Our Watchlist rankings, offering a view on mid-term Fantasy picks, have been updated for the forthcoming run of fixtures. You can now view these by each position using the tabbed tables in the sidebar on your homepage.
Read on for our summary of the significant moves in our rankings – complete with discussion on the some of the major prospects on offer.
Ben Foster’s clean sheet at Norwich, coupled with a run of fixtures that sets him up nicely for further returns in the coming weeks, has him climb to the top of our goalkeeper rankings. In truth, there’s little between the top keeper choices available right now, with Joe Hart and Wojech Szczesny available as strong options with those with cash to invest, while Asmir Bergovic, Tim Krul and Shay Given all offer low-to-mid price bracket.
Vincent Kompany’s imperious form and City’s forthcoming home matches has him at the top of our defender rankings, ousting Chelsea’s Jose Boswinga. Kompany looks to offer the greater security within Roberto Mancini’s back line and continues to attract Fantasy Premier League bonus to supplement his returns.
Stoke’s resolute defensive performances have brought three clean sheets in four and, with strong fixtures to come, Robert Huth enjoys a big climb in our rankings. There are cheaper options in the Potters’ back four – notably Ryan Shawcross, although there’s uncertainty surrounding Matt Upson and Jonathan Woodgate who could be set to rotate in the coming weeks. Huth looks a more certain starter and, as last season demonstrated, he brings a significant goal threat which, to this point, has yet to materialise but will surely return as a factor soon.
Everton’s Leighton Baines has a strong fixture in the forthcoming Gameweek but will be stretched in fixtures to follow – his Fantasy owners will likely need to rely on attacking returns to justify his weighty price tag. It’s a drop for Baines, then, with mid-price offerings Steve Taylor, Roger Johnson (with Stephen Ward a strong alternative) nipping above the Everton man with decent fixtures to come. West Brom’s Jonas Olsson and Villa’s Alan Hutton offer value further down our rankings.
David Silva’s sparkling form at the point of City’s midfield keeps him out in front in our midfield rankings. Arseanal’s Theo Walcott is some way behind in second, boosted by strong fixtures which really should bring returns in the coming weeks. Chelsea’s Juan Mata is hovering with intent, however – a trip to Old Trafford this weekend reduces his short-term potential but, following this, we’d expect to see the Spaniard threaten his compatriot at the top of our Watchlist.
The Nani vs Ashley Young debate continues – Young took the early rounds but Nani’s consistency has been strong and, despite not yet offering an explosive return, we’re still backing him to deliver despite impending competition from a fit again Antonio Valencia. This remains an interesting scenario and one that needs monitoring.
Rafael Van der Vaart represents another poser – he’s declared himself fit for the visit of Liverpool to the Lane this weekend but, having seen his side dispose of Wolves at Molineux, Harry Redknnapp may not find room for the Dutchman and break up the Emmanuel Adebayor/Jermain Defoe partnership. Fantasy managers are forced to “wait and see” when it comes to Van der Vaart’s fitness and role – his ability to deliver Fantasy returns is undoubted though, keeping him in our thoughts over the coming weeks.
There is perhaps greater security on offer elsewhere. Everton’s Tim Cahill looks set for another stint in the striker role for Everton – awful fixtures limit his appeal however. QPR’s Adel Taarabt saw his first significant FPL returns in Monday’s 0-0 with Newcastle and we expect the Moroccan to come to the fore over QPR’s next set of games.
Many Fantasy managers have given up on the potential of Swansea’s Scott Sinclair and Sunderland’s Stephane Sessegnon – we’re being less hasty, however. Both have very decent home matches to come and could yet deliver on their strong attacking threat.
Wayne Rooney continues to dominate our forward rankings with City’s Sergio Aguero now installed as his nearest competitor following his hat-trick against Wigan. The uncertainty in the City forward line is a concern, however; with Edin Dzeko suffering last weekend, the Bosnian slips down our rankings. Tonight’s Champions League lineup from Roberto Mancini will tell us more.
Javier Hernandez presents another conundrum. The Mexican announced his return to the starting lineup with a brace in the 5-0 win at the Reebok and has to come into our thinking over United’s tough run of opponents. Danny Welbeck’s return to fitness could threaten his starts and pitch-time, though – much depends on whether Alex Ferguson sees fit to hand Welbeck further opportunities following his encouraging start to the season prior to his hamstring setback.
West Brom’s Peter Odemwingie appears to offer more security at a cheaper price. The Nigerian came back with a bang at Carrow Road on Sunday, putting in an impressive shift and netting the winner for Roy Hodgson’s outfit. A strong run of opponents offer Odemwingie the platform to impress and his partnership with Shane Long could well be in for strong profits in the month ahead.
Chelsea’s Daniel Sturridge presents himself as an even cheaper alternative. Like Hernandez and Dzeko, however, rotation is a risk while Sturridge is also tasked with returning Fantasy points from a role on the right of Chelsea’s attacking front three. He had little trouble at Sunderland on Saturday but, with an Old Trafford trip up next, short-term investment is perhaps being stifled. That could change as Andre Villas-Boas’ teamsheet begins to firm up.
