Scouting the Doubles – Southampton
Filed under: Scouting The Doubles - Posted by: Paul
A 5-1 home defeat at the hands of Chelsea in last weekend’s FA Cup Third Round fixtures was hardly morale-boosting for Southampton but the result afforded Fantasy managers their first double Gameweek of the New Year. The Saints now travel to Villa Park this Saturday before rolling up to the Bridge the following Wednesday as Nigel Adkins plots revenge for their St Mary’s humiliation:
The Prospects
While their form on the road has hardly impressed, with just a single victory on their travels, Southampton’s recent away displays will perhaps give potential investors cause for optimism. Having tasted defeat in each of their first five outside of St Mary’s, Adkins’ side have lost just one of the subsequent four, with a win and a couple of draws also thrown in. They hit three past QPR at Loftus Road and also scored three times at Stoke in their last away game – a hugely impressive display, given that the Potters had shipped just four in the previous nine at the Britannia.
The trip to Villa clearly holds the most promise. Paul Lambert’s erratic side have shipped 17 goals in their last four matches, with seven goals conceded in their last two home fixtures, though the midweek match with Chelsea could prove problematic – the Blues have been particularly miserly since the arrival of Rafa Benitez, with a single goal against in four matches at the Bridge under the new manager. Bearing in mind that strike was in their previous home match, in a 1-0 defeat at the hands of QPR, Adkins’ side will travel to London with hopes of producing another upset.
Jack Cork ‘s return to action in Gameweek 11 has been significant to an upturn in resilience – the Saints have conceded more than a single goal just once since Cork’s installation in central midfield, though it’s worth noting that they have failed to keep a clean sheet in any away game thus far. Cork has also been deployed at right-back in recent matches, with Nathaniel Clyne troubled by injury. That’s seen Steven Davis drafted into midfield areas but, should Clyne be available for the forthcoming matches, it could see Adkins revert Cork back to the engine room role.
The Likely Lads
Rickie Lambert is the obvious option. Adkins’ first-choice pick in the Saints’ 4-2-3-1 formation, Lambert has started all but two of his side’s league games this term and has featured in the first XI from Gameweek 9 onwards. The 6.2 priced forward has picked up more new owners than any Southampton player heading into the double – almost 70,000 Fantasy managers have clambered aboard the bandwagon for the best value forward in the game so far. Up to sixth in the forward standings in FPL, with 95 points accrued, Lambert has scored in three of his last four away games and with two assists and eight bonus points also accrued, has racked up 34 points over that quartet of fixtures.
With Adam Lallana remaining on the sidelines, Adkins will require strong displays from his attacking midfield regulars. Gaston Ramirez missed the weekend cup defeat due to a dead leg but is expected to recover in time for the Villa game – the Uruguayan brings a touch of real class to the Saints’ offensive forays and has produced a goal, an assist and five bonus points over his last couple of league appearances. Coming in at 5.6, he remains firmly under the radar with an ownership of less than 1% and could be a real differential.
Jason Puncheon has picked up over 50,000 new owners this week, with his cut-price appeal proving irresistible for many. The right winger has scored or assisted in seven of his 17 starts for the Saints this term, with a couple of goals and six assists to his name thus far – five of those have come at home, however, with his last set of attacking returns on the road back in Gameweek 12 at QPR. At 4.9, though, Puncheon is a relatively risk-free option and offers the option of a budget fifth midfielder for our squads beyond the double.
At the back, faith is understandably tempered in light of Southampton’s above-mentioned away defensive record. Fantasy managers will be scouring the back-four for potential but with doubts over their highest scoring defenders, Jose Fonte and Nathaniel Clyne, it’s hard to justify any other options. Danny Fox is the only other Saints defender to score or assist this season but lost his first-team spot to Luke Shaw back in Gameweek 11. Shaw has started the last ten league games and, at just 4.0, is earning interest in the light of doubts surrounding Fonte and Clyne.
