We complete our recent series of Watchlist articles focusing on potential Wildcard signings by turning our attention to the strikers. A position dominated by the relentless profits returned by Robin Van Persie, most Fantasy managers will be looking to fill just a couple of slots in their Fantasy Premier League squad…
While Van Persie’s returns have shown signs of wavering slightly and, with Thierry Henry increasing Arsene Wenger’s options, there will be a school of thought that will point towards shedding the Gunners skipper. However, Wayne Rooney’s form has never remained consistent enough to force a shift, similarly, City’s Sergio Aguero is yet to match the Dutchman’s output. It remains to be seen then, just how many will look to carry out a full refresh of their forward lines during the Wildcard window.
The value presented by Daniel Sturridge will also be a likely factor during January. Absent again for Chelsea’s FA Cup tie today – we have seen sales of Sturridge over the past week, although there will surely be plenty holding firm given his goals return and modest 7.4 price tag.
Those with both Van Persie and Sturridge installed, may look to change just a single slot in their forward line then. Looking at the candidates available, there are options across the various price brackets that appear warrant attention.
Sergio Aguero
You may have noticed from our articles on defenders and midfielders, we’re heavily backing City over the next ten gameweeks. The logic is pretty simple, City have the kindest run of opponents amongst the title contenders over the next two months and, without Champions League distractions, we feel that Robert Mancini’s side will make significant progress from Gameweeks 21-27. Aguero has been a consistent scorer, without delivering the kind of explosive returns we saw in his first month in England. The brace in Gameweek 17’s win over Stoke was his first two-goal fetch since Gameweek 5, but we feel that we could see progress in January and February. Currently commanding stronger FPL investment than Robin Van Persie, there appears to be a groundswell of support for the Argentinian. The prospects of a strong 2012 look good.
Yakubu
Already established as a top target having commanded more “transfers in” than any other player in the current Gameweek, the Blackburn striker has the form and fixtures to flourish further in 2012. Cemented in the Rovers lineup, on spot-kicks and with 12 goals to his name already, the current price tag of 6.0 remains strong value. Rovers have Fulham, Newcastle, QPR, Villa and Sunderland to come in their next five home matches and with a record that shows at least one Rovers goal in every away game, the Nigerian remains a healthy prospect if he can maintain his fitness.
Peter Odemwingie
West Brom have been faltering of late – a run of three matches without a goal and with playmaker Chris Brunt sidelined for eight to ten weeks, the omens don’t look good. Odemwingie will be undoubtedly be their key player if Roy Hodgson’s side are to recover and establish a mid-table foothold. At 7.2 in the FPL, his price tag remains fairly modest and with Brunt out of the picture, you’d back the Nigerian to take control of spot-kicks and even direct free-kicks, for the coming months. Norwich, Swansea and Sunderland are next to the Hawthorns, whilst Hodgson’s side have scored more goals on their travels than at home of late.
Gabby Agbonlahor
After a superb start to the campaign, Agbonlahor has suffered a barren spell of eight games without a goal, as Villa have struggled for attacking threat under Alex McLeish. Having dropped from 7.3 to 6.9 in recent Gameweeks, the Villa flyer offers stronger value at a time when fixtures are set to fall kindly. Home games with Everton, QPR, Fulham and Bolton in the next eight Gameweeks offers obvious potential, visits to Wolves, Blackburn and Wigan also appear to present opportunity to boost the “goals for” column. Should he remain at Villa Park, Darren Bent could yet come out of an indifferent season with a respectable tally but, with a difference of 2.7 in price, Agbonlahor’s Fantasy talents look more tempting for those willing to take a punt on Villa’s improved attacking output.
Bobby Zamora
With five strong home fixtures in the next ten Gameweeks, Martin Jol’s side have the opportunity to push up the table and begin scoring goals with a greater regularity. We’re pushing Clint Dempsey as the number one attacking target in their squad but, if you’ve filled your midfield slots, Zamora could provide a decent short-term punt over the next two months. His season has been far from routine, with plenty of speculation surrounding his relationship with Jol. There’s little doubt however that, when Zamora plays, Fulham are a more effective attacking unit. The recent last gasp winner against Arsenal will have boosted his confidence and, if Zamora can maintain a run in the side and Fulham can capatilise on their obliging fixtures, we’d expect him to enjoy a profitable second-half of the season.
Peter Crouch
With four goals and an assist in his last six league outings, Crouch has strong form as Stoke prepare to enter a run of four favourable home matches. Overall, the Stoke fixture list is daunting but it’s the Britannia fixtures with West Brom, Sunderland, Swansea and Norwich, that offer the potential. Priced at 6.8, Crouch would be a gamble and there’s little doubt that Jon Walters is a far stronger option, given that he’d fill a midfield slot for a similar price. For those set on their midfield selection however, Crouch is the clear alternative for those looking to back Stoke over those home games.
Heidar Helguson
The Icelandic striker has been accountable for more than half of QPR’s league goals thus far, presenting strong value in Fantasy terms with a 5.2 price tag. Neil Warnock’s side are about to embark on a very kind run of opponents which should bolster their goal tally and allow Helguson the opportunity to impress further. There is one potential caveat, with Frederico Macheda arriving on load, and perhaps further January window signings on the way, there could be some doubt at to whether Helguson will be given consistent starts in the months ahead. Warnock has already rested the striker on several occasions this season, clearly feeling that the 32-year old is unable to be flogged match-to-match. With further options arriving, there’s a real danger that this could continue.
Shola Ameobi
Newcastle’s loose cannon of a striker is a long-shot but, at just 5.0, he’s a very tempting alternative to the charms of Norwich City’s Steve Morison or Swansea’s Danny Graham in the same bracket. The key here is that, with Demba Ba absent at the African Cup of Nations until mid February, Ameobi has far more chance of starting in Alan Pardew’s side, he’s also likely to be on spot-kicks when on the field. With four home matches in the next seven, bringing QPR, Villa, Wolves and Sunderland to the Sports Direct Arena, the potential for profit looks decent.
