Not my recommendations as such but rather the overwhelming trend going on in the FPL game right now. As an extra treat – I’d thought I’d dip into the wonderful world that is the Fantasy Premier League statistics and take a look at the gameweek’s transfer activity thus far.
Predictably there are a lot of FPL managers putting stock in Blackburn administering a whacking to Derby this weekend. Looking at the gameweek’s “transfers in” stats both Bentley and Santa Cruz top the rankings for midfielders and strikers, while many are also banking on the Rovers backline to notch a cleany – Warnock is the most popular defensive signing and Friedal is topping the keeper rankings.
Certainly Derby are the whipping boys and Santa and Bentley should benefit to some degree – even if it’s bonus after a modest victory. A clean sheet does look likely, although it’s worth noting that Derby need 4 points to rid themselves of the mantle of the worst Premiership side ever (statistically). That’s bound to see them put up a considerable fight at Ewood. I can certainly see a victory for Rovers but I wouldn’t be surprised if the margin is not as wide as anticipated.
Elsewhere there is strong investment in Villa once again, with Young, Barry and Agbonlahor all ranked highly. Laursen is also fairing well as a defensive investment – he hasn’t scored since January 12 but it appears that his goal threat is still a major temptation, particularly against Wigan who do struggle for goals away from home.
Birmingham’s Larsson and Fulham’s Davies are getting some interest as budget purchases – no doubt to help free up some Santa/Bentley cash. Tevez is also figuring noticeably high in the forward rankings – fuelled by the injury doubt surrounding Rooney for the final two games.
At first glance there are few surprises in the “outs” column. The Portsmouth pair of James and Defoe are leading the way by some margin. James is a major injury doubt of course, while Defoe’s form seems likely to suffer from Pompey’s apathetic approach with the FA Cup final looming. In midfield, it appears that patience in Rafa’s rotation has worn thin enough to warrant shedding Gerrard.
An interesting one this – I would expect him to start at home to City this weekend in Liverpool’s final home game. Gerrard appears to be a decent bet for a good return if Liverpool can banish Wednesday’s defeat from their system. The same applies to Torres. He has been transferred out quite widely prior to the weekend but should start given that he has apparently shaken off the slight hamstring injury that saw him subbed in extra time. He is prolific at Anfield and will be looking to sign off in style in this final home game.