Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard, Papiss Cisse, Kevin Doyle, Pavel Pogrebnyak, Peter Odemwingie and James Morrison – these were the protagonists from Saturday’s Fantasy events so far. Of that bunch, only Odemwingie can claim more than 3% Fantasy Premier League ownership.
All eyes now turn to the Etihad where Sergio Aguero and David Silva carry the hopes of many. Should they fail to produce, they will join a list of names that includes Stephane Sessegnon, Demba Ba, Clint Dempsey and the Newcastle defence – all were heavily backed by Fantasy managers and all of them let us down. The winds of change are beginning to build.
West Brom’s four goals against a seemingly resurgent Sunderland was undoubtedly the result of the day. Peter Odeminwingie made it five goals in two games, James Morison again pulled the strings and came away with his second goal in five games – with four assists in that run, he’s now emerging as a genuine mid-price Fantasy talent.
Was it really an unforeseen thrashing? Those members who took in the recent Numbers Game article may have anticipated events. The Baggies went into the game with the most threatening attack in the league over the last four Gameweeks – better than Tottenham’s, stronger than United’s. Roy Hodgson’s side duly delivered on their statistical form and will now go into games against Chelsea and United brimming with confidence. Even if this isn’t matched by heavy Fantasy investment, that could well arrive soon. Fixtures improve markedly from Gameweek 29 – starting with a trip to Wigan, just one of five games currently played out in that Gameweek.
In the opposite camp from today’s 4-0 result, doubts will now be building when it comes to the recent revival under Martin O’Neill. Sessegnon and budget wonderkid James McClean will visit rivals Newcastle next, then host Liverpool. With the missing fixture still possible in Gameweek 29, Sessegnon’s stock, having soared so high, may start to decline should he draw a blank at Newcastle.
Sessegnon could be the first victim then – the first shed as the template midfield and attacks get broken up. Only the brave benefited from today’s differential deliveries, but it will likely take bigger balls to cling to failing assets and wait for the class to come good once again.
Demba Ba – a player who has rocketed in price and ownership in recent weeks, could be next to suffer sales, should his strike partner Cisse continue to flourish. Even Fulham’s Clint Dempsey, shifted to a wide role by Martin Jol in recent weeks, has notched just a single assist in his last three – his owners will be looking to home matches with Wolves and Swansea as crucial Gameweeks; disappoint there and he too could become expendable.
Of course, there’s surely merit in sitting still. Holding assists that have proven talent that will surely deliver once more. Patience is a virtue that I’ve personally explored all season long, but when another pitifully mediocre Gameweek and accompanying red arrow is starring you in the face, the temptress of tinkering comes calling. Tonight she’s wearing a West Brom shirt and it all looks rather fetching.
