Demba Ba signs off for the African Cup of Nations with a devastating forward display to send Man United to their second straight defeat. Anders Lindegaard’s clean sheet record is well and truly over, while Tim Howard nets Everton’s only goal as David Moyes’ side kicked off their double gameweek in downbeat fashion:
Demba Ba
A goal and assist for the Newcastle forward continued a remarkable Fantasy season that sees him sit second in the overall rankings with a score of 125 points, pre-bonus. Since he made his first start in gameweek 5, Ba has scored 15 goals and provided 3 assists and has so far picked up 18 bonus points, returning attacking points in ten of those fifteen first-team appearances. One of Ba’s best facets as a Fantasy player is his ability to produce whether home or away- 7 of his goals have come in front of his own fans, with 8 on the road; he’s the anti-Jonathan Walters, if you like. His departure for the African Cup of Nations is now imminent and with it will come a drop in price- considering he’s only 7.6 just now, it only makes Ba more of an outstanding bargain upon his return.
Ryan Taylor
With Gabriel Obertan failing to shake off a toe injury in time to face his former club, Taylor’s versatility afforded the full-back a place on the right flank. This allowed Alan Pardew to solve the dilemma of how to fit both Taylor and Davide Santon in the same first XI with the latter slotting in at left-back. Given that it worked to such devastating effect, the Newcastle boss may think twice about changing a winning formula ahead of the home game with QPR next gameweek. Certianly, post-match, the Newcastle boss admitted this was the best team that “was available“.
Yohan Cabaye
The former Lille man is coming to the fore as the second half of the season kicks into gear. An assist against Liverpool last week was followed by an outstanding free-kick against United as Newcastle shook of the lethargy of last week’s Anfield performance. It’s the first time this season that Cabaye has returned attacking points in back-to-back gameweeks and at 5.9, his set-piece duties and flourishing form could see him pick up plenty Fantasy suitors ahead of a run of games that reads: (QPR, ful, bla, AVL, tot, WOL).
Anders Lindegaard
With five clean sheets from his first five appearances, the Dane once again ousted David De Gea from the Man United first XI. His immaculate record was dismantled by a rampant Newcastle, though, as United failed to deal with their hosts’ determination and midfield dominance. Priced at 4.4, though, Lindegaard certainly seems just as capable as earning starts as the 6.4 priced Spaniard now but with Sir Alex Ferguson’s side facing four of the top six in the next seven gameweeks, including trips to Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs, their backline may struggle to produce the points.
Tim Howard
So far, it’s been a bit of a disaster for those Fantasy managers who loaded up on Everton players ahead of the double gameweek. A home game with Bolton offered plenty promise- Everton had conceded no more than a single goal in each of their last eight matches and with the Trotters out of sorts, a victory for David Moyes’ side was very much on the cards. Howard’s goal, a long kick downfield helped by the wind that bounced over stand-in keeper Adam Bogdan in the opposition net, summed up an unlikely night. Phil Jagielka, Leon Osman and Jack Rodwell were all forced off, with David Moyes anxiously awaiting the availability ahead of next Wednesday’s trip to White Hart Lane. Those who have plenty Spurs players, however, will be licking their lips in anticipation of more Toffees withdrawals.
Gary Cahill
While most of the recent talk has centred around his alleged departure to Chelsea, the centre-half hit the headlines for his on-pitch display last night. Cahill returned to goalscoring ways to secure a vital three points for Bolton, as his first goal since the opening day of the season lifted Owen Coyle’s side off the bottom of the table and helped the Trotters record back-to-back away wins. Priced at 5.2, he’s served a reminder of his capabilities and if Cahill’s proposed move to Stamford Bridge does, indeed, go ahead, he’ll no doubt attract the interest of plenty more than his current 18.7% Fantasy owners.
Chris Eagles
Afforded a first start since gameweek 15, Eagles got amongst the attacking points for the first time since the first week in November. Owen Coyle opted for a 4-5-1, with Eagles on the right and Martin Petrov on the opposite flank, utilising the pace of David N’Gog as a lone frontman. Eagles picked up an assist while N’Gog once again got amongst the points for the second away game in succession, netting the away side’s opener after they had gone behind to Tim Howard’s bizarre effort for the hosts.
