Peter Odemwingie made an instant impact in his first Premier League campaign, going on to notch 15 goals and 9 assists – an outstanding return for a player commanding a modest Fantasy price tag. We went into this season expecting more from Odemwingie under the stewardship of Roy Hodgson, but, up until December, the Nigerian has failed to live up to last term’s outstanding displays.
Odemwingie had looked a shadow of his former self, registering just a couple goals in the first 13 gameweeks amidst claims of injury and fatigue. After public criticism from Hodgson, however, the striker’s returns have shown definite improvement, with 2 goals and 3 assists between gameweeks 14-17 indicative of a step up in performance. Granted, the Baggies have failed to find the net in their last three outings but Odemwingie is undoubtedly back on the radar.
Odemwingie certainly needs to step up. Strike partner Shane Long has notched just once in his last seven appearances, having started his career at the Hawthorns in explosive style. Long is also currently nursing a back injury which could yet keep him out of the weekend clash with Norwich.
Although a more expensive Fantasy option than Long, there is good reason to believe that Odemwingie, with injuries now firmly behind him, has rediscovered his appetite. Despite missing a fair amount of action, his Fantasy contribution has already surpassed Long, with 4 goals and 3 assists compared with the Irishman’s 5 goals. Since the start of December, Odemwingie has outscored Long by 31 points to 18, an indication of their respective displays.
Chris Brunt’s absence with a fractured ankle is also significant to Odemwingie’s fortunes. While the Baggies will doubtless miss his creativity from midfield, Odemwingie seems set to be established as penalty taker during Brunt’s absence and he may even play a major role from direct free-kicks.
West Brom now appear to have favourable fixtures right up to the start of March. Having drawn a blank against a resilient Everton, home games against Norwich, Swansea and Sunderland afford Odemwingie the platform for a strong start to the New Year. It’s also worth noting that West Brom have scored 12 goals away from home this season, five more than at the Hawthorns.
With Demba Ba now departed for the African Cup of Nations with Senegal, his owners will be shopping for a mid-price replacement and Odemwingie, priced at 7.2, could well fit the bill. With Nigeria failing to qualify for the tournament, he will remain in England, sizing up Norwich this weekend, with our FPL January wildcards now in play. There’s no doubt Odemwingie has the pedigree to produce and, with a Fantasy ownership of just 3%, could well emerge as a hugely effective differential for those bold enough to take the punt.
