The Stock Check

The Stock Check – Gameweek 22 – Saturday

Juan Mata conjures three assists to help guide Chelsea to a Britannia rout, whilst boosting those who trusted the Spaniard with this week’s armband. With blanks for Gareth Bale, Marouane Felaini, Michu, Dimitar Berbatov and Demba Ba, Mata’s returns will have prompted a mini-league swing, as City and United ready themselves for Sunday’s encounters. For now, here’s the Stock Check on Saturday’s events…

On the Up

Juan Mata
The Spaniard topped the Captain Poll, the “Rate My Team” weekly rankings and duly took his place in the Scout Picks and, with one game down, has already repaid that faith. A hat-trick of assists for Mata in the drubbing of Stoke means that he has now returned goals or assists in six of his last seven league appearances: his only blank being the home clash with QPR which saw him play just 16 minutes. Those who backed Mata with the armband will already be delighted, regardless of whether he starts against Southampton on Wednesday. If he turns up in that one, a big points bonanza could be on the cards given his current level of form.

The Chelsea Defence
Rafa Benitiez’s side have now conceded just two goals in their last five league matches, having battled to a 4-0 win at the Britannia, taking them level with Stoke on nine for the season. With Walters missing a second-half penalty, Chelsea were perhaps fortunate to travel home with their clean sheet intact but investors in the likes of David Luiz and, in particular, Cesar Azpilicueta, will not be quibbling. The Spaniard earned the assist for Chelsea’s opener, his third of the season, in his fifth consecutive start today.

Adam Johnson
A goal and assist contribution to Sunderland’s fine 3-0 win over West Ham saw Johnson again stand out amongst the Black Cats’ midfield options. The former City man has now scored three goals and two assists in his last eight league starts and bonus points from today’s victory will put him on terms with Stephane Sessegnon in the Sunderland squad.

The Sunderland Defence
An eighth clean sheet of the season in the 3-0 win over West Ham, saw Martin O’Neill’s defence impress yet again. Despite suffering cruel injuries at the back, the Black Cats have kept three shut-outs in the last five league matches, with Simon Mignolet justifying his position atop our Watchlist rankings. He is now ranked second only to Asmir Begovic in the overall FPL keeper standings.

Romelu Lukaku
A brace for Lukaku was wasted as Reading stormed back to take the points but the Belgian’s form remains eye-catching. With nine goals for the season, coupled with a price tag of 6.4 in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL), Lukaku goes on offering good value. Steve Clarke has started him in five of the last six, indicating that, at last, Lukaku is being given the opportunity to demonstrate his ability.

James Morrison
The Scot found a pair of assists in the 3-2 defeat to Reading, his first Fantasy returns in nine league starts. Having looked to be a canny Fantasy acquisition earlier in the season, Morrison has faded badly with a change in role restricting his attacking output; today’s assists offered a reminder of his quality.

Rickie Lambert
While Lukaku is staking a claim for our budget dollar up front, Lambert remains the prize asset for those shopping for a bargain striker. Today’s spot-kick took Lambert to nine goals for the season, with three goals and two assists in his last four starts.

Pavel Pogrebnyak
Then again, the case for Pogrebnyak is mounting. A third goal in as many league matches, the Russian now appears to be flourishing having been handed regular starts by Brian McDermott. At just 4.3 in the FPL, it’s getting more difficult by the week to overlook Reading’s striker as an option for the third slot up front in order to free up funds for heavy investment elsewhere. He could well be a winter wildcard favourite.

The Southampton Defence
A clean sheet at Villa rewarded those who took a chance on Southampton’s cheap double Gameweek defenders. While this was only the second shut-out in the last six league outings, it’s further indication that Nigel Adkins has firmed up his side and added an extra level of resilience. Artur Boruc, having seemingly cemented his start between the sticks, is emerging as a credible budget keeper option at 4.4.

