The Watchlist – Lukas Podolski
Filed under: The Watchlist - Posted by: Jonty
Arsenal’s double Gameweek 23 is set to increase interest in Lukas Podolski as Fantasy managers look to take advantage of the London side’s visit to Chelsea and a home game with West Ham. Priced at 8.2 in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game, Podolski looks a ready-made replacement for Demba Ba, who was snapped up by 228,600 managers ahead of the Blues’ double Gameweek 22. Many of the former Newcastle striker’s owners are already nervous about his long-term value under Chelsea’s rotation-obsessed manager Rafa Benitez, with the suggestion that Fernando Torres will start tonight’s encounter with Southampton. Podolski is a straight swap option in the same price bracket.
Amongst Arsenal’s forwards, Podolski certainly looks the safest option; having cemented a role on the left of an attacking three, he has started all but two of the side’s Premier League matches this season. With 89 points in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game he is Arsenal’s highest ranked forward – only out-of-position midfielder Theo Walcott and Santi Cazorla have produced more points. With six goals scored and six assists this season, Podolski has both threat and creativity in his locker and has attracted 11 FPL bonus points, a tally bettered only by Cazorla and equalled by Walcott. In the Sky Sports game, where he is priced at £8.5m, Podolski also represents good value, having notched 88 points.
While Podolski, who has four double-digit points hauls to his name, is primed for investment ahead of the double gameweek he is not too shabby a purchase for the long term as well. Looking ahead, Arsenal have a kind run of fixtures over the next six game weeks (LIV, STO, sun, AVL, tot, EVE) including four home games and a North London derby with Tottenham, which are often high scoring ties. With Mikel Arteta sidelined due to a calf injury, Podolski looks set to be next in line for spot-kicks, according to his manager – furthering his appeal as a mid-price option.
Those investing in his services can also be assured of a strong pedigree, having scored 44 times in his 106 appearances for the German national side. This includes three goals in the 2006 World Cup and a further three at Euro 2008. Prior to joining Arsenal, on a four year deal this summer, he had just recorded his best top flight club haul for FC Cologne, where he scored 18 times and assisted seven goals in 29 Bundesliga appearances.
There is a slight caveat, though. During tight games Podolski is often sacrificed early on for a more defensive minded player. In Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Southampton in Gameweek 21 he left the pitch on the 57 minute mark and in the following week against Manchester City at home, he departed before the hour once again; while his starting role is not in doubt, there’s every chance Podolski won’t last the full 90 minutes in either match.
Fantasy managers need to assess whether, over two appearances, he’ll be given opportunity to return scores that will surpass the alternatives up front. While Theo Walcott and Santi Cazorla remain firm favourites for the armband, Podolski appears to offer the next best route for those looking to treble up on attacking assets in Wenger’s lineup or avoid using up two midfield slots, with such riches available in that position elsewhere. The injury to Arteta, bringing spot-kicks into the equation, may just seal the deal for some.
About The Author
“Fantasy Football Scout community manager and podcaster.”
Jonty @newsandfeatures
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January 16 at 1:10 pm
drunken_mess says:
January 16 at 1:15 pm
EpicFAIL - AVFC <3 says:
?
January 16 at 1:10 pm
riQuelme techniQue says:
If I had the balls I’d go Giroud.
January 16 at 1:13 pm
Grounderz says:
Unfortunately for me, I don’t own a pair of steel balls big enough to see me opt for a risky punt. Like the majority on here, opted for Lukas Podolski as the safer bet.
January 16 at 1:16 pm
riQuelme techniQue says:
Secretly hoping Giroud starts tonight and bangs a few in!
January 16 at 1:17 pm
Grounderz says:
Let’s hope so!
January 16 at 1:20 pm
Scroobius Mac says:
He’ll start tonight for sure.
January 16 at 1:12 pm
drunken_mess says:
is it worth bringing podolski in for a hit (just used wildcard) and next week will want him out again. Been thinking Walcott is more than enough Arsenal cover for the way they are playing
January 16 at 1:16 pm
Grounderz says:
It’s super risky. If Lukas scores double digits, it pays off the hit. As far as ARS are concerned, I reckon they are in for a big haul this one so I’d say go for it and try your luck out.
January 16 at 1:16 pm
super zlatan says:
My arsenal coverage this gw will be Gibbs Walcott and pod.
I think u need at least two arsenal players
January 16 at 1:18 pm
Grounderz says:
Super Zlatan is right. It’s ARS we’re talking here and you just might need at least two ARS players for the DGW.
