The Stock Check – Gameweek 22 – Saturday
Filed under: The Stock Check - Posted by: Mark
Juan Mata conjures three assists to help guide Chelsea to a Britannia rout, whilst boosting those who trusted the Spaniard with this week’s armband. With blanks for Gareth Bale, Marouane Felaini, Michu, Dimitar Berbatov and Demba Ba, Mata’s returns will have prompted a mini-league swing, as City and United ready themselves for Sunday’s encounters. For now, here’s the Stock Check on Saturday’s events…
On the Up
Juan Mata
The Spaniard topped the Captain Poll, the “Rate My Team” weekly rankings and duly took his place in the Scout Picks and, with one game down, has already repaid that faith. A hat-trick of assists for Mata in the drubbing of Stoke means that he has now returned goals or assists in six of his last seven league appearances: his only blank being the home clash with QPR which saw him play just 16 minutes. Those who backed Mata with the armband will already be delighted, regardless of whether he starts against Southampton on Wednesday. If he turns up in that one, a big points bonanza could be on the cards given his current level of form.
The Chelsea Defence
Rafa Benitiez’s side have now conceded just two goals in their last five league matches, having battled to a 4-0 win at the Britannia, taking them level with Stoke on nine for the season. With Walters missing a second-half penalty, Chelsea were perhaps fortunate to travel home with their clean sheet intact but investors in the likes of David Luiz and, in particular, Cesar Azpilicueta, will not be quibbling. The Spaniard earned the assist for Chelsea’s opener, his third of the season, in his fifth consecutive start today.
Adam Johnson
A goal and assist contribution to Sunderland’s fine 3-0 win over West Ham saw Johnson again stand out amongst the Black Cats’ midfield options. The former City man has now scored three goals and two assists in his last eight league starts and bonus points from today’s victory will put him on terms with Stephane Sessegnon in the Sunderland squad.
The Sunderland Defence
An eighth clean sheet of the season in the 3-0 win over West Ham, saw Martin O’Neill’s defence impress yet again. Despite suffering cruel injuries at the back, the Black Cats have kept three shut-outs in the last five league matches, with Simon Mignolet justifying his position atop our Watchlist rankings. He is now ranked second only to Asmir Begovic in the overall FPL keeper standings.
Romelu Lukaku
A brace for Lukaku was wasted as Reading stormed back to take the points but the Belgian’s form remains eye-catching. With nine goals for the season, coupled with a price tag of 6.4 in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL), Lukaku goes on offering good value. Steve Clarke has started him in five of the last six, indicating that, at last, Lukaku is being given the opportunity to demonstrate his ability.
James Morrison
The Scot found a pair of assists in the 3-2 defeat to Reading, his first Fantasy returns in nine league starts. Having looked to be a canny Fantasy acquisition earlier in the season, Morrison has faded badly with a change in role restricting his attacking output; today’s assists offered a reminder of his quality.
Rickie Lambert
While Lukaku is staking a claim for our budget dollar up front, Lambert remains the prize asset for those shopping for a bargain striker. Today’s spot-kick took Lambert to nine goals for the season, with three goals and two assists in his last four starts.
Pavel Pogrebnyak
Then again, the case for Pogrebnyak is mounting. A third goal in as many league matches, the Russian now appears to be flourishing having been handed regular starts by Brian McDermott. At just 4.3 in the FPL, it’s getting more difficult by the week to overlook Reading’s striker as an option for the third slot up front in order to free up funds for heavy investment elsewhere. He could well be a winter wildcard favourite.
The Southampton Defence
A clean sheet at Villa rewarded those who took a chance on Southampton’s cheap double Gameweek defenders. While this was only the second shut-out in the last six league outings, it’s further indication that Nigel Adkins has firmed up his side and added an extra level of resilience. Artur Boruc, having seemingly cemented his start between the sticks, is emerging as a credible budget keeper option at 4.4.
The Spurs Defence
The shut-out at Loftus Road took Andre Villas-Boas defence to four clean sheets in the last six league outings. They’ve conceded just two goals in that spell. After starting four of those six matches, Michael Dawson may start attracting interest as a 4.5 FPL option.
Leighton Baines
At last Everton earn themselves a clean sheet – their first in 16 league outings. While Baines failed to find attacking returns in the 0-0 draw with Swansea, with kind fixtures to come in the next three, his loyal owners will be hoping that David Moyes’ side can build on today’s shut-out to help supplement potential attacking returns.
