Marouane Fellaini was described as “unplayable” by team-mate Leon Osman earlier this week. This lofty praise came off the back of a match winning performance against Wigan that saw the giant Belgian score and notch two assists in a 4-0 win.
Fellaini’s reputation is growing almost as fast as his afro and he’s now firmly on our fantasy radars for the final furlong. His rise is not without cost however, as fantasy favourite Tim Cahill finds himself retreating to a deeper midfield role to make way for the physical presence of the Belgian at the business end…
Fellaini’s first season has been littered with yellow cards – 12 in all. In between collecting those bookings, the midfielder has quietly notched 6 goals and 4 assists in 24 league appearances. In fantasy terms he still trails the more prolific Cahill who has brought in 7 goals and 4 assists for his owner over 22 Premier League games. However, going forward, it’s becoming clear that Fellaini’s stock is on the rise – to the possible detriment of Cahill.
Significantly in the last two matches in which Cahill and Fellaini have both started, it’s been the latter that has been pushed up front alongside the striker. Cahill meanwhile has found himself dropping deep to prompt play from his own half. One glance at the Chalkboard below, highlighting passes made by both players in Sunday’s Wigan game, illustrates the areas of the pitch they occupied. It’s clear that Fellaini played right up with Jo in the Everton attack, recording 5 attempts on goal. In contrast, Cahill rarely found possession in the final third and failed to muster a single effort on goal.
The evidence will be alarming for Cahill owners (11.4% of FPL managers). The Aussie has been the victim of injuries yet again this season and recently missed the trip to Portsmouth with a calf problem. Investors in Cahill have learned to live with the bouts of injury and the odd suspension in previous seasons; these absences are often more than compensated by a goal every three games. However, Moyes’ new ploy, which seemingly dampens Cahill’s attacking instincts, clearly threaten the Aussie’s fantasy returns for the remainder of the season.
Fellaini, in contrast, looks set to go from strength to strength. Discipline remains an issue and with 12 bookings, the midfielder is just 3 away from a 3 match ban. His attacking role may see him spared of that suspension, whilst a record of 2 bookings in his last 7 league starts perhaps suggests that he may have his lunges and elbows under control.
Investors should be wary in the short-term. Everton face two tricky trips on the road next – at Villa and Chelsea. They follow those games with a decent run-in however (MCY sun TOT WHM ful). If Fellaini avoids the yelllows and remains in the attacking role, I’d expect to see his ownership increase, while the more expensive Cahill could see a steady decline.