A night of scant returns finds Fantasy managers snuggling up to clean sheets as Newcastle, Stoke and Wigan are the only sides to cut loose. Here’s the Stock Check on the opening matches of Gameweek 24…
On the Up
Johan Cabaye
Two starts, two goals – Cabaye’s return has been inspirational for Alan Pardew’s side. With new signings arriving around him, it will be interesting to monitor Cabaye’s role in the weeks to come with the Frenchman already emerging as a mid-price differential for the second part of the season.
Papiss Cisse
The competition for spots in our Fantasy forward lines remains fierce but a third goal in six outings for Cisse tonight offered another reminder that he could yet be a factor. Newcastle’s first half showing was impressive and, if Cisse remains the focal point of the attack, his stock could well go on rising as results pick up.
Ryan Shawcross
While the Stoke defence took another dent, the skipper managed to keep his head above water with a first goal of the season. We were wondering which of Shawcross and Robert Huth would score first this term and, sadly for the Scout Picks, it was the former who delivered this evening. The goal keeps him bubbling in fourth spot in the defender rankings, despite a record that shows no clean sheets in the last six.
Julio Cesar
A third clean sheet in four for Harry Redknapp’s side, thanks, in the main, to Julio Cesaar’s heroics in goal. With Ryan Nelsen departing for Toronto FC after tonight’s game, Fantasy managers will now be waiting on Harry’s deadline day activity before scanning the R’s rearguard for options. Cesar is rapidly emerging as a viable option between the sticks at 4.9.
Simon Mignolet
Tonight’s shutout was gave Martin O’Neill’s side their fifth clean sheet in the last seven home matches. With Asmir Begovic again conceding, tonight’s points were enough to see Simon Mignolet installed as the top ranked keeper in the Fantasy Premier League game. While options in the Black Cats defence look scarce, the Belgian remains a prime target.
Pablo Zabelata
While the attacking players failed to pick the lock at Loftus Road, the defence, even without Vincent Kompany and with Javi Garcia in at centre-back, held on for an eleventh clean sheet of the season. With Matija Nastasic only fit enough for the bench, Pablo Zabaleta continues to stand out amongst the options on offer – the Argentine offers some attacking potential and has started the last twelve league outings.
The Swansea Defence
The Stadium of Light stalemate handed the Swans their third clean sheet in six outings. Now with the best defensive record on the road in the league, there’s clear indication that Michael Laudrup has tightened things up. Sadly, it may have come at a cost – tonight was third time that the Swans have failed to score having earned three 0-0 draws in their last four away trips. Michel Vorm owners missed out on tonight’s points with the Dutchman sidelined with a minor knee injury, amidst rumours of transfer interest from Barcelona.
Going Down
Edin Dzeko
Ironically, on the day that City appear to have agreed a deal to ship Mario Balotelli back to Italy, Dzeko’s stock takes a knock after he was relegated to the bench at Loftus Road. Roberto Mancini restored the Carlos Tevez/Sergio Aguero partnership and watched them struggle to prise open a determined QPR. Inevitably, Dzeko was called from the bench but failed to make an impact – Tevez meanwhile, still has just one goal in his last eight league appearances and was again subbed on 73 minutes.
The Stoke Defence
Tonight’s fixture with Wigan looked the ideal opportunity for Tony Pulis’ side to restore their defensive form but, having conceded twice, the Stoke rearguard has now leaked an astonishing 15 goals in their last five league outings. As mentioned earlier, they have gone six home matches without a shut-out.
Kenwyne Jones
With his future at the club still undecided, Jones watched on from the bench while Peter Crouch snatched his first league goal since Gameweek 6. Jones could yet be on the move in over the next 48-hours.
Michu
It’s now five league appearances without a goal for the one-time Premier League leading scorer. The Swans have only scored in three of their last six outings and the new, tighter approach to matches may well be having a knock-on to Michu’s attacking potential. Those with cash tied up in Swansea hitman may well be pondering their options.
Angel Rangel
Having missed three matches through injury earlier in the season, the Spaniard found himself on the bench tonight with Dwight Tiendalli handed the right-back berth. With a clean sheet earned, Rangel owners will be slightly twitchy at the prospect of continued rotation.
Emmerson Boyce
His match at the Britannia was cut short as he suffered a first-half hamstring injury that saw him withdrawn at half-time. Boyce’s season has threatened to show promise but, having been shackled to a central defensive role for weeks, he could now face a spell on the sidelines as the Latics injury list in defence continues to tick over.
Mike Williamson
Immediately dropped to the bench to make way for the return of Steven Taylor and with new signing, Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa in the wings, Williamson’s tenure in the Magpies rearguard looks over after some shaky displays.
Sylvain Marveaux
The French winger missed out at Villa Park with an injury sustained in training and, with the Mapgies squad now boosted by new arrivals, Marveaux may face a continued battle to reinstate himself – Hatem Ben Arfa’s return will surely consign him to a cameo role.
