Moving Target

Moving Target – Wilfried Zaha

Crystal Palace secured their fifth signing of the summer last week by re-acquiring fans’ favourite Wilfried Zaha on loan from Man United. The deal seems to have already galvanised a squad whose chances of remaining in the Premier League looked bleak after the shock departure of Tony Pulis in pre-season. Zaha made an instant impact last weekend, coming on as a substitute to score a crucial goal in the 3-3 draw with Newcastle, and he hopes to build on his strong start in the coming weeks:

“I had to make the move here because I wasn’t getting minutes on the pitch, so coming back here will definitely push my career forward. Since I came back, I’ve been comfortable and everyone has shown me love around the place. All I need to do is get settled again and get playing. It’s always great to play and I feel at home doing that here with players I’ve played with before. I haven’t really played too much, so coming off the bench I don’t mind because I’m getting my fitness back. But I’m definitely looking forward to starting a few games.”

Another old face is replacement manager Neil Warnock, who has backed the 21-year-old despite enduring an unsuccessful spell at Manchester United:

“Maybe at that top level they wonder if they can rely on him, but he just needs to be given that bit of freedom. I’ve heard one or two say his attitude is not so good, but for me, it’s fantastic. He was so keen [to come here].”

THE HISTORY

A product of the Palace youth system, Zaha became integral to their push for promotion to the Premier League in spite of his young age. After graduating from the academy to the first team in 2010 aged just 17, he enjoyed three successful seasons with the Eagles, racking up 110 appearances and 12 goals.

By the pre-season of 2010/11, Zaha had already established himself as a starter but scored just one goal that year. He won Palace’s Young Player of the Year, though, and caught fire the following campaign, impressing in the League Cup giant-killing of Manchester United and winning The Football League’s Young Player of the Year award, having played 48 times, scoring nine goals and providing five assists.

In January 2013, Manchester United agreed to pay £10 million for the winger on the basis that he would return immediately to Palace for the remainder of the season. He scored twice in the Championship play-off semi-final and won the penalty that secured Palace’s spot in the Premier League in the final.

Sadly his opportunities at United were limited and, when given chances, he was unimpressive. After just two appearances at Old Trafford, Zaha was loaned to Cardiff City by David Moyes last season, where he made ten appearances but failed to score.

Zaha was born in the Ivory Coast but moved to South London aged four and opted to play for England. He has played at every International level, including 13 caps and a goal for the England U21s, and debuted for the senior side in a friendly against Sweden in 2012 as an 83rd-minute substitute.

THE PROSPECTS

Zaha’s weekend goal seemed to be a result of the free reign he was given by Warnock after climbing off the bench at St James’ Park – he could have scored a hat trick in his brief 28-minute cameo. While he was officially played in the centre, he terrorised the Toon defence from all angles, managing seven touches and four shots within the penalty area, three of which were on target.

Jason Puncheon was initially preferred on the right but given his personal history with Warnock, his goal and assist in two appearances may be overlooked to give Zaha a starting role on his favoured right side. Another possibility would see Yannick Bolasie dropped and either Puncheon or Zaha fielded on the left – the Frenchman is yet to register a shot on target in three games and had the most attempts in the league without scoring last year. Zaha is also versatile enough to play through the middle, though, and with Marouane Chamakh potentially sidelined for up to a month, he could tuck in behind a lone forward if Warnock opts for a lone forward system.

Yet to register a win, Palace are hardly a horse to back heavily but after netting three times in Warnock’s first match at the helm, there’s a feeling that they may go on the offensive more often this season. The arrival of central midfielder James McArthur from Wigan for a club record £7 million is set to boost their creativity in the centre of the park and while we may not look upon their defence in the same regard as last season under Tony Pulis, there attacking assets may well be worth contemplating.

At 5.4 in FPL, Zaha is cheaper than Puncheon (6.0) and, like Warnock, has plenty to prove in his second stint at Selhurst Park – upcoming home clashes with Burnley and Leicester in the next three look particularly prosperous and certainly offer the youngster the chance to carry on from his impressive St James’ Park showing.

FURTHER REFERENCE

Wilfried Zaha Wikipedia

Wilfried Zaha Transfer Markt Page

Wilfried Zaha YouTube Highlights

Bantasy Football Proud founder of Bantasy Football, privileged contributor on Fantasy Football Scout and foolishly optimistic Spurs fan.

