Player Auction – 23/08/16

The following players have had interest registered in them and are therefore up for auction tonight:-

A Look Ahead to Gameweek18 and Beyond

I’ve looked at the fixture list, checked it twice, and expounded on who’s been naughty and nice in the run up to this year’s festive feast of football.

The Strong

Manchester City

Back to their barnstorming best in Saturday’s sojourn to Tyneside, Roberto Mancini’s charges are poised to make merry over the festive period with appetising away ties at Sunderland and Norwich sandwiched between homely helpings of Reading and Stoke. Whilst the loss of Samir Nasri to a groin injury somewhat vitiated the City verve in the second half at St James’ Park, Mancini’s embarrassment of attacking riches should be more than sufficient to supply the deficit going forward. David Silva’s happy union of attacking threat and guaranteed pitch time is sure to earn points, whilst Yaya Toure’s goals in successive games look set to reignite the debate over his Fantasy merits – particularly if Nasri’s absence allows for his employment in a more advanced role. Up front the picture is plainly more problematic, and whilst Mario Balotelli’s latest fall from grace will be welcome news to owners of Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez, Mancini’s paternal instincts towards City’s prodigal son have dissolved his judicial rigour in the past. Defensively City remain top of the pack, but with Joe Hart the only ever-present at the back this season, potential investors will need nerves of steel and a strong bench to stomach the risk outfield.

Tottenham Hotspur

Four wins and two clean sheets in the five games since Moussa Dembele’s return see Spurs flying high in fourth. Playing host to Stoke and Reading in between trips to Aston Villa, Sunderland and QPR, Andre Villas Boas will be anxious to make hay whilst the solstice sun shines on the schedule. Benoit Assou-Ekotto’s return to the fray will throw another cat amongst the pigeons in defence – but Kyle Walker and Jan Vertonghen look likely to remain safe bets: the former now claiming a share of dead balls, the latter more than capable of cutting the mustard in both boxes.

Manchester United

Six points clear of the pack and with five wins on the bounce, United greet the hectic Christmas schedule from their traditional berth in the box seat. Visits from Newcastle and West Brom, and trips to Swansea and Wigan comprise a menu poised to be greedily devoured by Sir Alex’s attack. Robin Van Persie has now topped the Striker rankings longer than Meatloaf topped the charts. The returns of Nemanja Vidic, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones should demonstrate whether their early season frailties are the exception or the rule.

Liverpool

On the up after a shaky start, Brendan Rodgers’ side will be looking to put last weekend’s hiccup behind them and get back to winning ways over a run of games that sees them playing host to Fulham, Sunderland and Norwich, and paying visits to Stoke, QPR and United. Whilst the schedule isn’t without its challenges, the home games should provide ample opportunity for returns at both ends of the pitch. Luis Suarez’s explosive potential is as obvious as his regular failures to deliver are frustrating – without a goal since Gameweek 12, few would bet on the Uruguayan incrementing that statistic much further. Glen Johnson and Jose Enrique have both been fruitful from the flanks of late, and three clean sheets in their last six demonstrate the potential for double digit returns from the Liverpool fullbacks.

West Bromwich Albion

Stopping the rot last weekend in the wake of three successive defeats, Steve Clarke’s West Brom entertain Norwich, Fulham and Villa over the next six, whilst taking trips to QPR, United and Reading. With five clean sheets from their nine home games so far, their mid-price back line has been an effective early season option. With Ben Foster on the verge of returning to fitness, his promise as part of a keeper rotation duo will likely re-enter consideration, whilst Gareth McAuley remains the most popular option from the outfield rearguard. Although James Morrison has gone off the boil somewhat since his opening flurry, the Scot is still getting into dangerous areas, and former Fantasy favourite Chris Brunt makes a recent case for consideration on the left. Shane Long’s five goals and five assists mark him out as the most fruitful candidate from the Baggies’ ranks but, goalless in five, he represents a brave pick on current form. Seldom completing 90 minutes, he will surely be vulnerable to competition from Romelu Lukaku over the coming weeks.

The Weak

Norwich City

Whilst the likes of Robert Snodgrass and Sebastian Bassong have emerged as popular picks over Norwich’s recent run of strong performances, the fixture list now suggests their assets might best be admired from afar. Chris Hughton’s troops are firmly on the naughty list over ther next few, with a trip to the resolute West Brom immediately followed by visits from Chelsea and Man City. The schedule does ease a little into January, but even then visits to West Ham and Liverpool are no picnic. Norwich will doubtless take comfort from the fact that they’ve already beaten Arsenal and United at Carrow Road this season, but even two swallows don’t make a summer and the odds will be heavily against the Canaries well into the New Year.

Wigan Athletic

Playing host to Arsenal and United, and with trips to Everton and the resurgent Aston Villa in between, the season ticker resembles a gruesome crime scene for the Latics. With four defeats in their last five and one foot in the relegation zone, Roberto Martinez’s men will need to summon the spirit that lifted them to salvation in the dying days of last season if they want to get anything out of their Christmas schedule. A stubbornly unpredictable outfit, Fantasy managers are rightly wary of their assets even when the going is good – it will take something of a leap of faith to anticipate an early epiphany at the DW.

