The Digest – Gameweek 22
Filed under: The Digest - Posted by: Paul
The line can finally be drawn under double Gameweek 22 after last night’s events at the Bridge. Chelsea and Southampton both occupy our thoughts here, as we look at the Saints’ main man up top in addition to the value offered throughout their side, while the uncertainty over Chelsea’s lone striker situation continues to plague us.
The Player
A double Gameweek 22 was an obvious selling point prior to last Saturday’s deadline but Rickie Lambert’s displays across the course of the campaign have more than merited our consideration before now. Goals in each of the Saints’ pair of fixtures merely cemented his position as the top value outfield player in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game this season and propelled Lambert into fifth position in the forward standings on 109 points. What’s remarkable is that in spite of his 10 goals, four assists and 16 bonus points, Lambert has never really been afforded a bandwagon of his own – starting at a lowly 6.0, he’s risen just 0.4 in price so far.
As Adkins’ side go from strength to strength, their reliance on Lambert is becoming more obvious as the Gameweeks go by – he has played a part in seven of their 10 strikes from Gameweek 14 onwards, courtesy of five goals and a pair of assists. Although he dropped to the bench for only the third time last night, Adkins revealed this was part of a pre-match plan as he looked to bring Lambert on later in the game – his tactics proven spot on as the hitman notched within three minutes of his introduction. Indeed, Lambert has now scored in two of his three sub appearances, demonstrating his ability to produce within a limited time frame.
Last night’s goal at the Bridge means Lambert has now registered goals against each of the top three this term; highlighting his fixture-proof appeal as Adkins’ side prepare to face both Manchester clubs in the next four Gameweeks. With a home game against Everton and a trip to Wigan also on his short-term agenda, Lambert’s scoring form – aided by spot-kick duties and a share of set-pieces – is making a persuasive case for his inclusion in our squads. While many Fantasy managers are looking at five man midfields comprising the likes of Michu and Marouane Fellaini, Lambert’s stats may sway many back to a 3-4-3; not only has be outscored Fellaini over the season by three points, he has now registered six points more than the Swansea star from Gameweek 3 onwards. Food for thought, perhaps, for those looking for ways to save budget with their winter wildcards.
The Team
With 28 goals conceded in their opening 10 league fixtures, Southampton’s return to the top-flight earned them the tag of early-season whipping boys as Nigel Adkins’ side struggled to acclimatise to the lofty heights of the Premier League. Since Jack Cork’s midfield return from injury in Gameweek 11, the defensive turnaround has been remarkable, however, with just 12 goals conceded in the subsequent 12 fixtures highlighting their increased resolve.
Many Fantasy managers have perhaps been deterred from investing in Adkins’ backline due to those first few results but, with their 4-2-3-1 system finally clicking, the full-backs have been afforded plenty opportunity to bomb forward and lend weight to the attacks. Nathaniel Clyne’s assist last night was his third in 10 appearances and with three clean sheets also thrown in for good measure over that period, his 4.0 price tag looks strong value, given his propensity to pick up points at both ends of the pitch.
The extra resilience hasn’t been detrimental to their attacking endeavours, either – 14 goals in the first 10 have been followed by 16 in the next 12. While Lambert has benefitted more than most, Jason Puncheon’s cut-price appeal came to the fore once again last night as the winger continues to prove just why he’s a popular cheap midfielder around these parts. Having started all but one game since Gameweek 7, his consistency of game time has proven crucial to his appeal and with attacking returns produced against the likes of United, Arsenal and Chelsea so far this term, he’s demonstrated his fixture-proof appeal within Adkins’ improving side.
Despite the loss of influential skipper Adam Lallana to a knee injury in Gameweek 16, the Saints have regrouped and have lost just once in the subsequent six, with Gaston Ramirez and Jay Rodrigues also chipping in with key contributions. Clyne, Puncheon and Lambert remain the most likely protagonists, however, and while the clashes with City and United are less than enticing, those Fantasy managers who loaded up on Saints coverage for the double may now think twice over offloading any of the trio given their flourishing form.
The Talking Point
Demba Ba’s owners sighed with relief last night when the line-ups arrived from Stamford Bridge. Rafa Benitez’s obsession with rotation had many anticipating a drop to the bench for the former Newcastle man but his inclusion in the starting XI afforded Ba the chance to notch once again – it’s three goals in four appearances in all competitions now since he arrived from St James’ Park earlier this month.
Indeed, Ba has now been omitted only once from the first XI over that quartet of fixtures – problems with his hamstring and knee forced him out of the Capital One Cup clash with Swansea, as Fernando Torres lead the line despite suffering from a stomach bug. Handed just 32 minutes over the double Gameweek, Torres seems to have dropped down the pecking order as Benitez looks to the in-form Ba to grab the goals but Rafa’s admission earlier in the week that he will “manage” Ba’s long-term knee condition remains an issue for the Senegal striker’s Fantasy owners.
There’s two ways to look at Ba’s likely chance of a start at home to Arsenal on Sunday. The first suggests that his form, allied with the fact that the clash is not until Sunday, should give Benitez plenty time to rest him for the Gunners game – the other school of thought suggests that the interim-manager may reckon Torres is far fresher, given their recent respective game times.
