Watchlist

The Watchlist Updated – Gameweek 22

With two double Gameweeks distorting the Fantasy landscaspe somewhat, we’ve taken time to update our mid-term player rankings. Arsenal and Chelsea assets flourish, then, with Fantasy defences in particular, set to enjoy a shake-up as a result of the early New Year schedule as Wildcards flutter.

Read on for the thinking behind the current ladder standings and look out for our in-depth Wildcard articles. We’ve published those discussing Goalkeepers and Defenders earlier this week, with a look at the midfield options to follow.

Goalkeepers

Simon Mignolet climbs to the top of the goalkeeper rankings off the back of two clean sheets in four and with strong fixtures to come. With both Kieran Gibbs and Bacary Sagna offering options in the Gunners’ back four, Wojciech Szczesny, suffers a slight dent in his stock to slip below the Black Cats stopper but still remains a prize Fantasy asset with the double fixture in Gameweek 23 beckoning.

Stoke’s Asmir Begovic maintains his posiiton in our top three, despite going five league encounters without clean sheet returns. Investment continues to flow the Bosnian’s way and, with fixtures improving, returns should be back on the agenda. The potential return of Marc Wilson as a 4.0 option in defence could severely damage his value, however. That situation requires monitoring.

West Ham’s Jussi Jaaskelainen has the double in Gameweek 23, with a decent run of fixtures up to Gameweek 27, when matters stiffen considerably. Norwich City’s Mark Bunn has yet to earn a clean sheet but has four home matches in the next six Gameweeks – his stock remains strong, then, although news of John Ruddy’s return to fitness would rapidly end his term as a Fantasy option.

Along with Bunn, Villa’s Brad Guzan and Reading’s Adam Federici remain strong budget options. Guzan has three home fixtures to come in the next five; as does Federici, who is playing in front of a Reading defence that has shown recent improvement. As mentioned in our recent Wildcard article, this pairing rotate to offer a full budget route between the sticks.

Defenders

Arsenal’s Kieran Gibbs is enjoying a rich vein of form and has the double Gameweek to come to boost his stock further. While Sagna remains a cheaper option, Gibbs’ form swings favour in his direction and, along with Szczesny in goal, looks an obvious route ahead of Gameweek 23. With three home games in four to follow the double Gameweek, Gibbs makes a strong case on top of our defender rankings.

Two goals in two games in all competitons underlines Leighton Baines’ attacking potential, although an ankle problem prevents him from threatening Gibbs for top spot in our rankings. Everton’s fixtures are very strong over the next four and Baines looks set to prosper if he can play through the pain barrier for the Toffees. We may even see David Moyes’ side register that belated clean sheet: they’ve gone 15 league matches without one.

Chelsea’s David Luiz has his Gameweek 22 to help build on stock that has been boosted considerably by a shift to a central midfield role. While Luiz’s start is perhaps not totally secure withing Rafa Benitez’s lineup, he remains an option that’s hard to ignore, even beyond Chelsea’s two fixtures.

There’s a string of strong budget and mid-price options on offer, not least West Ham’s Guy Demel who benefits from the injury to Joey O’Brien to reinstate himself in our rankings. Swansea’s Ben Davies and Wigan’s Emmerson Boyce also look solid acquisitions, the latter now back in his right wing-back role and with two favourable home fixtures on offer.

Reading’s Ian Harte, Norwich City’s Seb Bassong and Ciaran Clark of Villa are also on hand for those willing to take a gamble on attacking returns, although all three have fixtures which could also deliver clean sheets.

The emergence of these cheaper options, combined with stiffening schedules, finds the likes of Glen Johnson and Jan Vertonghen spinning down our rankings to the lower reaches.

Midfielders

Chelsea’s Juan Mata and Arseanl’s Theo Walcott sit in the top two spots with double Gameweeks on offer. It’s hard to argue against their acquisition, with team-mates Eden Hazard and Santi Cazorla now reduced to offering alternatives only for those seeking differentials.

Eveton’s Marouane Fellaini made his return to action at Newcastle following a three-match suspension and immediately featched an assist to underline his importance to the Everton cause. With three attractive Goodison clashes in the next four, further attacking returns look likely and that’s enough to rank the Belgian above Gareth Bale.

