Demba Ba bags a brace before limping off as Newcastle register their first win since Gameweek 9. Alan Pardew is optimistic over his side’s injury woes, while Wigan are facing a defensive crisis this weekend, with Gary Caldwell and Maynor Figueroa both set to sit out the home clash against QPR due to suspension…
Ba Back On Track
Alan Pardew chose to roll out a 4-3-3 last night but unlike last season, it was Papiss Cisse who moved to the flank, shifted to the right as his compatriot kept the central role up top. Ba repaid his manager’s faith with a deadly double ending a run of four straight defeats for the Magpies and taking his tally to 10 for the season already – with a couple of assists also thrown in, he has played a part on 12 of Newcastle’s 16 goals this season, an incredible contribution. With the maximum FPL bonus also in the bag, he now sits on 90 points – only Robin Van Persie and Carlos Tevez have produced more as forwards.
While Ba’s guaranteed game time and kind 8.2 price tag had looked set to see his current 26% ownership take a rise, he was then forced off with a knock with four minutes left on the clock – Alan Pardew seemed optimistic post-match, however, that the problem is just stiffness, with Ba now afforded a few days before the trip to Fulham next Monday. If he fails to make it for that one, however, Newcastle then have City, United, Arsenal and Everton amongst their following five fixtures – enough to perhaps persuade Fantasy owners to think twice over potential acquisition.
Further Worries for Pardew
With first-team regulars such as Hatem Ben Arfa, Steven Taylor and Yohan Cabaye already on the sidelines through injury, Alan Pardew has more concerns to consider ahead of the weekend. In addition to Ba’s problem, Cheick Tiote was subbed off at the break after picking up an injury while Davide Santon lasted five minutes of the second-half before limping off with what appeared to be a hip problem. Post-match, though, the Newcastle boss remained confident of their availability…
“I told the players not to take any risks. The three who came off are precautionary – we think all three will make Fulham.”
With little to no room for rest and rotation ahead of the busy festive period – it may well be a case of “if you’re fit, you’ll play” as the Gameweeks come thick and fast over December. Any possible absence for Ba may afford Papiss Cisse a chance to be fielded through the centre in the 4-3-3 that saw him rack up 13 goals in the second half of last season; with a goal and assist over his last two, he may be finally starting to pick up in performance after a hugely disappointing second season on Tyneside.
Suspension Worries for Wigan
Gary Caldwell shook off a hamstring injury to appear for the first time since Gameweek 12 but the Wigan skipper fell foul of the referee and picked up his fifth caution of the season – earning him an automatic one-match ban for Saturday’s visit of basement-dwellers QPR. Roberto Martinez will also be without another defensive regular after Maynor Figueroa received his marching orders for denying Papiss Cisse a goalscoring opportunity – his challenge led to the Magpies first goal, with Ba resultantly slotting home from the spot. With fellow centre-halves Antolin Alcaraz and Ivan Ramis currently injured, Wigan have a real defensive headache on the horizon – Martinez may decide to revert to four at the back at the weekend unless the current situation eases off. According to reports this morning, Wigan are considering an appeal against Figueroa’s dismissal.
Wigan’s Travel Sickness Continues
A clean sheet for the hosts seemed a little unlikely last night, given their recent defensive woes. Newcastle headed into last night’s match have kept out their opponents just once in the first 14 Gameweeks but their visitors’ woeful away form ensured Tim Krul remained unbeaten. The Latics have now scored just twice in their last six road trips, collecting three points – a real worry for Martinez as he looks to steer his side clear of the drop zone.
