With another International break coming up after this weekend’s fixtures, many unsettled Fantasy managers playing the FPL game will be hovering over the wildcard button. With this in mind, we’ve overlooked the usual cast of nobodies and gone for some big names – attacking players with big scoring potential but small ownership levels. With long term concerns out of the picture this is all about taking a one week punt, with the potential for a big payoff before hitting that wildcard button…
Didier Drogba
No introduction is required for the Chelsea striker; Drogba has been arguably the most consistent Fantasy football performer of recent years, peaking in the 09/10 season where he scored or assisted in an incredible 27 of the 32 games he was involved in. Since the arrival of Fernando Torres, Drogba’s Fantasy stock has dropped considerably to the point where his current ownership sits at just 2.8% but with Torres suspended for the next three, he could be a very strong differential to this year’s big hitters Wayne Rooney (44%) and Sergio Aguero (43%).
At 10.1 Drogba doesn’t come cheap but considering his upcoming fixtures and FPL pedigree, that could be seen as a bargain. It’s worth mentioning that Anelka, Sturridge and even Lukaku offer some competition for the central striker role, but it is hard to see Drogba being totally overlooked. With [bol, EVE, qpr] up next, there will be plenty of opportunities to relive some former glory, especially against a Bolton side that have conceded 10 goals in their three home games so far.
Mario Balotelli
It would be premature to claim the penny has dropped for Mario Balotelli on the basis of one well-struck, but ultimately deflected goal. What was obvious from last week’s game however, was just how much it meant to him to play and score, a fact that will be much appreciated by Mancini considering the antics of Carlos Tevez this week. After being rested for the midweek defeat by Bayern, we’re backing Balotelli to start and make a big impact against Blackburn, a game that will surely present the Italian with plenty of goal scoring opportunities. With Steve Kean apparently intending to take the game to City, we’re more likely to see a game like Blackburn’s 4-3 against Arsenal last week, than Man City’s 2-0 against Everton, and Balotelli should profit as a result.
Beyond this week, his place in the side looks more uncertain. Mancini has already shown he is prepared to drop anyone to fit the team plan, and Balotelli is likely to be used sparingly going forwards, mainly around Champions League games. We’re floating Balotelli as a one week only punt then, but with just 0.4% ownership and a price of 8.5, he will fit nicely into most sides without too much surgery and could give investors a timely differential boost.
Rafael Van der Vaart
Another favourite from last season, Rafael Van Der Vaart has been overlooked by all but 3% of managers in the FPL game this time round. A poor start from Tottenham combined with an early injury have also seen the Dutchman drop to just 9.7, which considering the threat he poses against a weakened Arsenal defense, could prove to be great value for money.
While Gareth Bale stole the headlines last weekend, Van Der Vaart also looked much improved picking up a goal and three bonus points in their 2-1 win over Wigan. With Defoe and Pavluychenko featuring in the Europa League tie on Thursday, Spurs are expected to line up in the same 4-2-3-1 formation as last week, with Van Der Vaart occupying the support role behind Adebayor, and Modric and Bale on the flanks.
If recent results in North London derbies are anything to go by then we’re expecting a high scoring game, and unlike Scout Pick Gareth Bale, Van Der Vaart has ownership low enough to make him a strong differential should the result go Tottenham’s way.