The very fact that this quandary exists, however, highlights our Fantasy frustration. Ba, clearly, is the form player and has been one of the most consistent Fantasy assets this season – up to third in the FPL forward standings, he’s more than capable of producing the goods in any given Gameweek but it seems there will always be a risk with Benitez at the helm.
With Roberto Mancini’s tinkering up front also an issue over at City, many may decide it’s just not worth the hassle or risk investing in Chelsea’s attack; with alternatives such as Robin Van Persie and Luis Suarez nailed-on options by comparison, leaving ourselves at the mercy of Benitez’s rotational whims is a risky business. Granted, the pay-off could be substantial if Ba continues to stave off Torres’ threat but that weekly wait for the teamsheets can only lead to nervous dispositions – hardly conducive to our Fantasy planning as the season starts to heat up.
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paul
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I would say 5 or more points is a reasonable captaincy haul. That takes you down to six fails IMO, only three of which… » -
almost, more likely to be: Clasie Strootman Maher van Ginkel de Jong Wijnaldum » -
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true. issue is it's not like baines is a good enough player to get a move to man utd and displace evra. also most… » -
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Other way round would be more possble- Evra wont get a game ahead of him »
“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 17 at 8:52 pm
MK Don says:
NO ONE LIKES US
NO ONE LIKES US
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January 17 at 8:54 pm
Crouch Potato says:
Ye were excellent when ye were Wimbledon!
January 17 at 9:05 pm
spectrum says:
Aka Franchise Fc
January 17 at 8:52 pm
We are Tottenham says:
hi guys do we expect podolski to rise tonight? as things stand i can afford lambert -> podolski leaving me 0.0 in my bank…
if he goes up i can’t do it. but don’t want to rush transfers incase games are cancelled.
note that this would be for a hit.
1. is it worth it at all?
2. should i do it tonight?
3. should i risk waiting until the last minute?
4. should i leave myself with only Demel and Walcott as DGW cover?
January 17 at 8:53 pm
bennydebull says:
not worth it
January 17 at 8:54 pm
JWF says:
Who are your other strikers? Ditching Lambert is not ideal. Yes, I would wait until Saturday morning.
January 17 at 8:57 pm
We are Tottenham says:
my strikers as things stand are RVP Dzeko and Lambert
January 17 at 8:56 pm
Common Barn Utd says:
POD up tonight yes. Will he score 4 more than Lambert after 2 games, debatable.
January 17 at 8:57 pm
stooshermadness says:
Don’t take a hit. Walcott is the best bet for the DGW. Podolski could score well or have two 62 minute appearances for 4 points.
January 17 at 9:00 pm
We are Tottenham says:
ok thanks guys.
do you think dzeko will start for city?
i absolutely hope so as i used my FT very hastily a few days ago to bring him in for Ba
January 17 at 9:03 pm
stooshermadness says:
Nobody on the site or anyplace else has figured out how Mancini thinks. Dzeko’s probably a good play as you might expect Aguero to come on for a 20 minute cameo coming off his hamstring injury rather than start – thus, Tevez/Dzeko start
January 17 at 9:16 pm
We are Tottenham says:
thanks
i agree.. mancini is the hardest manager i have ever had to try to predict.
January 17 at 8:52 pm
MK Don says:
BEAT BY THE FRANCHISE !
YOU’VE JUST BEEN BEAT BY THE FRANCHISE
BEAT BY THE FRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANCHISE
YOU’VE JUST BEEN BEAT BY THE FRANCHISE
January 17 at 8:53 pm
GreennRed says:
Sturridge and Suarez. A or B?
A. Suarez’s points will drop a bit cos he’s sharing them with Sturridge who could be decent but a bit greedy.
B. Sturridge will deliver at last on his potential class, become a great team player and himself and Suarez will become a modern day Tosh and Keegan.
January 17 at 9:02 pm
r0binh0 says:
C Suarez’s points will increase since there will actually be someone on the end of his passes who can stick them away
January 17 at 9:05 pm
GreennRed says:
A bit of B there too. Cheers Rob. Gonna repost.
January 17 at 9:06 pm
stooshermadness says:
B-ish. I think he will continue to be greedy but I think it will benefit Suarez for FF points in that his passes will go to someone who can finish.
January 17 at 8:53 pm
chunk says:
Is it worth doing
Ba—- Pod tonight before 0-1 rise ?
Or hang fire until Saturday morning .
January 17 at 8:56 pm
chunk says:
Front 8 are
Mata Walcott (c) Michu Fellani (Guthrie)
Rvp Suarez (vc) Ba
January 17 at 8:59 pm
We are Tottenham says:
i have a similar issue as you can read above…
i think i am going to hold off until saturday, but not sure at all
January 17 at 8:59 pm
stooshermadness says:
I suspect Ba’s chances of scoring Sunday are nearly as good as Podolski over the DGW.
