Another world class goal from Gareth Bale lights up the Gameweek to confirm his status as a true Fantasy heavy-hitter once again. Double Gameweek returns for the Wigan pairing of Arouna Kone and Shaun Maloney are the other highlights but with Michu possibly sidelined for the season and Yaya Toure a doubt for midweek, this was a mixed afternoon for most. Here’s the Stock Check on Saturday’s events.
On the Up
Gareth Bale
Inevitably, Bale delivered yet again. Another quite sublime goal proved enough for Spurs as they earned the points against Southampton and more than enough for the legions of Fantasy managers who, once again, handed Bale the captaincy. It’s 11 goals in 11 league starts now. Incredible.
Arouna Kone
The Ivorian delivered early in the double Gameweek, notching a precious equaliser for the Latics which laid the foundations for their dramatic 3-2 win at the Hawthorns. The striker’s owners will be hoping for more of the same when he faces up to Swansea in midweek, as Wigan’s unlikely escape route beckons again.
Shaun Maloney
Like Kone, Maloney is pivotal to Wigan’s survival chances and, sure enough, the playmaker delivered a brace of assists today to underline his value as a midfield acquisition and reward double Gameweek investment. Maloney now has nine assists over the season.
Gabby Agbonlahor
While Christian Benteke grabbed the headlines following Monday night’s six-goal blitz of Sunderland, Agbonlahor has continued to flourish in Villa’s as part of a vibrant attack. His brace today takes him to six goals in his last seven league starts, with three assists also accumulated over that spell.
Bryan Ruiz
While the Costa Rican has provided value by notching nine assists over the season, his goal tally has been poor given his scoring record outside of the Premier League. His brace today offered a reminder of his talents but it was not enough to save Fulham from a fourth straight defeat as relegated Reading earned the three points at the Cottage.
Hal Robson-Kanu
Those three points are too little too late for Nigel Adkins’ men but Hal Robson-Kanu’s two goals on his return to the Royals’ lineup underlined his top flight credentials by taking him to seven for the season. It’s all too little, too late, although the Welsh international may yet figure on our Fantasy player list next season given the form he has shown when given opportunities this term.
Going Down
Michu
The Spaniard looks to be the biggest casualty of the double Gameweek thus far after suffering a hamstring injury in the 0-0 draw with City. Forced off on 68 minutes, Michael Laudrup has already stated that he suspects that Michu’s season has come to an end.
Yaya Toure
Another double Gameweek player to suffer a setback, the Ivorian was replaced at half-time by City with Roberto Mancini remarking post-match that the midfielder had picked up a problem in the warm-up. While we are reassured that he should be in contention for the FA Cup Final, he will surely be a doubt for the midweek clash with West Brom.
Carlos Tevez
Rested to the bench as James Milner returned to the City starting XI, those who invested in the Argentine for the double Gameweek were handed an unwanted surprise by Mancini. The City boss left it to Sergio Aguero to the lead the line and then introduced Edin Dzeko ahead of Tevez at half-time to replace the injured Toure. Tevez eventually saw action with 12 minutes remaining in the 0-0 stalemate. His owners will be hopeful of a start against the Baggies.
James Morrison
The Scot was struggling with a groin injury sustained in the victory at Southampton, although Steve Clarke had typically chosen to keep that particular knock quiet going into the double Gameweek. Morrison was fit enough for the bench against Wigan, however, and saw action just after the hour mark.
Romelu Lukaku
Replaced on 65 minutes by Morrison, Lukaku’s Fantasy owners drew a blank from his most favourable fixture in the double Gameweek and will now wonder whether Clarke will retain an attacking 4-3-3 at City in midweek. It seems unlikely and, with Shane Long scoring today, there will be some concern that we’ll see Lukaku on the bench once again.
Matt Lowton
The young right-back had been in superb form of late but suffered an injury which saw him forced off after just 27 minutes of Villa’s win at Carrow Road. We await further details from the Villa camp.
