Last Gameweek saw an improvement on returns but I was still a little disappointed with the points that my picks managed. For Gameweek 8 Luke Shaw was my defensive punt and I was impressed with his desire to get forward. Once passing to the winger, not once did he look back but instead sprinted around the wide man, ready to receive the ball again. However, owners were not rewarded for his attacking threat as he served up a solitary point.
In midfield I went for Adam Lallana who was subbed early by Brendan Rodgers but managed a clean sheet point meaning a solid, but not spectacular, three points in total. Up front the big Belgian Romelu Lukaku finally delivered a goal, and with favourable fixtures ahead, you may want to get on that bandwagon. Here are this week’s punts with Fantasy Premier League (FPL) ownership and price figures correct as of the 22nd October.
Sebastien Pocognoli
Position: Defence
Team: West Brom
Price: 4.4
Ownership: 0.2%
After my success with Craig Dawson in Gameweek 6 I have plunged into the Baggies’ defence again, this time for one of the full-backs, Sebastien Pocognoli. The West Brom vs Manchester United fixture made for interesting viewing on Monday night. There were defensive errors at both ends but the desire of the West Brom backline to get to ball first was outstanding. They look a new team under Alan Irvine, with a solid defence and penetrating attack. The centre-backs, Craig Dawson and Joleon Lescott, are the main men for defensive work but Pocognoli will benefit from this with clean sheet points. The Baggies face Crystal Palace on Saturday and Irvine will be expecting a shut-out from his men. Palace are not a bad side, with five goals in their last four games, but the West Brom defence should snuff out any danger posed by Frazier Campbell, Palace’s lone striker.
Undoubtedly, the appeal of Pocognoli is his attacking threat. However, where Craig Dawson benefits from set pieces, Pocognoli has greater assist potential. In the match against United his average position was practically on the halfway line. He loves to get forward and offer width to the Baggies’ attacks. Saido Berahino is a great target and is more than capable with his head. Pocognoli has attempted 29 crosses already this season and has a high pass accuracy percentage in the opposition’s half. The Belgian defender has 10 goals and 19 assists to his name so far in his career and his attacking prowess for West Brom means that there should be more coming. A favourable fixture offers clean sheet points and as he grows in confidence with English football and I expect there to be assists on the way.
Ross Barkley
Position: Midfielder
Team: Everton
Price: 6.7
Ownership: 3.6%
He’s back and he’s hungrier than ever – Ross Barkley made his first appearance this season last weekend against Aston Villa and impressed. In one game, his stats for attempts, passing, shot accuracy, you name it, were better than my other midfield punt options (James McArthur and Ryan Mason). After a dismal run of form, Everton needed someone to get their season back on track and Barkley was the man. He assisted one of the goals on his return as well as firing three shots on goal, all in just 66 minutes. He also created three chances for his team-mates (one of which was the assist) and, to add to his appeal, he has a say over free kicks, having taken two on Saturday.
This Sunday the Toffees face a struggling Burnley side at Turf Moor. Sean Dyche’s men are still looking for their first league win and a visit from Martinez’s men will not fill them with joy. It seemed that the Clarets at least had a solid defence to rely on, keeping three clean sheets in a row from Gameweek 3. However, they have become frustrated and careless in recent matches, letting in nine goals in their last three games. Romelu Lukaku ended his barren run last Gameweek, and with Barkley desperate to open his account for the season, Burnley’s defence could be in for it this weekend. No one can deny Barkley’s potential and his low ownership makes him a great differential in the coming weeks.
Bobby Zamora
Position: Forward
Team: QPR
Price: 4.3
Ownership: 2.9%
He may be 33 years old but he was undoubtedly the biggest threat on the pitch against Liverpool last Sunday. Harry Redknapp called for effort from his players and the old workhorse Zamora delivered. He was a constant menace for the Liverpool backline, putting his physical strength to good use. This week his QPR side face Aston Villa on Monday evening. Under the floodlights there is always extra excitement in the stadium. We saw that thrilling 2-2 draw last Monday and I think we could be in for another close battle this week. The Rs desperately need the points and after an improved performance on Sunday they will be going out all guns blazing as Villa offer the perfect opportunity for three points at home. The Villains have conceded 11 goals in their last four games, though they did face tough opposition.
Not only does Zamora have the potential to score but he is also constantly looking to tee up team-mates. These extra assist points are so important in FPL as they can set your forward apart from your rivals’. In his 235 minutes the Englishman has created 12 chances, averaging out at less than 20 minutes per chance created. He also likes to drift out wide and cross the ball in as well. His physicality means that he is a threat from set pieces and also holds the ball up well in open play. Even if QPR do have their backs to the wall, an accurate clearance to Zamora will let them turn defence into attack quickly. QPR need results. To get them they need goals, and Zamora is the man.
9 years, 4 months ago
Another great trio, although even as a Brighton fan Bobby may be a bridge too far for me. Good luck.