Well I never. Joey Barton starts for Newcastle, scores after ten minutes and all of sudden he’s the darling of St James’ Park. It’s enough to make fantasy mangers sit up and take notice. Almost…
Kinnear made some bold changes. Barton came in for a start with Butt sidelined with his foot injury, while Gutierrez started on the right – Geremi dropped to the bench. Enrique also returned to the side at left back with Bassong benched.
Mowbray is the new Mr Predictable as he reverted to a 4-5-1 as expected. Brunt replaced Miller who dropped to the bench.
All eyes were on Barton tonight and he didn’t disappoint. He dispatched the tenth minute spot kick, awarded for a foul on Ameobi, calmly and which predictably sparked chest beating celebrations from the midfielder. Despite Barton’s troubles, fantasy managers should monitor his progress. He is a capable attacking midfielder at at 5.5 in the FPL he could offer value.
There should be caution however. His record for goals and assists at City wasn’t particularly eye catching. In 2005-06 he made 31 starts, scoring 6 goals and notching 5 assists. The following season he matched that goal tally, earning 4 assists in 33 starts. There could be FPL bonus points to add to this tally but then there will also be inevitable bookings and perhaps the odd suspension.
When you consider that City’s Ireland has already earned 4 goals and 4 assists in 9 starts, while Hull’s Geovanni has 3 goals and an assist in 7 starts and is available for the same price, it puts Barton’s potential value into perspective. He’s a decent option with strong Newcastle fixtures and form and a decent differential. As a long term fantasy prospect though – I’d be cautious.
Kinnear’s side do have some decent fixtures coming up with Villa, Wigan and Fulham on the horizon. Barton, Ameobi and Martins could well profit over those games but, with a host of decent mid-to-low price talent available in midfield (Cahill, Bentley and Modric adding further names to this list), then the two Newcastle front men may well be better options for those games, although Owen’s return is a factor.
As for West Brom – it was a familiar story tonight. Plenty of possession and pretty football but yet again, they lacked the vital cutting edge. Miller’s goal on arrival as sub, will surely earn him some regular starts and push Mowbray to abandon the 4-5-1. He appears to be keeping faith in this formation, despite the continuous struggle for goals. Miller has fantasy potential as a budget signing but for me, Mowbray will need to switch to two up front to help him realise it.