A pair of 1-1 stalemates meant there were limited returns on offer for Fantasy managers, with Luis Suarez the only key figure amongst the points as Gameweek 10 neared its conclusion. Here’s the Stock Check from Sunday’s events…
On the Up
Luis Suarez
Love him or hate him, there were moments of genius on show again at Anfield. His equalising goal was exquisite, while his mazy run for Jonjo Shelvey’s effort minutes later should have brought a finish. The Uruguayan is undeniably wasteful but he continues to rank as the most threatening player in the league and now has seven goals for the season, having scored or assisted in four of his last five league starts. Suarez still balances on the suspension tightrope, though, one yellow from a one-match ban.
Alex McCarthy
Although Adam Federici is now fit to challenge for the number one jersey, McCarthy’s performances are justifying Brian McDermott’s selection policy and the youngster looks unlikely to surrender the shirt anytime soon. Available as a 4.1 option in the FPL, McCarthy was outstanding again at Loftus Road and appears to be a solid save-point solution for those looking to preserve funds.
Kaspars Gorkss
Following on from last week’s assist, the Latvian centre-back delivered his first goal in the top flight to put the masses on alert to his potential as a budget defensive option for the weeks ahead. Whilst the Reading back four has suffered rotation, Gorkss has started every game under McDermott this season and looks nailed-on.
Nicky Shorey
Robbed of an assist in the 3-3 draw with Fulham last weekend, Shorey was again a nearly-man, with Sean Morrison claiming the assist for Gorkss’ opener, following the full-back’s corner. Shorey is not only supplying crosses from open play, he’s also hogging corners and indirect free-kicks from the flank – he’s more expensive than Gorkss but Shorey is definitely hinting at potential attacking returns amongst the Royals’ back four.
Yohan Cabaye
An outstanding strike at Anfield again promoted Cabaye in our thinking. Those members who took in our recent article on Hatem Ben Arfa would have been well aware of his statistics going into today’s game and he duly delivered on the promise. Cabaye, however, suffered an injury in the second-half and was replaced by Shane Ferguson on 68 minutes – Alan Pardew will be sweating on his fitness ahead of Thursday’s Europa League trip to Brugges.
Going Down
The Newcastle Defence
Fabricio Coloccini’s red card will see him miss league clashes with West Ham (H), Swansea (H) and Southampton (A). During his absence in September, the Magpies conceded seven goals in four matches and the skipper’s absence will surely dent their chances of keeping shutouts over the next three. On the plus side, both Steven Taylor and Mike Williamson would now seem locked for the next few Gameweeks.
Demba Ba
Ba’s owners earned a boost when they saw their man in the Newcastle starting lineup but the sight of him hobbling off, clearly troubled by his shin injury, will have caused much concern. Ba last just 48 minutes and if his shin is to be an ongoing problem, we could see his pitch-time limited until the problem clears.
Danny Simpson
Restored to the lineup at Sunderland, Simpson found himself relegated to the bench with Vurnon Anita coming into the side at full-back and James Perch continuing in midfield. Simpson saw action when Perch suffered a hip injury in the first half but it’s clear that the right-back is not assured of his starting role.
Pavel Pogrebnyak
Having previously been backed to find the net with greater regularity by manager Brian McDermott, the Russian was dropped to the bench for the Loftus Road stalemate. Pogrebnyak had looked to provide Fantasy managers with good value for Reading’s forthcoming favourable run – that now has to be reassessed given that his starting role is now under threat.
