Our Watchlist rankings, offering player recommendations for a three-to-four week gameweek period, were given a full update for the new site layout this morning.
An aspect of the new design we haven’t stressed so far is that many site elements, particularly the Watchlist, are now more streamlined, enabling us to update more quickly and more often. We will be looking to keep on top of the Watchlist rankings on a daily basis now and very soon we will be adding a “Last Updated” date to the list so you can be notified when changes have taken place. We will also be generating more articles based on Watchlist movement when new entries or major changes occur. All good, then.
For now, however, let’s rattle through the standings and offer some reasoning behind our current thinking…
The goalkeeper rankings see very little movement with Swansea’s Michel Vorm and Newcastle’s Tim Krul still reigning supreme as they continue to return exceptional Fantasy value between the sticks. Krul has three home games in the next four to come, although would seem likely to have to rely on saves to earn his keep with Spurs at St James’ Park next. As for Vorm, three away games in four will test his mettle but again, saves and a home clash with Bolton in gameweek 10, should see him continue to offer value.
Below that pairing, Arsenal’s Wojciech Szczesny again offers an assured route into any potential Arsenal defensive returns – three strong Emirates fixtures in the next four affords a strong chance of clean sheets, despite continuing reservations surrounding the Gunners’ back four. Having withdrawn from the Poland squad with a back problem, we’ll be monitoring the Gunners stopper’s fitness- any indication he’s unlikely to make it and Szczesny will be replaced by Łukasz Fabiański in the rankings. Aston Villa’s Shay Given remains in our thinking as Alex McLeish’s unit display obvious defensive resolve, although we fully expect their unbeaten run to come to an end at City in gameweek 8. Wigan’s Ali Al Habsi and Norwich’s John Ruddy offer budget potential lower down our rankings as fixtures fall nicely through to November.
Liverpool’s Jose Enrique gets a temporary climb in our rankings following two consecutive assists and a clean sheet at Goodison. Like Arsenal, there are question marks over the solidity of the Liverpool back four but, with Norwich and Swansea at Anfield in the next four gameweeks, a clean sheet or two looks likely. Enrique’s threat from the left-flank will always be a factor, too.
There’s little movement below the Spaniard with the likes of Vincent Kompany, Jose Bosingwa and Steven Taylor continuing to offer potential. John Arne Riise’s ranking is starting to look justified too – he was a constant threat down the left for Fulham in their 6-0 drubbing of QPR and, of course, returned a second consecutive clean sheet.
Bolton’s Gary Cahill, Arsenal’s Kieran Gibbs and Norwich City’s Marc Tierney are all climbers in the lower echelons of the rankings – all three present gambles in Fantasy terms but, if you’re searching for differentials – they fit the bill. Cahill was an immensely popular Fantasy signing following his stunning strike in the day one defeat of QPR but, ever since, has plummeted in ownership. Ironically, he is just about to embark on a set of fixtures that could see his returns improve. He’s still likely to need to find attacking returns to boast his points tally, however.
City’s David Silva and United’s Nani remain the top two in the midfield rankings – Silva’s team-mate, Samir Nasri, is now their closest rival. Nasri benefits from the uncertainty surrounding Rafael Van der Vaart’s role in the Tottenham side (see today’s Scribbles) to climb the ladder. Chelsea’s Juan Mata falls from grace somewhat having firmly played second fiddle to Frank Lampard’s hat-trick at Bolton. There’s no place for Lampard in our rankings right now with Mata still the preferred option in Chelsea’s midfield. Lampard’s price, as always, is a major stumbling block but, should Andre Villas-Boas continue to select him in midfield and Lampard continues to show form, we may have to re-consider.
Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey is a big climber and a very intriguing option in midfield given Arsenal’s forthcoming run of opponents. Featured in last week’s Numbers Game article for Members prior to his strike at White Hart Lane, Ramsey continues to produce returns and keep Mikel Arteta in the shade. With Theo Walcott still proving a major frustration, Ramsey is the sole representative of Arsene Wenger’s midfield in our rankings.
Lower down we’ve got the prospects presented by Swansea’s Scott Sinclair, Villa’s Barry Bannan and Norwich City’s Wes Hoolahan – all of whom have emerged in recent weeks. Wigan’s Victor Moses certainly hasn’t done himself justice of late but we’re sticking by him in the Watchlist – with Bolton, Fulham and Wolves in the next four, he has every chance repaying our faith in the coming weeks and making a mockery of his budget 4.9 price tag.
Up front, Arsenal’s Robin Van Persie continues to top the rankings, holding off Wayne Rooney, who faces far stiffer opposition in the coming weeks. Sergio Aguero’s injury has him drop a place with Liverpool’s Luis Suarez jumping to third.
Below this pack we have familiar names, with Chelsea’s Daniel Sturridge perhaps looking the strongest option; his two goal salvo at the Reebok surely cemented his starting role on the right of the Chelsea attack and, at just 6.5 in the FPL, he looks a very strong third striker option for the coming weeks at least.
We’re still waiting on further confirmation of Emmanuel Adebayor’s reported hamstring woes – right now he holds just above Sturridge. Gabby Agbonlahor’s showing in the 2-0 win over Wigan keeps him simmering, with Fulham’s Bobby Zamora and Newcastle’s Demba Ba offering options for those looking to plunder the mid-price market. Fulham’s Andy Johnson, at just 5.1 in the FPL right now, looks your real budget contender.