Going Down
The Stoke Defence
With nine clean sheets, the Stoke rearguard is regarded as one of the best, if not the best in the league but, on current form, the alarm bells are ringing. Today’s home defeat – their first of the season, means that Tony Pulis’ side have now conceded 10 goals in their last three league outings and have just one clean sheet in their last six.
Jon Walters
Reports suggest that Walters was amongst Stoke’s better players on the day but a brace of own goals and a missed penalty consigned the unfortunate mid-price midfielder to a miserable -4 total in the FPL, just three weeks after a 15 point haul in the win over Liverpool.
Gareth Bale
Having frustrated Chelsea last time out in the league, it was Tottenham’s turn to face Harry Redknapp’s new resolute R’s, as Bale was denied returns for the third Gameweek running. In fairness, Bale missed Gameweek 21 through suspension but, with the competition for the heavy-hitting midfield slot so fierce, today’s blank will be a concern for Bale’s owners – particularly those who opted to avoid investment in Juan Mata. It’s United up next for Bale and Tottenham.
Jermain Defoe
While Bale owners may fidget, those still holding Jermain Defoe will definitely be smarting after another blank which means that the Spurs striker has returned just a single goal in his last seven league appearances. With big sales going into the Gameweek, that trend would seem likely to continue, despite Defoe’s best efforts to end the drought at Loftus Road today.
Fulham’s Attack
While Dimitar Berbatov’s owners will surely give the Bulgarian more time having returned two goals in his last four, today’s blank and the 1-1 draw with Wigan means that Martin Jol’s side have scored just three goals in their last three league matches at Craven Cottage. That form will have to improve if Berbatov is to keep pace with the array of options available to Fantasy managers up front.
James Collins
A reported hamstring injury for West Ham’s defensive warrior saw him withdrawn after 34 minutes of today’s defeat at Sunderland. He seems likely to be a doubt for West Ham’s double Gameweek.
Mark Noble
Another potential absentee from West Ham’s two Gameweek 22 fixtures, Noble missed the miserable defeat in the North East today with a reported calf injury.
John Arne Riise
Even with Matthew Briggs out of the squad, Riise was kept on the bench by Martin Jol as Kieran Richardson lined up at left-back for Fulham. The Norwegian has now sat out the last three league outings.
About The Author
“Mark created the beast. He's now looking to tame it.”
Mark
5,921 Responses to “The Stock Check – Gameweek 22 – Saturday”
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Recent Comments
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Maloney v Lukaku was a hard call for me. Good luck. » -
Same here - I feel GameOn has a lot of identical teams... » -
627, 50 transfers » -
Mine is a work league. » -
Yeah Mark is letting too much slip... » -
Looks like mine is real bad 71 and 120k.... but i am satisfied as it is my first season. Getting used to it i guess » -
Rank 7,795 and 63 transfers (20 too much?) .. first season. » -
ah man, i set my alram for 2 thinking the games started at 3...couldve slept for another hour dammit » -
I agree, it would be a fairer and probably better game if they did. But being what it is I'm happy to have the chance… » -
Don't think so. The man is there to stay. He leaves when he wants. *Started singing the tune »
“I love to attack and I love to go up front...It is a little more difficult than when you are playing centre-back. If you play the way that I want to play, I think my influence is better as a left-back. For the team, it is best that I play as a centre-back. I like to bring the ball out. You need to move the game quickly, and that is one of my qualities as well.”
Jan Vertonghen outlines what he feels is his best position for Andre Villas-Boas
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January 13 at 9:35 am
royals forever says:
Best ST for 8.6m
Rest of Front 8
Walcott Felliani Mata Johnson Maloney
RVP Lambert
(can’t have Giroud or Pod already got Szczesny and Gibbs)
January 13 at 9:40 am
SILVER SURFER says:
Lukaku? Punt!
January 13 at 9:52 am
bish bash bosh says:
defoe
January 13 at 9:36 am
Nice Baps says:
what’s the highest ever comment count for a post? nearly 6000 here
January 13 at 9:37 am
Pratik says:
70 to 80 pages…i think
January 13 at 9:38 am
Nice Baps says:
wow.