Both remain in our top five, with Swansea’s Michu completing what would seem a settled and powerful Wildcard midfield five.

The likes of David Silva and Steven Gerrard threaten to break in, with the Liverpool skipper enjoying a flood of points in recent weeks to promote his claim for Fantasy acquisition. Ultimately, however, Gerrard remains in the shadow of Luis Suarez in Fantasy terms and, with Daniel Sturridge also now an option for consideration, it seems unlikely that we’ll see Gerrard climb further this season. He remains a differential – albeit a potentially effective one.

Lower down, we’ve an array of mid-price options that offer the opportunity to break the template midfield. Robert Snodgrass of Norwich, Kevin Nolan of West Ham and Stephane Sessegnon of Sunderland all have fixtures on their side and are clear options for those looking to take a chance with their fourth and fifth midfield slots.

Forwards

There’s no shifting the ridiculously consistent Robin Van Persie from the top of the forward rankings, with Chelsea’s new acquisition, Demba Ba, coming closest to the Dutchman in this week’s reckoning. The double Gameweek promotes Ba, even with the threat of rotation a real factor when considering investment. We’re convinced that Ba will get around 120 minutes form his two Gameweek 22 fixtures, however, and that’s enough to hold off Luis Suarez for second spot.

The Uruguyan’s form is nothing short of sensational but, with Sturridge also now available as an option and talk of Suarez moving to a support role, there are new variables to consider here. That almost has Fulham’s Dimitar Berbatov ranking above the Liverpool man, as the Bulgarian goes into the weekend clash with Wigan at the Cottage with returns in his last three – fixtures with City and United in the next four dull his potential somewhat, however.

Edin Dzeko looks safe in the City lineup for the time being and, with three goals in two matches, he stands out as a strong differential with a modest 7.4 FPL price tag. Sunderland’s Steven Fletcher, in the same price bracket, looks well placed with strong fixtures to come, while Christian Benteke remains in our thinking with obliging Villa Park fixtures in the next five.

Reading’s Pavel Pogrebnyak, having now seemingly established himself in the Royals starting XI with two goals in two games, looks to be offering extraordinary value at just 4.3 – he is a viable alternative to Rickie Lambert for those shopping on a budget here.

Everton’s Nikica Jelavic is your ready-made differential. Having struggled for form this season with just a single goal in the last 10 league outings, the Croatian notched in Everton’s FA Cup win and has the opposition over the next four to kick on. At 8.1, he still represents a major gamble when Fellaini can be acquired for less in midfield.

Newcastle’s Papiss Cisse is another name worth monitoring. Now established in the central striker role, at least until Alan Pardew can recruit and assimilate a new signing, Cisse has struck twice in three matches and will likely welcome the new focus following the departure of compatriot Demba Ba.

Mark Mark created the beast. He's now looking to tame it.

2,628 Comments Post a Comment
  1. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Best Chelsea combo for this GW?

    a) Mata & Azpilicueta
    b) Mata & Cahill
    c) Hazard & Luiz
    d) Hazard & Cole

    Open Controls
    1. dogtanion
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Just Ba will suffice.

      Open Controls
  2. Drip Doctor
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Defence is a real bugger on the WC. Been through soo many options. Now i am looking at:

    Szczesny Bunn
    Baines Luiz Davies Demel Shaw

    Still doesn't look right...

    Open Controls
    1. John Nerdelbaum
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Looks aight to me...

      I'm toying with Baines + Luiz post WC but Gibbs for a mil less could come in...

      Can't go wrong with Davies + Demel

      Open Controls
      1. Evans
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        I'm thinking of getting baines back in long term also but with walker

        Open Controls
        1. John Nerdelbaum
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 2 months ago

          Not sold on Walker. Got him at the moment and he's done OK for me but I don't think he's that great. If Naughton gets dropped for BAE then he could compete with Walker for the RB spot. Personally think Gibbs is a better shout

          Open Controls
  3. Will - Fantasy Football Hub
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    A) Caz > Mata, Pie > Nolan (will be benched this GW)
    B) Caz > Mata, Torres > Ba

    Cant afford Caz > Mata straight swap

    Open Controls
  4. alsybach
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    If I pick Ba..............I can't have Lambert, bollox, so what shall we do

    Hazard + Lambert

    or

    Ba + 6.7 midfielder

    The only other problem is I was gonna do hazard------------> Santi

    oh bollox bollox bollox bollox....................

