Bandwagons Analysed – Gameweek 7

Gameweek 6 was certainly a win for many FFScout regulars, who gained some well-deserved points for spending their lunch breaks comparing Watford’s defensive assets and the merits of the Manchester City midfield. Many of us registered scores we would be happy with in any given Gameweek, which saw us rise from the depths of seven figure ranks with green arrows all round. Even Sergio Aguero registered attacking returns.

In a similar, yet contrasting way, this week has seen some of the most prominent of bandwagons emerge. There is one name on everyone’s lips at the minute, with people firmly in one camp or another. There is no fence to sit on for this one, just the worry and doubt in the minds of both denominations separate them. While it’s fun to have a bandwagon like this every now and again, it is clear that it’s clouded the vision of some managers, prioritising the move for this lad above all else. Have we foregone some hidden gems by drafting him in?

Anthony Martial (8.3)

If you hadn’t already worked it out, Martial is the bandwagon in question. Almost 500,000 transfers in this week have seen his ownership rocket up from single digits to 17.1% and counting. It certainly looks like once the deadline passes at 11:45 this weekend, we will be split into two camps: those with Martial and those without. His controversial fixtures will prevent most picking him up after this week, so it’s now or never.

Usually I would throw a handful of stats into the mix, suggesting why the player in question has performed so well and why he may continue to do so. Martial is an anomaly. A quick scout of the Members’ area yields no positive signs of impressive underlying statististics for the young Frenchman. His five touches in the box over the last two Premier League games is pretty unimpressive. He only mustered four goal attempts over those games as well – even misfiring Harry Kane has managed double that. Of his three shots on target, all went in. This now leaves the question: is he clinical or is he lucky?

My view is that he has showed aspects of both. It would be silly to assume he will keep up a 100% goal conversion rate and one would only assume his scoring will tail off. Nevertheless, he has looked so calm and collected in front of goal that you would put your money on him taking any chance he gets. The lad is in form, with four goals in 135 minutes of English football, including his midweek strike in the Capital One Cup. It has been suggested that he may have a bit of Yaya Toure about him: poor stats that don’t reflect his performances. He has certainly showed this so far.

The reason many can justify bringing him in is because of the wonderful allure of the Sunderland home game. His form and Sunderland’s Championship-esque performances look like a recipe for disaster. Or joy. It depends which way you are inclined. His fixtures after that though are pretty woeful. Trips to Arsenal and Everton follow, as well as a home encounter against Manchester City. These fixtures are pretty tough, don’t get me wrong, but Martial could still score well throughout the run. After these are over, he has some kind fixtures until around Gameweek 19. It could be argued that lesser defences such as West Brom and Watford have been pretty watertight so far this season, but they shouldn’t be dismissed as bad fixtures for that reason.

Verdict: It’s a tough one this. For those looking to get rid of Benteke, Martial looks a great replacement. There are some other options in the same price bracket however, who may be preferred by some due to kinder fixtures. Personally, I wouldn’t advise you getting him in unless you plan to captain him this weekend to make the most of the plum fixture. Furthermore, I wouldn’t advise getting rid of the likes of Gomis, who has performed well this season, to fit him in.

Odion Ighalo (5.1)

At the start of the season, many of us were torn between Bournmouth’s Callum Wilson and Watford’s Troy Deeney as our cheap strikers. After a few weeks it was clear to see that Wilson was the better pick of the two. However, we didn’t foresee Ighalo, who started the season priced at 5.0, scoring so well. He has scored four goals for Watford, averaging a goal every 107 minutes. A brace against Newcastle at the weekend has increased the Nigerian forward’s appeal somewhat, with many drafting him into their teams. He remains a big differential however, with an ownership of only 4.2%. It is clear that Martial has something to do with this.

Ighalo’s stats have been pretty decent so far this season – nothing to set the world alight, but consistent across the board. He has registered 17 goals attempts so far, better than the likes of Wilson, Benteke and Costa. He has also had a total of eight shots on target, the joint four best of any forward. It looks like the Nigerian has been getting good service from strike partner Deeney, who has assisted three times this season (more than any other striker), creating eight chances in the process.

Watford’s fixtures over the next few are fairly kind. They face Crystal Palace (H), Bournemouth (a), Arsenal (H), Stoke (a), West Ham (H), Leicester (a), Man United (H), Aston Villa (a), Norwich (H), Sunderland (a) in their next 10. After that though, their fixtures are absolutely appalling. Nevertheless, their fixtures are good for the next few months.

Verdict: Ighalo looks a bargain, especially if he can continue scoring at a similar rate. Priced at 5.1, he is a perfect third striker and a great option for those opting for a 3-5-2 formation. Although he may present a benching headache, this isn’t the worst problem to have. Over their kind fixtures he should score well and I wouldn’t be surprised to see his low ownership creep up over those games.

Kevin De Bruyne (10.0)

Many questioned his value when he first joined City, arguing Silva was a better option. After flopping previously in the Premier League, there were question marks about whether he would be able to continue the fine form he displayed in the Bundesliga. He has since made four appearances for City, scoring twice and assisting once.

He has only played two games in the league, so his stats mightn’t be the best indication of his prospects. Nevertheless, over his short spell he has boasted some nice figures. He has created nine chances over his two games, bettered only by playmakers Dimitri Payet of West Ham and Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil. He also has the most touches in the opponents’ half (159) over these games. It is clear to see he has already made an impact for City and his prospects can only improve. With a fit and firing Sergio Aguero ahead of him, one would expect De Bruyne to excel further.

City still have some kind fixtures to come, with Spurs (a), Newcastle (H), Bournemouth (H), Man United (a), Norwich (H), Aston Villa (a) their next six. Game time may be a doubt for the Belgian, however, with a busy schedule including Champions League games ahead of him. He may see some rests in the league, although it shouldn’t be too much to worry about.  As I previously mentioned, if Aguero can improve his form then De Bruyne will become an even more appealing Fantasy asset. He looked brilliant at the weekend against West Ham, despite the loss. His ownership remains astronomically low (3.2%) given his potential. I believe he could really be an outstanding differential over the next few weeks. He even looks a decent captain for Gameweek 8 against Newcastle.

Verdict: De Bruyne has already made an impact in a City side which is overrun with talent. He has shown his worth already and looks a fantastic pick over their kind run of fixtures, especially given his ownership. He has shown he can both score goals and get assists, which is ideally what you look for in a midfielder. With Silva looking fragile as ever, De Bruyne looks a decent option as a replacement in what could be described as a sideways move.