Another two-goal haul from Emmanuel Adebayor helps Spurs continue their winning ways.Juan Mata excels against Wolves as Chelsea grab their first home win since gameweek eight, while Demba Ba ends United’s run of three clean sheets and blunts Sir Alex Ferguson’s title ambitions:
Emmanuel Adebayor
Yesterday’s brace was his second in back-to-back gameweeks, with the Togo international also picking up an assist for Jermain Defoe’s goal in the 3-1 win at the Hawthorns- he’s surely nailed-on for the maximum bonus, too. The influence of Adebayor and Scott Parker on Harry Redknapp’s side has been immense since their acquisition at the end of the August transfer window , with twenty-eight points from a thirty possible picked up. The absence of Rafael Van der Vaart failed to dim Adebayor’s potential, as, working in tandem with Defoe in a front two, he helped condemn Roy Hodgson’s side to their third defeat in four. With Gareth Bale also grabbing an assist, the Tottenham bandwagon continues to roll on relentlessly and with a favourable run of fixtures ahead, only seems likely to pick up speed.
Thomas Vermaelen
A goal at either end in the 1-1 home draw with Fulham ensured the centre-half hogged the headlines at the Emirates last night. Vermaelen’s equaliser atoned for a disastrous own goal and is his second in three starts since returning from injury in gameweek ten. Once again, the Belgian demonstrated the attacking sensibilities that saw him bag 7 goals back in 2009/10 and if he can stay injury-free, is likely to run that tally close once again. Vermaelen seems to be settling in to a partnership with Per Mertesacker in the heart of defence now- the pair have started the last couple of games as Arsene Wenger’s preferred pairing.
Robin Van Persie
It turns out he’s human after all. A run of 12 goals in his previous seven appearances meant the Gunners skipper was handed the armband by a huge number of Fantasy managers, but Fulham managed to curtail his scoring streak at the Emirates. Yesterday’s blank against the Cottagers was the first time since gameweek four that Van Persie has failed to find the net in a home match. However, with a trip to Wigan next weekend, he’ll surely be amongst the favourites for the Fantasy armband once more.
Juan Mata
With Frank Lampard rested for the midweek Carling Cup clash against Liverpool, the Spaniard was the star of the show as Chelsea got back to winning ways at Wolves’ expense. Yesterday’s goal and pair of assists was Mata’s second double figure points haul in succession at Stamford Bridge and will surely seal the three bonus points on Monday. Mata has averaged around 7 points per home game in his debut campaign, with only David Silva managing more assists to this point, edging Mata by 7 to 6. A boost in Mata’s lowly 4.8% ownership can be expected this week, though with clashes against three of the top four (new, MCI, wig, tot) to come next, there are some tough fixtures on the horizon for Andre Villas-Boas’ side.
John Terry
The Chelsea skipper has come in for plenty stick this season with his displays at the back under scrutiny. Terry and his fellow defenders may be struggling to implement Villas-Boas’ preferred high defensive line, but in front of goal, he’s been one of Chelsea’s most reliable performers. Yesterday’s goal was his fourth of the campaign and equals Terry’s best goals return for a season- he has now netted the same number of times as Didier Drogba, Fernando Torres and Nicolas Anelka combined. A fifth yellow card of the season means he misses the Carling Cup match at Liverpool, but makes him available for next weekend’s trip to Newcastle.
Tim Krul
The Dutchman enjoyed a superb game at Old Trafrord, repelling a number of goal bound efforts to help Newcastle to an away point. Having kept three clean sheets in his opening four matches, Krul had attracted significant Fantasy investment which has seen his price in the FPL rise from 4.5 to 4.7. With tough fixtures over the last four, Krul and the Newcastle defence have failed to keep a shut-out in four gameweeks but, with his the schedule improving, Krul must surely return to the radar as a strong option for a keeper’s spot.
Demba Ba
The Newcastle hitman bagged his ninth goal of the season from the spot at Old Trafford and has now returned either a goal or an assist in his last four gameweeks. Indeed, since gameweek 5, Ba has only drawn a blank once – a superb record for an FPL forward priced at 6.7. While Newcastle’s fixtures will have slowed investment in the striker, he will now surely enjoy increased interest as the Magpies prepare for three home games in the next four, starting with Chelsea next weekend.
Hatem Ben Arfa
The Frenchman started his second consecutive game up in support of Demba Ba up front and supplied the assist via Newcastle’s controversial penalty award. Fantasy managers will be monitoring his progress – particularly when Alan Pardew has further options up front. Should Ben Arfa cement his starting role, he looks a good option as a 5.4 midfielder in the FPL.
Thomas Sorensen
Once again, the Dane was selected ahead of Asmir Begovic in goal for the home game against Blackburn. Sorensen was beaten by Ruben Rochina in the 3-1 win, though- Tony Pulis’ side have now returned a single clean sheet in their last nine games. So often a stable source of defensive points, it seems this season’s foray into Europe is unsettling the Potters’ solidity, much to the continued frustration of their Fantasy backers.
Kieran Richardson
A miserable home defeat to Wigan gave the Stadium of Light faithful little to cheer and, from a Fantasy perspective, the frustration with Nicklas Bendtner and Stephane Sessegnon continues. Missed opportunities cost the home side dear, with Kieran Richardson firmly amongst the guilty parties. Having said that, he was Sunderland’s most threatening player on the day in terms of goal attempts – suggesting that, if he stays in support striker role, he could be worth monitoring. The Black Cats would have to show improved form however – right now, that looks some way off with next week’s trip to Wolves looking vital for Steve Bruce and his side.
Grant Holt
The Norwich forward seems to have grown into the role as supersub over the last few matches. Holt has netted in three of his last four sub appearances, earning vital points against Liverpool and Blackburn, and bagged the winner against QPR yesterday. Ironically, his performances may persuade Paul Lambert that he’s more suited to the sub role- Holt has scored just 1 goal in five starts this term but when brought off the bench, his ability to make a difference is clearly proving crucial.
Luke Young
Last week’s goal at Stoke was a rarity but Young repeated the feat at Carrow Road yesterday. He’d scored 2 goals in his previous three seasons but the right-back is revelling under Neil Warnock at QPR- with 46 points, he’s joint-top Fantasy scorer at the club, neck and neck with Heidar Helguson. Two of the next three fixtures pit Warnock’s side against Man United and Liverpool, though, and with clean sheets unlikely, Young’s points potential perhaps looks minimal.
Leighton Baines
The Everton left-back may have emerged without a goal or assist from the 2-0 win at Bolton but the clean sheet offered his investors rewards, while he remained a key figure for the Toffees. David Moyes’ side have won two on the bounce and have the fixtures to continue a climb up the table. Baines is known to flourish when Everton find form and, if Louis Saha and Tim Cahill can remain fit, they could start converting Baines’ supply from the left.