January 16 at 1:18 pm
drunken_mess says:
cheers, could do Ba to Pod for free i suppose but will loose 0.3 on Ba
January 16 at 1:34 pm
Mike the Knight says:
Will you ever want Ba back? I think it will be a selection headache for the rest of the season. (Even if El Nino is s**t)!
January 16 at 1:14 pm
Roonani says:
want to get Berba and ba out
I want one long term striker and one that i can possibly rotate if needed. Ideally would keep berba long term but his tough fixtures coming up are not appealing.
Will be getting suarez in 3 weeks as well after his tough fixture.
In the meantime Tevez and Lukaku for -4 ?
January 16 at 1:36 pm
Mike the Knight says:
I am also ditching Berbs, Fulham are just to unreliable at the mo. I would stay clear of Tevez, just like Ba he creates such a headache when rotated. With Aguero back soon he is always number one and the other three will have to fight it out for a start. How about looking at Sturridge?
January 16 at 2:43 pm
Roonani says:
he is definitley an option was thinking of doing sturrige and lukaku for this week. Abit worried for him not starting
January 16 at 1:15 pm
super zlatan says:
Afternoon lads
I still have my original wildcard but already used my winter wildcard.
Mental to consider using it after this gw?
My team
Bego. Jussi
Gibbs. Luis. Demel. Davies. Clyne
Mata. Bale. Michu. Walcott. Punch
Rvp. Ba. Lambert
0.4 bank
January 16 at 1:18 pm
Mind over Mata says:
Gibbs, Walcott, Demel – you are covered for this week IMO
Save it
January 16 at 1:19 pm
super zlatan says:
I was going to use it after this coming gw though….
January 16 at 1:22 pm
Mind over Mata says:
Sounds good
January 16 at 1:21 pm
Grounderz says:
Definitely insane. That team you drafted is good enough to see you for several weeks to come, even a few months. I wouldn’t consider activating the season wildcard at this point unless a massive change of form and consistency around the majority of the players in the usual template.
January 16 at 1:22 pm
super zlatan says:
Cheers pal. Appreciate your comment.
January 16 at 1:15 pm
Devil May Smile says:
Can someone add Loic Remy to the QPR squad pls?
that will be my cheey punt
January 16 at 1:21 pm
Castiel says:
Is Remy actually any good? Know nothing about him
January 16 at 1:35 pm
Devil May Smile says:
If old Harry likes him, that means he is good
January 16 at 1:22 pm
Scroobius Mac says:
Not been confirmed yet by the club/FA.
January 16 at 1:15 pm
when in doubt (C) him,his left foot will save ya!!! says:
REPOST from last article: there was only one reply so am putting this up once again…pls help guys!!!!
rate my wildcard team(24th gamewk) and any kind of suggestions welcome
and need some help too….
bego,bunn
zabaleta, rafael, davies, wilson, nelsen
michu, bale, mata, guthrie(cheapest benchwarmer), 6.1 mid
rvp,aguero,sturridge
who get among nelsen and onouha???
who is best mid within 6.1 for this team???
January 16 at 1:28 pm
Triggalicious says:
Nelsen is going to Canada.
Turner is a decent alternative.
Just pick whoever you want in MF, it’s all down to luck in any case.
January 16 at 1:16 pm
Triggalicious says:
A differential is only a differential for a couple of weeks at best.
Discus.
January 16 at 1:17 pm
EpicFAIL - AVFC <3 says:
Unless they’re shoite, then they will continue to be a differential.
January 16 at 1:18 pm
Triggalicious says:
Aye, I did miss out the word ‘good’ in there to be fair.
January 16 at 1:19 pm
Gopher: good FPL season so far! says:
Lol
January 16 at 1:18 pm
MJ6987 (Atalanta) says:
If it turns out to be a successful differential, yes. If, as is usual, it turns out to be a failure, then it will remain a differential for weeks to come!
January 16 at 1:20 pm
megatron x says:
what does a track and field event wherein peeps try and toss a weighted disc the farthest have to do with differentials? u confuse me
January 16 at 1:24 pm
Triggalicious says:
An old joke from a typo made on here a few weeks ago. Sorry for the in-joke!
January 16 at 1:25 pm
Demi says:
January 16 at 1:21 pm
Caine & Co. says:
most often yeah, but gerrard for example has been a nice differential for quite a while now
January 16 at 1:21 pm
athleticbilbobaggins says:
David Silva – five assists in the six weeks I’ve had him. Massive differential.
