With a lack of motivation and a nagging threat of rotation, player selection for the final two gamweeks of the season is a minefield of uncertainty for Fantasy Managers.
At least the relegation scrap looks poised to go into the final gameweek. Although that’s not certain, the battle for survival has prompted a sudden shift in sights away from the high-priced heavyweights contesting titles and European spots, to transfer targets commanding more modest fees and clinging to Premier League status.
This is duly reflected in our Watchlist player rankings, available to offer our guide on the recommended acquisitions for the season climax and viewable in your right-hand sidebar.
With clean sheets so scarce and difficult to predict, it’s no surprise to see very little movement in the goalkeeper rankings. Joe Hart was the only beneficiary of a shutout in gameweek 36 and that helps him maintain the top spot. Ben Foster’s heroics at Newcastle earned him yet more Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Save Points and he should be guaranteed at least further gains in that area from his remaining fixtures.
Liverpool’s Jose Reina, Chelsea’s Petr Cech and United’s Edwin van der Sar are all expensive propositions but look secure and are perhaps the best remaining candidates for at least one clean sheet. Lower down, both West Ham’s Robert Green and Wolves’ Wayne Hennessey offer budget options that could surprise.
There will be a good few Fantasy Managers left patching their defence with injury doubts surrounding Robert Huth and uncertainty over David Luiz’s start for Chelsea. At this stage it’s clear that, when shopping for defenders, attacking returns are king. Everton’s Leighton Baines may not have favourable fixtures but there’s you can’t question his assist potential; he also remains on spot-kicks according to the noises emanating from Goodison following Mikel Arteta’s miss at Wigan. Bolton’s Gary Cahill – again with little clean sheet potential – hovers at our number two spot solely down to his threat at set-plays and propensity to earn FPL Bonus.
Below that pair, we have two players who should at least guarantee two starts over the final fixtures, with Chelsea’s Ashley Cole and Liverpool’s Martin Skrtel set to avoid any rest and rotation – Skrtel’s team-mate John Flanagan also looks likely to retain his starting role and remains a budget prospect. City’s Joleon Lescott follows next, although he could be subject to rest following Saturday’s FA Cup final.
Wolves’s Jody Craddock is a notable option – back in the fold at Wolves, he should be in line for two consecutive starts and offer some potential for a budget outlay. United’s Nemanja Vidic could be a trump card, but even the United skipper is not assured of two starts if he goes to Ewood and helps claim the point that would allow Alex Ferguson to rest players ahead of the Champions League final.
Moving into midfield and Frank Lampard holds top spot by virtue of strong form and the likelihood that he should avoid any tinkering from Carlo Ancelotti. Team-mate Florent Malouda is less secure and that doubt is enough to see him outside our top five that includes relegation battles Charles N’Zogbia and Thomas Hitzlsperger. That pair will face off at the weekend and both look well placed for further returns before the season is out.
Blackpool’s Charlie Adam is another player motivated by his sides’ need to cling to their Premier League place and that’s enough to see the Seasider stand above the City pairing of David Silva and Yaya Toure; they will both be exposed to the threat of rotation following Saturday’s FA Cup final.
Liverpool’s Maxi Rodriguez has been a vastly popular signing following Monday’s hat-trick at the Cottage but team-mate Dirk Kuyt is better placed. The Dutchman stays in our top five, pipping compatriot Rafael Van der Vaart. Kuyt looks guaranteed of two starts and will remain on spot-kicks – a role that has proved so profitable in recent weeks.
West Brom’s Peter Odemwingie holds firm as our striker of choice with form and fixtures to end the season on a high. Indeed, the top four remain unchanged here with Robin Van Persie and Luis Suarez maintaining devastating form to make our selection task an easy one.
Wolves’s Steven Fletcher is the most notable name in the top echelons and certainly a consideration. With the motivation of top-flight survival and form showing four goals in as many gameweeks, the former Burnley hitman looks an assured budget option for those needing to free up funds and searching for a likely differential.
