Last week’s punts article brought a similar return to that of Gameweek 1. Aly Cissokho trumped up another clean sheet, sadly without attacking returns, bringing six points despite an ankle injury forcing him off after 81 minutes. Steven Naismith crept onto my radar for the second week in a row and produced a goal and full bonus points. James Ward-Prowse only managed three points, but with his advanced position and free-kick potential I believe there are still points to come. Again, the article looks at one defender, one midfielder and one forward, with ownership figures correct as of the 27th August.
DARYL JANMAAT
Team: Newcastle
Position: Defender
Price: 5.0
Ownership: 2.7%
Given Newcastle’s poor 2014, bringing one of the Magpies’ players on board is always a risk. However, Alan Pardew has been busy this summer and his new signings do look promising, especially wing-back Daryl Janmaat. However painful Newcastle’s bore draw against Aston Villa was it did show that there is some stability at the back. This week Janmaat welcomes a Tony Pulis-less Crystal Palace to St. James’ Park. Palace have lacked threat going forward; despite having 16 touches in the box between the four forwards that played against West Ham they only managed three attempts on goal between them. I fancy Newcastle to keep a clean sheet, especially with the home faithful behind them.
Janmaat’s attacking prospects are also enticing. He managed a total of three attempts in Gameweek 2, with a variation of shots; two inside the box (one with his head) and one from long range. He is not just a threat from open plays but also attacks set-plays. He doesn’t just offer a goal threat but is also very influential in the opposition box. Of all defenders, except Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic, Janmaat has received the most passes in the opposition half. A shaky Crystal Palace, both going forward and defending, under new management, provide the perfect chance for Newcastle to kick-start their campaign and their new full-back will want in on the action.
WILL BUCKLEY
Team: Sunderland
Position: Midfielder
Price: 5.5
Ownership: 0.1%
Given the last two weeks’ failed midfield punts, I have taken risk to a whole new level for Gameweek 3. Will Buckley burst onto the scene last week, with Adam Johnson ill, and certainly made an impact. Johnson could return this week, taking Buckley’s place, but in my opinion Buckley deserves to start again. This week Sunderland travel to Loftus Road to take on a QPR side who are yet to impress this season. Despite having the experienced Harry Redknapp at the helm, QPR have struggled so far, conceding five goals in two matches without finding the net themselves. After a point against Man United, when they could have had three, the Black Cats will mean business this weekend.
Buckley was energetic and influential against the Red Devils last week. QPR play a similar formation to United and if Buckley does play, he has proved that he can get in behind the wing-backs. He lacked goal attempts against United but Buckley’s forte is creativity and his assist potential is great. Poyet seems to have faith in the youngster, after signing him from his former club Brighton this summer. If the winger starts again he could bring a haul of points against a weak QPR side.
MAURO ZÁRATE
Team: West Ham United
Position: Forward
Price: 6.4
Ownership: 1.1%
Just like Will Buckley, Mauro Zárate made his debut last weekend and impressed. He played just behind Carlton Cole and buzzed around between the defence and midfield lines. This week Sam Allardyce’s new look attacking team welcome Southampton to Upton Park. In Gameweek 1 West Ham lacked a penetrating force but Mauro Zarate’s influence was positive and helped to propel them up the pitch. As they return home this weekend the Hammers will look to pick up from where they left off and take the game to Southampton, whose new look defence may not be able to handle the pressure.
It is fair to say that many in our community have been far from convinced that Zarate would make his mark on the Premier League this season. However, last week’s performance gives reason to think differently. Despite Zarate’s deeper role, he had the most attempts at goal of all the Hammers’ strikers. He also received the ball much more frequently and had a pass completion rate of over 90%. The Argentine also struck up a good partnership with Mark Noble, with the Englishman setting Zarate up for some of his mazy dribbles. Mauro Zarate is fast becoming the focal point of the West Ham attack, and with a say over set-pieces and a cracking long shot, he has potential to both assist and score this weekend.
