It’s a short, sharp Stock Check this evening, with just a single match to report on. Shane Long and Darren Bent were the main protagonists as the midlands derby finished all square:
On the Up
Shane Long
The Irishman returned to the West Brom starting line-up, having been dropped for the previous match against former club Reading. His opener means Long has now produced attacking returns in four of the first six Gameweeks for the Baggies.
James Morrison
Subbed off just after the hour mark last week with a leg problem, the Scot recovered in time to start this afternoon’s match. Morrison’s creativity came to the fore once more for the visitors – his assist for Long’s goal was his first attacking returns since Gameweek 2.
Darren Bent
Dropped for the first time this season, he was all set for a place in “Going Down”. Bent’s equaliser served a reminder to Paul Lambert that he can ill-afford to do without his services up top – he has now produced attacking returns in the last three Gameweeks.
Ciaran Clark
Handed a place on the Scout Picks bench, the Villa centre-half vindicated our decision by providing the assist for Bent’s strike. Clark’s attacking threat from the back is always liable to pick up the points – while his side have just one clean sheet all season, he has now returned a goal and assist for his Fantasy owners thus far.
Going Down
Romelu Lukaku
Despite scoring in his first start of the season last weekend, the Belgian was dropped to the bench as Steve Clarke opted for Long as the lone striker. Handed the role of impact sub once again, he almost won the game at the death but his chances of a regular role at the Hawthorns are looking less likely as the games go by.
Barry Bannan
He had started the last four and produced two assists prior to today’s match but Marc Albrighton’s return from injury looks bad news for Bannan. Dropped to the bench, the Scot was afforded just 20 minutes as Lambert freshened up his midfield options.
Gareth McAuley
With Liam Ridgewell already ruled out for this afternoon’s game, Steve Clarke will be concerned after the centre-half picked up a knock towards the end. The Baggies had used all their subs by this point, so McAuley stayed on the pitch – it might be nothing to worry about but with the commentators pointing out he was “struggling”, McAuley’s Fantasy owners will be keen to hear an official prognosis from the club.
