Two of the lowest scoring teams clash at the Riverside Stadium to create a predictable outcome, as a single set-piece delivery and far post header decide matters. Here’s the Stock Check from Gameweek 14’s final encounter.
On the Rise
Gaston Ramirez
Always the most likely member of Middlesbrough’s midfield to emerge as a potential Fantasy asset, the Uruguayan was their star performer on the night and proved a worthy matchwinner.
Ramirez has now provided two goals and an assist in his last four starts, although ‘Boro’s continued lack of cutting edge remains a major obstacle.
Aitor Karanka’s men have scored just 13 goals in their 14 Premier League matches and will likely continue to rely on defensive stability to earn them points.
While that’s the case, Ramirez seems destined to provide a short-term differential and little more. To compound matters, he appeared to suffer a knock to his foot which saw him withdrawn in the dying stages.
The Middlesbrough Defence
Far more likely to provide with an asset for the remainder of the season, Karanka’s back five earned a fourth clean sheet of the season this evening, albeit against a largely unambitious and impotent Hull City attack.
With George Friend sidelined, skipper Ben Gibson has proved the most popular target in the ‘Boro backline and he justified that tonight by claiming two bonus points taking him to 53 overall. Surprisingly, that’s just 8 points shy of Kyle Walker, the top-ranked Fantasy Premier League defender.
With Southampton and Liverpool up next, we can perhaps wait to invest in Karanka’s rearguard. However, from Gameweek 17, the fixtures fall nicely.
Should Friend, now priced at just 4.4, be fit and available at that point, he could prove to be a key acquisition.
In Decline
Robert Snodgrass
A third consecutive Gameweek without returns has seen the Scot fade as a fourth midfield option.
So integral to Hull City’s attacking potential via his dead-ball delivery, Snodgrass has been unable to shine as others around him struggle.
With just a single goal in their last three and with Hull’s fixture list stiffening over the festive spell, Snodgrass is being swallowed up by alternative midfield options in and around his price point.
