Spurs miss the influence of Gareth Bale but drag themselves into the fifth round courtesy of a Rafael Van der Vaart strike. Everton also progress, as Landon Donovan inspires a comeback following another Danny Murphy spot-kick.
Landon Donovan
The on-loan American provide the quality that unlocked the Fulham defence, supplying two quality crosses which were converted by the heads of Denis Stracqualursi and Marouane Fellaini to give the Toffees the victory. Donaovan was a constant menace to the visitors down the right-flank and, in addition to his supply of key passes, also clocked up a number of goal attempts to emphasise his growing confidence and importance to the Everton cause. Sadly, his loan spell sees him depart Merseyside at the end of February and Everton’s fixtures in this remaining spell are not favourable, with City and Chelsea the visitors to Goodison. Even at just 7.0 in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL), Donovan is a gamble, although that also makes him a ready-made differential.
Marouanne Fellaini
David Moyes is looking to maximise the goal threat from the Belgian, with talk of pushing his height and power into the impotent Everton attack before last night’s cup tie. While Moyes elected to start with Stracqualursi, supported by Tim Cahill, it was Fellaini who motored forward to provide the finish to Donovan’s delivery. Available for 6.1 in the FPL, we should monitor his progress as a goal threat in the coming weeks – having scored eight strikes in his first Premier League season, Fellaini could yet provide some value should Moyes unlock his ability to get into goalscoring situations and feed on the supply from Donovan and Leighton Baines.
Philippe Senderos
Martin Jol elected to bring Aaron Hughes into his starting lineup, dropping Senderos to the bench. Fantasy managers have been turning their attention to Senderos in recent weeks, having seen the Swiss defender establish himself alongside Brede Hangeland. At 4.3 in the FPL, he remains a worthy target, although last night’s team selection will cause concern. The fact that Fulham conceded two headers from crosses won’t bode well for Hughes’ chances of retaining his start, however. The general consensus appears to be that Senderos was rested, along with Bobby Zamora, and we should expect both to be on the teamsheet for the home clash with West Brom on Wednesday.
Rafael Van der Vaart
His 25-yard effort provided the one slither of quality from a drab Spurs performance at Vicarage Road, as Harry Redknapp’s side stumbled into the fourth round. Van der Vaart, playing behind a failing attack of Jermain Defoe and Emmanuel Adebayor, struck before half-time, his second goal in his last 14 appearances in all competitions. That spell has seen the Dutchman notch just once in 12 league showings, a return that has seen his Fantasy ownership dwindle as Gareth Bale’s continued to deliver as a cheaper alternative.
Gareth Bale
Bale was kept out of the action last night, with Redknapp stating he was carrying a slight thigh strain sustained in training. Fantasy managers will be uneasy about the prospect of Bale missing Tuesday’s potentially profitable clash with Wigan on Tuesday but, in all likelihood, Bale’s absence was a precaution, with Redknapp sounding optimistic on the injury…
He picked it up in training two days before the match. He felt it a bit but it’s not too bad.
