The Watchlist – Ian Harte
Filed under: The Watchlist - Posted by: Paul
When Reading clinched promotion to the Premier League last season, Ian Harte was immediately pencilled in by many Fantasy managers as a cut-price defensive option for the following campaign. With set-pieces and spot-kicks in his locker, the veteran’s four goals and eight assists from 32 appearances last time out were indicative of his potential for the Royals but Nicky Shorey’s return to the Madejski quickly scuppered the best-laid plans.
Despite starting the opening three Gameweeks of the season, Harte was shifted to the bench in favour of Shorey after back-to-back hammerings at the hands of Chelsea and Tottenham prompted Brian McDermott into a defensive re-think. As the season progressed, Shorey looked nailed-on and, handed a share of free-kicks and corners, afforded us the Reading budget option Harte was supposed to have been.
Come Gameweek 18, though, McDermott’s tinkering brought Harte back into the equation. Having shipped nine goals in their previous two home games, the Reading boss shifted from a 4-4-2 to a 4-4-1-1 and this time it was Shorey’s turn to slip out the picture – a narrow 1-0 loss at City was followed by back-to-back clean sheets at the Madejski as McDermott’s decision to tighten up paid off handsomely.
Back on set-pieces once again, Harte also supplied an assist against Spurs and has averaged four points per game since his return to first-team action – with his appeal also supplemented by a 3.8 Fantasy Premier League (FPL) price tag, the left-back once again enters our thoughts ahead of a run of three crucial home games in the next four.
While the upcoming visit of Chelsea is likely to deter most, McDermott’s side then play host to Sunderland and Wigan in the following three in addition to a trip to Stoke. With three wins in their last four, including a couple of comeback triumphs against West Brom and Newcastle, Reading have suddenly found their form and shown a fighting spirit that has defied the many doubters who had already consigned them to next season’s Championship.
Now just a point from safety, these next few matches will be crucial to their hopes of survival and will be earmarked by McDermott as a definite source of points – the schedule is set to turn nasty around Gameweek 28, with trips to Everton, United and Arsenal highlighting the task at hand. Although Harte was omitted from Saturday’s 4-0 FA Cup win over Sheffield United – with Shorey returning to the side once again – like fellow Royals budget option, Alex Pearce, it’s thought that this was simply a cup rotation tactic in light of two league games within the next week.
Fantasy managers can sit back and watch for the teamsheet against Chelsea: should Harte be re-installed in the starting line-up for Wednesday’s clash, he could be primed to finally vindicate that collective show of faith he initially received last summer and looks a definite cut-price prospect for our backlines over the short-term, at the very least.
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January 28 at 8:55 am
ViperStripes says:
I’m pondering my WC midfield – WC to be activated after deadline tomorrow.
Thoughts on Gerrard & Dempsey instead of Fellaini & Walcott…..trying to have a semi-differential team to pull me up the ranks from 50k to top 10k
Michu, Gerrard, Mata, Silva, Dempsey
Fletcher, Sturridge, RVP
January 28 at 8:58 am
Doosra - Laurentiu Reghecampf - Coach of FC Steaua Bucarești says:
I have Dempsey – but I wouldn’t do that.
January 28 at 9:00 am
ViperStripes says:
I actually made a note of your WC team when you posted your 2 options yesterday – 1st time I’ve made a note of a team!
January 28 at 9:02 am
Doosra - Laurentiu Reghecampf - Coach of FC Steaua Bucarești says:
I’m flattered!
But seriously, I believe Silva to be poor value, while Mata appears to be losing form.
January 28 at 9:05 am
ViperStripes says:
So Michu, Gerrard, Fellaini, Walcott, Dempsey you reckon?
Silva’s been steady points so far….Mata feels like a big risk
January 28 at 9:08 am
Doosra - Laurentiu Reghecampf - Coach of FC Steaua Bucarești says:
That’s what I believe – yes! Also – keep one eye on Chelski and ‘Pool – trouble at t’Mill, I reckon.
January 28 at 8:56 am
Doosra - Laurentiu Reghecampf - Coach of FC Steaua Bucarești says:
OK – would one of you kind souls explain to this stupid old git what all this DGW frenzy is about?
January 28 at 9:00 am
ViperStripes says:
I’m with you – is there a DGW caused by FA Cup matches at weekend? And/Or a blank GW for a team?
January 28 at 9:01 am
Snake Juice - West Bromwich Gunner Baggies says:
Potential LIV-SWA and ARS-EVE DGW.
Don’t know the details atm.
January 28 at 9:01 am
ViperStripes says:
Does that mean there are blanks? When?
January 28 at 9:02 am
Siva Mohan says:
GW27 & GW29
January 28 at 9:04 am
Doosra - Laurentiu Reghecampf - Coach of FC Steaua Bucarești says:
Why?
