Tuesday’s friendlies bring two budget strikers to our attention as Steven Fletcher registers his first goals in a Burnley shirt, while Jason Roberts offers more evidence that he could fill the Santa Cruz void at Ewood…

With the Paraguyan striker now departed, Jason Roberts will be hoping to cement his place in the Blackburn starting lineup. He issued a reminder of his qualities to his boss Sam Allardyce and us fantasy managers, with a brace in last night’s 4-0 win over Cambridge United.

Roberts should fall in the low-to-mid price bracket throughout the fantasy games, despite a healthy return of 7 goals and 4 assists (plus 10 FPL bonus) in 20 starts last term. However, with Big Sam looking to splash the Santa gold on a new striker, it seems unlikely that Roberts’ role in the side will remain unchallenged. He seems destined once again, to be little more than a decent fantasy proposition as a bench forward, when fixtures and form fall nicely.

Burnley’s new £3 million signing from Hibernian, Steven Fletcher, could well present a better budget option – eventually. He also helped himself to a brace last night, as Owen Coyle’s side saw off Morecambe with a 3-1 scoreline.

Fletcher took his goals well and looks assured of a starting role come the season kick-off. However, his goal record with Hibs last season hints that we need to reserve judgement early on – 11 goals in 34 starts isn’t a stat that will scare many Premier League defenders. Martin Paterson, another player who could earn some attention given his role in Burnley’s promotion season, also notched via a Fletcher assist. Just a reminder however – Burnley’s opening fixtures in their Premier League programme are pure evil, so it’s likely to be a few weeks before we can give any consideration to Coyle’s players.

Meanwhile, in Sunday’s friendlies, West Ham edged past non-league Grays by a 2-1 scoreline. Youth players, Hines and Slabber got the Hammers goals as Zola fielded a second-string eleven with Julien Faubert, James Collins and Kieron Dyer the only recognised names. Gabbidon’s arrival as a second-half sub was worth noiting, given that he has missed the last 18-months through injury.

Tony Pulis split his Stoke squad for two friendlies at Newcastle Town and Nantwich and saw them both slump to defeat. Matt Etherington scored in the 2-1 loss to Newcastle. Meanwhile, an eleven featuring Ryan Shawcross, Liam Lawrence and Danny Higginbotham in a 4-4-1-1 formation were humbled 2-0 at Nantwich.