The Spurs Defence
The shut-out at Loftus Road took Andre Villas-Boas defence to four clean sheets in the last six league outings. They’ve conceded just two goals in that spell. After starting four of those six matches, Michael Dawson may start attracting interest as a 4.5 FPL option.

Leighton Baines
At last Everton earn themselves a clean sheet – their first in 16 league outings. While Baines failed to find attacking returns in the 0-0 draw with Swansea, with kind fixtures to come in the next three, his loyal owners will be hoping that David Moyes’ side can build on today’s shut-out to help supplement potential attacking returns.

Going Down

The Stoke Defence
With nine clean sheets, the Stoke rearguard is regarded as one of the best, if not the best in the league but, on current form, the alarm bells are ringing. Today’s home defeat – their first of the season, means that Tony Pulis’ side have now conceded 10 goals in their last three league outings and have just one clean sheet in their last six.

Jon Walters
Reports suggest that Walters was amongst Stoke’s better players on the day but a brace of own goals and a missed penalty consigned the unfortunate mid-price midfielder to a miserable -4 total in the FPL, just three weeks after a 15 point haul in the win over Liverpool.

Gareth Bale
Having frustrated Chelsea last time out in the league, it was Tottenham’s turn to face Harry Redknapp’s new resolute R’s, as Bale was denied returns for the third Gameweek running. In fairness, Bale missed Gameweek 21 through suspension but, with the competition for the heavy-hitting midfield slot so fierce, today’s blank will be a concern for Bale’s owners – particularly those who opted to avoid investment in Juan Mata. It’s United up next for Bale and Tottenham.

Jermain Defoe
While Bale owners may fidget, those still holding Jermain Defoe will definitely be smarting after another blank which means that the Spurs striker has returned just a single goal in his last seven league appearances. With big sales going into the Gameweek, that trend would seem likely to continue, despite Defoe’s best efforts to end the drought at Loftus Road today.

Fulham’s Attack
While Dimitar Berbatov’s owners will surely give the Bulgarian more time having returned two goals in his last four, today’s blank and the 1-1 draw with Wigan means that Martin Jol’s side have scored just three goals in their last three league matches at Craven Cottage. That form will have to improve if Berbatov is to keep pace with the array of options available to Fantasy managers up front.

James Collins
A reported hamstring injury for West Ham’s defensive warrior saw him withdrawn after 34 minutes of today’s defeat at Sunderland. He seems likely to be a doubt for West Ham’s double Gameweek.

Mark Noble
Another potential absentee from West Ham’s two Gameweek 22 fixtures, Noble missed the miserable defeat in the North East today with a reported calf injury.

John Arne Riise
Even with Matthew Briggs out of the squad, Riise was kept on the bench by Martin Jol as Kieran Richardson lined up at left-back for Fulham. The Norwegian has now sat out the last three league outings.

Mark Mark created the beast. He's now looking to tame it.

5,920 Comments Post a Comment
  1. royals forever
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Best ST for 8.6m

    Rest of Front 8

    Walcott Felliani Mata Johnson Maloney

    RVP Lambert

    (can't have Giroud or Pod already got Szczesny and Gibbs)

    Open Controls
    1. Mavric Marco
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Lukaku? Punt!

      Open Controls
    2. b3- bish bash bosh
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      defoe

      Open Controls
  2. Nice Baps
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    what's the highest ever comment count for a post? nearly 6000 here

    Open Controls
    1. Pratik
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      70 to 80 pages...i think

      Open Controls
      1. Nice Baps
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        wow.

        Open Controls
      2. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Think he meant comments not for an individual article.

        Open Controls
        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 2 months ago

          Nevermind, calling it a night.....

          Open Controls
          1. Cornelius
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 2 months ago

            TM, what is elite 64 and is there any mention of FFS?

            Open Controls
            1. TorresMagic™
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 14 Years
              11 years, 2 months ago

              No mention of FFS in any leagues for those hiding the fact. FFS as another league making it obvious though.