Cheeky Punt
For those willing to take a risk, Artur Boruc may appeal. The stopper started the previous league game and was also selected for the weekend cup clash against Chelsea, suggesting he may have edged ahead of the likes of Kelvin Davis and Paulo Gazzaniga in the pecking order once again. Coming in at 4.4 in FPL, he’ll likely benefit from save points should clean sheets fail to materialise and, as our recent Wildcard Goalkeepers article suggests, Southampton rotate well with Villa over the next few, allowing us to hold beyond the double – unlike Chelsea’s Ross Turnbull, whose game time is threatened by the impending return of Petr Cech.
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January 9 at 5:44 pm
StevePeave says:
Hey guys, which combo of DGWs would you go for (baring in mind I got near the very start of the season):
A: Ba, Mata, Ivan, Puncheon, Clyne and Shaw
B: Mata, Ivan, Luiz, Lambert, Puncheon and Shaw
Cheers for any replies!
January 9 at 5:45 pm
StevePeave says:
*i got BA near the start (my bad)
January 9 at 5:45 pm
SAF - Such A Mystery says:
B. Don’t get two Southampton defenders
January 9 at 5:45 pm
Caine & Co. says:
Ba & clyne vs lambert & luiz. 2nd one imo
January 9 at 5:48 pm
StevePeave says:
Even though I wont be able to afford to put Ba back in again?
January 9 at 5:53 pm
Caine & Co. says:
If you want to have ba long term then go with him and clyne. Hard to tell at this point if ba is worth having long term
January 9 at 6:01 pm
StevePeave says:
indeed i was going to ship him when he moved, but then he goes and scores a brace on his debut!!
January 9 at 5:44 pm
frankiefernandez says:
There seem to be a lot of people getting their knickers in a twist over Mata being rotated now that Benitez’s rafatation system is in place at Chelsea, but isn’t this akin to the situation with Gerrard when Benitez was manager at Liverpool? Yes, he might be rested for the odd game, but he’s a hugely talented influential player, who will play the majority of games and get a shed-load of points.
January 9 at 5:44 pm
SAF - Such A Mystery says:
Which two Chelsea players should I get for the DGW? (Currently got Mata and thinking Hazard and Luiz).
Thanks
January 9 at 5:45 pm
iCon says:
Wouldn’t bother with Haz if you already have Mata; I know it’s a little risky, but i’d rather Ba over Haz
January 9 at 5:46 pm
StevePeave says:
Luiz
January 9 at 5:49 pm
kimoo says:
hazard mata ba FTW !!!!
BUT if u want choose from haza and mata so : luiz mata ba
January 9 at 5:52 pm
Herr Vets - Die Rothosen says:
I’m going with Haz & Mata and no-one else this week, but my hands are tied.
January 9 at 5:52 pm
lfc123 says:
Ive got Hazard, and getting Luiz and Mata
January 9 at 5:44 pm
Yossi says:
Hows it going guys, been taking a break the last few days…
On the WC at the moment, and reckon I’ll still go with the 3-5-2 with a cheapie up front (currently Pog), and the power midfield. Whats the lowdown on this new Henriquez guy though? Will he take Kone’s place immediately, or is Pog still the best option for bench fodder?
If Fellaini goes to Chelsea I’ll get Punch instead and upgrade the third striker to someone like Ruiz or lambert…
January 9 at 5:47 pm
iCon says:
If i was on WC i’d be punting on Henriquez as I think he has to play and could be a great differential (maybe not from ppl here, but in general). Also no major risk as most of the time he will be sitting on bench anyhow
January 9 at 5:50 pm
Limpar says:
Yeah looks interesting. Backing yourself into a bit of a corner if it doesn’t work out though. Assuming you spend the money elsewhere (else what’s the point), you’d need at least 1 hit to get rid of him. Not the end of the world but a consideration.
January 9 at 5:49 pm
StevePeave says:
if you’re on a WC i’d personally find a better cheap forward than pog!
January 9 at 6:03 pm
Riddler says:
Weimann? Seems to score most games when up top with Villa, despite their shocking for,
January 9 at 5:44 pm
berbatron says:
WC:
Bego (Bunn)
Ivanovic Rafael Cameron/O brien (perfect rotation) (Bertrand.)
Fellaini Michu Mata Bale Walcott
RVP Berbs (Pog)
decent WC team?
