Robin Van Persie fires a hat-trick to save United’s blushes and send thousands of Fantasy managers into a frenzy. Major surgery and wildcards a plenty are set to follow in the next fortnight as the Dutchman proves his worth. Here’s the Stock Check following Sunday’s matches…
On the Up
Robin Van Persie
The former Arsenal captain atoned for “that” penalty by grabbing a three goals in a sensational comeback by United . While Wayne Rooney remains sidelined, he’s likely to retain spot-kicks and now looks an unbeatable armband favourite for the Gameweek 4 visit of Wigan. Huge, huge bandwagon.
Rickie Lambert
Handed a role as the lone striker, the Saints star continued his impressive start to the season. Lambert has now scored against City and United in the opening three Gameweeks and with an assist also thrown in, it’s clear he’s capable of producing in the biggest of stages for Nigel Adkins’ side, offering us a real budget alternative for our three-man forward lines. Price rises over the international break look likely.
Santi Cazorla
He’s arrived. The stats in his first two starts told us that returns were looming and today they arrived – a fine goal and assist haul was enough to dispose of Liverpool and firmly announce Cazorla on our radars.
Luckas Podolski
The German has also stood up with a goal and assist return in the Anfield win and is a viable alternative to Cazorla for those looking to cover Arsenal’s attacking potential with their third striker slot.
The Arsenal Defence
The arrival of Steve Bould as coach has surely been influential in the three straight clean sheets they’ve gathered. Carl Jenkinson’s tenancy at right-back may well be drawing to a close with Bacary Sagna on the road to recovery, but the other candidates in the Gunners defence must surely be targets given the form being shown.
Raheem Sterling
The 17-year-old started another game as part of Brendan Rodgers’ front three and again impressed. The signs are that Sterling can maintain his run of starts for now, presenting some strong value in midfield, although Oussama Assaidi will surely emerge as a threat at some point. Liverpool’s form is also a concern.
Hatem Ben Arfa
Another special goal to confirm his value to Newcastle’s attacking threat, and to Fantasy managers as a mid-price asset. With strong fixtures to come, the French playmaker will surely earn plenty of investment over the next fortnight.
Brad Guzan
Brought in to replace Shay Given in goal, the American now offers a new alternative budget root between the sticks for those backing Villa to recover to offer some value.
Ciaran Clark
Back in the Villa side following his midweek suspension, Clark again demonstrated his eye for goal with his first of the season to help earn Villa a precious point.
Going Down
Liverpool
Left short of attacking options after the departure of Andy Carroll and the failure to capture Clint Dempsey, Liverpool look bereft of a plan B, with plan A failing to make an impression on a resolute Gunners defence. Rodgers has problems. Fantasy managers are steering clear.
Pepe Reina
Another costly error allowed Cazorla to put the game out of reach. Rodgers must surely have thought he could rely on the Spanish stopper but, in these uncertain times at Anfield, he’s adding to the woes.
David De Gea
Dropped due to the error against Fulham, the Spaniard may well return to the lineup following today’s defensive showing but there seems little doubt that the threat of rotation will hang over De Gea as the season rolls on.
The United Defence
Fit-again Rio Ferdinand’s return allowed Michael Carrick to slot back into central midfield. Once again, though, United conceded and have yet to register a clean sheet – similar to City, faith in their defensive assets is starting to diminish, with cheaper options offering us alternatives elsewhere.
Shinji Kagawa
Subbed off just after the hour mark for the second match in a row, the summer signing’s game time and role in the side is already proving to be a worry for his Fantasy owners. Kagawa made way as United turned to 4-4-2 as they chased the game. Those clinging to the midfielder in hope he could offer cover against Van Persie undoubtedly got their answer today.
Danny Simpson
A hamstring injury saw that he was forced off after just 38 minutes. With Ryan Taylor also sidelined, Alan Pardew will be anxiously waiting news on the prognosis.
Charles N’Zogbia
His Fantasy fortunes continue to decline as Paul Lambert today dropped him to the bench in an effort to revive Villa’s fortunes. Lambert’s side as a whole, are hardly a rich source for Fantasy managers but N’Zogbia’s current plight, in particular, is hugely disappointing.