January 28 at 9:02 am
Doosra - Laurentiu Reghecampf - Coach of FC Steaua Bucarești says:
BUT … they all appear to have played 23 matches – or have the BBC got it wrong?
January 28 at 9:04 am
Snake Juice - West Bromwich Gunner Baggies says:
It’s only speculation at this point; just read it on the boards earlier. Not too fussed about the details right now.
January 28 at 9:05 am
Doosra - Laurentiu Reghecampf - Coach of FC Steaua Bucarești says:
Blimey!
January 28 at 11:29 am
Unloosener says:
Seems like Arsenal’s GW 29 is going to be postponed if Arsenal or Everton get to the quarter finals (according to the Arsenal site). Not sure about Liver though
January 28 at 8:58 am
ChristIna says:
When is SAF presser today?
January 28 at 8:59 am
Doosra - Laurentiu Reghecampf - Coach of FC Steaua Bucarești says:
At the usual time.
January 28 at 8:59 am
ChristIna says:
?
January 28 at 9:00 am
Doosra - Laurentiu Reghecampf - Coach of FC Steaua Bucarești says:
Fergie time!
January 28 at 9:01 am
ChristIna says:
*Throws coffee mug against wall.
January 28 at 9:04 am
Doosra - Laurentiu Reghecampf - Coach of FC Steaua Bucarești says:
Sorrreee!
January 28 at 9:10 am
HVT says:
Van
January 28 at 8:58 am
TorresMagic™ - Join the "FPL Open & Elite 64". Millionaire Club qualifying starts GW22. Codes in link. says:
Leagues Update
FPL Open : 303 entered, 256 spots, 256th spot @ 100K.
Elite 64 : 222 entered, 64 spots, 64th spot @ 1720th overall.
January 28 at 9:03 am
ViperStripes says:
Just joined the Open
January 28 at 9:07 am
TorresMagic™ - Join the "FPL Open & Elite 64". Millionaire Club qualifying starts GW22. Codes in link. says:
Need to pump some green arrows now.
January 28 at 9:06 am
Abhishek says:
Can you check i am in which Leagues of your;s ?
January 28 at 9:08 am
TorresMagic™ - Join the "FPL Open & Elite 64". Millionaire Club qualifying starts GW22. Codes in link. says:
200 odd. Green arrows needed.
January 28 at 9:09 am
TorresMagic™ - Join the "FPL Open & Elite 64". Millionaire Club qualifying starts GW22. Codes in link. says:
You are in both but might struggle to make either.
January 28 at 9:14 am
Abhishek says:
January 28 at 8:59 am
Snake Juice - West Bromwich Gunner Baggies says:
Random fact: The Swansea ballboy is the son of Swansea’s largest shareholder.
January 28 at 9:00 am
ChristIna says:
Random fact: Dolphins sleep with one eye open.
January 28 at 9:02 am
Snake Juice - West Bromwich Gunner Baggies says:
Paranoid much?
January 28 at 9:00 am
olidooley says:
Pick one:
Rafael
Nasty
Azpil
January 28 at 9:00 am
Snake Juice - West Bromwich Gunner Baggies says:
Nasty, City are tightening up again.
January 28 at 9:02 am
ChristIna says:
Nasty and tight in one sentenced.
Ban him!
January 28 at 9:05 am
Doosra - Laurentiu Reghecampf - Coach of FC Steaua Bucarești says:
I dunno – sounds appealing to me …
January 28 at 9:01 am
Valar Morghulis(Formerly Keith) says:
Nasty
January 28 at 9:01 am
zdawg says:
Raf for fixtures
January 28 at 9:07 am
muhdnaqiudayn says:
zabaleta ! rather than nasty
January 28 at 9:02 am
mozza says:
Narrowed it down to two options this week…
1) Wilson/demel to Davies
2) lambert to Pog, Ba to Aguero (-4)
Leaning towards playing Ba and doing option 1. Which would you do?
January 28 at 9:03 am
Abhishek says:
Repost:
Should i Wc this week ?
My Team without WC:
Jassk Begovic
Demel Davies Gibbs Culler Bassong
Mata Bale Fellaini Walcott Marvx
Rvp Ba Sturridge
Bank : 1.2 1 FT
With WC this week :
De Gea Ferdici
Davies RMartin Zabaleta Demel Clyne
Mata Bale Fellaini Walcott Marvx
Ba Rvp Aguero
Bank : 0.0
Which one ?
Or should i take WC next week ?
January 28 at 9:05 am
Doosra - Laurentiu Reghecampf - Coach of FC Steaua Bucarești says:
I wouldn’t.
January 28 at 9:07 am
Abhishek says:
Which Transfer should i do this week ?
