Our Saturday morning scour for overlooked Fantasy options leads us to City’s talismanic Spaniard this time around. We also call upon a couple of options from Bournemouth and West Brom as the pair look to maintain momentum in their respective bids for safety.
David Silva
Since returning from a lengthy injury layoff back in Gameweek 14, David Silva (9.8) has struggled to recapture early-season form that harvested six assists in five starts. Although the Spain international is clearly far from his best, having registered just one goal and an assist across his previous nine outings, back-to-back fixtures against Villa and Norwich could act as the antidote for Silva’s current malaise, elevating his status in the high-priced bracket.
First up for the Sky Blues is a home clash against Villa, who rank fourth for goals conceded in away matches (28) and shipped 11 goals in the last four Gameweeks. Looking beyond that promising head-to-head, Manuel Pellegrini’s troops travel to face a Norwich outfit that rank top for big chances conceded at home (28). Incidentally, Man City go up against the Canaries in a Gameweek where only 10 sides are guaranteed a fixture at present, augmenting Silva’s differential potential.
Although the Sky Blues suffered defeats at the hands of the top two in their most recent showdowns at the Etihad, they’ve still chalked up eight more home goals (35) than any team in the league. Certainly, with Manchester United now breathing down their neck and their title aspirations fading with each passing week, it would come as little surprise if Man City delivered a statement of intent on Saturday, with Silva at the forefront of their efforts.
Salomon Rondon
Salomon Rondon’s recent upturn in form suggests that the Venezuelan frontman is now better acclimatised to the unique rigours of the Premier League. Tracking back to Gameweek 24, the 6.5-priced forward has produced attacking returns (three goals, one assist) in all four of his starts, helping West Bromwich Albion defeat the likes of Crystal Palace and Everton. Owned by just 0.5% of all Fantasy managers, Rondon could well reward the intrepid few who are willing to explore his short-term prospects.
Upon scrutinising the underlying statistics, it becomes apparent that the Baggies’ upcoming home tie against Man United could play into the hands of Rondon. While the Red Devils still boast the best home defence, they’ve been far more generous on the road: only five sides have surrendered more goals (19) in away fixtures. Furthermore, Man United’s callow and makeshift defence looked vulnerable over the past four Gameweeks, placing fourth for shots inside the box conceded (43) and joint-third for big chances conceded (10).
West Brom’s attack has flattered to deceive this term, yet the fact they ranked third for shot-conversion rate (17.6%) over the last four Gameweeks is a positive sign. It’s also worth noting that the West Midlanders have strung together a three-match unbeaten run since Saido Berahino reclaimed a starting berth, indicating that they’re a more balanced outfit with his industry in midfield and pace on the counter.
Matt Ritchie
With one goal and three assists in his previous five outings, Matt Ritchie (5.3) is finding some rhythm following a spell that was defined by blanks and injury. The calibre of Ritchie’s performances have cemented his starting slot on the right flank, limiting the risk of rotation – brought on by the Cherries’ wealth of wide options – that previously tempered our interest. In addition, Max Gradel’s return to action increases our confidence in an attack that’s been hamstrung by injury.
With regards to Ritchie’s attacking threat across the last four Gameweeks, the Scottish winger ranked joint-fourth among midfielders for attempts (12) and joint-third for shots inside the box (six) – despite clocking just 45 minutes when Stoke City visited the Vitality Stadium. As for his assist potential, he charts second among his midfield team-mates for key passes (31) and has executed more than 20 more successful crosses (33) than the next best, Junior Stanislas (13).
Fresh from a convincing 2-0 home victory against a resilient Southampton unit, Bournemouth are primed to cause Newcastle United a host of problems when they make the trip to St James’ Park. The south-coast club will be heartened in the knowledge that the Magpies conceded nine goals in their last four matches, while Ritchie’s prospects are heightened by the fact that Steve McClaren’s men have allowed the third-most shots inside the box (108) on home turf.