January 13 at 9:39 am
TorresMagic™ - Join the "2nd Wildcard League - code 2412-1547". Millionaire Club qualifying starts GW22. Other codes in link. says:
Think he meant comments not for an individual article.
January 13 at 9:41 am
TorresMagic™ - Join the "2nd Wildcard League - code 2412-1547". Millionaire Club qualifying starts GW22. Other codes in link. says:
Nevermind, calling it a night…..
January 13 at 9:43 am
Cornelius says:
TM, what is elite 64 and is there any mention of FFS?
January 13 at 9:47 am
TorresMagic™ - Join the "2nd Wildcard League - code 2412-1547". Millionaire Club qualifying starts GW22. Other codes in link. says:
No mention of FFS in any leagues for those hiding the fact. FFS as another league making it obvious though.
Top 62 in the league (under 2K probably) qualify.
http://torresmagic.webs.com/elite64.htm
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AvmYxSLqqL_sdGlidHpkbklPVjZGenJyM283cTM5a3c#gid=4
January 13 at 9:53 am
Cornelius says:
Cheers.
January 13 at 9:42 am
Pratik says:
Ya much likely that 70 to 80 pages has more comments than this.
January 13 at 9:44 am
TorresMagic™ - Join the "2nd Wildcard League - code 2412-1547". Millionaire Club qualifying starts GW22. Other codes in link. says:
Not if all questions less replies.
January 13 at 9:45 am
Berbilly Gilmore says:
Yeah at the start of the season there were some epic numbers of pages/comments
January 13 at 9:37 am
PDM Allstars FPL Top 1000 ANY Season 100-348 says:
Clawing back those points I`ve dropped over previous GW`s ……
Forced to do my Santi transfer IN now for Bale … Hope it pays off !!
January 13 at 9:40 am
Djerbil says:
Santi has 2 matches to play before The Double Gameweek
January 13 at 9:40 am
Pratik says:
If ba starts against southampton I might go for Bale to cazorla and ba to suarez.
January 13 at 9:38 am
Omar says:
Lost on last page:
Anyone have any BP predictions from yesterday?
January 13 at 9:40 am
Trebor says:
1st page on this post
January 13 at 9:41 am
Djerbil says:
Nelsen 3, Adebayor 2, Julio Cesar 1 (in the mix Hill, Taarabt)
Lambert 3, Schneiderlin 2, Hooiveld 2
Fellaini 3, Rangel 2, Chico 1, Ki 1
Karagounis 3, Riether 2, Di Santo 2
Tettey 3, Snodgrass 2, Krul 1 (in the mix Obertan)
Kebe 3, Pearce 2, Pogrebnyak 1 (2&1 very close)
Lampard 3, Mata 2, Hazard 1 (tight between top 2)
McClean 3, Larsson 2, Ad.Johnson 1
January 13 at 9:49 am
Omar says:
Cheers both
January 13 at 9:39 am
Super-Hans says:
Any good bets on today?
Think I’m going to put some money on Athletico Madrid (0-1). But I need another one or two…
January 13 at 9:41 am
SILVER SURFER says:
RvP 1st goalscorer & Walcott 1st goalscorer
January 13 at 9:42 am
Thesteady-Michu = "Siggy 2.0 " says:
United to win. United have won the last 8 out of 9 at home vs Liverpool in the previous.
January 13 at 9:45 am
Thesteady-Michu = "Siggy 2.0 " says:
Also see value in Malaga win against Barca tonight!
January 13 at 9:50 am
Super-Hans says:
You think?
Brave.
They have made Manu way to big favourites here in Norway, so there is no value in it. But cheers.
January 13 at 9:41 am
HVT says:
What is the optimum score for Chelsea V Soton , please be realistic (I know it’s fantasy!)
I’ll start with 2-0 Mata to be involved would be nice.
January 13 at 9:41 am
Optimus says:
5-1
January 13 at 9:41 am
Djerbil says:
4-1 Chelsea
January 13 at 9:42 am
Kostja says:
I think given that it is a game where both teams could be weakened and a little tired I think 3-2 to chelsea
January 13 at 9:42 am
Super-Hans says:
I really think it could get ugly. Only have Mata, and every man and his dog has him as captain, so I’m actually hoping 0-1, but think it will be 3-0 or 4-0….
January 13 at 9:41 am
BLUE BLOODED GORKHALI-BLUE IS THE COLOR !!! says:
Someone here posted earlier about “New Comment System” in the page.