    Open Controls
  5. Lateriser 12
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Repost.

    Someone can help me with my defence? Attack is in place i reckon.

    Begovic Federici
    Luiz Davies Wilson Demel Shaw
    Bale Walcott Michu Mata Puncheon
    RVP Suarez Ba

    0.7 in the bank and more cash to come through Luiz -> Gibbs.

    Open Controls
    1. Parm
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Not unless you do Ba to Berba/Dzeko or Theo to Fellaini I can't.

      Open Controls
    2. Will - Fantasy Football Hub
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Shaw > Cuellar (did he recover from his injury?) Sund have good fixs?

      Open Controls
  6. kimoo
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Lambert Lambert Lambert Lambert Lambert Lambert Lambert LaLambert mbert Lambert Lambert Lambert Lambert Lambert Lambert Lambert Lambert Lambert Lambert Lambert Lambert Lambert Lambert Lambert

    IS MY C

    Open Controls
    1. AGUEROOOOO!!!!!
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      LaLambert mbert who does he play for?

      Open Controls
      1. kimoo
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        southomton

        Open Controls
    2. kimoo
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      i have BA and Mata and RVP but lambert score 5 goals in matches

      Open Controls
  7. Fabio20
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Night all

    Open Controls
  8. GoonerByron
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Luiz the best choice for a Chelsea def? About to do Nelsen -> Luiz for free..

    Open Controls
    1. Fabio20
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      yes

      Open Controls
  9. Professor Abel X
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Hopefully this is a breath of fresh air with all the DGW talk:

    Foster (rdg) or Bego (CHE)

    Got to be Bego, oui?

    Open Controls
  10. mabz1303
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Who would get more game time over the DGW (since Terry is coming back)

    Azpilicueta or Luiz??

    Thanks

    Open Controls
  11. Papillon
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    A Cole or Lampard for DGW?

    Open Controls
  12. kimoo
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    They said i have 4 players from chelsea iam chetear LOOOOOOOOOOOL

    Open Controls
    1. Papillon
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      What happens there, which 3 will start?

      Open Controls
      1. kimoo
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        i mean now all ppl said no defnders from chelsea and they will not C mata

        Open Controls
  13. noyb
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Would appreciate a little input on my team guys.

    DAVIS
    AZPILICUETA – CLYNE – SAGNA
    CAZORLA – MATA – WALCOTT – PUCNHEON
    RVP – DEMBA BA – DEFOE

    SUBS: JAASKILAINEN – DEMEL – CAMERON -STERLING

    will switch davis clyne and puncheon for jaskilainen demel cameron in gw 23, whilst graduually taking some of them out of the squad after the dgw. also , i have wc active and will change ba if signs are he is not playing. what i am thinking now is changing ba or defoe for berbatov and upgrading sterling to fellaini. any thoughts would be appreciated

    Open Controls
  14. Parm
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    We all know that Ba will start the Stoke game and make a short cameo during the Soton game.....

    Open Controls
    1. AGUEROOOOO!!!!!
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      atleast he will start vs the gunners then so 2 out of 3 games

      Open Controls
    2. dogtanion
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      we also know suarez will play 90 minutes against Rio Ferdinand.

      Open Controls
      1. Parm
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        I bloody hope it's JEvans & Vidic at the back this weekend.

        Open Controls
    3. A.T
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      I think he'll start both.

      Open Controls
  15. The Mandalorian
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    seems like the rafa rotation has already begun for the cfc forwards. ba to face stoke at the weekend.

