Digest

The Digest – Gameweek 17

Our final glance back at Gameweek 17 looks at Tottenham’s back-in-favour forward, Newcastle’s flourishing form and, ahead of trips to City and Chelsea, wonders whether overlooking Luis Suarez as captain is an act of bravery or folly:

The Player

Prior to last weekend, he’d been afforded just a single sub appearance over the first 16 Gameweeks by now-departed manager Andre Villas-Boas. By the end of Sunday’s match at St Mary’s, Emmanuel Adebayor made that decision look foolish by bagging a brace in the 3-2 win and leaping onto Fantasy radars as a viable differential over the festive period.

Tim Sherwood’s decision to move to a 4-4-2 formation was telling. Clearly, he was determined to make his mark by going on the offensive and, with the Togo international up top alongside Roberto Soldado, Spurs scored more than twice for the first time all season and helped Sherwood land the job on a permanent basis.

Up next, the north London club are poised for three very favourable home fixtures in the next four. West Brom, Stoke and Palace all roll up to the Lane between Gameweek 18-21, suggesting Sherwood has the opportunity to hit the ground running over the festive period. After the Southampton game, Adebayor stressed he also has a point to prove after being left in the footballing wilderness by his former manager:

“All I can say is thanks to the players, thanks for the new staff for giving me my confidence back. Even when I was not playing, I had a lot of players backing me up and telling me they know how good I am. To get the chance to play again, I don’t want to let them down, I don’t want to let the fans down who believe in me.”

Having also scored in the midweek cup game with West Ham, a record of three goals in two appearances under Sherwood has already persuaded over 32,000 FPL managers to snap up the 7.7 priced forward’s services for the above-mentioned schedule.

There’s no doubt Adebayor can be a frustrating Fantasy asset but sometimes he needs no more than an arm around his shoulder to re-ignite that self-belief. A determination to repay Sherwood’s show of faith and replicate the form that harvested 17 goals and 12 assists just two seasons ago could prove lethal over the next few matches, if his display at St Mary’s is anything to go by.

The Team

A visit to Selhurst Park looked a testing trip for Newcastle last weekend. The home side had racked up three successive clean sheets in front of their own fans and, with confidence flourishing under new boss Tony Pulis, had seemed set to pose the Magpies plenty problems – instead, they were undone by a comprehensive performance from the Tyneside team.

Having taken the points at Old Trafford in their previous road trip, Alan Pardew’s side served up their most emphatic display of the season to register a fifth away win in nine attempts. Last season, the Magpies won just twice on the road as injuries and fatigue, brought on by their Europa League campaign, stretched their threadbare squad almost beyond breaking point.

With the schedule a little less manic on Pardew’s charges, Newcastle’s current sixth place position has been thoroughly merited and right through the classifications, they offer us options worthy of consideration. Tim Krul’s heroics between the sticks have now helped his side to six clean sheets, whilst the attacking threat of Mathieu Debuchy finally delivered a first double figure haul of the season against Pulis’ side.

Pardew’s decision to shift from 4-4-2 and move to a 4-2-3-1 at Palace also boosted Yohan Cabaye’s prospects. With Loic Remy a little off form and Shola Ameobi failing to add goal threat, Cabaye benefitted from a more advanced berth and fired his fourth strike of the season – the 6.5 priced midfielder has now scored or assisted in eight of the last 12 and could be set to continue this run if Pardew keeps him further up the field. Up top, Remy’s barren run may have extended to five but the likes of Yoan Gouffran has also chipped in, notching in each of his last four at St James’ Park.

Newcastle now have a run of three home games in four to continue their impressive showings. Granted, visits from Arsenal and City won’t be easy but, having already beaten United, Chelsea and Spurs and taken a point off Liverpool, they are more than capable of going toe-to-toe with the top sides right now and emerging unscathed.

The Talking Point

Almost every week, Luis Suarez’ statistics become more ridiculous. Eight double figures in 12 appearances, 77 points in his last four fixtures, with an average of 12.7 points per game for Liverpool this term. Those who felt a trip to the Lane in Gameweek 16 would diminish his captaincy capabilities were made to pay after he led Spurs a merry dance and exited north London with a 22-point haul. Now, however, he’s set to be severely tested as the Reds brace themselves for back-to-back trips to City and Chelsea – two sides unbeaten in front of their own fans thus far.

