Harry Kane has shown perfect timing.
On the day that saw Sergio Aguero and Romelu Lukaku frustrate 40% of Fantasy Premier League managers, the Spurs striker stepped up to deliver a first double-figure haul and underline his undeniable potential as a game-changer.
Five goals in his last four Premier League starts, albeit broken up by a spell on the sidelines, indicates that Kane is riding a flow of form that can now see him break up the established template in attack.
A prolific Jermain Defoe and Charlie Austin’s improving fixtures will likely ensure that we retain a mid-price option as a third striker – dismissing the idea of squeezing Kane alongside our present heavy hitters.
That will put the heat on Aguero and Lukaku.
The latter went into Gameweek 12 having already seen his increase in ownership slow following his Stamford Bridge blank. Today’s 2-point return, with 11% backing him with the armband, will no doubt spark sales and, in all likelihood, a first decline in the Belgian’s ownership since Gameweek 3.
It’s difficult to gain confidence from Everton’s schedule.
A trip to a resilient Southampton follows for Gameweek 13, with Goodison Park encounters with Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool to follow in the next four.
Lukaku is capable of scoring points in those matches, but can he keep pace with a resurgent Kane?
Despite those doubts, the pressure on Aguero is perhaps even more intense given his price tag, the doubt generated by Guardiola’s tinkering and the seemingly relentless stream of points being delivered by Kevin De Bruyne.
We were ready to fall at Aguero’s feet following his emphatic Hawthorns haul but, two Gameweeks on, the doubts are creeping back.
He let down 29% of FPL managers with the captaincy today and that, against the backdrop of Kane’s brace, will ruffle feathers.
The fee demanded by the Argentine guarantees that we will constantly be fidgeting – he almost has to deliver a goal a game and assure us of consistent returns in order to cement the captaincy and earn his keep.
Turf Moor offers a foreboding venue for Aguero to restore confidence next weekend. Following that, Guardiola’s side will take on Chelsea – Aguero will likely have to earn his opportunities against the Blues’ newly robust defence.
Meanwhile, Kane offers home fixtures with Swansea City, Hull City and Burnley to follow the Gameweek 13 trip to Stamford Bridge.
It’s a scenario that looks perfectly staged.
We bank our transfers, give Lukaku or Aguero next weekend’s run-out and then take action in Gameweek 14 should they falter.
Those trading Aguero can then distribute the significant funds spared – perhaps to consider De Bruyne as a reassuringly expensive midfield option.
Regardless of our current thinking – the masses will now be circling Kane.
With an ownership of just 6%, he provides a potential route back for those managers treading water – a genuinely explosive differential that can be trusted with the armband for that trio of tempting White Hart Lane fixtures.
Those trailing mini-leagues surely have to consider the move, but it’s an unwelcome development for those streaking ahead and settled with a midfield and forward line template. Kane can be a disruptive force that can punish those that sit still.
The bandwagon is moving, and if Costa is the next to slip off the suspension tightrope at the Riverside Stadium, we will need to brace ourselves for some major acceleration.
