First half strikes from Matt Jarvis and Ricardo Vaz Te are enough to earn the Hammers a first away win and leave QPR adrift at the bottom of the table. Here’s the Stock Check from Monday’s Gameweek finale…
On the Up
Adel Taarabt
Back to fitness and back in favour, Taarabt found his way onto the R’s bench and entered the action to drag Mark Hughes’ side back into the game. His goal was sublime and unstoppable, his touch and creativity also eye-catching. If only he could cement a regular starting role, he’d be QPR’s one major Fantasy asset.
Andy Carroll
On the bench after recovering early from a hamstring injury, Carroll was introduced for Carlton Cole midway through the second half and, despite Cole’s work rate, the Geordie will surely replace him in the lineup when Arsenal pay visit this weekend. Kevin Nolan and company will be delighted. Arsene Wenger won’t be.
Ricardo Vaz Te
Those Fantasy managers searching for a budget option in attack could do well to consider the Portuguese striker who claimed his first goal of the season to accompany two assists so far. Yossi Benayoun will threaten his starting role but Vaz Te is doing enough to warrant his start right now.
Jussi Jaaskaleinen
Denied a clean sheet by Taarabt’s wonder strike, the Finnish stopper nonetheless impressed with a string of saves to offer a reminder as to his value in the budget keeper bracket.
Going Down
Winston Reid
Forced off in the first-half, the Kiwi defender suffered concussion and could therefore be a doubt for the weekend. West Ham have an able replacement in James Tomkins and Reid’s growing Fantasy ownership (12.5% in the FPL) will be monitoring news from the Hammers camp with interest. A clean sheet against the Gunners would seem unlikely but Tomkins will be looking to make a firm claim for a starting role if he’s given the opportunity.
Mark Noble
His performances are strong but his Fantasy returns are lacking. Noble’s reliance on set-pieces has yet to pay dividends and patience appears to be wearing thin. With the likes of Raheem Sterling offering a decent prospect in the budget bracket, Noble’s ownership continues to diminish.
