An ten-minute avalanche ensures that another double Gameweek delivers big returns as Arsenal’s key attacking assets come good. Over at the Liberty Stadium meanwhile, Swansea’s progress to the Capital One Cup Final is somewhat overshadowed by an extraordinary sending off for Eden Hazard. Here’s the Stock Check on Wednesday’s action…
On the Up
Lukas Podolski
Having missed Sunday’s clash through illness, the German chose the second fixture of the double Gameweek to deliver his biggest haul of the season, including a trio of quick-fire assists. Whilst he was again replaced for the fifth match running, with three home fixtures in the next four and in this form, Podolski will surely go on earning new suitors and enjoy a further price rise prior to next week’s midweek deadline.
Theo Walcott
Backed with the armband by so many Fantasy managers, Walcott delivered once again with his second goal of the Gameweek, plus the assist for Giroud’s first goal. Walcott’s consistency is there to be admired: he’s scored six goals in his last seven starts and has only failed to return in one of those matches. Regardless of whether he plays as a striker or winger, Walcott is potent.
Santi Cazorla
Arsenal’s playmaker had failed to notch since his stunning hat-trick at Reading but timed his return to the scoresheet for the double Gameweek. While he has now moved on to eight goals and assists for the season, with Walcott continuing to stream returns, only those looking for a differential or brave enough to double on Arsenal’s attacking assets, will surely consider Cazorla over Walcott right now.
Olivier Giroud
Against the odds, the Frenchman started both double Gameweek fixtures and tonight delivered unlikely returns. The brace moved him on to eight goals for the season and, at 7.8, he’s comes in cheaper than Lucas Podolski. For those looking to back the Gunners over their three home fixtures in four, Giroud is yet another differential option to consider, although his security of starts remain in question.
Going Down
The West Ham Defence
Backed with double Gameweek investment, few would have expected returns from the trip to the Emirates but, having leaked five goals, the Hammers back four has conceded 12 in their last six league outings. It’s one clean sheet in twelve and Sam Allardyce will surely make an improvement at the back a priority having regularly emphasised the need to build survival plans on shut-outs.
Joe Cole
Having notched in Saturday’s league outing with QPR, Cole was rested to the bench tonight as he continues to build his fitness on his return to regular action. While the decision to preserve Cole is understandable, it will dent the confidence of would-be investors who will now likely reserve judgement until Cole has strung together further consecutive appearances.
Eden Hazard
Dismissed for what appeared to be a kick on a Swansea City ball-boy, the Belgian will serve a violent conduct charge that will come with a three-match ban that will see him miss league matches against Reading and Newcastle. We can only wait the fall-out to see if any further action will be taken which could see the ban increased. The dismissal capped a night to forget for Rafa Benitez who started with Demba Ba up front but saw his side frustrated by the defiant Swans.
