Looking at the latest team news ahead of Gameweek 12 is a depressing experience, with a raft of Fantasy favourites nursing injuries. This looks an ideal time to take a punt on a player who is not only fit and raring to go, but also likely to rack up a nice points haul. This week’s duo includes a veteran striker and a midfielder who has had mixed fortunes over the years. All Fantasy Premier League (FPL) ownership figures are accurate as of November 21.
Jonathan Walters
Team: Stoke
Position: Midfield
Price: 5.2
FPL ownership: 0.4%
Jonathan Walters became infamous last season, when in a single match he managed to score two own goals and miss a penalty. It was arguably Fantasy Football’s all time worst performance. But a year is a long time in Fantasy Football and the Ireland international is back in the Stoke starting XI and has picked up two goals, two FPL bonus points and an assist over the last four weeks.
This week, Stoke face a leaky Burnley defence at the Brittania. Burnley have now conceded 19 goals this season, the third highest in the league. Given Walters’ form and the excellent fixture, this Gameweek is a terrific opportunity for him to repay those he cruelly let down last year.
Samuel Eto’o
Team: Everton
Position: Forward
Price: 5.6
FPL 0wnership: 1.4%
Samuel Eto’o regained a spot in Everton’s starting XI in Gameweek 9, and repaid Martinez’s faith with a fantastic performance against Burnley – the Cameroon international notched twice and picked up three FPL bonus points. Since then, Eto’o has seemingly cemented a spot in the first team. Fielded up front instead of Lukaku, or behind/wide of Lukaku if Martinez chooses to play the Belgian too, it looks like Eto’o is fairly nailed on for the short run. Over the last four Gameweeks, Eto’o has had the most shots on target amongst the Everton bunch. With a price tag of 5.6, the Cameroonian looks a very enticing replacement for either West Ham’s Diafra Sakho, who is an injury doubt or West Brom’s Saido Berahino, whose form has waned in recent weeks and faces tough forthcoming fixtures.
In Gameweek 12, Everton face West Ham at home. It might not be that easy a fixture, but West Ham haven’t exactly been the tightest, showing they do concede goals – especially away from home. The Hammers have conceded more goals away than at Upton Park this season, and their latest away game ended in a 2-2 draw at Stoke. This week they face a fantastic Everton attack which has scored the fourth highest number of goals this season and if I had to call it I’d say this match is going to be a goal-fest, with Eto’o among those set to benefit.
9 years, 4 months ago
J Walters, yes indeed. I think he's a great one week punt option.