A dubious penalty, compounded by a red card, knocks the wind out of Wigan but hands Demba Ba the platform to reward the faith of his army of Fantasy owners. Here’s the Stock Check from Monday’s events…
On the Up
Demba Ba
The Senegalese striker went into tonight’s game having scored just once in his last five league appearances but rewarded the patience of his owners with a brace. Ba converted the early spot-kick before leaping on the rebound from Davide Santon’s effort to take him to ten goals for the season. Tonight’s returns will earn him further interest, although Ba was struggling with his hamstring late on, with Alan Pardew optimistic post-match that this was just stiffness rather than a setback.
Fabricio Coloccini
The towering Argentine has emerged as the most popular member of the Newcastle defence in terms of FPL ownership and his return to the Magpies’ back four has added the stability that helped them to their first clean sheet in ten league outings.
Going Down
The Wigan Defence
Robbed of Antolin Alcaraz for much of the season and with further niggles biting, Roberto Martinez now faces more problems at the back with Maynor Figueroa banned for the vital home clash with QPR, while Gary Caldwell picked up his fifth booking tonight which will also see him miss the weekend. With Ivan Ramis remaining an injury doubt, the Latics look set to field a patched-up back four for the visit of Harry Redknapp’s side.