2,911 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Texas Pete
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Sturridge or Falcao or Aguero?

    1. nisag17
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Aguero.

    2. The EJJ
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Tricky, I say Sturridge

    3. Caine & Co.
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      sturridge

    4. Caine & Co.
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      great sauce by the way

  2. Koflok
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    WC for

    Mata Ramsey Debuchy Bojan Rooney (Albrighton)
    to
    Sterling Sanchez PvA Naismith Falcao (Marney)

    OR

    Use 2 FTs. Mata Bojan -> Sterling Naismith
    Bank 1m to do Rooney -> Falcao / Costa later.
    Keep Ramsey and Debuchy, downgrade if needed

  3. thegreathoudini
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Begovic / Gilks
    Ivanovic / Wisdom / Clyne / van Aanholt / Naylor
    Boyd / Sigurdsson / Ramsey / Sterling / Fábregas
    Falcao / Naismith / Diego Costa

    £1.8m in the bank for either
    Boyd > Zaha
    Naismith > Welbz

    1. Spatburgunder
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Like it buddy, you on a wc?

      1. thegreathoudini
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        Yup. Needed too.

        1. Spatburgunder
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          Me too, I've gone for the big front 3 (posted below). Worried about the effect on the rest of the team though.

  4. Mr.Irwin
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Does 11m for Falcao seem a little too cheap to anyone else? Not that I am complaining

    1. Siva Mohan
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Rooney + 0.5 is not bad. I am happy with the price.

    2. Texas Pete
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      It's certainly very, very tempting.

    3. Caine & Co.
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      not paying that much for a midtable striker

      1. nisag17
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        This as well

    4. nisag17
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      No. Not till Man U start scoring goals and he is proven to be risk free from rotation. (Can't play all the stars in one team)

    5. sminkypinky
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      I thought it was good enough to get him in for Rooney.

  5. Spatburgunder
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Hi Guys,

    I'd appreciate thoughts on the below wc team if you have a minute:

    Krul

    Moreno Shawcross PVA

    Rambo Siggy Sterling Zaha

    Falcao Aguero Costa

    Elliot King Hutton Moore 0.8 ITB for a rainy day

    Thanks in advance!

    1. Spatburgunder
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Or would you go with Rooney over Falcao initially?

      1. GoneFishing
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        Rooney is dropping like a rock.

        Even if you want him, if on WC then keep Falcao on until the end of the Intl break, then bring Rooney.

        I am going Falcao

        1. Spatburgunder
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          hmm may be the best idea

  6. Parm
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    http://i.imgur.com/mybSynl.png

    😥

    1. The Light Knight
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      😥 #EdOut

      1. Parm
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        Bloody Ed

        1. The Light Knight
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          If only....

    2. Chu Young Ping Pong
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      lol

  7. MountainBeach
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Rooney>Falcao
    Jovetic> Welbz
    4 point hit, worth it?

    1. Pinoche
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      No. Just do the second one if you want

    2. Pasqualinho
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      I'd say it's 50/50 on whether Falcao and Welbeck will outscore Rooney and Jovetic. So I wouldn't do it for a 4pt hit.

  8. MeDo_JE
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Ramsey or Haz out for Tadic...? Have Welbeck and Costa up...

    1. Caine & Co.
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      would not take either out for tadic

  9. Arsenal USA FC
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Rooney's last straw is against QPR. If no returns Rooney -> Sturridge

    Sensible?

    1. Pasqualinho
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Probably. A lot of people will offload Rooney if this happens. Rooney's price/points is always a rollercoaster ride as he seems to score in patches year in, year out and if you get him when he's hot and sell him when he's not then you're on to a winner.

    2. Caine & Co.
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      yeah, great fixtures for liverpool

    3. Mouth
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Very

  10. ZE GERMANS
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Joke of the Day: "United can win the league with the signing of Falcao" - Yorke

    1. Caine & Co.
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      thom? =o

    2. Hakuho FPL
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      dwight knows best

  11. The Light Knight
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    3 CBs made sense for Holland as they played on the counter. Shirly 4 at the back makes more sense for United who are trying to be proactive

    1. Chu Young Ping Pong
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Rafael Jones Rojo Shaw

      Blind

      Herrera Di Maria

      Rooney

      RVP Falcao

      or

      Rafael Jones Rojo Shaw

      Blind Herrera

      Di Maria Rooney Adnan

      Falcao

  12. Koflok
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Bojan to Naismith
    or
    Bojan Cahill to Pelle PvA (-4)

    1. Texas Pete
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      1

  13. Ronaldo 7
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Rvp -> falcao for -4pts?

    1. sminkypinky
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Not for a hit no. Not until RVP is confirmed injured and out.

