Fantasy managers are left scratching for returns on a day that saw the form players and the big names draw blanks. Here’s part one of the “Stock Check” with the Stadium of Light clash to follow…
On the Up
Dimitar Berbatov
The languid genius delivered on his home debut with a brace in his first Fulham start to offer an immediate claim to the third spot in our Fantasy forward lines. The engine is running on the Bulgarian bandwagon.
Alex Kacaniklic
Back in the side for the injured Kieran Richardson, the lively Swede delivered a pair of assists for Berbatov’s goals to again hint at the value he could offer in our midfields if he can just cement a starting role.
The West Ham Defence
A third clean sheet of the season for the Hammers, the first away from Upton Park. Big Sam’s defence continues to deliver, with Jussi Jaaskaleinan and Guy Demel likely to earn further Fantasy suitors in the week to come.
Alex Buttner
Given his home debut at the expense of Patrice Evra, Buttner grabbed his chance with a spectacular goal, assist and clean sheet return to cover himself in Fantasy honey for the bandwagon bees to come buzzing. Can he really offer security in a Sir Alex Ferguson back four?
Gervinho
An eye-catching brace from the Ivorian. Drafted in for Giroud, Gervinho took his chance. He perhaps lacks long-term security but could offer short-term value as a mid-price midfield alternative to Santi Cazorla.
Kieron Gibbs
With Carl Jenkinson soon to come under threat from the returning Bacary Sagna, Gibbs put his application form in for a place in our squads with two assists.
Lukas Podolski
The German marksman followed on from his goal at Anfield with a second strike in the thrashing of the Saints. If you can’t afford Cazorla, Podolski is offering a very viable route to Arsenal’s burgeoning confidence in attack.
Peter Crouch
While Michael Owen drew the attention, Crouch delivered his second goal in consecutive matches to suggest that he could be worth consideration once Stoke’s fixture list cheers up a little.
Matt Lowton
We have reservations about a Paul Lambert defence but Lowton looks seemingly secure at right-back and his goal and clean sheet for Villa today will attract interest.
Going Down
The City Defence
Roberto Mancini’s defence concedes for the fourth consecutive match. With Pablo Zabaleta missing out and Gael Clichy and Aleks Kolarov in rotation, the City defence continues to lack both security and value.
The Southampton Defence
There are firm question marks over the value offered in the Saints defence with good options elsewhere. Jes Hooiveld scored an OG and was subbed early on, while Nathaniel Cyne also burdened his owners by putting through his own net. The consolation goal for Daniel Fox may earn him a stay of execution.
David De Gea
Sir Alex preferred Anders Lindegaard once again, adding another nail in the Spaniard’s Fantasy coffin. De Gea’s price tag is just to high to risk rotation, particularly with the likes of Jaaskaleinan and John Ruddy knocking about.
Patrice Evra
There’s talk of a knock being the deciding factor for Evra taking a seat in the stands, although there was also plenty of rumours suggesting he’d drop out today. Regardless of the reasoning, the performance of Buttner will now put his starting role under real threat – his reaction to Buttner’s goal is trending as this is typed. It seemed Evra was untouchable in the United back for, now it seems only Nemanja Vidic can enjoy that status.
Carlos Tevez
Withdrawn on the hour-mark as Roberto Mancini tinkered. It’s too early to panic but with Sergio Aguero returning to fitness, Tevez owners will be wary of pitch time and rotation given Mancini’s decision to leave Mario Balotelli on the pitch.
Wojciech Szczęsny
Restored to the starting lineup at the expense of Vito Mannone, the Polish stopper was at fault for Southampton’s consolation and looked short on confidence. Wenger may feel concerned; Mannone somewhat aggrieved.
Wayne Routledge
Replaced by Pablo Hernandez on the hour-mark, it could be a sign of things to come. Chilling stuff for those who invested in the winger’s early season form. A disappointing result for Michael Laudrup – will he tinker next time around?
Robin Van Persie
Fit but rested to the bench with Wednesday’s Champions League tie in mind, today’s decision by Sir Alex Ferguson was a sobering one for the Dutchman’s Fantasy owners who now know that they will walk a teamsheet tightrope around European fixtures – particularly if United progress into the latter stages.
