A Tyne-Wear derby win at Newcastle hands Sunderland’s relegation bid a much-needed boost. Stephane Sessegnon and Adam Johnson dazzle at St James’ Park, while Alan Pardew looks set to be without Tim Krul for the rest of the season. At the Britannia, Robin Van Persie is back amongst the goals as United return to winning ways and close in on the title against an insipid Stoke. Here’s the Stock Check from Sunday’s league action.
On the Up
Stephane Sessegnon
The Benin international sparkled on Martin O’Neill’s arrival at the club and has once again reacted positively to a new manager. Sessegnon put in a superb shift, producing goal and assist returns for the only the second time this season. Sessegnon has been erratic and disappointing this term but is clearly revived under Di Canio. With three home fixtures in five, he could yet earn attention from those willing to look beyond the double Gameweek midfielders.
Adam Johnson
Johnson is another player of undbouted talent that appears to be enjoying life under Di Canio’s tenure. His sublime second goal killed off the Newcastle challenge and took Johnson to five for the season. With eight assists thrown in, it’s clear that, had Johnson found consistency this season, he could have presented fine value in the mid-price bracket this season.
Simon Mignolet
The Belgian was hugely instrumental in Sunderland’s 3-0 win, making several vital first half saves to keep the Magpies at bay. Mignolet has undoubtedly been one of the top keepers on show in the Premier League this term and, with totday’s clean sheet, his tenth of the season, he stands just a single point behind City’s Joe Hart in the Fantasy Premier League keeper rankings.
The United Defence
With Nemanja Vidic fit and available, the league leaders registered a seventh clean sheet in eight against a toothless Stoke attack. Rafael’s owners will be somewhat concerned by today’s selection, though; Sir Alex Ferguson preferred Phil Jones’ aerial ability and more physical qualities at the back and could well continue with the former Blackburn man for the midweek trip to West Ham.
Robin Van Persie
The Dutchman’s much-publicised goal drought finally came to an end thanks to his spot-kick duties this afternoon. Picking himself up after being fouled in the box by Andy Wilkinson, Van Persie grabbed his first goal since Gameweek 26 to get his double Gameweek up and running – vindicating the decision of FPL managers to make him the most-captained player heading into the double Gameweek.
Going Down
Moussa Sissoko
Having exploded on the scene on his arrival in the North East, Sissoko’s output has wilted badly as Newcastle continue to limp over the line. The Frenchman has now returned just a single assist in his last six league starts and is without returns in the last four. The double Gameweeks have led to significant sales of the Magpies man and that trend will surely continue after today’s blank.
Tim Krul
Forced off on 56 minutes, the Dutchman’s frustration with injuries looks set to continue as the club confirmed post-match he had sustained a dislocated shoulder. Krul has just returned from a three-match absence but is now expected to be out for the rest of the season – Rob Elliot will again deputise and while he’s available for just 4.0 in the FPL, Newcastle’s record of one clean sheet in the last eleven is unlikely to tempt investment.
Wayne Rooney
With Jones moved to right-back, Rooney shifted to a more withdrawn role as Ferguson looked to add a little more bite to the middle of the park. Javier Hernandez was given the nod to partner Van Persie instead and with Danny Welbeck also an option, Rooney’s owners will be concerned he may retain the same starting position for Wednesday’s visit to Upton Park.
Stoke’s Survival Bid
The situation is rapidly becoming desperate for Tony Pulis’ side. Today’s result takes their tally to four goals scored in the last nine, with a single clean sheet accrued in 15 matches now – the Potters sit just three points above the drop zone but have played two more games than Wigan and now face three season defining fixtures against their fellow strugglers. While clashes with QPR, Norwich and Sunderland may afford a little optimism, Stoke seem incapable of finding joy at either end of the pitch right now.
