Strong benches came to the fore in a week that saw two of the Fantasy big-hitters ruled out through late injury. Sergio Aguero hints at the form of old, Michu is hitting his stride at the perfect time for Swansea, while performances from Leighton Baines and Tottenham’s backline strengthen the case for defence:
Points on the bench are very handy…
Nobody could have foreseen the injuries to both Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott and when Fantasy royalty abdicates at the last minute, it’s handy to be able to fall back on points potential on the bench. While the short-term injuries were untimely, Robbie Brady’s double-point haul at Newcastle and Southampton’s unexpected clean sheet at Anfield meant that a good few Fantasy managers benefited from autosubs to soften the blow rather nicely. Of course, some will call it luck but there’s no getting away from the fact that those managers who benefited had chosen to recruit players for their bench that were both active and offered points potential – for that, they deserve credit. While 4.0 defenders and 4.5 midfielders allow for greater investment elsewhere, they offered very little when Sunday’s events unfolded. It underlines the importance of budget players that genuinely offer points: over the last five Gameweeks, Brady and Southampton’s back four have demonstrated that they fit the bill perfectly.
Coleman isn’t going to cover for Baines’ quality…
While Seamus Coleman has served us well and hints at further returns at both ends of the field, he’s no match for the explosive potential of Leighton Baines. Saturday’s events were the first time that the mop-head left-back flexed his Fantasy muscles and, sadly for those who had neglected his potential, he delivered in style. A pair of sublime free-kicks underlined his dead-ball expertise and with spot-kicks and consistent raids down the left, there can be little doubt that Baines will go on threatening to offer “explosive” afternoons like Saturday’s at Upton Park. While Coleman has been a success story, he’ll struggle to keep pace with Baines and Fantasy managers must consider trading up or opting to cover the pair in Everton’s back four.
Lukaku’s muscle will compliment Everton’s guile…
While Roberto Martinez is determined to weave pretty patterns around the pitch, he has been quick to concede that Romelu Lukaku changed the game at Upton Park. As we saw last season at West Brom, few defences, if any, can quickly adapt when they’re suddenly given Lukaku’s pace and power to deal with. So effective from the bench to “rough up” an establish defensive brief, the Belgian can transform matches. Despite his impact as a substitute, a first start at home to Newcastle next Monday looks likely and Lukaku’s winning strike against the Hammers surely pointed the way to further returns to come for the Toffees. Fantasy managers will already be preparing a “route to recruit” – priced at 7.4 in the FPL following the great double Gameweek fall-out at Chelsea, we may well see Lukaku ease through the gears and up towards 8.0 by the end of October.
For all the attacking flair, Tottenham’s defence deserves our attention…
Pre-season saw Fantasy managers caught up in the hype surrounding Roberto Soldado. Similarly, Tottenham’s moves prior to the transfer deadline, saw us dazzled by an array of attacking talent, with the impressive Christian Eriksen, in particular, earning our attention. However, while the Spurs attack still struggles to deliver the heavy returns we’re expecting, the defence continues to excel. Andre Villas-Boas’ back four has already kept seven clean sheets in all competitions – they only kept 14 in 54 matches last term. Top of our Watchlist rankings, Jan Vertonghen is Tottenham’s top scoring player thus far – Kyle Walker and Hugo Lloris are ranked next. Every time Spurs have kept a clean sheet, Vertonghen has earned at least one bonus point – that consistency, coupled with Tottenham’s defensive form and the Belgian’s potential for goals, may have Fantasy managers reassessing their choice of asset in the Spurs squad.
Michu is no one-season wonder…
It’s three goals in three matches for the Spaniard who orchestrated a hugely impressive Swansea performance at Selhurst Park. Sunday’s encounter offered several lessons learned – notably dismissing the premise that Michael Laudrup’s side would be jaded by Europa League exploits. There were few signs of fatigue or heavy legs – instead Swansea and Michu were out of the blocks in 90 seconds to knock the wind out of Palace. It was plain sailing from there, with Michu magnificent throughout – his goal threat remains potent and while Laudrup continues to rotate his strikers, the rangy Spaniard remains a constant in the Swans’ lineup – ever-present and ever dangerous: after suffering a heavy loss of ownership over Swansea’s difficult start to the campaign, Fantasy managers are coming around to the idea of acquiring Michu once again.
We can’t write off Aguero….
In a Gameweek which saw Christian Benteke laid low and Robin van Persie unexpectedly pull a sickie, we witnessed Sergio Aguero slap us in the face with a convincing CV. Two smartly taken goals put United to the sword and demonstrated that the busy Argentine has form, fitness and confidence on his side right now. It’s four goals in six starts in all competitions, as Aguero quietly edges his way back into our Fantasy thinking. With Wayne Rooney also in bloom and Luis Suarez now back on the scene, Aguero is again likely to be overlooked but, while Manuel Pellegrini seems uncertain on his strike partner, Aguero has been named on every league teamsheet so far (only missing out at Stoke at the very last minute as a precaution). In addition, despite the cautious appraisal of City’s assets, Pellegrini’s side are now the league’s top scorers.
Ben Arfa’s Ballon d’Or is out of reach…
At times he’s brilliant. At others, simply abject, almost a liability. Ben Arfa’s unlikely quest for the Ballon d’Or will surely always fall short unless he can somehow master the art of consistency. Subject to huge investment prior to what looked to be a potentially profitable home encounter with Hull, Ben Arfa disappointed, turning in an ineffective and frustrating display which allowed Loic Remy to steal the limelight for the defeated Magpies. His new Fantasy owners shouldn’t be surprised; Ben Arfa is an explosive Fantasy talent but one with a lengthy fuse – we can’t expect regular returns and we must show the kind of patience that Alan Pardew has had to learn. The Newcastle boss will know he will have to endure, persevere and make the most of a fit Ben Arfa by playing him week after week, waiting for the next match-winning performance.