Please enlighten me with that?
If that is about real time comment update…It would be a great one!!!
January 13 at 9:45 am
Grumpy Camel says:
havent had much info on it yet but i think its going to group conversations a little better. ie captain talk, who to bench, RMT, non FPL etc
January 13 at 9:43 am
Jordan says:
Hangeland …please go and play somewhere else ,then i cant pick you,anybody else got a piss poor addiction for a non performing player?
January 13 at 9:44 am
Super-Hans says:
I had one, years ago. His name was Tuncay Sanli, and he played OOP. He never gave me anything, and still have problems sleeping at night…
January 13 at 9:44 am
SILVER SURFER says:
Benteke, already got rid with my WC
January 13 at 9:44 am
Optimus says:
i said it yesterday that the 1 player i was never more happy to be rid of on my w/c was aaron hughes
January 13 at 9:49 am
Home Run Baker says:
Ba
January 13 at 9:57 am
NickyKids says:
Does Baines count?
January 13 at 9:44 am
tw - season 2 of the leagues begins gw 20. congrats to the 18 new managers! says:
old school: you’re crushing me in la liga this week
January 13 at 9:59 am
Old School - My HoF rank is Pants because I used to be.. end of... says:
TW… I saw but you could easily claw it back today
January 13 at 9:44 am
Djerbil says:
michael owen @themichaelowen
“@Paul_Twist: @themichaelowen you’re shite” Thanks. You are probably right but I once had more talent in my little toe than you ever will.
January 13 at 9:44 am
Cheggers - Fool of a Took says:
I’ve got a feeling that Liverpool will beat United today.
*ducks for cover*
January 13 at 9:46 am
Kostja says:
not impossible, cant see it happening though
January 13 at 9:48 am
Just One More Thing says:
Totally unbiased – I’ll say 2-1. Hope Suarez doesn’t score.
January 13 at 9:45 am
Just One More Thing says:
What do we reckon about Ba starting v Southampton next week? Interested in opinions, particularly as I captained Ba yesterday
January 13 at 9:46 am
Djerbil says:
He will start..
January 13 at 9:46 am
Cheggers - Fool of a Took says:
Torres to start for me
January 13 at 9:47 am
Kostja says:
I think Torres will start the next 2 games
January 13 at 9:47 am
Evs says:
I’m hoping praying, and looking for a brace.
Yep, I didn’t captain Mata either
January 13 at 9:55 am
HVT says:
Whom ?
January 13 at 9:47 am
Trebor says:
Same but not sure he’ll start, think he’ll get some time though.
January 13 at 9:50 am
Just One More Thing says:
Interesting – Chelsea (aside from the Villa game) have been goal shy at home (with Torres in team) since Rafa jumped aboard. I’m thinking it will be a chance for Ba to get a starting home debut (cross fingers)….
January 13 at 9:55 am
Trebor says:
Might be his chance to try both, hard to figure Benitez
January 13 at 9:50 am
Jordan says:
Bench i think Torres starts
January 13 at 9:47 am
mozza says:
Repost sorry…
Second guessing my transfer plan. Was going to do 2.
1) Ba to Podolski
2) Luiz to Gibbs, and Ba to Podolski for -4
Or
3) Luiz to Sagna, and Ba to Suarez (NOR at home) for -4
Have Walcott and demel but no other DGWs.
Today’s games will help decide but early thoughts appreciated.
January 13 at 9:50 am
bish bash bosh says:
2)
January 13 at 9:57 am
mozza says:
Cheers. Will be nervous not havin Suarez. If he scores well today you’d have to back him over pod
January 13 at 9:47 am
TOSH says:
scores prediction for ars vs citeh game?anyone?
January 13 at 9:48 am
Kostja says:
0-0
January 13 at 9:50 am
Omar says:
3-1 Arsenal, tight game that opens up in the second half.
January 13 at 9:51 am
TOSH says:
+1
January 13 at 9:52 am
Djerbil says:
1-0 Arsenal
January 13 at 9:52 am
Cheeseoid says:
1-1
January 13 at 9:54 am
tw - season 2 of the leagues begins gw 20. congrats to the 18 new managers! says:
not sure but i can’t see any more than a goal or two in it
January 13 at 9:55 am
Just One More Thing says:
1-0 Arsenal
January 13 at 9:48 am
Andrew says:
The assist for the third Sunderland goal and the number of saves awarded to Petr Čech have been queried with the Press Association. An update will be posted later today.
