The Watchlist Updated – The Midfield

Having analysed the Defence in yesterday’s article, we now turn our attentions to our recommended midfield options over the next four to six Gameweeks. A certain Swan stays at the top of the pecking order but Chelsea’s in-form Brazilian is hot on his heels.

No doubt brimming with confidence from his first international call up, Spain debutant Michu heads up the Watchlist for another week. Swansea’s leading light from last term looks set to build on his two goal tally: Sunderland, West Ham and Stoke visit the Liberty, with trips to promoted Cardiff and porous Fulham all in the next five.

Chelsea’s top scorer Oscar makes a big climb to second spot and replaces Eden Hazard in our rankings. Jose Mourinho’s preferred playmaker, the young Brazilian has found the net on three occasions and earned maximum bonus points for each of his strikes – with rest and rotation blighting the Blues’ frontline options, his attacking contribution has been central to Chelsea’s incisiveness. While the West Londoners have been far from free flowing, a home showdown with an unpredictable City provides the only real defensive test in the next five. Stamford Bridge clashes with Cardiff and West Brom, along with trips to Newcastle and West Ham, provide plenty opportunity for the Oscar to galvanise his team’s stuttering attack. Andre Schurrle looks a riskier alternative to the Brazilian but with four starts in the last five, the 7.3 priced German has clearly impressed Mourinho – his midweek hat-trick against Sweden highlights his potential.

Fresh from a goalscoring international break, budget revelation Aaron Ramsey follows. Owners will be keen to see him reinstalled in the centre of the park after an underwhelming right flank showing at West Brom – a likely move with the impending return of Theo Walcott and Santi Cazorla. A ruthless efficiency in front of goal and an impeccable sense of timing has seen the Welshman climb to third highest scoring player overall this season – at 6.7, those who have foregone his services may yet rue their decision as Arsenal face Norwich at home followed by a trip to hapless Palace. While he remains in the forefront of our thinking, as we acknowledged in the “Scout Mission” earlier today, we’ll be monitoring his minutes closely in the light of Arsene Wenger’s increasing options; a return to the Watchlist for Theo Walcott could certainly dent Ramsey’s appeal.

The latest injury to Darron Gibson only strengthens Ross Barkley’s mid and long-term potential. A role in the hole supporting the devastating Romelu Lukaku, in addition to Seamus Coleman and Leighton Baines marauding down the flanks ensure the 5.5 priced youngster is not bereft of opportunities. Despite opening the season with three clean sheets in four, defensive resolve hasn’t been a hallmark of Roberto Martinez’ teams, suggesting Everton may well opt to go on the attack with a fixture list full of promise and peril – clashes against miserly Liverpool and Tottenham litter a run that also sees the Toffees square up to Hull and the cavalier defences of Aston Villa and Crystal Palace. One slight caveat to Barkley’s promise – he sits on three bookings and is just one yellow card away from a place on the suspension tightrope.

Mesut Ozil may be an injury concern following a premature international substitution but, for just now, the Arsenal playmaker still features highly in this week’s refresh. With a goal in three of his last four for club and country, Ozil’s outstanding form is enough to guarantee him a place in the top five and he may yet rise in weeks to come should Ramsey’s pitch time become a concern.

United youngster Adnan Januzaj ’s standout display at Sunderland is enough to guarantee him a place as a new entry in our Watchlist. The potential England, Albanian or Belgian starlet’s brace against the Black Cats has all but ensured a weekend home start against Southampton; his talents could prove instrumental as the champions look to unlock one of the most miserly defences in the league. A strong performance against the Saints could cement a place for the 4.8 priced Januzaj for the following fixtures against Stoke and Fulham and keep the bandwagon ticking over. In the mid-term, there are obvious concerns on his pitch time but, over the next three Gameweeks at least, Januzaj could emerge as priceless differential.

Manchester City fulcrum Yaya Toure is unlucky to miss out on a higher position. The Ivorian tops the midfielder charts and is second only to Daniel Sturridge in the overall rankings but a hit-and-miss fixture list that starts with a trip to West Ham, along with the return of the cheaper David Silva slightly dents his appeal somewhat. Sergio Aguero’s recent form up front also plays a part in our Toure assessment, with the Argentine starting to replicate the displays of his debut campaign back in 2011/12 to offer a differential for our forward lines.

Tottenham duo Paulinho and Christian Eriksen follow. The Brazilian’s cheaper price and guaranteed game time that has seen him play every minute in the league so far keep him ahead of the more attack-minded Dane. A trip to Villa Park and home clashes with Hull and Newcastle give the pair give the perfect opportunity to add to their score – with uncertainty surrounding Andre Villas-Boas’ lone striker, their security of starts is key here. Having said that, with Andros Townsend and Gylfi Sigurdsson also considerations, there’s continued uncertainty on the definitive route into Tottenham’s attacking potential – a prime target is yet to emerge.

Adam Lallana has flown under the radar of many. Priced at 6.0 with less than 3% ownership, a goal and two assists over the last three games bring the Saints captain into consideration – with Rickie Lambert and Pablo Osvaldo toiling up top, he’s proved a strong midfield differential in recent weeks.

Budget options provide alternatives for those seeking to invest elsewhere. The 4.4 priced Ravel Morrison is currently West Ham’s greatest attacking threat – four consecutive starts confirms his place in Sam Allardyce’s plans, while a total of four goals in three appearances for club and country is indicative of his potential. Stoke’s out of position prospect Marko Arnautovic has yet to show any semblance of form, but promising fixtures that welcome West Brom and Sunderland to the Britannia in the next six may yet reap reward for the temperamental Austrian.

Further down in the reckoning, David Silva’s return after a three-game lay-off earned him an assist in City’s win over Everton, and the Spaniard’s probing play may prove crucial during a tricky fixture list that includes showdowns against Chelsea and Tottenham. He offers a real alternative to Toure in Manuel Pellegrini’s midfield and currently resides in less than 5% of teams compared to the Ivorian’s 37%.

Sunderland stock may be set for a boost with the installation of Gus Poyet as manager, with Emanuele Giaccherini keen to add a consistency of goals along with starts under the new regime. Finally Morgan Amalfitano remains low in the rankings as a result of a taxing schedule that includes trips to Anfield and Stamford Bridge – with two goals and two assists in three games, he makes a strong case for inclusion and will be hoping to take advantage of an upcoming home clash against Palace.