January 9 at 5:52 pm
StevePeave says:
rafael is a big rotation risk with smalling and jones back(ish) from injury. Bertrands quite a big rotation risk too. rest is good, albeit quite a common/standard team
January 9 at 5:45 pm
BullDogTevez says:
CHE DGW: Dzeko, ShawX > Ba, Luiz (Gives me 4 players, Mata, Ba, Luiz Punch (-4 Hit))
ARS DGW: Mata, Ba > Cazorla, Podolski (Gives me 4 players Jussi, Theo, Pod, Caz (-4 Hit))
Then sort my team out with January WC.
Not too many hits and seems a very good idea. Right?
January 9 at 5:56 pm
StevePeave says:
See if Ba starts tonight, if he does he may not play both games so leave dzeko in?
January 9 at 5:46 pm
AK- The Citeh Manager says:
This is what I have without Suarez in my team.
Mignolet / Bunn
Zabaleta / Demel / Davies / Wilson / Luiz
Mata / Bale / Walcott / Michu / Puncheon
Ba / Dzeko / Van Persie
FT, £1.1m in the bank.
I got Suarez in for 10.2, so it’s not really a problem, I think I can go for 4 weeks without him, but I don’t know what to do with the remaining cash.
If I do get Suarez in, it’ll be Mata to Fellaini and Dzeko to Suarez. With Zaba as another Che defender. Thoughts guys? Thanks
January 9 at 5:52 pm
Butters says:
I’m also going 4 weeks without Suarez, why not just keep a little cash just incase you want to do Ba -> Tevez for example. Or Puncheon -> someone better
January 9 at 5:54 pm
AK- The Citeh Manager says:
I do have 1.1m in the bank. And I’ll do Ba to Giroud/Poldi for the DGW tbh. I kind of like the look of Che/Mci/Ars defense, but these days, even defenders are not nailed on. So I’m going to go with 2 good ones, with 3 cheapies.
January 9 at 5:55 pm
Butters says:
I’m going Zaba Gibbs Luix Demel Harte… Also like the look of those exact 3 same defences
January 9 at 5:59 pm
AK- The Citeh Manager says:
I like it, though with that defense, I’ll get Wilson in for Harte, looks like a bargain at 4 when he comes back, and you should be able to do with the rest of the defense until he gets back.
January 9 at 5:46 pm
ronh says:
So, is it generally accepted that whoever starts tonight for Chelsea will not start at the weekend?
i.e Torres/Ba & maybe Mata/Hazard/Oscar/Lamps
I will be hoping for Ba & Mata on the bench tonight
January 9 at 5:47 pm
Elwood says:
In short. No
January 9 at 5:49 pm
heartsattack says:
I don’t think that’s the case at all. Chelsea want to win this trophy and will know how difficult Stoke will be. Strong teams for both those matches with big names maybe being rested for Southampton match is my guess.
January 9 at 5:51 pm
ATHLETICO TIMBO. Top 10,000 any season 2nd Wildcard league 16771-553963 says:
I think all you can say is it would be good if some major players don’t play.
January 9 at 5:52 pm
Paz12 says:
Yeah RonH, Benitez plans to make eleven changes between tonight and the weekend. Told me himself!
January 9 at 5:46 pm
DEMBA BA nd wagon says:
finally RVP is in my team!
January 9 at 5:49 pm
BigAndy_79 says:
I only transferred him in about a month ago myself. Was considering selling once he gets to 14.1 million, but have reconsidered since as so many rivals now have him. Think I shall keep for the foreseeable, anyway. . . .
January 9 at 5:50 pm
Lebanese Lalous says:
Congrats!
January 9 at 5:47 pm
AK- The Citeh Manager says:
And Tommy,
I’d pull the trigger.
January 9 at 5:47 pm
kimoo says:
weird question do u think that any important player can injured 2day ?
January 9 at 5:49 pm
Demi says:
No, i think only the non – important ones will get injured tonight
January 9 at 5:56 pm
Dante says:
January 9 at 5:47 pm
Dynamic says:
Which do you prefer?
A) Zaba Gibbs Cuellar Puncheon
B) Mariappa Demel Shaw Walcott
Thanks
January 9 at 5:50 pm
Elwood says:
B
Isn’t cueller injured?
