Versus – Rooney and Lukaku

For the majority of Fantasy managers, the valid options for our three-man frontlines have lessened as the season has unfolded. Olivier Giroud and Daniel Sturridge were quick out the blocks but neither were able to maintain consistency and, as Sergio Aguero and the suspension-free Luis Suarez hit their stride, it’s a case of the South American duo plus one other when it comes to our forwards right now:

Suarez and Aguero are far from cheap but, as their prices continue to escalate in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game, they’ve delivered time and again and more than justified the premium outlay required. The Liverpool forward has averaged an astonishing 11.4 points per game and, whilst Aguero’s eight points per game leaves him trailing in the Uruguayan’s wake, it’s an average that’s still head and shoulders above Robin van Persie’s 6.9 over 2012/13.

After delivering 241 points in his first year at Old Trafford, the Dutchman’s position as United’s top forward has been undermined by both injury and Wayne Rooney’s rise to form. As van Persie continues to battle toe and groin problems, Rooney has served up a series of consistent displays under his former Everton mentor, David Moyes. So far, he’s racked up eight goals, seven assists and 18 bonus points, drawing blanks in just three of his 13 appearances and averaging 7 points per game – a ratio bettered only by Suarez and Aguero. Furthermore, at 11.1 in FPL, he’s cheaper than both South Americans and, with games against Villa, West Ham, Hull, Norwich and Swansea in the next six, Rooney looks poised for further attacking returns. Indeed, this afternoon’s news that van Persie will be sidelined for a month after sustaining a thigh injury merely strengthens Rooney’s cause.

Over at his former club, though, Fantasy faith in Romelu Lukaku is building. Since arriving at Goodison in Gameweek 5, the big Belgian has bagged eight goals, three assist and 11 bonus points in 11 appearances. Lukaku has also been highly consistent this term and, registering just three blanks, has averaged 6.4 points per game under the guidance of Roberto Martinez – slightly fewer than Rooney but at a significantly cheaper price of 8.5. As Lukaku steels himself for a schedule rated the most appealing of any side in the next six Gameweeks by our season ticker (FUL, swa, SUN, SOT, sto, NOR), the bandwagon is in full effect – over 96,000 FPL managers have already acquired him this week, more than any other player in the game.

With a big decision to be made, then, we take a look at both players’ displays so far this term – for the purpose of our analysis, Lukaku’s stats are taken purely from his time at Everton, with a couple of late second-half sub appearances for parent club Chelsea discounted.