While expectations were modest, tonightโs Selhurst Park encounter brought a close to the Gameweek and provided a showcase for an array of budget and mid-price talent, whilst also serving up a goal of rare quality.
The Game Changer
Having struck a true goal of the season contender, the night has to belong to Pajtim Kasami. His winning header on the opening day at Sunderland saw the Swiss midfielder emerge as an unlikely budget favourite. Having blanked in his last four starts, tonightโs stunning volley will have re-ignited that early season interest.
Priced at 4.5 in the Fantasy Premier League game, Kasami could offer a true alternative to the likes of Ravel Morrison and Unitedโs Adnan Januzaj. Having started seven of eight league matches, his place in Martin Jolโs lineup has looked assured โ his returns perhaps stifled to this point by Fulham faltering form.
Tonightโs convincing victory might signal a change and bring Kasami to the fore as a viable option as a fifth midfielder to free up funds for the big guns. Long-term, Jolโs plentiful options on the flank will provide stern competition. Tonightโs sublime goal offered his manager a reminder of Kasamiโs potential as a special talent, however.
The Underused
Dimitar Berbatov already has fewer owners than Kasami โ an extraordinary statistic when you consider that the Bulgarian is a proven goalscorer and creator of pedigree. Like Kasami, Berbatov has suffered from Fulhamโs start to the season which has seen his return limited to just a single assist in his seven starts before tonightโs goal.
Having slumped to just 7.1 in price, thereโs little doubt that a Berbatov, in his pomp, could prove a significant differential if acquisition can be timed with an upturn in form. With three of the toughest defences up next, that time is perhaps some way off. A run of four home matches in six from Gameweek 12 could be the window to cast an eye in Berbatovโs direction should Martin Jol’s men build on tonight’s result.
The Selection Poser
The capitulation of Ian Hollowayโs defence at set-plays in the second period will ring alarm bells for those banking on the budget appeal of the Palace rearguard. Danny Gabbidon and Joel Ward are present in almost 8% of FPL squads but, on tonightโs showing, their potential, even as bench warmers, looks limited compared to fellow promoted assets at Hull City and Cardiff.
Arsenal are next to face Palace โ not the fixture to help rebuild the confidence after a drubbing. Thereโs little doubt that many will have the armband on their Gunnersโ assets come Saturdayโs deadline.