January 28 at 9:10 am
Doosra - Laurentiu Reghecampf - Coach of FC Steaua Bucarești says:
Bassong to Zabaleta?
January 28 at 9:13 am
Abhishek says:
Hmm can do …. Thanks.
January 28 at 9:06 am
Soundwave says:
good day to all!
after 10 days of wc-ing, I (think) come up with the idea how should I use most of my def squad in the other part od season. So let’s begin :
Bego and Jaask are replaced with Migs and Federici. Reasons are pretty obvious – Bosnian GK is not doing his job well and IMO will be subbed with Sorensen for upcoming matches. Jaask is in same problem and last two matches are clear indicators why I decided to transfer him. New guys have perfect rotation till the very last gw, no money lost for their transfers and that is enough for me. In the 5 def line, I have opted for Nastasic / Wilkinson / Onuoha / Davies / R.Martin. Idea is to have Matija nailed down, and rotate these 4 when they play at home. Although QPR’s upcomin matches are very difficult from fantasy prospects, I hope Harry and Cezar will manage to keep them in top rank of Engilish football with CS when I go for Onuoha. Wilks ane R.Martin are also budget options, while Davies is here since N.Taylor has been injured. I would really like to hear your thoughts on this, enjoy your working week and rack up 70+ pts for this gw
January 28 at 9:08 am
Abhishek says:
January 28 at 9:17 am
Soundwave says:
thx, I saw your post and something tells me you will go with this gk rotation also
January 28 at 9:18 am
Kings of Lyon says:
Wilkinson will need to be shifted to Wilson when he’s back, but sound logic.
January 28 at 9:20 am
Soundwave says:
Ok, that is not problem, cause I have 3.0 in bank for those situations.
I’m now considering Zab over Matija, but since I gave up on Branislav, I wanted one Serb in my squad (who also has same name as me)
January 28 at 9:07 am
mubin says:
Who should I replace cazorla with this GW? In the bank=1.9mil.
A. Bale
B. Gerrard
C. Others…
Thank you.
January 28 at 9:14 am
Soundwave says:
Silva seems to be back in form and is good diferential
January 28 at 9:18 am
mubin says:
Agreed.
Not much Silva owners in my league too. 
January 28 at 9:22 am
Soundwave says:
Same here! Good luck to both of us in upcoming weeks
January 28 at 9:08 am
FORCA INTER says:
new post lads
http://www.fantasyfootballscou.....nd-sunday/
January 28 at 9:10 am
Phaze 1 says:
Any chance that Sturridge doesn’t rise today?
January 28 at 9:11 am
TorresMagic™ - Join the "FPL Open & Elite 64". Millionaire Club qualifying starts GW22. Codes in link. says:
Good chance he won’t.
January 28 at 9:10 am
villian-ty says:
Have 2 FT. 0.1 in bank
Which option?
A. Gibbs -> Nasty
B. Ba -> Dzeko
C. Ba -> Sturridge
D. Michu -> De Guzan.
E. Ba -> Fletcher
F. Gibbs -> Davies, Ruiz -> Fletcher
Bego (Bunn)
Gibbs Hughes Wisdom (Demel Clyne)
Bale Michu Mata Walcott Felliani
Rvp Ba (Ruiz)
January 28 at 9:11 am
eagles4ever says:
Which one? Gerrard, Silva or Bale. GO!
January 28 at 9:13 am
Soundwave says:
Silva
January 28 at 9:14 am
2 FAST 2 ...... RVP ! says:
I decided to go with sillva and Fletcher instaed of fellaini and dzeko
did I make the right move …?
bego bunn
gibbs zab davies demel shaw
mata silva walcott michu punchoen
Fletcher Ba Rvp .
thank you
January 28 at 9:15 am
Soundwave says:
I did the same, so it’s +1 from me
January 28 at 9:21 am
2 FAST 2 ...... RVP ! says:
pheww lol ! jus thought fellaini and dzeko or even sturridge would b too template
January 28 at 9:31 am
Soundwave says:
as I wrote on some post up, I think Silva is good diferential in upcoming two gws. If something happens to him (injury, no returns, etc), he can easily be swaped for Stiven G.
As for fletcher, I honestly can’t stand to look at him for more than 3 secs, but the true is that he found his form, has good run of upcoming fixtures and rotates well with marv and brunt, if you want to play 3-4-3 / 3-5-2 from gw to gw. And, can easily be transfered to Lambert or Sturridge
January 28 at 11:22 am
veerum says:
krul / mig
harte / mariappa / davies / zabaleta / o’brien
mata / gerrard / walcott / silva / marveaux
rvp / fletcher / sturridge
ANY PREFERABLE CHANGES????????????
OR GOOD TO GO?
January 29 at 10:41 am
Alzheimer Guy says:
Really?