A day which saw a huge tidal wave of rotation sweep across the Premier League teamsheets found Fantasy managers clinging to heavy objects and hoping for a full starting lineup. Here’s the Stock Check on Saturday’s events so far…
On the Up
Edin Dzeko
We backed the Bosnian for starts in the last two and finally, today at Carrow Road, Roberto Mancini gave him the nod. Dzeko responded with a salvo of goals in the space of five minutes and was only denied a hat-trick by the post and Mark Bunn’s shoulder. With Stoke up next, logic would suggest that Dzeko will be retained in the starting lineup; then again, it’s difficult to second guess Mancini.
David Silva
City were back in the goals and, inevitably, Silva cashed in with his third assist in the last four league matches. With eight assists for the season, only Eden Hazard has provided more this season, underlining Silva’s appeal if City can maintain a decent rate of goalscoring. Sacrificed before the hour-mark as City looked to stem the tide with ten men, Silva will be eyeing up further returns when Stoke visit the Etihad on Tuesday.
Russell Martin
Only included in the side due to the injury to Steven Whittaker, Martin revealed his goal threat with two strikes to peg back City at Carrow Road. Martin’s appeal is limited given his security of starts, although at 4.2 in the FPL, we’re likely to see some transfer interest come his way.
Emmerson Boyce
Back in the right wing-back role and back amongst the attacking returns. Having been shackled by a central defensive role for several weeks, Roberto Martinez was able to switch Boyce to the flank and relegate Ronnie Stam to the bench. Boyce’s strike for Wigan’s second was his second of the season. Boyce is currently available at a cut-price 4.8 in the FPL – a decent option if he can continue in the advanced role.
Rickie Lambert
Long regarded as the prime Fantasy asset in the budget bracket, the Saints’ hitman had struck just one goal in five before the Christmas fixtures but, having fired home a penalty at Craven Cottage on Boxing Day, Lambert notched a goal and two assists in the win the Britannia to boost his stock considerably. It’s eight goals and four assists for the season – a decent return for a 6.1 option. Fixtures against Arsenal, Everton and United in the next four will test his form, however.
Kenwyne Jones
Picked out as the headline act in this week’s differentials, the big striker chipped in with another goal and assist return as Stoke stampeded back to earn a point against Southampton. Jones’ form has been hugely impressive, with Peter Crouch facing a struggle to regain his start. Fantasy managers may yet take notice.
Robin Van Persie
The day started badly for Van Persie’s owners but, once again, the Dutchman proved he needs little time to make an impact. Introduced from the bench with half an hour remaining, Van Persie delivered United’s second to reward those who handed him the inevitable armband.
The Reading Defence
Brian McDermott’s side battled for the three points against West Ham and earned a second consecutive clean sheet. Incredibly, Reading have conceded just a single goal in their last three, a record which coincides with recent changes implemented by McDermott, including recalls for full-backs Chris Gunter and Ian Harte.
Aaron Lennon
A goal to follow his assist in the win over Villa, Tottenham’s jet-heeled winger continues to offer a cheaper, less explosive alternative to Gareth Bale on the opposite flank. With the Welshman suspended for Gameweek 21 and Lennon, seemingly nailed-on, we could yet see the former Leeds man earn some short-term investment.
Going Down
Gareth Bale
After exploding to a hat-trick at Villa Park, the Welshman was perhaps unfortunate to come away from the Stadium of Light victory empty-handed having impressed once again. However, it was the booking for the “dive†following Craig Gardner’s challenge that was his most significant contribution. Bale now misses the Gameweek 21 home encounter with Reading – a fixture that could have been hugely profitable for Bale owners.
The Stoke Defence
They’ll be no major alarm bells ringing as a result of the three goals conceded to Southampton but, clearly, without Geoff Cameron and, in particular, skipper Ryan Shawcross, the Potters rearguard is far from impenetrable. Tony Pulis’ side have now conceded in their last three Britannia league matches and have one clean sheet in the last four; they go to Man City next.
Carlos Tevez
Illness kept the Argentine out of training in the week and perhaps gave Roberto Mancini the excuse to rest him to the bench and start with Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko. The pair duly did the business to cast doubt on Tevez’s chances of an immediate recall against Stoke in Gameweek 21.
The City Defence
Roberto Mancini fielded what looked like a first choice back four at Carrow Road but, with Samir Nasri’s dismissal, City were exposed and conceded three. It’s just one clean sheet in the last six league outings for Mancini’s rearguard, although, in the short-term, the schedule suggests that improvement could be on the way.
Kevin Nolan
Without returns in eight league matches, Nolan capped his dismal form with a booking in the defeat to Reading that has seen him topple from the suspension tightrope. Nolan will now miss the home clash with Norwich in Gameweek 21. James Collins also picked up his fifth booking in the Madjeski defeat.
The Villa Defence
It’s getting calamitous now. Three goals conceded to Wigan makes it 15 in the last three matches and tightens the vice-like pressure mounting on Paul Lambert. It’s Swansea away next, with Michu owners praying that the Spaniard can recover from an ankle injury to fill his boots against the hapless Midlanders.