  14. Frank Black
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Obviously Falcao HAD to be priced at 11.0 when i have exactly 10.9 million...frustrating.

    1. Caine & Co.
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      blessing in disguise

  15. guardian.c
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Would appreciate advice: WC?

    Krul/Mannone
    Hutton/ Caulker/ Chambers/ Moreno/ Davies(Ben : ( !!)
    Ramsey/ Mata/ Hendo/ Hazard/ Siggy
    Costa/ Rooney/ Ings

    0 FTs

    1. Twelve years a slave
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Sadly for you it's not reall bad enough for a wild card so you will have to soldier on.

      1. guardian.c
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        take a hit and transfer out chambers or davies? if so, who for? 0 in the bank

        1. justgiving.com/JonnyChard
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          Wilson 🙂

  16. nisag17
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    I'm just loving this Falcao love. Even if Man U start scoring he is not nailed on from game 1 is he? He may start on the bench for the first game. And by the time all the stars gel (if they do) the easy run would already be over.

    1. GoneFishing
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Di Maria started first game.

      Falcao already played 2 or 3 an scored this season for Monaco.

      1. nisag17
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        Yes, but he didn't have to keep Van Persie or Rooney out of the team. Maybe Mata will make way, but its not a certainty. And what's the hurry. Especially if like most you already have Rooney. If Man U score surely Rooney is atleast on a 30% probability to outscore or match Falcao in FPL points.

        1. GoneFishing
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          I believe that paying GBP 350,000 a week has to be justified to fans, even if it is Manu, so he must start. Rooney will get the points this year, but I believe that Falcao is that little better at finishing and 0.5 more is a good deal now.

          Rooney will drop 0.2 a tleast by end of Intl break, according to the movement now, so I think time is of the essence if you are thinking of wait-and-see.

    2. Twelve years a slave
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Of course he's nailed on

      1. sminkypinky
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        Agree.

      2. nisag17
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        lol. you're on a mission aren't you? You might be the one person outside my mini league I will follow for Gameweek 4.

    3. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      He will start

  17. Dante
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Thoughts on this potential WC team? Thanks!

    DDG / Myhill

    Lovren / Clyne / Hutton / Wisdom / Duff

    Fabregas / Ramsey / Sterling / Siggy / Boyd

    Aguero / Costa / Welbeck

    Defence looks a big shoddy but I'm a big fan of the rest.

  18. michaelpmurphy
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Krul | Guzan
    Cahill | Debuchy | P.Jones | Wisdom | Bruce
    Mata | Hazard | Siggy | Ramsey | Marney
    Costa | Rooney | Naismith

    2 FT, .9M ITB

    What is the best plan moving forward after the international break?
    1) Downgrade any of the Def, use cash to upgrade forward
    2) Rooney out for Falcao
    3) Mata out for Sterling or wait for transfer after week 4 (Man U @ QPR)

    So far being conservative has paid off, no real Knee jerk transfers or spending... Looking for another perspective

    1. Gonna mesut up
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Rooney to Falcao doesn't seem the worst idea for you as you will have two ft's for next week and no major things to fix really. Liverpool coverage is an issue though... Sturridge would be someone to consider up front so mata/rooney to sterling/sturridge seems tempting considering man u's bad form.

      I guess 3 is the best plan as you can choose who to upgrade rooney til if he blanks.

  19. Siva Mohan
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    West Ham defender Joey O'Brien out of Republic of Ireland squad through injury

    The 28-year-old, who met up with his international colleagues in Malahide on Sunday, is to return to his club for treatment on a knee injury.

    A Football Association of Ireland spokesman said: 'The Football Association of Ireland today confirmed that Joey O'Brien has withdrawn from the Irish squad, and will return to his club for treatment on an ongoing knee problem.'

