A strong set of upcoming fixtures for Newcastle sees Demba Ba elevated in our recently updated Watchlist rankings. With a single point in their last three matches, Alan Pardew’s side will be looking for a return to winning ways, having previously remained unbeaten in the first eleven gameweeks of the season.
The Senegal hitman struggled to make an initial impact at St James’ Park and, with just a single assist in the first five gameweeks, dropped from 6.5 to 6.1 in Fantasy Premier League (FPL). This lack of form, as Pardew later admitted, was down to religious beliefs; Ba, a devout Muslim, fasted during Ramadan and looked anything but the barnstorming striker he has subsequently proved to be.
A hat-trick against Blackburn in gameweek six started a run of games that has seen Ba score or assist in all but two of his last nine appearances and demonstrated one of the most impressive levels of Fantasy consistency so far this season. A total of 9 goals leaves him fourth joint–top scorer alongside the likes of Wayne Rooney and a return of 12 bonus points has been bettered only by Robin Van Persie, Rafael Van der Vaart and Emmanuel Adebayor.
With 3 assists also added to the mix, Ba currently sits on 80 FPL points – in terms of “value” for the season, he’s top of the rankings for any outfield player so far and his average of 6.2 points per game is the same as David Silva. Priced now at 7.0, Ba still looks an absolute steal.
Next up is a run of games (nor, SWA, WBA, bol) that looks hugely promising for Newcastle. While the back-four has been decimated with injuries over the last few days, Pardew may have no alternative but to attack more, if solidity at the back is less assured. Those four fixtures offer plenty optimism before things stiffen up in gameweek 19, with a trip to Liverpool followed by a home clash against Man United.
Ba is, of course, participating in this season’s African Cup of Nations and will be unavailable over some, if not all of January dependant on Senegal’s results, but will be looking to plunder the points before he heads off, starting at Carrow Road this Saturday.
