From the outset, this was always looking like a tricky double gameweek for the four teams involved and today’s results only offered confirmation. While Bolton still have their two games to go (ARS & ful), owners of Wolves players will be cursing their luck as the likes of Jamie O’Hara and Matthew Jarvis drew blanks this afternoon, allowing the unlikely duo of Karl Henry and Steven Fletcher to pick up the points, with an assist and a goal respectively in the 1-1 draw with Fulham at Molineux. Wolves next game, a trip to the Britannia to face a Stoke side in their first home game since grabbing a place in the FA Cup Final, looks a difficult fixture that hardly inspires hope.
Fantasy Owners of both Stoke and Fulham players, on the other hand, should still approach the midweek games with plenty optimism. Both clubs are facing very winnable home ties and a reminder of their home form should offer some reassurance.
Fulham are unbeaten in their last six games at Craven Cottage, winning five and drawing the other. This run has saw them average two goals a game and chalk up a fantastic five clean sheets. Bolton, their midweek opponents, have lost eight of their last nine away and have never scored more than once in that run.
So if you’re one of the 112,000 that drafted in Clint Dempsey this week, fear not. Pre-Bonus allocation, the American may have returned just two points, but this gameweek is far from finished for Fulham. The same applies to owners of Bobby Zamora, who was drafted by 72,000 managers, only to start the proceedings on the bench. Zamora did grab an assist in his 22 minute second-half cameo and today’s rest may strengthen his chances of a midweek start.
Stoke’s home form? Almost as good. Four wins and two draws in six, with three clean sheets and an average of just over two goals per game should brighten the evening of Fantasy managers frustrated after the 1-1 draw at Villa Park. Midweek opponents Wolves have picked up eight away points all season and Pulis’ side look likely to take advantage.
While Kenwyne Jones has already vindicated his selection in Big Dunc’s Spot the Differential, next Tuesday’s match offers other a second bit at the cherry for the rest of Pulis’ side. In particular, for owners of Robert Huth or Matthew Etherington-subject of 43,000 and 76,000 transfers in respectively- there’s still 90 minutes against Big Mick’s boys to go….
