With Wayne Rooney fit to face Norwich and Sergio Aguero sizing up Blackburn at Ewood, it seemed unlikely that we’d be pondering the merits of another when Brucie stumbles over his autocue this evening. Today strictly belonged to Gabby Agbonlahor however, as the Villa roadrunner unveiled a full repertoire of pace, power and trickery to waltz through a hapless Wigan defence.

As Rooney huffed and puffed against Norwich resistance, his fellow Manchester hitman was already clutching an ice-pack to a 27th minute injury that saw Aguero forced off and miss out on an Ewood massacre. That left the headlines open for Agbonlahor; he duly added another chapter to an unlikely tale of his ascent back to England recognition.

While Fabio may resist, Fantasy managers will now be well aware of Agbonlahor’s resurgence. Four goals in seven starts, three assists thrown in – a top 10 EA PPI placing – the case is looking a strong one.

Ownership has been creeping up at pace, and now, with a prolonged break for international distractions, you can bet that Agbonlahor’s charms will attract further investment – another FPL price rise piled on his now generous 6.5 initial valuation.

The engine on Agbonlahor’s bandwagon sounds healthy; for many he will now surely emerge as the favoured third striker option, sandwiched between two heavyweights. On a day where two such “big-hitting” strikers disappointed, the potential offered by Agbonlahor shines brighter than ever.

Typically, I can throw a sizeable spanner in the works, a few speed bumps in the road. Agbonlahor and Villa go to Man City next; Roberto Mancini’s side are yet to concede a single goal at home in three matches this season. Regardless, with many Fantasy forward lines stalling today, I’d wager thousands will turn Agbonlahor’s way to help salve the disappointment.

*edit* – Since publish, Gabriel Agbonlahor has Spoken to the BBC (see 17:39) and confirmed that he will be using the upcoming International Break to try and fix a niggle he has been carrying. He confirmed…

“I’ve got a back problem. I’m going to get it sorted during the international break.”

This news may in fact temper some of the early knee-jerkers with full prognosis on potential back woes perhaps needed before it can be full steam ahead on the Agbonlahor bandwagon.