January 17 at 8:53 pm
MK Don says:
HE DOES WHAT HE LIKES
HE DOES WHAT HE LLLLLLIIIIIIIIKKKKKKKEESSS
ALAN SMITH
HE DOES WHAT HE LIKES
January 17 at 8:53 pm
Dynamic says:
New post Bumders
January 17 at 8:53 pm
Jonny T says:
sure this has been asked before but any scoutcast tonight?
mignolet
baines demel mertesacker
bale michu sterling walcott(c)
suarez rvp podolski
potts mcauley puncheon
subs right?
thanks
January 17 at 9:01 pm
stooshermadness says:
I might think about Puncheon at home v. Everton ahead of Sterling – he’s a bit of a risk for minutes with Sturridge and Borini fit.
January 17 at 8:54 pm
MK Don says:
WALKING ALONG
SINGING THIS SONG
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January 17 at 8:54 pm
MK Don says:
WE’VE GOT LUKEY CHADWICK
WE’VE GOT LUKEY CHADWICK
LA LA LA LA
OOO !
LA LA LA LA
OOO !
January 17 at 8:54 pm
Triggalicious says:
Anyone else at all for a bit of Loic Remy?
I heard price estimates of 7-8m on here earlier, so for 6m he could be a steal to go alongside RVP and Aguero
January 17 at 8:56 pm
Portuguese&Proud says:
well only problem with that is him playing for QPR
January 18 at 1:31 am
saram_ says:
QPR…. They’ve taken 4 points from Chelsea and Spurs.
They are playing very well, made a few good signings and ‘Arry has them bouncing.
I think the sooner this myth about QPR being a team not to back (or seen as an easy touch) the better off we’ll all be
January 17 at 8:55 pm
Jonny T says:
mignolet and bunn rotate very nicely. fact. imo
January 17 at 9:12 pm
Snake Juice - West Bromwich Gunner Baggies says:
Fact. IMO.
January 17 at 8:55 pm
ShakeYourBones says:
1 FT this week, Is it worth playing WC for:
Mig
…….
Zab, GIBBS, DEMEL (clyne, shorey)
……..
Bale, WALCOTT, NOBLE?!, Fellaini (snodgrass)
…………
r.v.p, POD, Saurez
Original team:
Guzan
……
Vertong, DEMEL Clyne (shorey, enrique)
…….
Bale, WALCOTT, Fellaini, NOBLE?!, (snodgrass)
………
Ba, r.v.p., Berb
January 17 at 8:55 pm
juancarlos - Lewandowski, please stay at BVB says:
Should I drop my Maloney who has SUN at home this GW to get Noble for his 2 games this GW? It would be for free. I have only Demel as my WHU coverage now. Mert, Walcott and Podolski are my Arsenal coverages.
January 17 at 8:58 pm
chuckberry04 says:
“my Maloney”
January 17 at 9:05 pm
juancarlos - Lewandowski, please stay at BVB says:
Mean that I already have him
January 17 at 9:08 pm
chuckberry04 says:
Just thought it was funny
And yes you should do it.
January 17 at 8:55 pm
Portuguese&Proud says:
Scoutcast
http://www.fantasyfootballscou.....nt-4923489
January 17 at 9:02 pm
RichRover says:
Is Demel nailed on to start both games this gameweek?
January 17 at 9:24 pm
Chelsea Harbour says:
think so. was rested for FA Cup replay v United, so will definitely play weekend, and assume again midweek
January 17 at 9:04 pm
royals forever says:
Hi Guys
In your opinion who do you think is the best DF for 5.5m
Rest of Back 7
Szczesny Begovic
Zabaleta Demel Davies Pearce
Already got Walcott and Cazorla as other Arsenal Coverage
Any help would be appreciated
January 17 at 9:11 pm
Snake Juice - West Bromwich Gunner Baggies says:
Mertesacker
January 17 at 9:13 pm
King Henry ii - AFC (feeder club) says:
Dawson (after next week)
January 17 at 9:26 pm
Hatter says:
I agree
January 17 at 9:26 pm
Hatter says:
Should I get Podolski Remy or Sturridge to accompany RVP and Suarez in my front 3..? Thanks
January 18 at 4:18 pm
Katie says:
January 17 at 9:29 pm
Zat Knight Rises says:
Anyone having a problem with fiso tonight. Looks like I’m ony seeing players with a positive percentage. Have been monitoring Caz but I can’t see anyone who is of a negative percentage. I’m guessing he will still be in the minus’?
January 17 at 10:37 pm
tahoe don says:
caulker , simpson, defoe probably going down according to total FPL
January 17 at 9:33 pm
Chelsea Harbour says:
Anyone know much about this Paulista character and if going to play a role in DGW ?
January 17 at 9:47 pm
BonZ says:
Any news on Mata injury?
January 17 at 10:13 pm
tahoe don says:
none .. O
January 18 at 12:32 am
Tmel says:
Which of these is best?
a) Ba & Mata > Suarez & Cazorla
b) Ba & Vertonghen/Nas > Suarez & Gibbs
c) Berba & Cameron > Podolski & Sagna (would mean benching Ramirez & Sterling)
d) Berba & Mata > Podolski & Cazorla
(Walcott is my only DGW player atm)