After being shifted around the West Brom midfield all season, it seems as if James Morrison has finally found a home. Used on both wings and through the middle in a conventional 4-4-2 by Roy Hodgson, Morrison’s versatility proved ultimately detrimental to his Fantasy prospects but a recent change of formation has coincided with a rise to prominence…
Afforded a role in the hole behind Marc-Antoine Fortune as the Baggies moved to 4-4-1-1, Morrison’s ascent as a viable mid-price Fantasy option has gone hand-in-hand with a climb up the table for the midlands outfit. A recent three-match winning streak was brought to an end at Old Trafford on Sunday, but a record of four wins and a draw from the last seven is indicative of their upturn in fortunes.
Morrison has been crucial for Hodgson over this recent period, grabbing two goals and four assists as the likes of Stoke, Chelsea and Sunderland were swept aside. Indeed, a breakdown of his Fantasy Premier League (FPL) stats shows that, prior to the Gameweek 22 win at the Britannia, Morrison had averaged just 2.4 points per game but since then, he’s jumped to 5.6, despite recent blanks against Chelsea and United.
With summer signing Shane Long now struggling for first team starts and Peter Odemwingie stationed wide right, Hodgson’s bold decision to dismantle his previously lacklustre attack has proved dividend. West Brom had scored a mere 20 goals in 21 games before the win at Stoke – since then, they’ve netted 14 in seven; a huge improvement that has Fantasy managers examining their attacking talents with renewed vigour.
A look at the upcoming fixture schedule suggests West Brom will be afforded plenty opportunity to maintain their good form. Hodgson’s side face a trip to Wigan and host Newcastle, Blackburn and QPR in the next six Gameweeks – all could be potentially profitable for the Baggies attacking assets.
With Odemwingie set to miss out on the potentially profitable trip to Wigan with a calf complaint, Morrison – at a mere 5.4 – offers ideal coverage of West Brom’s attacking talent against the basement club. Indeed, with game time guaranteed and a mere 1.3% ownership, the Scot looks well-placed to maintain his role as cut-price differential over the next few weeks, as Hodgson looks to steer his side to safety and beyond.