January 9 at 5:48 pm
BigAndy_79 says:
What team have you been most imnpressed with this season so far in terms of surpassing their abilities, or indeed just impressing the most >? i would go with Swansea as they have been superb at times. After that I would say Everton with Baines and Peanut down that left-hand side….
January 9 at 5:50 pm
berbatron says:
West Brom, Swansea, Norwich, Everton.
January 9 at 5:53 pm
ATHLETICO TIMBO. Top 10,000 any season 2nd Wildcard league 16771-553963 says:
West brom and Norwich.
January 9 at 5:59 pm
StevePeave says:
swansea, they lost their manager and arguably they’re best players (transfers and injury) and are still surprising everyone!
January 9 at 6:05 pm
duffnasty says:
for sure swans but they were also the surprise last season, but more for their defensive abilities, michu and laudrup have obviously brought a more offensive side to the team.
for me west ham have been the big surprise, unbelievable that they find themselves on 26 points already. should be good enough to keep them in the top flight for another season.
January 9 at 5:49 pm
In Tommy We Trust - Levante, Levante, Arriba, Arriba says:
Repost as stuck at bottom of last page
Would you wildcard to change your squad from;
Current
Begovic
Ridgewell / Cuellar / Baines
Puncheon / Michu / Silva / Santi Cazorla
Berbatov / Van Persie (c) / Jelavic (vc)
Jaaskelainen / Nolan / Demel / Cameron
to below
Wildcard
Szczesny / Begovic
Azpilicueta / Turner / Baines / Wilson / Demel
Fellaini / Bale / Michu / Mata / Puncheon
Ruiz / Ba / Van Persie
GW23 Mata + ba Santi + Tevez
thanks
January 9 at 5:49 pm
AK- The Citeh Manager says:
Do it Tommy.
January 9 at 5:51 pm
In Tommy We Trust - Levante, Levante, Arriba, Arriba says:
Cheers AK. Will watch the game tonight and baring injuries will press it
January 9 at 5:52 pm
AK- The Citeh Manager says:
Cheers Tommy.
January 9 at 5:55 pm
In Tommy We Trust - Levante, Levante, Arriba, Arriba says:
It just so frustrating planning for the Arsenal WC (Nolan, Demel, Santi recent transfers) for a few weeks to tear that all up and start from scratch and lose the potential gains from WC later but I’ve got a lot to fix.
January 9 at 5:57 pm
AK- The Citeh Manager says:
To be very frank Tommy, I WCed as soon as the GW got over, but didn’t play the value’s game, as I’ve gained a lot on every player, just planning to play the DGWs as best as I can, and still maintaining the shape for long term. So, no gains for me.
January 9 at 5:56 pm
Limpar says:
Hey mate, I wouldn’t do it.
You’ve got 5 DGW players (admittedly mostly for next week). I’d take a hit or three to bring in 2-3 CFC players, and 1-2 more Gooners and you’re sorted. 9-10 DGW players. And use your wildcard before GW25 when the window shuts and you know who you *really* want for the rest of the season
January 9 at 6:02 pm
In Tommy We Trust - Levante, Levante, Arriba, Arriba says:
AHHHHHH, there’s my other thought line and your equally as right
Two respected posters telling me opposite. Going to be a long few days mulling this over.
Who would you transfer out. Silva + Jelly
Haz + Ba?
January 9 at 6:04 pm
Ginkapo-Rule No.1: wwkd? says:
I’m with Limpar, You have a team set up for next week, and realistically you will end up with a worse team for the Arsenal DGW if you WC.
January 9 at 6:08 pm
Limpar says:
This is it. Just too much of a shame to let some nice forward planning go to waste like that. I’ve done similar and that’s what I’m doing at anyway. Don’t mind a hit or 2 around a Chelsea double gameweek. Good chance of returns.
January 9 at 6:06 pm
Limpar says:
Looks as good a pair as any. I think I prefer one of Ivanhoe/Luiz over Ba (for fear of Torres minutes), but it looks like you’re set on keeping Leighton!
Then you can get your flair on and do Berbs > Giroud(c) next week
Sorted.
January 9 at 5:49 pm
Snow'Shea says:
Luiz looking like rising?
