As always, there’s plenty for Fantasy managers to ponder as we head towards this evening’s deadline. Here are the scenarios and line-ups we’re keeping an eye on this time around:
City’s wounded front runners
Following a second consecutive blank in the Carrow Road stalemate, Manuel Pellegrini stated that his side were hindered by injuries to both Edin Dzeko and Alvaro Negredo. The pair had seemed likely to provide able deputies to the injured Sergio Aguero and yet both have failed to make an impact on the Chelsea and Norwich rearguards, leaving Pellegrini turning to the talents of Stevan Jovetic to provide the spark and cutting edge. City’s teamsheet for the visit of Sunderland will be of interest, with Dzeko perhaps most likely to be given the task of leading the line. Although the Bosnian has the opportunity to reward the recent Fantasy investment that has come his way, there will be concern that an ankle knock may limit his impact and pitch time, while Negredo seems similarly troubled by an ongoing shoulder problem. With Aguero expected to be preserved for Champions League duty, Fantasy managers are left wondering whether there is currently an assured and profitable option in the City attack. Another blank for Dzeko and Negredo and we will surely see significant sales of both.
Townsend back in the fold?
After coming off the bench on the hour-mark in the win over Everton, Andros Townsend could well be handed a starting role at Newcastle. Tim Sherwood has a decision to make regarding his formation and personnel and that may well involve Christian Eriksen or Aaron Lennon handed a “rest” to allow Townsend to get a run at a Newcastle defence troubled by injury. With Mathieu Debuchy ruled out due to a groin problem, Sherwood may look to exploit the Frenchman’s absence by deploying the pacy Townsend. Available for 5.1 in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL), Townsend looks to be a battle with the similarly priced Raheem Sterling for a spot on the plane to Brazil. Like Sterling, he may well raise his game if he’s granted the opportunity to impress.
Rooney’s Role at the Emirates
Juan Mata’s arrival and Robin van Persie’s return to fitness was always going to pose a problem for David Moyes when it came to deploying the talents of Wayne Rooney. All three can drop into the number 10 role and look to dictate play in front of a lone striker, while van Persie looks to be the favoured option to play that role and lead the attack. That leaves Rooney granted a license to roam which, very often, has him drop deep into midfield to help United wrestle back control. It’s a scenario that seems very likely in Wednesday’s Emirates fixture which is likely to be won and lost according to midfield dominance. Will we see Moyes instruct Rooney to remain in tandem with van Persie or allow Rooney to drop behind Mata and lend his presence to tussle with the slick passing Arsenal engine room? Rooney’s remaining owners will fear it will be the latter.
Sterling’s Display at the Cottage
At present, Liverpool’s trip to Fulham is still yet to be officially given the go-ahead, though the signs are looking increasingly positive. Providing the game takes place, the Reds winger should be handed the chance to continue the form that produced a pair of goals against Arsenal last weekend. If Sterling delivers again, he’ll be approaching near-essential status as a budget option – priced at 5.5 and playing in the Merseysiders’ free-scoring front three, his rise to prominence comes at a time when similarly-priced options such as Ross Barkley and Adnan Januzaj are on the wane.
Ince’s Role Against the Toffees
A top-flight debut against West Brom last weekend saw the midfielder make an immediate impact. Handed the role in “the hole” as Tony Pulis altered formation to accommodate the new boy, Ince registered a goal and assist to deliver a 13-point FPL haul – like Sterling, he also comes in at 5.5, but with an ownership less than 1%, has the advantage of offering a real differential option for those Fantasy managers looking to go against the grain. A return to 4-4-2, with Ince on the flank and Cameron Jerome back up top alongside Marouane Chamakh, would surely dent his appeal.
Solskjaer’s Midfield Options
The Cardiff boss handed Wilfried Zaha his first start last weekend at Swansea but watched on as his side were turned over in the Welsh derby. Craig Noone warmed the bench for the first time in 10 Gameweeks but his manager later revealed his omission was down to a muscle problem – with Craig Bellamy likely to miss the next three after being charged for violent conduct by the FA, Solskjaer has plenty of decisions to make for tonight’s clash with Villa. Given his side seem incapable of keeping out opponents, attack looks the best form of defence for the Bluebirds and, with the fixtures in their favour, their mid-price options have the chance to stake a claim for consideration this evening.
Big Sam’s Backline
James Collins and James Tomkins have helped guide the Hammers to four clean sheets in five but Winston Reid’s return continues to cast a shadow over their future game time. The Kiwi international has been introduced off the bench in each of the last two as he steps up his match sharpness after months on the sidelines with an ankle injury. A home game against goal-shy Norwich could well see Reid finally reinstalled to the starting line-up if Allardyce decides to break up the Collins-Tomkins partnership, perhaps giving us a clue as to his preferred central defensive coupling ahead of a kind run of fixtures.
Hernandez’ Minutes Under Monk
Introduced as a second-half substitute against Cardiff, the Spaniard’s class helped turned a goalless draw into an emphatic victory for the Swans in Garry Monk’s first match in charge. Hernandez needed just 45 minutes to provide a pair of assists and serve a reminder of the class that saw him earn one of the season’s early bandwagons before injury put paid to his prospects. With Jonjo Shelvey, Michu and Marvin Emnes all doubtful, Hernandez’ contribution looks vital as the Welsh club head to Stoke – if Monk can somehow keep him free of hamstring strains, the 5.6-priced midfielder may be back on our radars again.