January 16 at 1:22 pm
alsybach says:
javelin
January 16 at 1:24 pm
megatron x says:
to the point
January 16 at 1:23 pm
when in doubt (C) him,his left foot will save ya!!! says:
help needed on the post above…
January 16 at 1:16 pm
Doctor X says:
Repost:
I’d really like some United defensive cover on my WC. Currently going for a Begovic – Bunn pairing. I’m getting Wilson in at the back and have the money for DDG.
Is it prudent to get De Gea? I see about 4-5 CSs in United’s next 7-8 fixtures.
(To all those who suggested I get a defender, I’m going for Zabaleta – Sagna – 3×4.0 at the back. I can’t make room for a defender lads!)
Whats the next best option?
January 16 at 1:19 pm
riQuelme techniQue says:
Evra
January 16 at 1:20 pm
Canadian Football says:
i chose DDG to start the season and got stuck in rotation. Big mistake….with CL & FA cup matches to come…..i can see rotation with Lindy in the cards.
January 16 at 1:22 pm
Doctor X says:
True! A rethink is needed then, but he seems fairly nailed on though.
January 16 at 1:16 pm
Zat Knight Rises says:
Saves horses —– eat langoustine
January 16 at 1:16 pm
Mind over Mata says:
A) Ba -> Podolski
B) Luiz -> Gibbs
C) Do A and B
D) Mig -> Chesney
January 16 at 1:17 pm
super zlatan says:
I’m doing A.
Is both for a hit?
January 16 at 1:18 pm
Mind over Mata says:
Sadly so.. worth it?
January 16 at 1:19 pm
Mind over Mata says:
I think Chelsea tonight is important to decide A or B
January 16 at 1:21 pm
super zlatan says:
Not sure it’s worth a hit. Just do A imo
January 16 at 1:18 pm
HelloSidney says:
What other DGW players yu have?
January 16 at 1:20 pm
Mind over Mata says:
Demel and Walcott
January 16 at 1:23 pm
HelloSidney says:
A or D IMO
January 16 at 1:22 pm
Grounderz says:
If this were a poker table, I’d bet my $20 wealth on (A).
January 16 at 1:22 pm
Canadian Football says:
C)…..you are only risking 2 pts with DGW
January 16 at 1:16 pm
DanwiseTheBrave says:
And I had just decided to save my transfer…
January 16 at 1:17 pm
EpicFAIL - AVFC <3 says:
Save it then.
January 16 at 1:19 pm
DanwiseTheBrave says:
I wouldn’t mind a podolski punt though, especially considering the ba one hasn’t worked out yet
January 16 at 1:25 pm
thetinkerman says:
I’m considering saving mine in favour of getting Fellaini in next week.
January 16 at 1:29 pm
DanwiseTheBrave says:
I fear the Ba rotation, so I might take Pod for a few weeks until Europa starts.
January 16 at 1:28 pm
shirtless says:
I’m going to save and go with 3 DGW’ers, then have 2 for next week before wildcarding.
January 16 at 1:18 pm
Demi says:
Predictions for tonight:
United 2-0 West Ham
Arsenal 2-1 Swansea
Chelsea 3-1 Southampton
January 16 at 1:19 pm
Triggalicious says:
United 2 – 0 West Ham
Arsenal 1 – 0 Swansea
Chelsea 1 – 0 Southampton
January 16 at 1:21 pm
jorel says:
united 1 – 0 west ham
arsenal 0 – 1 swansea
chelsea 0 – 0 southampton
January 16 at 1:20 pm
riQuelme techniQue says:
United 3 – WH – 0
Arsenal 2 – Swans 1
Chelsea 3 – Saints 0
January 16 at 1:20 pm
EpicFAIL - AVFC <3 says:
Man Utd 1 – 2 West Ham
Arsenal 2 – 0 Swansea
Chelsea 1 – 1 Saints
January 16 at 1:21 pm
megatron x says:
no. demi. no. i ain’t gunna fall into this premonition malarkey. NEVERRRR
January 16 at 1:24 pm
Canadian Football says:
United v West Ham 2-3 (on penos)
Ars v Swa 3-2 on penos
Chelsea 2-1
January 16 at 1:18 pm
jorel says:
who should i trade out podolski(8.2m) for after the DGW.. +0.6 in the bank
January 16 at 1:18 pm
HelloSidney says:
Sturridge if you don’t have Suarez
January 16 at 1:19 pm
EpicFAIL - AVFC <3 says:
Someone else.
January 16 at 1:28 pm
Canadian Football says:
Might just keep here until transfer window closes and or the sturridge/Suarez situation becomes clearer even agruero…..
i’m taking out Lambert>Fletcher to start
January 16 at 1:32 pm
Grounderz says:
I haven’t a plan for that yet. Now that you remind me, homework begins.