January 9 at 5:51 pm
Elwood says:
Yes. The source of this info is no secret:
http://www.fiso.co.uk/crackthecode.php
January 9 at 5:50 pm
SpinyNorman [*_*] says:
Which of these is the best option for the DGW?
a) Federici > Turnbull
b) Sterling > Puncheon
c) Cameron > A.Cole
d) Cameron > Azpil
Team linked (have already done Enrique > Gibbs)
January 9 at 5:51 pm
Dynamic says:
A
January 9 at 5:52 pm
Elwood says:
C
January 9 at 5:52 pm
Birthday Sess says:
A
January 9 at 5:51 pm
Birthday Sess says:
Pick 3 to play this week please:
Gibbs (MCI)
Demel (sun)
Cameron (CHE)
Martin R (NEW)
Davies (eve)
January 9 at 5:55 pm
Tayls says:
That’s your job!
January 9 at 5:59 pm
ATHLETICO TIMBO. Top 10,000 any season 2nd Wildcard league 16771-553963 says:
Gibbs Cameron Martin.
January 9 at 5:59 pm
Birthday Sess says:
Thanks.
January 9 at 6:00 pm
SMOOTHIE says:
GDM
January 9 at 5:52 pm
charliec1903 says:
Best Chelsea Defender to get? Money not an issue!
January 9 at 5:55 pm
SMOOTHIE says:
B. Ivanovic.
January 9 at 5:52 pm
Hot Sauce says:
Ive decided. Luiz (C)!
January 9 at 5:54 pm
Butters says:
Bold! hope it pays off
I want to, will see how he plays tonight and then decide!
January 9 at 5:55 pm
King Nil Miss ✩ says:
Till tomorrow!
January 9 at 5:56 pm
boc610 says:
the guy cannot shoot for shit, thats why il never captain Luiz even if he is OOP
January 9 at 5:59 pm
Limpar says:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1mLnpCSXM4
January 9 at 6:02 pm
boc610 says:
in fairness thats a one off, mata will be taking all those anyway.. im talking about when he’s bearing down on goal-from m idfield-he tends to get under the ball and blaze it over the bar
January 9 at 6:11 pm
Limpar says:
Yeah, I was playing devils advocate really. He doesn’t like tw*tting the ball. Some will go under the bar if he keeps hitting them.
I think I prefer Ivan for proven pedigree from corners etc myself. Over and above the OOPness. So I agree
January 9 at 5:59 pm
Limpar says:
Thought you were captaining ‘Azard, Hot Sauce – or did I imagine that?
January 9 at 6:06 pm
Hot Sauce says:
Thinking between Haz and Luiz, and just decided that today, to take a punt for Luiz (C). No rotation, hopefully, and possibly two clean sheats, bonus, goal, assist
January 9 at 6:12 pm
Limpar says:
Yeah, yeah – could happen!
Think I’m going Azard myself. I don’t think I’ve ever captained a defender. Not in my make up!
January 9 at 6:12 pm
Riddler says:
More dumb than bold…better options IMO
January 9 at 5:52 pm
ManTree(v2!) or just JAY! says:
Berba or lambert for one week punt?
January 9 at 5:56 pm
ATHLETICO TIMBO. Top 10,000 any season 2nd Wildcard league 16771-553963 says:
Lambo
January 9 at 5:57 pm
onionbarje says:
lambert
January 9 at 5:53 pm
Bob says:
Begovic -> Turnbull and Sess-> Mata for -4. Yay or nay?
January 9 at 5:55 pm
ATHLETICO TIMBO. Top 10,000 any season 2nd Wildcard league 16771-553963 says:
No
January 9 at 5:55 pm
SMOOTHIE says:
Cech may be back for Soton
January 9 at 5:55 pm
iCon says:
Presume the latter is dependent on the former? Wouldn’t like to lose Bego, but wouldn’t like to go into the DGW without Mata…no other options?
January 9 at 6:00 pm
Bob says:
Yeah I need a bit of cash to get in Mata. My other option would be to do Brunt -> 4.3 bench mid such as Marveaux
January 9 at 6:05 pm
iCon says:
I’d rather that option
January 9 at 6:09 pm
Bob says:
Yeah I think thats what I will do. Other option is to wildcard but I have players who I dont want to take out like Benteke, Berbatov, Baines with good fixtures
January 9 at 5:54 pm
SaintMatt says:
Why are people going Ivanovic over Azpicuelleta?
