Moving Target

Scout Report – Adrian Mariappa

Ian Holloway’s substantial summer shopping spree saw the Crystal Palace boss swing by the Madejski on deadline-day to snap up Adrian Mariappa. The centre-half arrives from Reading for a fee believed to be in the region of £2.5m and is one of 16 new faces to roll up to Selhurst Park since the end of last season.

Speaking to the club’s official website, the 26-year-old admitted he was relieved to be back in the top-flight after dropping into the Championship with the relegated Royals last time around:

“I’m delighted to be joining Palace and playing in the Premier League again. It’s something everyone dreams of doing. Playing there last season was a great challenge as it is the biggest league in the world and you’re playing against the best players, so when this opportunity came to me I jumped at it. Selhurst Park is always a great place to play, the atmosphere has always been amazing and I’ve had some great games against this club. I want to prove I can play at this level an I’m sure that will be the same for everyone in the squad as we aim to stay in the Premier League.”

The History

A product of the Watford youth system, Mariappa made his debut for the Hornets towards the end of the 2005/06 campaign. The defender took some time to establish himself in the first-team, though, making 44 appearances (with 14 off the bench) across the following couple of seasons before finally nailing down a regular role in 2008/09.

Over the next four league campaigns, Mariappa turned out 169 times for the Vicarage Road club, producing four goals and three assists, before Reading snapped him up in the summer of 2012. He then featured on 29 occasions for the Royals last time out but fell out of favour under Nigel Adkins and has yet to see any league action this term. On the international stage, Mariappa has represented Jamaica 12 times since making his debut last year.

The Prospects

At present, it’s uncertain just where Mariappa stands in the Palace pecking order. Holloway has started Danny Gabbidon and Damien Delaney at centre-half in all three league fixtures thus far but the new boy’s mobility at the back could well see him get the edge over the less agile Gabbidon, with Mariappa’s speed ensuring the Eagles are perhaps a little less susceptible to balls played over the top.

Given that Holloway’s side have yet to earn a clean sheet, their defensive appeal is mainly down to price. Coming in at a mere 4.0 in Fantasy Premier league (FPL), Mariappa could be on the radar of those Fantasy managers on the lookout for a bargain but with three of their current back-four – Gabbidon, Joel Ward and Dean Moxey – all similarly priced, his acquisition looks a little too risky until Holloway’s plans are a little more concrete.

With Hull’s 4.0 priced centre-half James Chester looking nailed-on, twinning the Tigers centre-half with a Palace defender would give you a run of home fixtures that includes (CAR, SWA, WHM, AVL, FUL, SUN, EVE, CPL) in eight of the next nine Gameweeks. An enticing schedule, no doubt, but given that Gabbidon grabbed a goal in the Gameweek 3 win over Sunderland, Mariappa may have to wait his turn just yet. Nevertheless, the new boy’s arrival will cause a little concern to the Welshman’s 30,000+ new owners and, with Moxey’s game time soon to be under threat as Jonathan Parr gradually regains his fitness at left-back, it may well leave right-back Ward as the most secure option for those bold enough to take a punt on Holloway’s backline.

Ward’s game time looks more nailed-on than ever following the news that summer signing Jack Hunt has already been ruled out due to a broken ankle less than a fortnight after joining the club.

Further Reference

Adrian Mariappa Wikipedia

Adrian Mariappa Transfer Markt Page

Paul Is certain he won't make the same mistakes next season. Follow them on Twitter

791 Comments Post a Comment
  1. joshfrost77
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    What do people think of my possible team:

    Gk: Mignolet
    Def: Chambers - Collins - Nastasic - Dawson - Baines
    Mid: Whittingham - Michu - Delph - Redmond - Walcott
    For: Van Persie - Welbeck - Giroud

    Next gameweek transfer will be to get rid of welbeck (depending on how he plays). Any comments would be useful!!!!!!
    Thanks

    Open Controls
    1. MTC
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      delph - can't help but think he could be changed for someone more usefull...JWP, Livermore...i'd even rather have colback over delph if im honest.