Suarez’ pair of difficult fixtures arrive at a time where some of the other armband contenders have more favourable games this coming Boxing Day. Romelu Lukaku welcomes Sunderland to Goodison – yes, the Everton forward has failed to score in four but the Black Cats have Wes Brown suspended and John O’Shea doubtful. Wayne Rooney has three sets of double figures in his last four road trips ahead of United’s trip to Hull, whilst Adebayor is also in the mix at home to the Baggies after his brace on Sunday.

As Fantasy managers are all too aware, though, form has a tendency to trump fixtures and Theo Walcott’s recent Etihad double shows Manuel Pellegrini’s side can be breached in front of their own supporters. City may get the better of the Reds’ porous backline but can we really turn our backs on Suarez when City have just conceded two goals to West Brom and Fulham in the last four? Similarly, Chelsea’s run of two clean sheets in 12 is hardly indicative of a side in the best defensive form. Both home sides will be looking to attack and Liverpool’s pace on the break could prove decisive – overlooking Suarez for the armband may be a viable tactic but one which could quite easily backfire over the festive period.

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

1,443 Comments Post a Comment
  1. lastmanback
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Worth taking another hit on my -4 to get out Migs? No chance of a clean sheet vs City...

    Open Controls
    1. Nice to Finally Michu
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      not imo

      Open Controls
    2. Beavis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      No

      Open Controls
    3. floydy_floyd
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Yeah he could end with a minus score.

      Open Controls
    4. Birthday Sess
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      I'm considering it

      Open Controls
    5. Super PVA - Small Spuds
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Go with your gut

      Open Controls
  2. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Do we think K Davis will start on Boxing Day?

    "Luke Shaw, Kelvin Davis, Nathaniel Clyne and Dani Osvaldo are all being monitored ahead of potential returns over the festive schedule. Jose Fonte and Maya Yoshida are doubts whilst Guly, Artur Boruc and Victor Wanyama remain on the road to recovery."

    Would be a risk not getting rid of Panty (my other keeper), but I just feel Nasri -> Walcott (4 points) could be a more explosive transfer this week.

    Open Controls
  3. Beavis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Lol @ people taking hits to get Ozil out. Firstly, he may not even be rested this GW and secondly, he is still a great option after this GW.

    Open Controls
    1. Scottys Army
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      i have had him for a while but feel its the time to sell for theo.

      Open Controls
      1. Beavis
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Not for a hit certainly. I think Theo may be rotated with so many games in such a small amount of time as well. Doubt he will play 4 games in 9 days.

        Open Controls
      2. chrisjdgrady
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        yeah but not for a hit. even if theo scores big ozil could be involved with some assists at least. for free if theres no other pressing changes someone needs I'd say go for it

        Open Controls
  4. Freshy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Granny with 21 points on his bench w/ non playing keeper

    Open Controls
  5. sinik
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    I have 1 FT and 1.5m in the bank

    Howard - Lewis
    Coleman - Mertesacker - Clyne - Burner - Chester
    Hazard - Silva - Walcott - Ramsey - Ravel
    Suarez - Lukaku - Negredo

    am considering Ramsey > Cabaye since:
    A) Cabaye is rising
    B) my selling price is 7.4m since I had brought him back in for GW12
    C) Ramsey could be rested some in the festive period
    D) frees up extra money to be able to do Negredo > Rooney soon-ish

    the only thing holding me back is the ownership and points missed out on..but as I'm ranked 278k I think I need a differential (even if Cabaye isn't much of one) to start making rank moves..these templates are killing me

    thoughts on the move? cheers guys and Happy Christmas 🙂

    Open Controls
    1. Make United Great Again
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      I'd rather find a way of getting Lukaku out for Rooney 😀

      Open Controls
      1. sinik
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        eh Lukaku is good for what you get and the chances will fall..he's so cheap..I don't know if I can trust Negredo yet, but I'm not knee jerking him out just yet

        Open Controls
    2. biomy
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      walcott x cabaye & maybe lukaku x rooney

      Open Controls
      1. sinik
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        you don't like Walcott?