  20. Ibralicious
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Hey guys, how's this team for GW 4:

    Gk: Krul (Mannone)
    Def: Clyne, Lovren, Shawcross (Collocini, Taylor)
    Mid: Sterling (V), Ramsey, Siggy, Fabregas (Chadli)
    Fow: Naismith, Rooney, Costa (C)

    On -4 already, wasted wild card last week. 🙁 Starters and captains good? Ty.

    1. michaelpmurphy
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Looks pretty solid to me!

  21. CCaddy
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Anyone playing ultimate FPL rate Arteta??

  22. Gonna mesut up
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Dzeko/Mata to

    a) Sturridge/ Zaha
    b)Balo/ Mirallas

    for my 2 ft's...

    Any other suggestions welcome 🙂

    1. GoneFishing
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Falcao / Schneiderlin

    2. gravless
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Keep Dzeko.

      Citeh on a mission v Arsenal

  23. M.I.A.
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    What combo would you prefer?

    A) Ivan + Ade
    B) Wisdom + Aguero

  24. Siva Mohan
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Rooney on Falcao: "Fantastic signing, one of best players in world. I don't know how it will affect my role. You'll have to ask LVG' #mufc

    1. Parm
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Get on the bench mate.

  25. Parm
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    I presume everyone getting Welbeck is doubling up on Arsenal attack then with Ramsey?

    Doesn't look to enticing initially, maybe GW8 though...

    1. M.I.A.
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Probably best to wait before getting in Welbz

    2. sminkypinky
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      If only we knew Walcott was cleared to play. Then i'd be all over Theo and Danny 😉

    3. Chu Young Ping Pong
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Why would anyone get Welbeck?

  26. Total Foot 5 - romario 11
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Best bet btn the 2: (both bring their respective risk)

    a.zaha
    b.punch

    1. Parm
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      A

      1. Total Foot 5 - romario 11
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        cheers. you're thinking zaha will play more advanced than punch right...

  27. Nabs Kebabs
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    hmm not sure why AW went for Welbeck instead of Bony.

    1. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      lol

    2. Carrick Doesn't Deserv…
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      £8 mill price difference

      1. Nabs Kebabs
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        bony is worth that much more though.

    3. Chu Young Ping Pong
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Welbeck is cheaper in FPL.

    4. GTS
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      *Remy

      1. Nabs Kebabs
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        nah welbeck and remy similiar. bony is an out and out no 9

  28. Adam
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    This as a WC team?

    Krul, Elliot
    Moreno, Ivanovic, Clyne, Duff, Wisdom
    Ramsey, Body, Sterling, Sigurdsson, Fabregas
    Falcao, Costa, Welbeck

  29. Parm
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Also, I think Aguero is being somewhat overlooked on here.

    1. Nabs Kebabs
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      yea..im on wc probs no costa. looking at kun-falcao-ade.

      my theory with kun is that when fit you gotta have him..just trade him when he gets injured

      1. Total Foot 5 - romario 11
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        any reason why you're doing your WC now and not waiting for example thru gw 6 etc?

    2. roscola
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Not me. I had him for his giant haul against Stoke 😎

      1. GTS
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        Same here.
        He paid the hit that I took by giving him the armband! 😎

        1. roscola
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          So hang on, why aren't we first and second overall? Must be some kind of bug. I'm sure they'll correct it soon.

          1. GTS
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 9 months ago

            Oh we are going to be ... They'll correct it next week. 😉
            It's better that we grab Kun's early points than late! 😀

            1. roscola
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 12 Years
              9 years, 9 months ago

              😀

      2. Billy Gilmore
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        Me too 😎

        1. roscola
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          Sweet. Winning is great.

  30. Sz21
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Rooney and Jovetic..

    Would you keep both if you had them?
    Rooney home to QPR next but who knows the set up and he will or is dropping.
    Jovetic- In danger of losing his place!

    If you were to replace 1 who would you bring in?
    Could take out both for a hit but that hardly makes sense.

    Sigurdsson, Lamela, Sterling, Ramsey, Marney
    Costa, Rooney, Jovetic my current attackers.
    1ft- 0.7m in account.

    1. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Jovetic never had a place to lose..nor does Dzeko.

      1. Sz21
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        Thanks for that!

        1. Dr Dream
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          Genuinely doesn't. Gonna be missing minutes for those three front City players right through the CL campaign...Just need to decide whether to be patient and live with the lows or go for nailed on. He's gonna be Kolarov all over again.