      Open Controls
      1. joshfrost77
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        yeah could put in jwp just cant help but feel he is going to be replaced soon and already have chambers who is in the same boat. Any thoughts of the rest of the team though as delph has a rather minor part to play

        Open Controls
  2. Herman Toothrot
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    RMWCT

    Mignolet
    Vidic / Walker / Koscielny
    Brady / Michu / Coutinho / Walcott
    Benteke (c) / Soldado (vc) / Giroud

    Lewis / Ward-Prowse / Chester / Collins

    0.9m in the bank.

    Open Controls
    1. Whiskerz
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      8 out of 10 cats

      Open Controls
  3. @ocprodigy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Two formations to play this weekend....

    A)
    Coleman - Chester - Shaw - Nasty
    HBA - Wally - Paulinho/Silva
    Giroud (vc) - Benteke (c) - Sturridge

    B)
    Shaw - Nasty - Chester/Coleman
    HBA - Wally - Paulinho - Silva
    Giroud (vc) - Benteke (c) - Sturridge

    Which one, and if possible, which player would you choose in either? Thanks.

    Open Controls
  4. Parm
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    NANNY!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Open Controls
    1. 4vets
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Missing her?

      Open Controls
      1. Parm
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        She always brings round mini Sausage rolls and some sad cake for me every weekend. 😉

        Open Controls
        1. 4vets
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 6 months ago

          Invite me! 😉

          Open Controls
  5. Wings Fan
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Curious as to why so many people are picking Nastasic, or even Zabaleta.

    City's next fixtures: sto, MU, av, EVE, WHU, che

    Wouldn't say that gives the best prospects for clean sheets, especially as they're defence isn't half as good when Kompany is missing

    Open Controls
    1. joker7
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      well am holding onto Zab as id loose 0.2m on him....he's a season keeper for me...even with tough fixtures...

      Open Controls
    2. SouthCoastSaint
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      My thinking also

      Open Controls
    3. MTC
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Zaba can provide an assist or 2...only reason i've still got him + EVE are misfiring up front and WH is an easy game. So only really 2(possibly 3) of the next 6 i wont be using him.

      And depending if RVP misfires tomorrow i could well start zaba in the manchester derby

      Open Controls
  6. CHANCING PUNT
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone not wildcarding this coming gameweek?

    Open Controls
    1. Parm
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      No.

      Open Controls
    2. Dukes of Hazard
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Me. Keeping strong!!

      Open Controls
    3. Heels_Over_Head
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      those who already have

      and those who are holding for later

      Open Controls
    4. Canadian Football
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      ME

      Open Controls
    5. theloveburglar
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      no chance

      Open Controls
    6. Optimus.
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      No im saving the January WC

      Open Controls
    7. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Yes. I'm not.

      Open Controls
    8. Woy of the Wovers
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Yes, I'm not.

      Open Controls
  7. FollowFollow
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Any love for this team?

    Boruc
    Walker Zab Vidic Shaw
    Nani Ben Arfa Walcott
    Sturridge RVP Benteke

    Given, Whittaker, Ward-Prowse Kasami

    Open Controls
    1. @ocprodigy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Strong, but not keen that you have 2 punts you have in midfield: Nani & HBA.

      Open Controls
      1. Heels_Over_Head
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        HBA is a proud member of the NewTemplateToBeRegrettedLater

        Nani is a punt

        there is a difference (including the fact that HBA is a started until injured whereas Nani has been previously disappointing, lacked starting minutes, and now has the security of a new contract to deter any further motivation)

        Open Controls
    2. Wings Fan
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Mirallas for Nani and it looks better.

      Open Controls
      1. MTC
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        is that too try and prevent the inevitable mirallas drop haha?

        Open Controls
    3. SouthCoastSaint
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Wouldnt touch Walker after his displays for England. Shocking. Form over fixtures

      Open Controls
      1. Heels_Over_Head
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        how he played for England has nothing to do with him getting FPL points

        Open Controls
  8. Lucy.
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Best 4.0 defender who isn't Chester?

