Demba Ba’s Fantasy owners were handed plenty to worry about this morning after Alan Pardew admitted the striker faces a real fight to be fit for Sunday’s trip to Liverpool. Speaking this morning, the Newcastle boss went on to say:
“I think he’s 50-50 – at best. We’ve got Papiss back on the goal trail and Shola and Sammy so we’re happy with that. It is very important to have that. Papiss is fit and well and we are looking forward to seeing him this weekend.”
Owned by over 30% of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers and 10% in the Sky Sports game, Ba has been in sensational form this season. While Newcastle have scored just 11 times so far, Ba’s input has been absolutely crucial – with seven goals and an assist already racked up, he is the fifth top scoring player in the FPL game and has been awarded more bonus points (14) than any other player.
While Pardew talked up Papiss Cisse, there’s no denying the forward’s goal against West Brom was more than fortunate – the former SC Freiburg man has struggled for form this term, with his strike against the Baggies his first of the season. Considering Hatem Ben Arfa has contributed no more than a single assist in the last six Gameweeks, it’s little wonder Ba’s popularity continues to rise – more than 20,000 FPL managers have already snapped up his services this week; they now face an anxious wait ahead of Pardew’s Friday press conference.
With Newcastle’s fixtures still looking enticing, the majority of Ba’s owners will likely be content to hold for now. After this weekend, the Magpies play host to West Ham, Swansea and Wigan in the following five and also have a trip to Southampton in Gameweek 13. Form and fixtures are undoubtedly in the 8.4 priced FPL forward’s favour – let’s just hope his fitness is, too.