January 16 at 1:45 pm
Dksbananas says:
How about Kenwyn Jones? Stoke are at home to Wigan, Reading and West Ham from GW24 – GW28 and away to Fulham and Arsenal they may get something
January 16 at 1:20 pm
JKisthe1 - A Founder of Berbism says:
I’m prepared to take the risk on Pod, my alternative is Carlton Cole (yes i know, please don’t ask)
January 16 at 1:22 pm
EpicFAIL - AVFC <3 says:
At worst, Pod will get 2 points. But the potential for a big score is there.
January 16 at 1:24 pm
Canadian Football says:
+1….not much of a risk imo
January 16 at 1:34 pm
Grounderz says:
Carlton Cole is a differential. For people who are chasing points should really reconsider their options. I, for one, think he is not the answer.
January 16 at 1:37 pm
JKisthe1 - A Founder of Berbism says:
If Carlton Cole is the answer then i don’t want to know what the question is.
I think it might be. Who is the worst player who isn’t injured you can possibly get for DGW?
January 16 at 1:22 pm
oxido_76 says:
Hi guys ! Need advice please !
Best move ? :
A) Mata > Santi
B) Mata > Santi and Evans (or Nelsen) > WHM defender (Demel) for a hit
C) Evans > Demel and Berba > Podolski (for a hit)
January 16 at 1:36 pm
ILOVEBAPS says:
Don’t get rid of Evans. Especially not for WHU defence. I have Demel and expect zero from him.
Mata is a keeper so hold him too… what has Santi done lately to think he is worth losing Mata for? If you just want a punt then sure, go for it. Would rather lose Ba (rotation threat) for Pod though.
January 16 at 1:24 pm
HelloSidney says:
I don’t like any of those…
However, if you want to pick one, A is the least bad
January 16 at 1:27 pm
ChristIna says:
Are you the guy that jumped from the 20 storey building?
January 16 at 1:26 pm
shirtless says:
I just can’t bring myself to do Tevez>Pod after an 11 point game with Fulham at home coming up. So for that reason, I’m out. I think. Maybe…
January 16 at 1:26 pm
thehut says:
Last riddle from me today…
Einstein’s Intelligence Quiz
Einstein wrote this quiz last century. He said that 98% of the people in the world cannot solve the quiz.
There are 5 houses in 5 different colors
In each house lives a person with a different nationality
These 5 owners drink a certain type of beverage, smoke a certain brand of cigar, and keep a certain pet
No owners have the same pet, smoke the same brand of cigar or drink the same drink.
Here’s the question: Who owns the fish?
The Brit lives in a red house
The Swede keeps dogs as pets
The Dane drinks tea
The green house is on the left of the white house
The green house owner drinks coffee
The person who smokes Pall Mall rears birds
The owner of the yellow house smokes Dunhill
The man living in the house right in the middle drinks milk
The Norwegian lives in the first house
The man who smokes Blend lives next door to the one who keeps cats.
The man who keeps horses lives next door to the man who smokes Dunhill
The owner who smokes Blue Master drinks beer
The German smokes Prince
The Norwegian lives next to the blue house
The man who smokes Blend has a neighbor who drinks water
With these 15 clues the problem is solvable.
January 16 at 1:28 pm
HelloSidney says:
I did this before, it took a while
January 16 at 1:30 pm
Triggalicious says:
I’ve done this one before, I drew out charts and everything – managed it eventually though!
Great little puzzle if you have a spare half hour or more.
January 16 at 1:30 pm
megatron x says:
bomb all five houses. no fish. no problem
January 16 at 1:35 pm
Santiagounreal says:
Einstein? Bombs? Have some respect you fool
January 16 at 1:43 pm
megatron x says:
grrr. einstein was the bomb. figuratively and literally. you ignoramus.
January 16 at 1:31 pm
Chuck Norris - "Keep Calm and Pass me the ball" - Berbatov, 26/12/12 says:
The fish isn’t mentioned in any of the clues
January 16 at 1:31 pm
Giggs Boson says:
Norwegian – Cats
Brit – Birds
Dane – Horse
Swede – Dogs
German – FISH
(I drew out the buildings on paint
)
January 16 at 1:32 pm
Giggs Boson says:
As a computer scientist there is a systematic approach that makes it relatively simple.