              Top 62 in the league (under 2K probably) qualify.

              http://torresmagic.webs.com/elite64.htm

              https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AvmYxSLqqL_sdGlidHpkbklPVjZGenJyM283cTM5a3c#gid=4

              Open Controls
              1. Cornelius
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 14 Years
                11 years, 2 months ago

                Cheers.

                Open Controls
        2. Pratik
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 2 months ago

          Ya much likely that 70 to 80 pages has more comments than this.

          Open Controls
          1. TorresMagic™
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 2 months ago

            Not if all questions less replies.

            Open Controls
          2. Billy Gilmore
            • 11 Years
            11 years, 2 months ago

            Yeah at the start of the season there were some epic numbers of pages/comments

            Open Controls
  3. PDM TOP 1,000 any Season Le…
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Clawing back those points I`ve dropped over previous GW`s ......
    Forced to do my Santi transfer IN now for Bale ... Hope it pays off !!

    Open Controls
    1. Djerbil
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Santi has 2 matches to play before The Double Gameweek

      Open Controls
    2. Pratik
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      If ba starts against southampton I might go for Bale to cazorla and ba to suarez.

      Open Controls
  4. David Davros
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Lost on last page:

    Anyone have any BP predictions from yesterday?

    Open Controls
    1. Champy
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      1st page on this post

      Open Controls
    2. Djerbil
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Nelsen 3, Adebayor 2, Julio Cesar 1 (in the mix Hill, Taarabt)
      Lambert 3, Schneiderlin 2, Hooiveld 2
      Fellaini 3, Rangel 2, Chico 1, Ki 1
      Karagounis 3, Riether 2, Di Santo 2
      Tettey 3, Snodgrass 2, Krul 1 (in the mix Obertan)
      Kebe 3, Pearce 2, Pogrebnyak 1 (2&1 very close)
      Lampard 3, Mata 2, Hazard 1 (tight between top 2)
      McClean 3, Larsson 2, Ad.Johnson 1

      Open Controls
    3. David Davros
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Cheers both

      Open Controls
  5. Super-Hans
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Any good bets on today?
    Think I'm going to put some money on Athletico Madrid (0-1). But I need another one or two...

    Open Controls
    1. Mavric Marco
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      RvP 1st goalscorer & Walcott 1st goalscorer

      Open Controls
    2. TheSteady ¤ Wines th…
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      United to win. United have won the last 8 out of 9 at home vs Liverpool in the previous. 🙂

      Open Controls
      1. TheSteady ¤ Wines th…
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Also see value in Malaga win against Barca tonight!

        Open Controls
        1. Super-Hans
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 2 months ago

          You think? 😉 Brave.
          They have made Manu way to big favourites here in Norway, so there is no value in it. But cheers.

          Open Controls
  6. HVT
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    What is the optimum score for Chelsea V Soton , please be realistic (I know it's fantasy!)
    I'll start with 2-0 Mata to be involved would be nice.

    Open Controls
    1. Optimus.
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      5-1

      Open Controls
    2. Djerbil
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      4-1 Chelsea

      Open Controls
    3. Kostja
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      I think given that it is a game where both teams could be weakened and a little tired I think 3-2 to chelsea

      Open Controls
    4. Super-Hans
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      I really think it could get ugly. Only have Mata, and every man and his dog has him as captain, so I'm actually hoping 0-1, but think it will be 3-0 or 4-0....

      Open Controls
  7. Blue Lion
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Someone here posted earlier about "New Comment System" in the page.
    Please enlighten me with that?
    If that is about real time comment update...It would be a great one!!!

    Open Controls
    1. Grumpy Camel
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      havent had much info on it yet but i think its going to group conversations a little better. ie captain talk, who to bench, RMT, non FPL etc

      Open Controls
  8. Jordan.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Hangeland ...please go and play somewhere else ,then i cant pick you,anybody else got a piss poor addiction for a non performing player?

