Tuesday’s matches lived up to expectations, as four sides low on confidence and fraught with stuttering form served up a single goal and limited returns. Here’s the Stock Check on this evening’s events…
On the Up
Christian Benteke
Thrown into the Scout Picks, the formidable Belgian striker delivered a third goal of the season to provide a vital winner for Villa. With Darren Bent kept in the stands, Benteke justified Paul Lambert’s faith in him with another muscular display. Maximum bonus beckons and it’s QPR and Stoke over the next two.
The Villa Defence
While Paul Lambert’s back four have conceded eight goals in their last five, all eight of those conceded came against United and City, meaning that the Villa back four have kept three clean sheets around those two matches. Three away games in the next four is an obstacle to investment, although their progress is clearly worth monitoring. Scout Pick Ciaran Clark has the goal threat to accompany defensive returns but he joined the suspension tightrope with his fourth booking tonight.
Adel Taarabt
There were question marks over the Moroccan’s role when Harry Redknapp took the reins but tonight’s showing indicated that Taarabt will remain a key figure and certainly QPR’s biggest threat and creative influence. While he drew a blank this evening, Fantasy managers will be monitoring his potential as QPR’s schedule improves.
Going Down
Sunderland’s Attack
With six goals in their last three matches, both Stephane Sessegnon and Steven Fletcher have attracted inevitable interest with a double Gameweek looming. However, tonight provided more evidence that we must remain cautious on their potential. Martin O’Neill’s side laboured again, with the bulk of their efforts on goal fired in from range.
Kaspar Gorkss
The Latvian was presumably rested, with Adrian Mariappa drafted into the centre of the Reading back four. Brian McDermott’s decision to omit the senior member of his defence could be significant given that Sean Morrison retained his start. With Chris Gunter also rotated out, the security of starts in the Reading rearguard is again in question.
Julio Cesar
The Brazilian reportedly picked up a groin injury in the first half and was denied clean sheet returns with Robert Green taking over for the second period. He’ll presumably be an early doubt for the meeting with Villa this weekend.