    Open Controls
    1. Papillon
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Hopefully Ba plays league games and Torres plays cup games

      Open Controls
  16. Robalabobolol
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    RMT 😀

    Mignolet - Szczesny

    Zabaleta - Gibbs - Demel - Clark - Luiz

    Walcott - Michu - Puncheon - Mata - Bale

    Ba - Lambert - Berbatov

    Open Controls
  17. Murder On Zidane's Flo…
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    My WCT at the mo

    Turnbull Begovic

    Ivanovic Gibbs Rafael Demel Davies

    Bale Michu Fellaini Walcott Puncheon

    RVP Suarez Ba

    What you guys reckon thinking to switch Ivanovic to Luiz although will loose 0.3m on Ivan

    Hopefully the highlights can help me decide lol

    Open Controls
    1. Robalabobolol
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      ive got luiz and reaaally tempted to get ivan in as well

      Open Controls
      1. Evans
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Did you see tonight's game ?

        Open Controls
        1. Robalabobolol
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 2 months ago

          I didn't sadly. anything of interest happen? A bit worried about what a potential terry return will do to the team

          Open Controls
    2. Robalabobolol
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      I'm not going to be using turnbull as it will very quickly take one of my transfers away and probably at a time where I need it most. I'd say have a look at your keepers and get 2 that rotate well and will stay between the sticks. Other than that looks like a standard and decent wc team. Maybe shift Rafael though 😀

      Open Controls
  18. Sw££t Sci£…
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Rate my testicles: out of 10 pleeeeeeease

    Turnbull (Bego)
    B.Jones, Demel, Gibbs (Davies,Wilson)
    Walcott, Fellani, Mata, Bale (Marouvex :/)
    Ba (c) Berba, RVP

    Open Controls
    1. Robalabobolol
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      7-8. Personally I think the let downs are Marevoux and Turnbull. He could become a headache when cech gets back and there are some great alternatives out there

      Open Controls
      1. Robalabobolol
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        good team though, think you could have a good week 😀

        Open Controls
  19. Murder On Zidane's Flo…
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Let me guess.... New post 🙂

    Open Controls
  20. Mile Plankton
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    My plane to captain Ivanovic looks promissing now. :/

    Open Controls
  21. Robalabobolol
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    RMT please 😀

    Mignolet – Szczesny

    Zabaleta – Gibbs – Demel – Clark – Luiz

    Walcott – Michu – Puncheon – Mata – Bale

    Ba – Lambert – Berbatov

    Open Controls
    1. wah1berg
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Looking strong

      Open Controls
    2. Woy of the Wovers
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Bale -> Fellaini and upgrade strike force, perhaps

      Open Controls
  22. wah1berg
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Turnbull (Bego)
    Azpi Huth Gibbs (Davies Demel)
    Mata Michu Bale Fellaini Walcott
    Ba Rvp Ruiz

    On my WC. Keep my team as it is for this week?

    Open Controls
    1. albie.s
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      deffo with 4 Chelsea players in there.... 🙂

      Open Controls
  23. A.T
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Not many captaining RVP! Are we mad?

    Open Controls
    1. Woy of the Wovers
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Would you put money on RVP as top scorer in a week where Chelsea play twice?

      Open Controls
  24. GTR
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Just after peoples opinions on who i should bench out of Suarez or Puncheon

    Mid = Bale,Silva,Mata,Michu,Puncheon
    Fwd= Lambert,Suarez,Berba

    Open Controls
  25. garethna
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Currently got:

    Luiz,Evra,Gibbs,Demel,Harte

    Thinking of swapping out Evra for Baines or Zabaleta.
    Not much mention of Evra at the moment in any of the watch lists,articles or forum comments.
    people seem to be be buying him but nobody's dicussing him.

    Open Controls
  26. albie.s
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Puncheon and Michu
    or
    Ramirez and Fellaini

    Open Controls
    1. Woy of the Wovers
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      You should have Michu and Fellaini. In value terms, they are currently must-haves.

      Open Controls
  27. Woy of the Wovers
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Should I use my wildcard?

    Open Controls
  28. Bayer Leeverkusen
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    About to click confirm....

    quickly though... some votes on my differential please?!?

    a) Shorey, Arteta & Lampard
    or
    b) Turner, Santi & Ramires

    Open Controls