In an outstanding debut campaign in England’s top-flight, Rickie Lambert has proven a cut-price Fantasy sensation. Although he’d racked up the goals in the lower divisions, many had initially questioned Lambert’s ability to adapt to the Premier League but he’s done so seamlessly and, as the season progresses, shows little sign of letting up.
In retrospect, the opening three Gameweeks hinted at what was to come. Lambert found the net in the Saints’ defeat at City on the opening weekend of the season and followed that up with a goal and assist in a narrow home loss to United a couple of fixtures later. A brace at home to Villa in Gameweek 6 harvested the first victory of the campaign – whether his side win or lose, he’s still managed to produce.
What’s been most impressive about Lambert is his consistency. He’s registered 141 points, which is third top on the forward standings, despite managing just three sets of double figures all season – he’ played in all of Southampton’s 27 fixtures and has scored or assisted in 13 of those matches. With 12 goals and seven assists accrued, he’s played a part in 19, or 50%, of his side’s goals and has also received 22 bonus points for his endeavours.
In spite of his scoring exploits, it’s somehow taken the arrival of new boss Mauricio Pochettino to finally convince Fantasy managers of Lambert’s worth –as recently as Gameweek 25 he was sitting at a price of 6.4 in Fantasy Premier League (FPL), just 0.4 up on his initial price. The Argentine’s installation seems to have boosted Lambert further, though; he has now scored or assisted in each of his last three – his most consistent run of returns this term and, with a superb set of fixtures to follow, the bandwagon has finally arrived.
Sitting just three points from safety, the Saints are afforded four home games in the next six to boost their chances of survival. QPR, Liverpool, Chelsea and West Ham all roll up to St Mary’s and with trips to Norwich and Reading also on the radar, there’s reason for optimism for Pochettino’s troops. Indeed, the Saints’ strength of schedule makes Lambert a season-keeper; with spot-kicks and a share of set-pieces, his current cost of 7.0 continues to look a bargain. Bearing in mind only Robin Van Persie and Luis Suarez have managed to outscore him so far for forwards, it’s no surprise to learn that Lambert is the top value player in FPL so far this term.
Another factor in his favour is Pochettino’s selection policy. Jason Puncheon had previously proven a strong fifth midfielder option but while Lambert goes from strength to strength, the winger’s minutes diminish. Puncheon dropped to the bench at Newcastle last weekend and was afforded just 10 minutes in the 4-2 defeat, while fellow midfield option Gaston Ramirez also played the role of second-half sub. With the fixture list smiling so favourably on the Saints, there seems little doubt that if they are to beat the drop, Lambert will play a pivotal part over the final 11 Gameweeks of the season.
