While Stoke’s morale took a hit in the 3-0 defeat at the Etihad stadium, their form has undoubtedly flourished of late. Four consecutive wins coincided with the re-introduction of Robert Huth to a central defensive role.
Now could be the time for Fantasy managers to also reconsider Huth as an option. After last season’s Fantasy Premier League (FPL) haul of 138 points, including six goals and three assists, Huth started this term surprisingly slowly and lost his place to Matthew Upson during gameweeks 4 and 9. As a result, Huth’s price has fallen from his initial valuation of 6.0, to a more manageable 5.6 today. Suddenly, there could be value to be found, if only Huth can cement a starting role and begin to replicate the form of his previous campaign.
The signs are good. There’s every indication that Pulis has re-installed Huth to his lineup for the long haul. Huth hasn’t missed a minute of action since gameweek 11 and, with the versatility to play anywhere across the backline, he looks well placed to start each game, particularly with Jonathan Woodgate seemingly persistently cursed with niggles and knocks.
Huth’s goal threat at set pieces not only makes him a popular figure with Pulis, it also lifts his Fantasy credentials. The German offers potential, both in the air and on the ground. He grabbed his first goal of the season against Everton in gamweek 14, and fetched an assist for his dead-ball strike from a direct free-kick against Wolves a fortnight later.
Fast forward to Boxing Day, and Huth will be up against Aston Villa at the Britannia, a side who have conceded more goals from set-pieces than any other Premier League side. Pulis will be well aware of this: Huth will be a key weapon in exploiting the weakness.
Monday’s game also carries the potential of a clean sheet. Alex McLeish’s side have mustered just three strikes in their last six league games. Despite Stoke managing a just a single shut-out in nine, then, the odds on a Potters clean sheet for Boxing Day look good. In a nutshell, Villa can’t defend set-pieces and are scratching around for goals – the case for Huth looks strong.
Stoke follow Monday’s game with another home clash with relegation threatened Wigan, before travelling to face bottom club Blackburn. With West Brom, Sunderland, Swansea and Norwich the next four sides to visit the Britannia after that, Huth may well be a gift that goes on giving long after the Christmas period.
