After a weekend of FA Cup action, Fantasy managers are back in the saddle as the Gameweek 21 deadline approaches. Here are the scenarios and line-ups we’re keeping a keen eye on this time around:
Solskjaer’s Starting Line-Up
The arrival of new boy Magnus Wolff Eikrem from Heerenveen could be set to shake up the Cardiff midfield as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks to make his mark. Peter Whittingham has played every minute of the season so far but there are fears his starting berth may come under threat from the new boy, whilst, at the back, Ben Turner’s regular role may also be in question if Solskjaer hands Mark Hudson a chance alongside Steven Caulker. Up top, Andreas Cornelius was given a start away to Newcastle last weekend and whilst Fraizer Campbell climbed off the bench to notch, the club’s record signing may well retain his place at home to West Ham.
Wenger’s Solution for Theo
Whilst the Gunners have no real like-for-like replacement for Theo Walcott on the right, Arsene Wenger has numerous midfield alternatives at his disposal. If, as expected, Santi Cazorla and Mesut Ozil take up the left and central roles in the attacking midfield three, it still leaves Jack Wilshere, Tomas Rosicky and Serge Gnabry vying for contention away to Villa this coming Monday. Factor in the imminent return of Aaron Ramsey and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and it’s clear the Gunners aren’t lacking in options – if Ramsey is fielded centrally upon his return, though, it opens up the right flank for a real differential contender if any of the above-mentioned names can nail down a regular role in the stricken Walcott’s absence.
Berbatov’s Form
Returning from injury in the previous Gameweek, the Bulgarian has now notched in each of his last three league appearances under Rene Meulensteen. With an assist also accrued under the new manager, Berbatov’s turnaround in Fantasy fortunes has been marked since the departure of Martin Jol – a home clash against Sunderland gives the Cottagers the perfect platform to grab all three points and if Berbatov can deliver again, a price of 7.0 and ownership of 3% may see him pencilled into more Wildcard drafts over the next week or two.
Lallana and Rodriguez against the Baggies
With an upcoming set of 10 fixtures that is rated second to none by our Season Ticker, the Saints duo will be placed under the microscope by many Fantasy managers for this weekend’s home clash with West Brom. At 6.2, Rodriguez is the best-value forward in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game and has produced eight goals and a pair of assists in the last 14 Gameweeks, whilst the 7.3-priced Lallana sits fifth in the midfield standings on 95 points – for many, it’s either one or the other and Saturday’s performance may be decisive.
Eriksen and Adebayor at Home to Palace
Three wins, a draw and nine goals scored in the last four league games highlights Tottenham’s improvement under Tim Sherwood. The new man in charge’s decision to move to 4-4-2 and go on the attack has been key to his side’s recent success – Spurs scored nine goals in Andre Villas-Boas’ last 10 league games by comparison. Having grabbed a goal apiece at Old Trafford, both Eriksen and Adebayor have earned significant investment since the last Gameweek, with over 53,000 and 69,000 Fantasy managers acquiring their respective services. Eriksen has racked up 27 points across those four fixtures and Adebayor has produced 31 points – a home game against Palace hands both a chance to stake a claim for inclusion in our winter wildcards.
Negredo on the Road
A stunning hat-trick in last night’s Capital One Cup demolition of West Ham continued the Spaniard’s outstanding run of home displays. Negredo has now scored 15 goals in as many games in all competitions at the Etihad yet, on the road, he has struggled in the league. After scoring in his first away game of the season, the 9.8-priced forward has mustered a single assist in City’s subsequent nine – a trip to Newcastle, where the hosts have Mathieu Debuchy suspended, Fabricio Coloccini injured and Tim Krul a minor doubt may help remedy his away day problems and reinforce his Fantasy potential.
Sturridge’s Availability
The rumours of a return to action this weekend are gaining more and more credibility. Sidelined since Gameweek 12 after sustaining an ankle injury in training, Sturridge’s potential comeback would see a change in formation for Brendan Rodgers’ side, with the Reds expected to revert to a 4-4-2, allowing the former Chelsea man to partner Luis Suarez up top. Such a scenario may well end Raheem Sterling’s recent bandwagon, with Philippe Coutinho and Jordan Henderson handed the wide roles on either side of Steven Gerrard and Lucas. Now down to 9.1 from a season-high 10.0, Sturridge’s return would offer us the option of a player who has averaged 6.4 points per game this term – amongst regulars, only Suarez, Sergio Aguero and Wayne Rooney have managed more.
The Injury Worries in Midfield
At the point of writing, only three of the seven most popular midfielders in the FPL game do not have injury concerns ahead of the weekend. Yaya Toure (45% ownership) limped out of City’s cup win over West Ham, Ross Barkley (31%) is nursing a toe problem picked up against QPR last weekend, Yohan Cabaye (16%) has yet to train for Newcastle due to an Achilles complaint, whilst Aaron Ramsey (37%) remains on the sidelines with a groin problem for Arsenal. Many Fantasy squads will be hit hard if the likes of Toure and Barkley miss out this weekend and their absence could well be the catalyst for winter wildcards to be flourished. As mentioned, the likes of Lallana and Eriksen are handed the chance to impress, whilst David Silva, Steven Gerrard and Mesut Ozil are all back from suspension or injury – plenty of options are out there for those who fancy shaking up the template.
