Shane Long fires West Brom into a two-goal lead at the Hawthorns but the Baggies are denied a second successive home win in last night’s midlands derby. Karim El Ahmadi and Ashley Westwood grab the second-half goals as the visitors come from behind to take a share of the spoils – for Fantasy managers, though, it proved a frustrating night:
Long Plunders the Points
The Baggies forward fired both his side’s goals and picked up maximum bonus points in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game to continue an upturn in form. Prior to Gameweek 11, Long had failed to find the net all season but a strike against Chelsea at the Bridge seems to have reinvigorated the Republic of Ireland star, as he turned in a stunning first-half display against his team’s bitter rivals. Having started the first three league fixtures, Long drifted onto the periphery of Steve Clarke’s first XI – the following six matches harvested just 60 minutes from the bench – but he now seems to have worked his way to the top of the pecking order for the lone forward role. Nicolas Anelka, Victor Anichebe and Matej Vydra now have their work cut out to earn game time in Clarke’s preferred 4-2-3-1 system, with Stephane Sessegnon seemingly nailed on in “the hole” behind Long. The fixtures remain in the Baggies favour, with Newcastle, Norwich, Cardiff and Hull in the next five but with our three forward slots at a premium, Long – despite a favourable 6.0 price tag – looks likely to remain a differential option, with a current ownership of 1%.
Brunt Ticking Over
When it comes to the West Brom midfield, our Fantasy plans have mainly concerned summer signings Sessegnon and Morgan Amalfitano, but the Baggies skipper is gradually making his mark. In a season blighted by niggling hamstring issues, Brunt managed just one start and three brief substitute appearances in the first nine Gameweeks but, similar to Long, has forced his way into the starting line-up over the last three league matches. With an assist in each of his two home appearances over that period, his delivery from the left is looking crucial to Clarke’s side – the Baggies have scored seven times in four games with Brunt in the XI, compared to seven strikes in eight without him. At 5.0, he’s the cheapest of Clarke’s attacking midfielders and looks set to continue on the left for the above-mentioned run of matches.
Villa’s Budget Midfield Possibilities
In recent weeks, Leandro Bacuna has caught the eye with his set-piece execution earning the Villa new boy increased investment. Utilised as a full-back, though, Bacuna’s classification as a midfielder hardly helps his Fantasy appeal, but last night saw a couple of Paul Lambert’s regulars throw their hats into the ring ahead of a kind run of fixtures. Karim El Ahmadi’s strike was his second of the season and, having started seven of the last eight, the 4.4 priced midfielder may appeal to those looking for a budget alternative – Villa now have Sunderland, Fulham, Stoke and Palace in the next six. Ashley Westwood’s leveller hogged the headlines and also has him blinking on Fantasy radars – at 4.9 he’s a little costlier than El Ahmadi, but is another secure starter.
Benteke’s Drought Continues
It’s five games without a goal now for the Villa forward after he drew yet another blank. Partnered by Libor Kozak in a 4-3-1-2 formation, Benteke continues to hint at a return to the form that produced four goals in the first four fixtures – he managed four attempts last night, more than any visiting player, but without success. Despite the slump, a home game against Sunderland this weekend could be just what he needs to resurrect his Fantasy campaign – with Gabby Agbonlahor and Andreas Weimann climbing off the bench to signal their return from injury, a return to a 4-3-3 system against the Black Cats looks on the cards and, with their tails up after last night’s derby comeback, Lambert’s side will be optimistic Benteke can rediscover his eye for goal.
