A mixed bag from Saturday’s action, as mid-price assets flourish and Eden Hazard stutters to disappoint his armband backers. Here’s the “Stock Check” from Gameweek 5 so far…
On the Up
Rickie Lambert
Southampton’s striker is well and truly in the mix for our third striker spot. We raised him in the Watchlist this week and Lambert lived up to his billing, gaining a brace in the 4-1 comeback victory over Villa. We anticipated his bandwagon – it looks like we’re going to get it.
Steven Fletcher
The Scot maintained his incredible form for the Black Cats, converting his fourth shot for his fourth goal to put Martin O’Neill’s side in front at Upton Park. Fletcher remains another candidate for our Fantasy forward lines, although again, Sunderland had just his one effort on target all afternoon.
Marouanne Fellaini
Yet again, Fellaini was outstanding for the Toffees: it’s tit-for-tat with the Belgian and Steven Pienaar who was also excellent in the 3-0 win at Swansea. Given Everton’s invigorated attacking form, there’s a case for considering both. For those wondering, we’d expect Pienaar’s assist to be awarded at some point.
Leighton Baines
We gambled on his Scout Picks selection for an away game but Baines duly delivered again. It was another display full of creativity, with the assist for Felliani’s goal and a clean sheet thrown in. We’ll keep on stressing this – if you’ve money to spend on your defence, spend it on Baines. If you haven’t money to spend on your defence, Baines is presenting a very good case to try and find it.
Kevin Nolan
A third strike of the season saw the Hammers rescue a late point again remind us all again of Nolan’s consistency as a mid-price midfield offering, with or without Andy Carroll leading the line.
Jason Puncheon
If you need a budget option in midfield, Puncheon just might be the man to rival Liverpool’s Raheem Sterling. The winger kept his place despite a debut for Gaston Ramirez and delivered his third goal of the season – at least we think he has – shortly after it was scored, the Press Association changed it to a Ciaran Clark own goal. We await the verdict on that one.
Going Down
Nathan Dyer
Dropped to the bench to make way for Pablo Hernandez’ debut, the spritely winger finally emerged for the second half with the Spaniard suffering a knee injury. Dyer didn’t last long, however, seeing red for two bookables to add further frustration for his concerned Fantasy owners.
The Swansea Defence
Five goals conceded in the two games since the injury to Neil Taylor. Chico will surely return to the back four for the trip to Stoke next weekend after he serves out his three-match ban in the Capitol One cup tie in midweek.
John Terry
Considered untouchable within the Chelsea back four, Roberto Di Matteo rested both him and Frank Lampard to the bench after the midweek Champions League exertions. Terry missed out on the shutout as Ashley Cole owners cleaned up.
Eden Hazard
Backed by the majority in our Captain Poll, the Belgian drew a blank and was replaced by Victor Moses on 61 minutes. Those who handed him the armband now face an uncomfortable Sunday as Robin Van Persie takes the field at Anfield. Decent returns for the Dutchman will again remind us all of his consistency as an armband option.
Fernando Torres
Still owned by 29% of Fantasy Premier League managers, a home fixture with Stoke looked like an opportunity to repay the faith that has remained following the Gameweek 1 double fixture. Sadly, as has often been the case, the Spaniard disappointed. With mid-price prospects flourishing – we can surely expect big sales ahead of Gameweek 6.
