A masterful Dutchman and a lacklustre United display dominated a tepid Premier League Saturday show that brought humble returns for most Fantasy Managers. Here’s our thoughts on the Gameweek so far…
Rafael Van der Vaart once again kept Gareth Bale firmly in the shade with a match-winning performance for Spurs against Villa. The Dutchman started on the right-flank but continually came in-field to provide a constant threat on Brad Friedel’s goal. Redknapp changed the formation at half-time, introducing Lennon the right and shifting to one up front. This allows Van der Vaart to occupy a central role of a lone striker.
The Dutchman’s seven goal attempts was the most fired in by any player on Saturday and his brace means that he has scored 4 home goals in 3 games in all competitions for Harry Redknapp’s side. Bale was again fielded on the left-wing at home, but failed to get amongst the points, despite a fantastic 6 Key Passes that led to goal attempts. In the absence of Ledley King,Tom Huddlestone dropped back to centre half and skippered the side. Alan Hutton remains the first-choice right-back, keeping Vedran Corluka on the bench.
Despite leaving the proceedings halfway through the first half through injury, Emile Heskey continued his fine form under new Villa boss Gerard Houllier, with a superb assist for Marc Albrighton’s opener at Spurs, which followed on from Heskey’s goal against Wolves last week. Albrighton’s goal, his first in the Premier League, followed up last week’s assist, as he begins to look something of a fixture in the new regime. Heskey’s injury is a dead leg and Gerard Houllier doesn’t anticipate that it will keep him out for the Chelsea game after the international break.
Alex Ferguson pulled a major surprise with Man United’s starting XI for the trip to Sunderland. Despite both not playing in the upcoming international fortnight, Dimitar Berbatov and Patrice Evra found themselves on the bench, replaced by John O’Shea and Federico Macheda respectively. Ferguson acting against the aerial threat of Elmohamady but opting for the taller O’Shea against him on the left but it was the changes up front that caused the biggest stir.
Michael Owen took his place alongside Macheda at the Stadium of Light, but his disappointing display saw Berbatov replace him at half time. The return of Rio Ferdinand saw United record their first clean sheet in five games, but Fergie’s side have now drawn all five away league games this season. The manager’s post-match comments focused on the defence which successfully kept Sunderland at bay, although in truth the performance of Van der Sar and some misfires from Steve Bruce’s side played a major part in that.
Everton have Roger Johnson to thank for scoring their first away goal of the season, as the Birmingham centre-half put through his own net at St Andrews. David Moyes once again fielded Seamus Coleman as an “Out of Position” right winger as a second goal from Tim Cahill ensured the Toffees picked up their first league win of the season, condemning Birmingham to their first home league defeat in over a year.
Leighton Baines was once again amongst the assists, with great work late on for Cahill’s goal – he’s assisted 2 of the 6 Everton goals this season. Mikel Arteta came out of the game without attacking returns but yet again collected the maximum FPL Bonus. He’s now gathered 9 Bonus Points in all – more than any other midfielder. The Spaniard will be without his influentail team-mate Steven Pienaar for the immediate future. David Moyes has revealed that he could face around a month on the sidelines with a groin injury sustained in training which saw him miss yesterday’s game. Pienaar’s injury allowed for Leon Osman’s return to the starting lineup.
Karl Henry’s tough-tackling approach has seen him hog the headlines this season, and this continued at the DW Stadium, where the Wolves midfielder received his marching orders after just 10 minutes. His folly allowed Wigan the advantage, as the home team -with 59% possession- won at a canter, with Wolves failing to find the net for the first time this season.
Wigan’s 2-0 win saw them find some attacking form at last. Defensively things continue to look solid; Roberto Martinez’s side have now chalked up three clean sheets and their defensive assets will likely gain further Fantasy interest as a result. In attacking terms the game saw Wigan’s double their goal output for the season. Charles N’Zogbia gave the impression that he was coming back to something like his best form, popping up on both flanks and causing Mick McCarthy’s side plenty of problems. The FPL Bonus judges agreed as N’Zogbia claimed his first maximum haul of the season; he has now claimed Bonus in his last two league starts – indication that his magnet is beginning to hook in the judges. N’Zogbia provided the assist for Wigan’s second from Hugo Rodallega. The Columbian striker, as highlighted by the recent “Numbers Game” article, also came good good then and added his name to the mid-price radar up front.
Stoke’s Jon Walters notched his first league goal of the season against Blackburn to raise his profile as an “Out of Position” 5.5 midfielder. Walters has been employed in support of Kenwyne Jones up front. Perhaps we shouldn’t get too carried away by his potential however – he has managed just 4 attempts on goal in his 6 league apperances this season and his starting role will surely come under threat once Gudjohnsen is fully fit for selection. Matt Etherington remains the midfield option amongst the Stoke ranks. He provided the assist for the Walters goal and fired in 5 goal attempts himself. It wasn’t surprising to see him claim the maximum FPL Bonus as a result.
Frédéric Piquionne netted his second in consecutive league games and came away with the maximum FPL Bonus as a result. Victor Obinna provided the assist and also fired in three goal attempts of his own to catch the eye once again. Carlton Cole remains frozen out by this pairing who could provide further low-to-mid price options when form and fixtures click.
Johan Elmander and Kevin Davies are another mid-price pairing offering potential. Elmander bagged his fourth league goal of the season at the Hawthorns, as Bolton battled to a deserved draw at in-form West Brom. The Swede has also assisted twice for Owen Coyle’s team and is having a far more prolific season that strike partner Kevin Davies. Priced at just 5.7m, Elmander could be a decent shout as a cheap, alternative forward with Bolton having three home games out of the next four.
Graham Dorrans took his place in the West Brom starting XI, replacing the injured Jerome Thomas, but the midfielder failed to make his mark and was withdrawn just before the hour mark. Barclay’s September Player of the Month Peter Odemwingie continued his rich vein of form, assisting James Morrison’s equaliser as Di Matteo’s side preserved their unbeaten home league record. Odemwingie has now assisted or scored in 5 of his 6 West Brom starts in the league.