        Open Controls
        1. biomy
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 3 months ago

          i do but i think cabaye rooney ramsey is better than cabaye walcott lukaku

          Open Controls
          1. sinik
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            10 years, 3 months ago

            maybe at the wildcard then, I just brought Walcott in last week..I bought Ramsey so high, I can definitely bring him back in at the wildcard with ease..

            Open Controls
            1. biomy
              • 10 Years
              10 years, 3 months ago

              maybe its not so far ... what do you think of adebayor i am thinking of lukaku x adebayor next gw

              Open Controls
              1. sinik
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 10 Years
                10 years, 3 months ago

                I think Adebayor is knee jerk central at the moment..probably wait until he does it a bit more consistently before bringing him in..though I guess the WC in a month gives your a bit more freedom on punts right now

                Open Controls
                1. biomy
                  • 10 Years
                  10 years, 3 months ago

                  i will wait after i see what will happen next gw
                  http://fantasy.premierleague.com/entry/48554/event-history/17/
                  i got mertsacker x zabaleta and i think i will get lukaku out for either negredo or adebayor before gw 18

                  Open Controls
                  1. sinik
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 10 Years
                    10 years, 3 months ago

                    good luck!

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

    Team for next week guys. subs in the right order or should i make changes?

    Krul

    Coleman, Caulker, Riether

    Silva, Mirallas, Hazard, Cabaye

    Rooney, Lukaku, Suarez

    bench is Mannone, Ramsey, Gabbidon, Lovren

    currently benching Ramsey as i feel he may be rested

    Open Controls
  7. r0nh
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    nude post

    Open Controls
  8. Donnie Brasco´s
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    62479-677868

    Join my Head to Head league SECTOR SIX...
    Start next week

    Open Controls
  9. Revival
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Am I right to bench G Johnson and start Burner instead? I reckon it will be a goalfest at the Etihad again!

    Open Controls
  10. floydy_floyd
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    1. Baines and Evans
    2. Coleman and walker

    Open Controls
    1. theunwiseone
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      2

      Open Controls
  11. New Post
  12. Judas
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Not that I am thinking of selling him

    But Ive had Coleman since week one, so why can I only sell him for £5.6m? when he is worth £6.3m now??

    Open Controls
    1. Slacker
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      It's because you only receive half of the value increase. Coleman was worth £5m when you bought him, and now he's worth £6.3m. (6.3 - 5)/2 = £0.6m profit

      Open Controls
  13. Beanz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Where should I improve here?

    Marshall (K.Davis)
    Coleman Dawson Mert (Clyne Chester)
    Walcott Yaya Hazard Ramsey (Barkley)
    Suarez Lukaku Rooney

    Am thinking get rid of Dawson, but might hold on and see what the Sherwood effect is on the Spuds defence...

    Open Controls
  14. Dots321
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Koscielny and/or Clyne to be back on Boxing Day?

    Open Controls
  15. chrisjdgrady
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Speroni Davis
    Williams Clyne Mert Coleman Chester
    Silva Wally Hazard Sterling Barkley
    Suarez Lukaku Rooney

    Thinking Williams > Williamson as my transfer. Newcastle fans can you tell me he's a safe starter? Seems like it but I dunno if it's just temporary. Good move for this week and for at least a little while after?

    Thanks!

    Open Controls
  16. jspirko
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Hi All - Looking for help.

    I'm looking for a way to get Rooney and Lukaku (or maybe Negredo). What would you do to make this happen?

    1 FT / Bank 0.4

    Mignolet, Daniels
    Jagielka, Shaw, Baker, Coleman, Terry
    Sessegnon, Henderson, Hazard, Ramsey. Januzaj
    Suarez, Lambert, Giroud

    Any other suggestions are welcome.

    Thanks!

    Open Controls
    1. jspirko
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      I forgot to mention I'm willing to give up a few points to make any transfers needed, or should I wait until next WC?

      Open Controls