    Open Controls
  9. suvoneel
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Nolan or Ben arfa? is Zab essntial? if it comes down to agger/enrique vs zab...who would u keep?

    Open Controls
  10. New Article Posted
    1. 4vets
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Thanx Mark.

      Open Controls
  11. Herman Toothrot
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    REPOST

    RMWCT

    Mignolet
    Vidic / Walker / Koscielny
    Brady / Michu / Coutinho / Walcott
    Benteke (c) / Soldado (vc) / Giroud

    Lewis / Ward-Prowse / Chester / Collins

    0.9m in the bank.

    Open Controls
  12. MJ6987
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    I reckon Lamela is going to be a superstar.

    Open Controls
    1. MTC
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Can you post that 3000times again, the Lamela wagon will start saturday night. 100%

      Jump aboard quickly.

      Open Controls
  13. Kevtheotter
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Now in no way should this question be misconstrued as spiteful or anger on my part but honestly

    Do members tend to reply to members more rather than non members? and if so whats the reason?

    ps I understand the irony if i get no replies will be pretty funny

    Open Controls
    1. Crouch Potato!
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      I'm not a member and don't have that problem, however I think thats because people feel sorry for me!

      Open Controls
    2. Sánchez
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      I started "gravless" and got few responses.
      Grav got help that way.
      Then just being on more often and getting known more.

      Honesty dont think member status matters.

      Open Controls
    3. Carrick Doesn't Deserv…
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      get a grav

      Open Controls
  14. TheHammer91
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone giving Eriksen a go?

    Open Controls
    1. wolves_simmo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Want to! But got a feeling he won't start just yet

      Open Controls
    2. MTC
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Eriksen is the poor mans Lamela.

      Open Controls
    3. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      He's not my type. 😉

      Open Controls
  15. footy4life
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    don't know whether to risk if sturridge or silva will play or just play my card

    Open Controls
    1. Woy of the Wovers
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Hardly a risk. If you have spares on the bench, keep your card.

      Open Controls
      1. footy4life
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        yeah but only turner on my bench will play have cabral and brayford

        Open Controls
  16. meechamspowders
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    shall i change silva to theo? on a WC, already have giroud.

    basically.....how injured is silva? (lazy post i know)

    Open Controls
  17. LowerManhattan
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Some of you are saying things like "people are going to regret these cheap midfields"

    Others are saying, "the bonus points don't benefit assist compilers."

    And I agree in theory, but that would lead to the obvious question; what midfielders are going to score goals and thus aquire bonus points regardless of the cost?

    - Mirallas - proved he can't get it done
    - Wally - is he healthy?
    - Silva - is he healthy?
    - Michu - could his fixtures be any worse?
    - Santi - will he be on the wing now?
    - Hernandez - could his fixtures be any worse?
    - Oscar - is he healthy? is he nailed?
    - Hazard - is he healthy? is he nailed?
    - Mata - is he healthy? is he nailed?
    - Ben Arfa - are we really selecting Newcastle players?

    Doesn't this basically leave us with taking wild flails at Lamela, Ozil and Erikson along with the dependable SuperFrank and going with value at the fifth spot with Brady, JWP, or Barkley?

    I can make this team...

    G: Migs (Daniels)
    D: Zab, Sakho, Chiriches, (Collins) (Baker)
    M: Silva, Lampard, Eriksen, Ozil, (Barkley)
    F: Welbeck, Giroud, Benteke
    (.3 remaining)

    -Welbeck to Lukaku next week, and then I'll have .5 to upgrade the defense even more.

    I guess my point is that its going to be tough to carry the premium "dependable" mids if they're not looking dependable.

    Thoughts?

    Open Controls
  18. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Wc team
    Mingolet .daniels
    Zaba coleman chester dawson collins
    Yaya hba lamps brady redmond
    Rvp benteke giroud

    Thoughts please.

    Open Controls