The Knee Jerk – Sunday

Tottenham’s summer signing from Valencia finally produces the goods as Andre Villas-Boas’ side east past Villa. England’s latest wing sensation also plays a part, whilst four alterations from the visitors may signal the exit of a certain Danish playmaker from many a Fantasy line-up:

The Game Changer

A goal and assist in this afternoon’s win over Villa brings Roberto Soldado back into the Fantasy spotlight.

Dropped for Jermain Defoe last time out, the Spaniard regained his starting berth for the trip to Villa Park and repaid Andre Villas-Boas’ faith by playing a part in both the visitors’ goals. Today’s strike was Soldado’s first from open play this season but in spite of a stuttering start, he has, nevertheless, remained key for his side – this afternoon’s haul means he has played a part in five of Tottenham’s eight league goals this term.

Sold on by considerable numbers of Fantasy managers over the last few Gameweeks, Soldado’s display rewarded the patience of the 10% of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers who kept faith in his talents. Now down to 9.2, he has home games against Hull and Newcastle in the next three to help build on today’s display and with confidence flourishing, those looking for an alternative to the current template may just decide he’s worth a flutter.

The Underused

Andros Townsend’s outstanding week continued after the Spurs winger grabbed the opener in today’s win.

Despite netting for England last week, Townsend had managed just a single assist in six league appearances, with his penchant for a long-range effort reaping little reward. His opener at Villa Park, whilst somewhat fortuitous, is likely to see increased interest ahead of next week’s visit of Hull –priced at just 5.6 in FPL, he’s currently owned by under 3% of managers.

Although Tottenham’s multitude of midfield talent means his long-term starting berth is far from nailed-on, Townsend’s rich vein of form looks likely to keep him at the head of the queue for a role on the right – Aaron Lennon’s injury comeback will only increase the competition, though.

The Selection Poser

Villas-Boas’ quartet of changes merely emphasised the strength in depth available at the Lane this season. Christian Eriksen’s owners will undoubtedly be the most disappointed after the Dane dropped out of the starting XI for the first time since making his debut in Gameweek 4.

Currently sitting in over 6% of FPL teams, the exodus is likely to get underway over the next few hours. With so many cheaper alternatives guaranteeing starts and greater returns, Eriksen’s owners will be unlikely to remain patient – there is a theory, though, that his omission was perhaps only down to his international exertions over the past week or so. At the back, Villas-Boas’ decision to hand Vlad Chiriches his first start could soon have Michael Dawson owners on edge, too – with Jan Vertonghen expected to return to the centre once Danny Rose is finally fit, question marks remain over who is likely to get the nod as the Belgian’s partner.

Christian Benteke’s return to action may have failed to ignite the hosts’ faltering attack but it will, nonetheless, have Fantasy managers on alert. Emerging from the bench around the hour mark, the Belgian – now down to 8.8 in FPL – will surely be restored to the starting line-up next time around as Paul Lambert looks to address an attack that has now failed to score in each of the last two.