Having analysed the Goalkeeper and Defender earlier in the week, we rolled out our Midfield update at lunchtime today. Our thoughts now turn to those up top, as doubts over a certain Dutchman, allied with the injury to Villa’s Christian Benteke, having a real impact on this week’s refresh:
With question marks still hanging heavy over Robin Van Persie’s fitness, his United team-mate Wayne Rooney barges his way to the front of the queue. Rooney has now notched in back-to-back league matches and has the better form of the two, though there’s no doubt the Dutchman would still be at the summit if we knew for sure he was available for the weekend home game with West Brom. Rising to 10.7 in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) after a recent hike in ownership, Rooney remains far more budget-friendly than his fellow Red Devils forward, with many Van Persie owners mulling over a straight swap to free up budget – with home games against Southampton and Stoke, allied with trips to Sunderland and Fulham, though, selling on Van Persie looks a real risk unless he’s ruled out for a lengthy period of time. Hopefully David Moyes’ press conference will offer us a definitive answer tomorrow afternoon.
Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud holds steady in second spot despite a rare blank last weekend at home to Stoke. Now up to 9.3 this week as owners of the stricken Christian Benteke jump ship, Giroud’s 35% ownership is second only to Van Persie for frontmen and with his security of starts unquestioned, the Frenchman’s chances of further returns with games against Swansea, West Brom, Norwich and Palace in the next four look enticing. Theo Walcott’s absence will place even greater importance on Giroud’s goal-getting ability as Arsene Wenger’s side attempt to retain their spot at the top of the table.
Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge also feature in the top five as a result of Liverpool’s kind run of fixtures. Back in the fold after completing a 10-match suspension, Suarez completed the full 90 minutes in last night’s cup defeat by United to quell any questions over his fitness – granted, he’s pricier than Sturridge across the Fantasy games but his explosive potential, allied with a differential appeal, could be a decisive factor when assessing the duo. Certainly, Sturridge’s owners will be happy to hold given his kinder price and recent displays – indeed, there’s every likelihood that Suarez’s return will help, rather than hinder, his prospects. With Sunderland, Palace, Newcastle and West Brom up next, Brendan Rodgers’ side have the perfect platform for returning to winning ways after picking up one point from the last two Gameweeks.
Tottenham’s Roberto Soldado suffers a drop after another blank last weekend. Without a goal to his name from open play, the Spaniard has tested his owners’ patience severely, with many parting company this week after he failed to produce against Cardiff. As members can attest to, however, Soldado’s stats remain very strong and despite options in midfield such as Christian Eriksen or Paulinho, we still have plenty faith – a weekend visit of Chelsea is testing but with home games also against West Hama and Hull, supplemented by a trip to Villa, Soldado remains a serious contender.
Sergio Aguero is our City attacker of choice. The Argentine’s double against United highlights his return to form and, having been rested for the midweek cup win over Wigan, he’ll be back in the fold for Saturday’s trip to Villa. With a home clash against Everton preceding back-to-back trips to West Ham and Chelsea, though, Aguero sits below many of the other heavyweight options on offer, though City’s current form suggests he could more than atone for such a relatively tricky schedule.
Rickie Lambert, Dimitar Berbatov and Romelu Lukaku are your mid-price alternatives. Lambert has home games against Palace, Swansea and Fulham to boost his chances of getting amongst the goals after an uninspiring start – with just a converted spot-kick to his name, Lambert, and, indeed, Southampton, are toiling going forward so far. Subbed off after 65 minutes last weekend, after completing all four of the previous matches, his owners will be hoping Mauricio Pochettino isn’t slowly easing him out of the picture.
Fit again after a brief hamstring absence, Berbatov was back amongst the goals in the midweek cup win over Everton, though his withdrawn role in “the hole†behind Darren Bent undoubtedly dents his appeal. Like Lambert, he also has penalty duties but, with just an assist in the league so far, the Bulgarian’s lethargic start has been symbolic of the Cottagers’ recent showings. Back-to-back home games with Cardiff and Stoke, followed by trips to Palace and Southampton could help him back to the form that produced 15 goals last term.
Lukaku’s instant impact in last weekend’s trip to West Ham earns him a place in our thoughts this time out. Emerging from the bench to grab the winner against West Ham, the big Belgian highlighted his capabilities and he’s favourite to get the nod ahead of Nikica Jelavic for Monday’s home match against Newcastle. A Gameweek 7 trip to City somewhat dents his prospects but with clashes against Hull and Villa also on his short-term radar, Lukaku could be primed for points over the next few matches.
