This Much We Know – Gameweek 36

Wigan’s late surge for survival has a handful of sides looking over their shoulder as the relegation battle seems set to go down to the wire. The threat of rotation hangs heavy over United for the last two matches, while Michu’s hamstring absence forces a midfield reshuffle as Fantasy managers scurry to replace the most popular player in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game:

Wigan’s fighting spirit has provided a wake-up call….
The escape route is open once again, as Wigan’s victory at the Hawthorns reeled in another couple of teams in what is turning into a compelling relegation battle. As expected, the Latics were inspired by the performance of Shaun Maloney, whose tricky promptings provided a constant concern for the Baggies, ultimately leading to a couple of superb assists for the little Scot. With Arouna Kone grabbing a first goal in five league starts and Callum McManaman notching in successive Gameweeks, the Latics have the talent to pull themselves to safety and possess a self-belief instilled by last season’s extraordinary end of season form. While many Premier League managers battle to kill any complacency, Wigan have done their part by putting the likes of Fulham, Stoke and Norwich back on alert. Despite the distraction of an FA Cup final, if they earn the three points on Tuesday, Wigan’s assets will surely fight to the end, providing key Fantasy targets for the remaining pair of Gameweeks.

Villa young talent are being inspired by an old favourite…
Paul Lambert has emerged as a late candidate for manager of the year having stuck to his guns, under flak, and allowed his young side to flourish. Ironically, it’s been a Villa stalwart that has come to the fore recently – Gabby Agbonlahor’s form is hugely impressive and was typified by his two strikes at Carrow Road on Saturday. An immensely frustrating talent, Agbonlahor has timed his ascendency perfectly to provide a deadly foil to the force of nature that is Christian Benteke. While the Belgian is undoubtedly primed for a significant price rise next term, Agbonlahor’s late flourish may yet present an interesting option for us Fantasy managers. If Villa survive, Lambert will be backed to take Villa on next term and if he can keep Agbonlahor’s flame burning, there may well be another striker at Villa Park worthy of consideration.

Sir Alex’s teamsheet set the tone…
When the United boss announced he would look to give some of his second string an outing before the season ended, few expected that to come against Chelsea, with Rafa in opposition and the Blues fighting for a top four place. The inclusion of Anderson and Tom Cleverley, with Anders Lindegaard in goal and Wayne Rooney also benched, must have provided a pre-match boost to the visitors and also perhaps provided the catalyst for a lacklustre display from United. We saw them woken from their slumber by an early Arsenal goal last weekend but, this time around, the crucial strike from their opponents came late on and failed to draw a sting of retaliation. With West Brom and Swansea to come, Fantasy managers will be wondering whether United can rouse themselves to produce performances that can ensure that Robin Van Persie continues to find profit. Given Sunday’s teamsheet, there will also be concerns that further rest and rotation is imminent.

Steve Clarke is an uneasy forward thinker…
The canny Scot has undoubtedly done a superb job at the Hawthorns this season. However, having watched his side blitz Southampton thanks to an attacking 4-3-3 at St Mary’s, we always had reservations that he’d settle on such a formation for the visit of an enterprising Wigan. Sure enough, the 4-3-3 was in evidence but, having lost out to a battling showing from the Latics, Clarke was quick to accept the blame, citing the attacking formation as the root cause to the Baggies’ setback. Romelu Lukaku was sacrificed just after the hour-mark and Clarke’s post-match comments left us in little doubt that we’ll see a more reserved tactical approach to the midweek visit to the Etihad. Clarke deserves praise for his first season in charge but, for Fantasy managers, he’s emerged as a unpopular figure. Vague, if not misleading with his assessment of his squad prior to matches, his rigid 4-5-1 has kept us from investing in Lukaku and Shane Long with any confidence, whilst appearing to limit the output of midfield talent such as James Morrison and Chris Brunt.

Michu’s injury has forced our hand…
While the Spaniard has served us well as an outstanding Fantasy asset, we perhaps needed the news that Michu would likely miss the remaining matches of the season to push us into looking elsewhere. Although he’s proved explosive on occasions, his form did fall away dramatically mid-season and while he recently notched back-to-back goals, in a side that seem woefully short on form and motivation, it’s questionable whether Michu would have added to his tally before the season drew to an end. We could have done without the blow mid-way through the double Gameweek but, with so many Fantasy managers suffering, the impact is perhaps not as significant and now we are all in the market for a mid-price midfield asset, with the opportunity to find an effective differential for the final two Gameweeks.