In the abscense of Niemi’s fine work this week, here is a little throw-together to hold you over.
Coming out of the first ever Eliteserien Fantasy DoubleGameWeek, hearts were broken for a lot of players running with defensive Odd options, while Tromsø were on fire .
STOCK CHECK
Hot ticket items
Nicklas Bendtner (Rosenborg, forward, 12.4)
Once again finding the net and a spot in the round dream-11, the Lord has not looked back since finding his stride. Ownership up to 32,9% now, not quite where he was at season start, but it is getting risky fielding a team without the great dane now.
Eirik Ulland Andersen (Strømsgodset, midfielder, 8.5)
The Godset star of the season is still showing form, netting another goal and the clean sheet point. Upcoming fixtures makes him an attractive player, with the next three Tromsø(H), Viking(A), and Odd (H). While all three teams have shown improvement up front, they concede goals, and Andersen is likely to score them.
Simen Wangberg (Tromsø, defender, 4.7)
The only real hero of the DGW, he found the net no less than three times over the two games, picking up a clean sheet and five bonus points. Tromsø have shown themselves as contenders to stay up, now their back is to the wall, and the captain is leading the charge. This choice is double-edged though, as a Tromsø-side chasing points is likely to take risks moving forward, giving Wangberg lots to do at the back.
Mos (Aalesund, forward, 8.9)
Despite neither player nor team showing any will or form to grab three-pointers these days, Mos can’t help scoring goals. As the regular penalty-taker with fox-in-the-box know-how he has now netted 12 goals this season, with a couple of assists on the side.
Krepin Diatta (Sarpsborg 08, midfielder, 6.0)
One of the real hopes before the season, Krepin went halfway through it without playing much. For the second half though, he has truly shown his potential, and is nowhere near done. Sarpsborg went with a surprising rotation last Gameweek, fielding backups in seven positions, but they have now gotten to that cup final they were seeking, and all hands should be back in for the league. Diatta is sure to lead on in that, and is the major choice from Sarpsborg.
Ice cold prospects
Mushaga Bakenga (Tromsø, forward, 9.9)
It was worth a punt in the DGW, but Bakenga managed only a goal and little else in a combined seven goal run for Tromsø, and shows no value whatsoever at his Rosenborg-price of 9.9.
Abdoulaye Seck (Sandefjord, defender, 5.4)
I’ll regret putting this in, but this player has lost his appeal somewhat. With only two clean sheets and five bonus in the last 10 he has not brought much to starving teams. Sandefjord being in no mans land mid-table makes the upcoming fixtures turbulent, with both top and bottom teams desperate for points.
DIFFERENTIALS AND PUNTS
Erling Braut Håland (Molde, forward, 4.2)
Firmly in the punt category, this tank of a centre forward is getting a tiny increase in minutes played, and scored his second goal of the season vs. Viking. I’ll admit to borrowing this selection from the Eliteserien Fantasy show, but in the close of the season this kind of big strong forward is likely to get time on the pitch to break down teams such as Molde, who are chasing medals and the EuropaLeague qualifying spot now they are out of the Cup. The price and potential savings for the rest of the team also appeal.
Kasper Skaanes (Brann, midfielder, 5.0)
With Braaten still missing in action, Deyver Vega has stolen the spotlight in a Brann team back on form. Skaanes has not gotten the big hauls, but is poised and ready to step up. Games vs. a Vålerenga team in shambles away, followed by KBK at home, should give him a chance to shine.
OTHER MENTIONS
Ohi will be back this gameweek, and is still hot in the box, with a close to 50% ownership he is likely a make or break player each GW in the home stretch of the league.
Also keep an eye on Lillestrøm defenders, with two of them now playing out of position in the sides, this looks a real tempting option for double or even triple ups after the Rosenborg game, when their fixtures clear up nicely.
Speaking of Rosenborg, their midfield are proving a real headache with wingers rotating throught, and Helland back in the mix. Trondsen and Jensen look pretty secure in their box-to-box lanes though.
And finally, if you’ve not done so already, start checking Haugesund-prospects. With a nice program leading in, and a DGW coming up, stocking players from there seems a much safer choice than anything for the DGW passed, and Vålerenga looking lost without Zahid.
FINAL THOUGHTS
With only eight GW’s left, pay close attention to the theoretical point lines. once teams are confirmed safe or out of runnings, we’ll start seeing some real strange results popping up, and one never, ever underestimate teams with their backs to the walls. This was not quite up to Niemis standards, but I hope you enjoyed anyway. 🙂
KEY LINKS
WhoScored – Results, table, detailed player and team stats.
Twitter account for a Norwegian Eliteserien Fantasy show. Normally offers some insight (although it’s in Norwegian)
Official source for lineups, normally 1hr 15m before kick off.
Interesting blog where clean sheet and goal scoring odds are posted before every Gameweek.
