I’ve been monitoring percentage ownership (TSB%) since the new season was launched last Wednesday. Whether anything meaningful can be drawn from these figures remains to be seen – but it is interesting at least to see the ebb and flow as favourites start to emerge and former darlings fade away.
Romelu Lukaku (11.5) is clearly top of the list – but even his popularity has begun to wane a little. Moving quickly to a 48.0% ownership figure on the day after launch, interest in the new Manchester United forward has now dropped back to 45.6%. Hardly disastrous, but not quite as “essential” as he initially appeared, perhaps?
The biggest climber in terms of team selection is Tottenham right back Kieron Tripper (5.5).  He has risen from 6.6% to 15.4%, undoubtedly fuelled by his increased security of starts following Kyle Walker (6.5)’s confirmed move to Man City. Walker himself has strengthened from 10.6% to 17.4% over the same period.
Arsenal’s new signing Alexandre Lacazette (10.5) has also shown strong growth – up from 23.7% to 27.4%, although his ownership weakened a little to 27.1% early this week.
At the other end of the spectrum it is Gareth McAuley (5.0) that has taken the biggest hit – falling from an initial figure of 26.4% to just 13.8% today. Doubts over whether he can maintain his stunning output from last season? Or unconvinced by West Brom’s supposedly easy start? Another factor is his yellow flag, with West Brom confirming the veteran is still struggling with a thigh injury.
Injuries have also curtailed interest in two set piece specialists from promoted sides, Brighton’s Anthony Knockaert and Newcastle Matt Ritchie (both 6.0). But Liverpool’s Nathaniel Clyne (5.5), who has slipped  from a high of 8.8% to 5.5%) seems to have no such excuse.
Much has been discussed on how high ownership figures can hurt those that choose to go without – but conversely, getting in early on a little-owned differential has the potential for a significant boost to your rankings. I will therefore continue to monitor, and if there is sufficient interest will try to provide another update at the weekend.
6 years, 9 months agoThanks for this. Wonder if Milner's penalty acted as a reminder that he was a defender among Clyne owners?