January 9 at 5:54 pm
AK- The Citeh Manager says:
More nailed on, better goal threat.
January 9 at 5:55 pm
SMOOTHIE says:
goal threat and nailed on
January 9 at 5:56 pm
Champ - "Take the risk of thinking for yourself, much more happiness, truth, beauty, and wisdom will come to you that way" RIP Hitch says:
More chance of starts and huge goal threat
January 9 at 5:54 pm
Champ - "Take the risk of thinking for yourself, much more happiness, truth, beauty, and wisdom will come to you that way" RIP Hitch says:
Superdunny i watched django today. Quentin’s back!
January 9 at 5:58 pm
Count Of Monte Hristo - "Corner the market, then raise the price. Simple economics" (Heisenberg, 2009) says:
Need to see it. Is it better than you expected?
Did you like the Kill Bill films?
January 9 at 6:08 pm
Champ - "Take the risk of thinking for yourself, much more happiness, truth, beauty, and wisdom will come to you that way" RIP Hitch says:
My expectations were high and it doesn’t disappoint. Loved kill bill. Django is as good
January 9 at 5:56 pm
Caine & Co. says:
Checked today that rvp is worse value than baines atm
January 9 at 5:57 pm
Ginkapo-Rule No.1: wwkd? says:
Not if you double his points
January 9 at 5:59 pm
Santiagounreal says:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fAPEUWowEc
January 9 at 6:00 pm
Ginkapo-Rule No.1: wwkd? says:
January 9 at 6:00 pm
Ginkapo-Rule No.1: wwkd? says:
“
January 9 at 6:01 pm
Ginkapo-Rule No.1: wwkd? says:
sod it all
January 9 at 6:01 pm
Caine & Co. says:
I rather captain the hat trick midfielders every other week
January 9 at 6:02 pm
Ginkapo-Rule No.1: wwkd? says:
Then sell RVP. But I bet you get it wrong a lot
January 9 at 5:57 pm
SMOOTHIE says:
????
January 9 at 5:58 pm
onionbarje says:
really? a player that either scores or assists nearly every game
January 9 at 5:56 pm
ctrim says:
Nope – Turnbull won’t be playing next gameweek. Who’s your other keep?
January 9 at 5:57 pm
Thesteady-Michu = "Siggy 2.0 " says:
Hi guys! Could REALLY need some help this week…
I have no idea what I should do with my freebie ….. please help (TEAM LINKED)
Appreciate it!
January 9 at 5:57 pm
Dante says:
Is anyone else worried that Cech might be back for the DGW?
January 9 at 5:59 pm
The Parmtree says:
Why would I be?
January 9 at 5:59 pm
Dante says:
Do you have Turnbull? Everyone seems to be getting him in.
January 9 at 5:59 pm
SMOOTHIE says:
No as i do not have Turnbull.
January 9 at 6:00 pm
AK- The Citeh Manager says:
I wouldn’t really consider Turnbull now.
January 9 at 5:59 pm
Mr Draper says:
Iv got 2 FT’s for the first time and i dont know what i should do!!!
Jussi Bego
Cuellar Bassong Cameron Clyne Mcartney
Mata Michu Silva Walcott Maloney
RVP Suarez Long
I was thinking of doing cameron to azpi and then azpi to gibbs next week but thats about it atm.
I am planning on using my WC after the DGW.
Oh yeah HELP!
January 9 at 6:00 pm
What else .. ? says:
Is Guthrie nailed on?
January 9 at 6:01 pm
Herr Vets - Die Rothosen says:
Just about. I am keeping until he flies off the handle again.
January 9 at 6:01 pm
Ginkapo-Rule No.1: wwkd? says:
No, but he is 4.1
January 9 at 6:00 pm
Hot Sauce says:
Mata or Hazard DGW?
January 9 at 6:05 pm
ATHLETICO TIMBO. Top 10,000 any season 2nd Wildcard league 16771-553963 says:
Mata