In a season where big name strikers such as Didier Drogba, Fernando Torres and Wayne Rooney have frustrated and failed to deliver on their Fantasy price tags, we might have expected to struggle for potential up front. Robin Van Persie however, has been the model of ruthless consistency when he’s fit enough to take the field; Darren Bent typically reliable in an inconsistent Villa outfit. Lower down the price bracket meanwhile, West Brom’s Peter Odemwingie has offered rich returns for a paltry price to emerge as a true Premier League talent.
It’s the pairing of Carlos Tevez and Dimitar Berbatov however, that have done the most to counter the failings of more expensive options over the course of the season – delivering the goals to fire their clubs’ ambitions.
With those two 20-goal strikers going into Sunday’s matches contesting the Golden Boot, Fantasy Managers have an opportunity to capitilise on their ability to find the net one last time.
The Forwards
The brace from Carlos Tevez against Stoke on Monday put the Argentine level with United’s Dimitar Berbatov for the leading scorer crown. While the Bulgarian has failed to start any of United’s last five league games, Berbatov looks set to get the nod against Blackpool following Alex Ferguson’s confirmation of his involvement in yesterday’s press conference.
With starting roles looking assured, obliging defences in front of them and the prospect that both players will be handed opportunities to boost their tallies from the spot, the evidence to support their case is overwhelming. There are caveats however.
Tevez goes into the trip to Bolton against a backdrop of uncertainty. Sunday’s game should see a typically committed performance from Tevez but, having again reiterated his desire to leave Eastlands in the Summer this week, there will be concerns that his mind will have already wandered.
Equally, Bolton are no pushovers at the Reebok and surely won’t be rolled over for the final game in front of their own fans with the kind of ease we’ve seen in recent weeks. To add to the mix, Tevez has scored just a single goal in his last four starts away from home.
As for Berbatov, he will undoubtedly have a point to prove having suffered from the meteoric rise of Javier Hernandez; the opportunity to claim the Golden Boot will surely provide ample motivation and a fitting way to make his point. Despite Ferguson’s assurances however, there’s no doubt that United will be without key players and that must could have an impact on the fluidity on show from the home side.
Blackpool’s drive for three points will leave holes in an already suspect defence, but United will need to have the killer instinct and desire to exploit the frailties on offer. Berbatov undoubted qualities in the box will need service from his team-mates and they must create and punish mistakes if the Bulgarian is to justify the faith being put in him by Fantasy Managers.
Despite that, if I had to choose, Berbatov would just have the edge over his City rival. Although Tevez goes into Sunday’s game with form, I’m not convinced that the Bolton game will be an easy encounter for City. United, in contrast, should find their way past Ian Holloway’s defence on a couple of occasions and, providing Berbatov is given ample pitch-time, he should see profits.
Beyond these two, there’s no doubt that Fantasy Managers holding either Robin Van Persie at Fulham, or Luis Suarez at Villa, will be starting them on Sunday. Both will carry the threat to the opposition and Van Persie in particular, will go into the final day with seven goals in his last nine league starts and having scored in eight consecutive away games. With Arsenal looking to snatch back third spot from City, there should be enough motivation for the Gunners to go for the three points – Van Persie is in line to return once again.
Those looking elsewhere will surely have one eye again on Wolves’ current form and the prospects presented by the blooming Steven Fletcher in their scrap with Blackburn. Fletcher comes at a budget price and goes into the game with five goals in as many games for Mick McCarthy’s side. That’s enough to seal his position on the Scout Picks bench.
