Two Gameweeks in and already Luis Suarez is making a mockery of his 9.5 Fantasy Premier League (FPL) price. Though many Fantasy owners (our very own Mark, for one) must have despaired when the Uruguayan was benched for the trip to Arsenal, Suarez only needed nineteen minutes to underline the fact that class will always out.
Coming on for Andy Carroll in the 71st minute, Suarez netted yet again for Liverpool and has two goals in just ninety-four minutes game time this season. With a home game against Bolton coming up next, Carroll’s Fantasy owners may have reason to be worried- he failed to provide the expected spark and laboured against a patched-up Gunners rear-guard.
Indeed, the big hit-man’s removal proved to be the turning point in the 2-0 victory and with Suarez wasting no time in carrying on his Copa America form, Carroll is looking increasingly likely to be spending the season in the South American’s shadow. Given that, at 10.0, he’s also the more expensive Fantasy buy of the pair, many may jump ship and plump for Suarez before the Trotters take a trip to Anfield next Saturday evening.
The lunchtime game also served up another blank return for Robin Van Persie. Arsenal looked bereft of ideas for much of the game and there’s a bitter irony that the one player who seemed likely to make things happen, Samir Nasri, is on the verge of an Emirates exit. Decimated by injuries and suspension and devoid of any real sense of confidence, the Gunners now travel to Old Trafford in Gameweek 3 and Van Persie, priced at 12.0, will surely see many a Fantasy owner lose faith.
For short-term alternatives, Darren Bent is looking good. A goal and an assist against Steve Kean’s Blackburn shot Aston Villa to the top of the table this afternoon and backed up his choice in the Scout Picks. Bent has another home game next week, with Wolves the visitors in an all-action Midlands derby.
All eyes will be trained on Stamford Bridge next as Fernando Torres leads the line for Chelsea against West Brom. A performance against the Baggies this evening and El Nino -with a clash at home to Norwich next week- could find himself a Fantasy favourite all over again.
