Down Remy QPR B

Selection Factors

A, B, C Current Form
Vs Favourable Fixtures
VsX Unfavourable Fixtures
Rest Rotation Risk
Inj Injured/Returning from Injury
OoP Out of Position
£ Potential Bargain
Sus Suspended/Near Suspension

“I am happy with the way I’ve started, but on the other hand, I should have scored four or five more, so that’s something for me to work on.”

Robin Van Persie talks about his early form at United ahead of his first Manchester derby