Last updated: 13 Jan 09:33
January 13 at 9:54 am
Kun Ba Yaya My Lord says:
Still nothing for Puncheon assist #strawclutching
January 13 at 9:55 am
Andrew says:
Yeah, apparently the referee told the Southampton staff at half time that the penalty was awarded for the challenge on Puncheon.
January 13 at 9:57 am
Just One More Thing says:
Hope they change it – could do with some more points
January 13 at 10:01 am
NickyKids says:
That one wasn’t a foul either
#halseyhadashocker
January 13 at 9:54 am
bish bash bosh says:
thank god how did flechter get that assist?
January 13 at 9:49 am
Omar says:
Backing Santi to pop up with a goal today.
January 13 at 9:56 am
Santiagounreal says:
BOOM
January 13 at 10:03 am
NickyKids says:
If Mikel’s out, then a pen for Pod would be nice
Although he’ll probs have been subbed off by then!
January 13 at 9:50 am
villian-ty says:
Have FT and WC to play
Do i
A. Save
B. Turnbull -> Bunn, Gorkks -> Demel
Bego (Turnbull)
GIBBS Davies Luiz (Cameron, Gorrks)
CAZORLA WALCOTT(C) Mata NOLAN (Puncheon)
Rvp Berbatov Suarez
0 in bank
January 13 at 9:51 am
tw - season 2 of the leagues begins gw 20. congrats to the 18 new managers! says:
my defenders are demel sagna o’brien nasty and cueller. which 3 should i start gw 23?
January 13 at 9:51 am
HVT says:
I’m seriously thinking of Berbatov > Lambert when playing my wc – at this stage I can’t see any reason not to , Both on penos but Fulham struggling a little whereas Soton appear to be on the up and Lambert is involved in everything and allows upgrades elsewhere ,
Any thoughts ?
January 13 at 9:54 am
Home Run Baker says:
Good call
January 13 at 9:55 am
NickyKids says:
Yeah, I like this call
January 13 at 9:58 am
Eunuch Jelly says:
I brought Lambert in on my wc with plans of switching back to Berb for GW24, but I think I won’t now. I think Lambert might be a better bet than Berb, but that doesn’t mean he is the best one for the third spot. I will stick with Lambs until, perhaps, Dzeko gets regular gametime. Also think about Defoe with Ade gone.
January 13 at 9:54 am
Back on the horse says:
NEW POST
January 13 at 9:54 am
Just One More Thing says:
I am thinking it is time to dispense with Berbatov when my WC is played next weekend. Fulham having a bad time in front of goal at home. I think Ruiz is a reasonable alternative, but I think I will be looking beyond Fulham….
January 13 at 9:55 am
Cheeseoid says:
I took a bit of a gamble for next week. Going to have Suarez and Sturridge up front. I needed to make transfer early as I also brought in Walcott and wanted to avoid the price increases.
January 13 at 9:56 am
Jordan says:
Anybody watch the ravens/broncos last night ?epic game, sport at its finest,fabulous entertainment, well done america….
January 13 at 10:03 am
DementedFlamingo says:
Yes. Great game. Enjoyed today’s GB vs SF49′s too
January 13 at 9:57 am
ch33kych4ppy says:
test
January 13 at 9:59 am
bola says:
icle
January 13 at 10:10 am
Thierry Turkey says:
es
January 13 at 10:09 am
Thierry Turkey says:
http://oi49.tinypic.com/16hutu.jpg
0.2 in bank where should i use it?
Im thinkning Demel>Davies after dgw. not sure what to do -.-
January 13 at 10:18 am
donkey73 says:
harte > clyne
January 13 at 10:16 am
donkey73 says:
The following cheap DEF seem to rotate very well:
Jussi-Bego + B.Davies-R.Martin-Clyne-Onuoha-Demel (or Wilson when he returns)
These allow me to have all the best front 8 (except afro): i.e. Mata-Silva-Walcott-Michu-Bale-Ba-Rvp-Suarez !!!
Yay or Nay ?
January 13 at 10:21 am
TOSH says:
defoe>tevez for gw23?already have 3 arsenal cover.