    Open Controls
    1. Super-Hans
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      I had one, years ago. His name was Tuncay Sanli, and he played OOP. He never gave me anything, and still have problems sleeping at night...

      Open Controls
    2. Mavric Marco
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Benteke, already got rid with my WC

      Open Controls
    3. Optimus.
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      i said it yesterday that the 1 player i was never more happy to be rid of on my w/c was aaron hughes

      Open Controls
    4. Home Run Baker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Ba 😉

      Open Controls
    5. John Nerdelbaum
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Does Baines count? 😆

      Open Controls
  9. tw
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    old school: you're crushing me in la liga this week 🙁

    Open Controls
    1. Old Schoolᴼˢ “disa…
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      TW... I saw but you could easily claw it back today

      Open Controls
  10. Djerbil
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    michael owen @themichaelowen

    “@Paul_Twist: @themichaelowen you're shite” Thanks. You are probably right but I once had more talent in my little toe than you ever will.

    Open Controls
  11. Cheggers
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    I've got a feeling that Liverpool will beat United today.

    *ducks for cover*

    Open Controls
    1. Kostja
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      not impossible, cant see it happening though

      Open Controls
    2. Just One More Thing
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Totally unbiased - I'll say 2-1. Hope Suarez doesn't score.

      Open Controls
  12. Just One More Thing
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    What do we reckon about Ba starting v Southampton next week? Interested in opinions, particularly as I captained Ba yesterday 🙁

    Open Controls
    1. Djerbil
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      He will start..

      Open Controls
    2. Cheggers
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Torres to start for me

      Open Controls
    3. Kostja
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      I think Torres will start the next 2 games

      Open Controls
    4. Evs
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      I'm hoping praying, and looking for a brace.

      Yep, I didn't captain Mata either 🙁

      Open Controls
      1. HVT
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Whom ?

        Open Controls
    5. Champy
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Same but not sure he'll start, think he'll get some time though.

      Open Controls
      1. Just One More Thing
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Interesting - Chelsea (aside from the Villa game) have been goal shy at home (with Torres in team) since Rafa jumped aboard. I'm thinking it will be a chance for Ba to get a starting home debut (cross fingers)....

        Open Controls
        1. Champy
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 2 months ago

          Might be his chance to try both, hard to figure Benitez

          Open Controls
    6. Jordan.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Bench i think Torres starts

      Open Controls
  13. mozza
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Repost sorry...

    Second guessing my transfer plan. Was going to do 2.

    1) Ba to Podolski
    2) Luiz to Gibbs, and Ba to Podolski for -4
    Or
    3) Luiz to Sagna, and Ba to Suarez (NOR at home) for -4

    Have Walcott and demel but no other DGWs.

    Today's games will help decide but early thoughts appreciated.

    Open Controls
    1. b3- bish bash bosh
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      2)

      Open Controls
      1. mozza
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers. Will be nervous not havin Suarez. If he scores well today you'd have to back him over pod

        Open Controls
  14. TOSH
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    scores prediction for ars vs citeh game?anyone?

    Open Controls
    1. Kostja
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      0-0

      Open Controls
    2. David Davros
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      3-1 Arsenal, tight game that opens up in the second half.

      Open Controls
      1. TOSH
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        +1

        Open Controls
    3. Djerbil
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      1-0 Arsenal

      Open Controls
    4. Cheeseoid
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      1-1

      Open Controls
    5. tw
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      not sure but i can't see any more than a goal or two in it

      Open Controls
    6. Just One More Thing
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      1-0 Arsenal

      Open Controls
  15. Andrew
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    The assist for the third Sunderland goal and the number of saves awarded to Petr Čech have been queried with the Press Association. An update will be posted later today.

