Newcastle approach the upcoming double Gameweek as the outstanding form side in the Premier League. With six back-to-back victories, Alan Pardew’s men have defied the doubters and are firmly in the running for the Champions League places with just four games of the domestic campaign remaining. The Magpies still have everything still to play for, then, and it’s little wonder they have been the subject of plenty Fantasy investment ahead of their pair of fixtures:
The Prospects
Up first for Pardew’s troops is a trip to Wigan on Saturday afternoon. Given their own impressive form, Roberto Martinez’s side are likely to pose the Magpies problems – recent wins over United, Liverpool and Arsenal attest to that. The Latics have picked up clean sheets in each of their last two at the DW but with Papiss Cisse, Hatem Ben Arfa and Yohan Cabaye all in outstanding recent form, confidence in the visitors will be sky high here, with Fantasy managers keen to get a piece of the action. Martinez’s men have also scored in each of their last eight fixtures, suggesting Newcastle’s run of five clean sheets in the last six will be firmly put to the test.
Pardew then takes his side to the Bridge for a crucial clash with Chelsea the following Wednesday. With an FA Cup Final against Liverpool just three days after this encounter, in addition to having a Champions League Final to consider, Roberto Di Matteo will have a selection dilemma on his hands as he looks to clinch some silverware and boost his own chances of landing the manager’s job on a full-time basis. Last week’s lineup at Arsenal already shows Di Matteo isn’t scared of resting and rotating – Newcastle will hold little fear going into this one. The Blues have been strong defensively at the Bridge since Andre Villas-Boas’ departure, though, returning two clean sheets in three but, with just three goals scored in those encounters with Stoke, Spurs and Wigan, hopes of an away clean sheet look justified.
The Likely Lads
With nine goals in his last six, including a brace in each of his last two away games, Papiss Cisse has already been the subject of plenty Fantasy interest this Gameweek. Over 33,000 managers have drafted in the league’s in-form forward, as the January signing continues to rack up the goals at an incredible speed. Cisse has averaged an outstanding 8.6 points per game since arriving on Tyneside from SC Freiburg, far superior to Wayne Rooney and Robin Van Persie, who have both managed 6.9 in comparison. Having played a part in 11 of his side’s last 13 goals, the Senegal strike sensation looks the most likely to do the damage ahead of the Magpies’ road trips.
The wing wizardry of Hatem Ben Arfa has played a pivotal role in Newcastle’s recent resurgence. Since establishing himself as a regular starter back in Gameweek 28, the Frenchman has excelled on the right of Pardew’s new 4-3-3 formation. Ben Arfa has produced three goals, four assists and six bonus points over those previous seven fixtures, averaging 7.4 points per game. Priced at just 6.1 and with an 8% ownership, his budget-friendly potential is obvious.
Yohan Cabaye is another player who has benefitted from a recent change of system. Cabaye excelled for French champions Lille last season in a 4-3-3 and was one of their most instrumental players as Rudi Garcia’s side snapped up the Ligue 1 title. Over the last three games, the 5.9 priced midfielder has come to the fore, with two goals, four assists and five bonus points – with Cheick Tiote back to anchor the central midfield three, Cabaye is likely to get plenty more chances to continue his recent rise in attacking returns as Pardew’s men go in search for that Champions League place.
At the back, those afore-mentioned five clean sheets in the last six will have Fantasy managers eyeing up the Magpies defensive assets. It’s worth noting, however, that four of those have come at home – Pardew’s side have just two clean sheets in their last six on the road. Nevertheless, the potential is there for points, with cut-price favourites such as Danny Simpson a stand-out. The 4.7 priced right-back has produced two assists and seven bonus points this season and has, so far, offered more attacking potential than any of the current back-four. Mike Williamson looks a more secure starter than Davide Santon – both are priced at a mere 4.2, while Tim Krul’s save points balance out his slightly higher cost of 5.0.
Cheeky Punt
Just a few months ago, the idea of Demba Ba finding himself in this category would have been absurd. The arrival of compatriot Cisse and the subsequent shift in formation, however, have been hugely detrimental to his worth as a Fantasy asset. Stationed on the left on a front three, Ba has cut a frustrated figure, returning a single assist in the last ten Gameweeks as his Fantasy price plummets from 8.1 down to 7.0. With spot-kick duties still in his locker, however, he may just come good over the next two fixtures.
