A late, late stunner from Seb Larsson gives Martin O’Neill plenty to smile about at the Stadium of Light. Rafael Van der Vaart returns to the Tottenham first-team but endures a frustrating afternoon as Matthew Etherington steals the limelight to end his old club’s unbeaten run:
Phil Bardsley
The left-back enjoyed a productive first game under Martin O’Neill’s stewardship, earning both assists in the 2-1 win. Bardsley’s presence in the Blackburn half was noticeable as he foraged forward time and time again, firing in crosses and efforts on goal. Clearly, in terms of offering attacking intent, he looks to be the key Fantasy target in the Sunderland defence. At 4.8 in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL), you’ll pay that little bit more, but, with clean sheets so unreliable as a source of points, Bardsley’s attacking potential could well be worth paying for.
Seb Larsson
The Swede’s ability from a dead-ball was again on show as he stepped up to curl home a dramatic late winner. Having missed from the spot at Wolves last weekend, Larsson redeemed himself with a wonderfully flighted effort that gave him his fifth goal of the season. With four assists and 11 FPL bonus also in his locker, Larsson has now clearly emerged as the top midfield prospect within the Sunderland camp. Set-piece delivery is set to be crucial to the Black Cats under O’Neill, which seems likely to see Larsson develop as an even more significant factor in their ascent up the table.
Chris Samba
Samba was immense at the back for much of yesterday’s game, repelling attack after attack as the home side poured forward in a relentless siege on the Blackburn goal. Subject of a Watchlist article last Friday, Samba vindicated our focus on his attacking returns with an assist for Simon Vukcevic’s opener. He has now scored or assisted in each of last five ninety minute appearances and with home clashes against West Brom and Bolton up next, could once again prosper, despite his side’s inability to keep a clean sheet.
Rafael Van der Vaart
The Dutchman earned a recall to the Tottenham starting lineup as expected, with Jermain Defoe dropped to the bench. Van der Vaart suffered a quiet, unassuming match, however, failing to have the kind of impact to mirror that of Luka Modric, who drove Spurs forward in the second-half. More significantly, Emmanuel Adebayor was given the responsibility from the spot when Spurs did make the breakthrough – indication that perhaps the Togo striker has jumped above Van der Vaart in the penalty taking pecking order.
With Nani returning two goals and an assist in United’s 4-1 win over Wolves, Van der Vaart owners will be pondering the merits of a trade. However, it’s worth noting that Spurs now have two consecutive home matches, while Nani has two away trips in the same period. With a double fixture to come in gameweek 20, it’s also worth planning ahead – it’s likely that Van der Vaart will enjoy huge levels of investment for his double gameweek.
Thomas Sorensen
The Dane seems to have established himself ahead of Asmir Begovic in the Stoke goal- yesterday was his fourth start in a row. Sorensen’s 7 saves helped condemn Spurs to a first defeat since the end of August but with four of the next six away, many Fantasy managers may well look elsewhere. Two back-to back Britannia clashes against Villa and Wigan in gameweek 18-19 could be tempting, given his 4.3 price.
Ryan Shotton
Priced as a 4.0 defender, Shotton again patrolled the right flank of the Potters’ midfield and, with so many experienced defenders at his disposal, Tony Pulis definitely seems to prefer him further forward. Shotton’s eye for goal has seen him score 3 times in all competitions this term and he also possesses a throw-in similar to that of Rory Delap- always a good attribute in Pulis’ side. If he can establish himself as a first-team regular, Shotton could prove a dirt-cheap out of position alternative to help free up budgets elsewhere.
Matthew Etherington
The winger chose a showdown with his former club as the time to open his account for the season. Etherington has been mainly in the shadow of Jon Walters when it came to eyeing up Stoke midfield Fantasy prospects, with just 3 assists to his name prior to yesterday’s clash, but a 15 point haul propelled him back into consideration. At 6.4 and with just 2.7% ownership, he’s been off many a radar but Etherington has a proven Fantasy track record and typically tends to prove good value- with 59 points, he’s edged ahead of the likes of Samir Nasri in the midfield pecking order on the back of yesterday’s match-winning performance.
