A new Friday afternoon feature, as we look at a handful of the crucial battles ahead of the weekend fixtures that could have a significant bearing on our Fantasy returns. These are the one-to-one duels that could ultimately decide the outcome of matches the Fantasy points tallies of, not just those players involved, but also the attacking and defensive potential offered by their team-mates.
Theo Walcott v Neil Taylor
Brendan Rodgers takes his Swansea side to the Emirates tomorrow wary of an Arsenal backlash. The Gunners will be eager to bounce back from the Old Trafford drubbing in Gameweek 3 and the form of Theo Walcott looks crucial to their chances. As mentioned in yesterday’s Watchlist article, the Arsenal winger has netted three times in four starts for his club and comes into the game in determined mood.
Swansea’s possession play means their defenders see plenty of the ball, with Rodgers’ penchant for attacking football requiring the full-backs to push forward as much as possible. The subsequent gaps left behind are ideal for pace to exploit and with the more lethargic Andrei Arshavin occupying the left wing berth, Walcott’s speed on the opposite flank should pose the visitors’ left-back Neil Taylor plenty problems throughout.
Rodgers showed at the Etihad Stadium against Man City he is willing to stick to his principles and if he continues along the same lines tomorrow, Walcott should play a major part in the game’s outcome.
Ashley Young v Gretar Steinsson
Having lost three goals in each of their last two games, the last thing Bolton need right now is to face a rampant Man United. The 4-0 win at Loftus Road on the opening day of the season is already a distant memory for Owen Coyle, as two back-to-back defeats by Man City and Liverpool leave the Trotters licking their wounds.
Ashley Young is playing at the top of his game right now- the summer signing has wasted little time in cementing his place in the United first-team and is the runaway points-scoring midfielder in Fantasy Premier League (FPL), with two goals, five assists and three Bonus Points to his name already.
In a similar scenario to last season, United’s left side has proved the more fruitful so far in terms of Fantasy returns. Coming inside onto his right foot, Young has benefited in the same way Nani did last term and looks set to continue in the same vein at the Reebok as he squares up to Gretar Steinsson. Nani will offer a threat on the right- Paul Robinson has been the more attack-minded of the Bolton full-backs and the Portuguese winger will look to exploit any space when he forages forward- but it’s Young, as the form player, who deserves our attention.
Leighton Baines v Chris Herd
Having lost their playmaker and two forwards over the transfer window, Everton will look to regroup as Aston Villa make their way to Goodison. The top-scoring defender in last season’s FPL game, Leighton Baines has even greater Fantasy appeal in light of Mikel Arteta’s departure to Arsenal.
Villa have been defensively solid so far under Alex McLeish – two clean sheets in three games highlights their strength at the back but they’ve also failed to score in two of their fixtures so far. The onus, therefore, is on Big Eck’s back-four to produce the goods.
Baines’ runs down the left flank and delivery from out wide is a crucial aspect of the Toffees game and young Chris Herd (or, indeed, new signing Alan Hutton) will have a tough time keeping him in check. If the visitors are to walk away unscathed, nullifying the danger of Baines will be key to doing so.
Gareth Bale v Richard Stearman
Wolves will approach tomorrow’s home match with Spurs in confident mood. Unbeaten in their first three games and with just one goal conceded, it’s fair to say they could even be considered favourites for the game; Big Mick’s team did, after all, beat last season’s top three at home and drew 3-3 with Harry Redknapp’s side.
With Rafael Van der Vaart once again sidelined with a hamstring strain and Luka Modric looking disillusioned with his failed move to Chelsea, Gareth Bale looks set to be the chief creative threat at Molineux for the visitors.
While Stephen Hunt has impressed on the right wing, there’s a possibility McCarthy may introduce Kevin Foley in order to counter Bale’s threat- his tactics in the second half at Aston Villa saw both Hunt and Matt Jarvis withdrawn for more defensive-minded players and Foley’s presence would aid right-back Richard Stearman, as he comes face-to-face with the Welsh wing wizard.
Bale’s delivery from the flank could be key to his side’s chances of success- with Emmanuel Adebayor set to make his Spurs debut tomorrow,the 8.0 priced FPL forward will be looking to win over the away fans and a goal or two on his first appearance in Tottenham colours could offer Fantasy managers a new mid-price favourite.