January 16 at 1:35 pm
Kingston says:
I still don’t get it
January 16 at 1:38 pm
thehut says:
CORRECT, The German
Great riddle
January 16 at 1:35 pm
megatron x says:
it’s probably the swede. scandinavians like seafood, so i’d posit that his canine companions are in fact dog-fish. case closed
January 16 at 1:59 pm
Caine & Co. says:
only took me 32 minutes but German has the fish!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! im so good
January 16 at 1:26 pm
jayzico says:
Sorry but I’m just not buying into either pod or giroud. lukaku for me with gibbs and walcott(c) is enough arsenal coverage
January 16 at 1:29 pm
iain_90 says:
can’t ignore the City attack at home to Fulham I feel.
January 16 at 1:33 pm
jayzico says:
can’t trust dzeko if aguero’s back in the frame
January 16 at 1:26 pm
Giggs Boson says:
Will be in my team for sure.
http://i.imgur.com/08BhS.gif
January 16 at 1:26 pm
Sporting ABG says:
only a day late:
TESCO vegetarian burgers have also been removed from sale as they may contain traces of Uni-Quorn.
January 16 at 1:28 pm
Captain Berbarossa - arrrrrrr!!! says:
Disgusting!!!!
January 16 at 1:28 pm
Demi says:
….Isn’t that part of a stable diet?
January 16 at 1:30 pm
roscola says:
Presumably you’ve seen Simon Pegg’s effort on Twitter:
“At the very least, shoppers have been given an answer as to why Tesco beef burgers have been giving them the trots.”
January 16 at 1:27 pm
Sporting ABG says:
Trading Standards have confirmed that TESCO beef burgers are low in fat but contain too much Shergar.
January 16 at 1:31 pm
Captain Berbarossa - arrrrrrr!!! says:
Yeah, but they said it was not a health risk because it wasn’t the mane ingredient.
January 16 at 1:28 pm
ChristIna says:
Save the whales.
January 16 at 1:29 pm
ChristIna says:
…harpoon a fat chick.
January 16 at 1:30 pm
Scroobius Mac says:
Is the rest of the country not feeling the effects of the snow too much?
If there was a Norwich match on today there is not a chance it would be going ahead.
January 16 at 1:32 pm
HelloSidney says:
I don’t take drugs
January 16 at 1:34 pm
Scroobius Mac says:
Alright Didi we believe you.
January 16 at 1:30 pm
Canadian Football says:
Hey Lads….all quiet on the “Real Life” transfer rumors.
Any big names circulation?
January 16 at 1:34 pm
Canadian Football says:
*in* circulation
January 16 at 1:31 pm
We are Tottenham says:
Hi Guys.
thoughts on potential for Dzeko to start this weekend?
Thanks
January 16 at 1:31 pm
isacki - losing makes winning sweeter says:
Podolski:
- nailed on
- on penalties according to Wenger
- explosive
- pop star.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVLZmCJ9oyU
January 16 at 1:32 pm
isacki - losing makes winning sweeter says:
I NEVER SAID IT WAS GOOD
January 16 at 1:32 pm
DanwiseTheBrave says:
I’m sold
January 16 at 1:33 pm
roscola says:
Ouch. That video could not be more German if they were all wearing lederhosen
January 16 at 1:33 pm
Canadian Football says:
hopefully he has a jam session tonight and rests up for the this weekends match.
January 16 at 1:34 pm
isacki - losing makes winning sweeter says:
That would be the wurst outcome.
January 16 at 1:34 pm
Scroobius Mac says:
The hell is he wearing?!
January 16 at 1:34 pm
Giggs Boson says:
Definietely. Do you think Arsenal will keep any CSs? I’m thinking of getting Walcott, Santi and Pod.
January 16 at 1:37 pm
isacki - losing makes winning sweeter says:
Yeah I think they’ll keep the one. Maybe. I would much rather have Gibbs for attacking points over the immobile Sagna at this moment in time, but hey…
January 16 at 1:36 pm
Somebody's gonna get Litt Up! says:
And he says things like “Hey fans, shit happens.”
January 16 at 1:38 pm
Gargamel says:
That is something else
January 16 at 1:33 pm
Sporting ABG says:
BREAKING NEWS: Liverpool sell Andy Carroll to TESCO.
January 16 at 1:34 pm
isacki - losing makes winning sweeter says:
January 16 at 1:35 pm
Captain Berbarossa - arrrrrrr!!! says:
Damn, and he had his heaart set on the glue factory
January 16 at 1:34 pm
Sporting ABG says:
i liked the TESCO horse burgers but i prefer the My Lidl Pony ones.
January 16 at 1:36 pm
ChristIna says:
Why did the boy stand behind the horse?
January 16 at 1:37 pm
Captain Berbarossa - arrrrrrr!!! says: