Having failed to notch away from Craven Cottage this calendar year, many a Fantasy managers’ plans for the upcoming double Gameweek 36 had centred around getting rid of Clint Dempsey. This afternoon at the Reebok, the American give us plenty to ponder as a brace ended Bolton’s recent winning run and sent the US international to second behind Robin Van Persie in the overall points rankings.
Prior to today’s display, Dempsey’s notoriously poor away form had produced just three goals, compared to 10 goals and six assists in front of his own fans. With a blank Gameweek 34 on the horizon and trips to Liverpool and Everton in Gameweek 36, the decision to transfer him out made plenty sense; Fulham had scored just eight on the road all season before today, after all. Now, however, many have a dilemma.
Given his current form, those still holding Dempsey will surely look upon Monday evening’s upcoming home clash against Chelsea as another potentially strong opportunity of points. The visit of Wigan in Gameweek 35 affords him the chance of a substantial home haul, with the option of the captain’s armband a definite possibility.
While Gareth Bale and David Silva (without a goal since Gameweek 24 and Gameweek 16 respectively) stumble towards the finish line, Dempsey – handed a role up front in light of Pavel Pogrebnyak’s absence – simply shows no sign of letting up as he forges further ahead of his fellow-midfielders in the Fantasy running.
Transfer plans may now be postponed or ripped up altogether as we look for ways to hold onto the American. That straight swap for Theo Walcott before Arsenal’s trip to Wolves on Wednesday that many had in mind, or the move to Stephane Sessegnon for Sunderland’s home game with the midlanders in Gameweek 34 may never see the light of day now. With form the clear winner over fixtures as the season heats up, can we really afford to run the risk of moving out such a potent source of points?
