With a favourable run of fixtures on the horizon, Chris Samba makes a significant shift up this week’s updated Watchlist rankings. While Steve Kean’s side have failed to record a single clean sheet this term, Samba’s recent attacking returns look to offer plenty Fantasy potential over the new few gameweeks.
Blighted by hamstring problems, Samba’s had something of a stop-start season but, having now fully recovered, he’s back to bolster Blackburn’s bid for survival. For any Fantasy managers contemplating a short-term option, Rovers’ next three games look particularly enticing- an away trip to Sunderland- who may be without Nicklas Bendtner and, with Martin O’Neill’s arrival, are clearly a team in transition- is then followed by home clashes against West Brom and Bolton.
It’s safe to say we’ve not highlighted Samba for his possible defensive returns. Indeed, Rovers’ lack of stability at the back has caused them to go on the offensive more often and Samba’s attacking threat is proving integral right now.
Priced at 5.4 he’s hardly cheap but a look at Samba’s last four ninety minute appearances is very revealing; 2 goals, 2 assists and 6 bonus points , producing 29 Fantasy Premier League (FPL)points, is more in line with an in-form striker than a centre-back at a club struggling near the foot of the table.
These next three games will be vital before trips to Liverpool and Man United in gameweek 18 and 19 respectively and with Steve Kean’s side approaching the period on the back of a morale-boosting 4-2 win over Swansea, Samba’s contribution to the cause at both ends of the pitch will be vital.