    Last updated: 13 Jan 09:33

    Open Controls
    1. Tangerine Army XI
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Still nothing for Puncheon assist #strawclutching

      Open Controls
      1. Andrew
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah, apparently the referee told the Southampton staff at half time that the penalty was awarded for the challenge on Puncheon.

        Open Controls
        1. Just One More Thing
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 2 months ago

          Hope they change it - could do with some more points 🙂

          Open Controls
        2. John Nerdelbaum
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 2 months ago

          That one wasn't a foul either

          #halseyhadashocker

          Open Controls
    2. b3- bish bash bosh
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      thank god how did flechter get that assist?

      Open Controls
  16. David Davros
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Backing Santi to pop up with a goal today.

    Open Controls
    1. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      BOOM 🙂

      Open Controls
      1. John Nerdelbaum
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        If Mikel's out, then a pen for Pod would be nice 🙂

        Although he'll probs have been subbed off by then! 🙁

        Open Controls
  17. villian-ty
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Have FT and WC to play
    Do i
    A. Save
    B. Turnbull -> Bunn, Gorkks -> Demel

    Bego (Turnbull)
    GIBBS Davies Luiz (Cameron, Gorrks)
    CAZORLA WALCOTT(C) Mata NOLAN (Puncheon)
    Rvp Berbatov Suarez

    0 in bank

    Open Controls
  18. tw
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    my defenders are demel sagna o'brien nasty and cueller. which 3 should i start gw 23?

    Open Controls
  19. HVT
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    I'm seriously thinking of Berbatov > Lambert when playing my wc - at this stage I can't see any reason not to , Both on penos but Fulham struggling a little whereas Soton appear to be on the up and Lambert is involved in everything and allows upgrades elsewhere ,
    Any thoughts ?

    Open Controls
    1. Home Run Baker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Good call

      Open Controls
    2. John Nerdelbaum
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah, I like this call

      Open Controls
    3. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      I brought Lambert in on my wc with plans of switching back to Berb for GW24, but I think I won't now. I think Lambert might be a better bet than Berb, but that doesn't mean he is the best one for the third spot. I will stick with Lambs until, perhaps, Dzeko gets regular gametime. Also think about Defoe with Ade gone.

      Open Controls
  20. Back on the horse
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    NEW POST

    Open Controls
  21. Just One More Thing
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    I am thinking it is time to dispense with Berbatov when my WC is played next weekend. Fulham having a bad time in front of goal at home. I think Ruiz is a reasonable alternative, but I think I will be looking beyond Fulham....

    Open Controls
  22. Cheeseoid
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    I took a bit of a gamble for next week. Going to have Suarez and Sturridge up front. I needed to make transfer early as I also brought in Walcott and wanted to avoid the price increases.

    Open Controls
  23. Jordan.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Anybody watch the ravens/broncos last night ?epic game, sport at its finest,fabulous entertainment, well done america....

    Open Controls
    1. DementedFlamingo
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Yes. Great game. Enjoyed today's GB vs SF49's too

      Open Controls
  24. ch33kych4ppy
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    test

    Open Controls
    1. bola
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      icle

      Open Controls
    2. El Berbossa - \\\"El b…
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      es

      Open Controls
  25. El Berbossa - \\\"El b…
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    http://oi49.tinypic.com/16hutu.jpg

    0.2 in bank where should i use it?

    Im thinkning Demel>Davies after dgw. not sure what to do -.-

    Open Controls
    1. donkey73
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      harte > clyne

      Open Controls
  26. donkey73
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    💡
    The following cheap DEF seem to rotate very well:

    Jussi-Bego + B.Davies-R.Martin-Clyne-Onuoha-Demel (or Wilson when he returns)

    These allow me to have all the best front 8 (except afro): i.e. Mata-Silva-Walcott-Michu-Bale-Ba-Rvp-Suarez !!!

    Yay or Nay ?

    Open Controls
  27. TOSH
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    defoe>tevez for gw23?already have 3 arsenal cover.

    Open Controls