Newcastle United

With six defeats in their last seven, last season’s heroics are a distant memory for Newcastle and, with an already long injury list lengthening by the day, a tough run of fixtures isn’t the ideal Christmas present. Whilst QPR’s visit this weekend should give Demba Ba a good chance to add to his impressive tally of 11 for the season, it’s decidedly downhill from there. Back to back away games at United and Arsenal won’t earn the schedulers any thank you letters from Alan Pardew, and a visit from Everton promises to be a gritty scrap in Marouane Fellaini’s first game back from suspension. Things do improve into January with Norwich and Reading on the agenda, but Newcastle’s slump seems set to get worse before it gets better.

Gameweek16 Review

Club Athletico Bastardo clock 100+ points for the second time this season, Team Skin move into third and striking distance of The Wait is Not Over and Luis Suarez’s Negritos climb two places into sixth and Michu moves to the top of the player rankings.

Michu’s double continues his outstanding scoring form, Fernando Torres returns his biggest haul of the season as Chelsea pick up their first league win under Rafa Benitez, Wayne Rooney bags a brace as United sweep six points clear of City at the top in an explosive Manchester derby, Clint Dempsey picks up the points again but Everton bounce back to see off Spurs, while Brendan Rodgers reveals Jose Enrique was subbed off with a hamstring problem as no more than a precautionary measure…

Michu Marches On
Another brace from the Spaniard in Saturday’s loss to Norwich saw him shoot to the top of the Fantasy League rankings. Playing in “the hole” with Danny Graham returning to the lone forward role after a recent illness, Michu (Club Athletico Bastardo) is now up to 12 goals for the season already. Michu currently sits in four yellows and a booking in the midweek Capital One Cup clash with Middlesbrough would see him suspended for next weekend’s trip to Tottenham.

Torres on the Radar
He’d drifted out of our Fantasy thinking but the Chelsea forward proved vital as the Blues registered their first league win under Rafa Benitez. Two goals and an assist will also bring the maximum bonus points, helping Torres (Club Athletico Bastardo) to a 18 point return – his second highest haul of the season, the highest being many weeks ago in Gameweek2. Torres ended a seven-match blank spell in the league last week with an assist at West Ham and, with a brace also accrued in the midweek Champions League win, he’s starting to suggest that Benitez could maybe, just maybe, reignite his Fantasy potential. The delighted Chelsea boss brought us this on Torres, post-match…

“I said before that if the team play well and create chances he will score goals. It’s fair to say that we are watching a Torres with more confidence and belief. I was analysing his movements and adjusting a few things. It’s a question of confidence and differences in movements. The most important thing is that he appears confident.”

With the London outfit now flying off on World Club Cup duty, it’s another fortnight before they play in the league again but with home clashes against Villa and QPR in their next four, points could be on the horizon. With Frank Lampard still sidelined with a calf complaint, Torres stepped up to fire home a spot-kick but post-match, Benitez revealed there is no pecking order; David Luiz (John Terry’s European Champions), Eden Hazard (John Terry’s European Champions) and Torres are his three penalty-takers and made the decision between themselves.

Mata Outscores Hazard Again
Another goal for the Spaniard yesterday took his tally for the season to six as Mata (Club Athletico Bastardo) continues to outgun Eden Hazard in the Chelsea midfield. Hazard’s form since Gameweek4 pales in comparison to Mata’s, with the Spaniard returning 102 points in the last 13 weeks to Hazard’s 61.

Rooney Continues to Thrive
While many expected Wayne Rooney (Club Athletico Bastardo) to drop deeper in a 4-5-1 for the trip to City, Sir Alex Ferguson opted for a two-man forward line, affording him the chance to prosper alongside Robin Van Persie (Team Skin). Rooney’s superbly taken brace means he has now notched twice in back-to-back Gameweeks, he is looking a real alternative to Van Persie up top, they are now neck and neck for points accrued over their nine starts together. Granted, Van Persie doesn’t have to worry about being shifted deeper when Ferguson opts for a diamond formation and is the more consistent of the pair.

Kompany Worry for City
A 3-2 home defeat not only dented the champions’ title hopes, it left them with doubts over Vincent Kompany (Luis Suarez’s Negirtos) after the centre-half was subbed off on 20 minutes with a groin injury. Roberto Mancini’s side went into yesterday’s match with just three goals conceded in their last nine as their backline finally started to deliver the clean sheets – any possible absence for Kompany would looks likely to dispel any doubt over Matija Nastasic’s starting role at the heart of Mancini’s backline, though there’s no doubt their appeal is somewhat dented if the Belgian is ruled out over a festive schedule which looks potentially prosperous (new, REA, sun, nor, STO) for clean sheets.

Post-match, Roberto Mancini described Yaya Toure’s (The Wait is Not Over) injury as “just a kick” but stated that Kompany’s injury was “different”, indicating that he feared a setback for his skipper.

Tevez Benched Again
Handed the full 90 minutes in the midweek Champions League clash at Dortmund, Carlos Tevez (The Wait is Not Over) dropped to the bench for Sunday’s Manchester derby. Having started 11 of City’s first 12 matches, Tevez’s appeal has lessened of late – he has featured in the first XI just once in the last four, though yesterday’s immediate impact will surely have boosted his chances of a starting role next weekend. Climbing off the bench to replace the ineffectual Mario Balotelli, Tevez needed just 39 minutes to assist both the hosts’ goals and take his tally to 97 points for the campaign.

Mancini’s faith in Mario Balotelli will still be a concern for owners of both Carlos Tevez and Sergio Aguero, however. Post-match, Mancini seemed defiant on his decision to start the Italian striker…

“Mario didn’t do what we wanted him to do today, but he has incredible ability and I love him as a person and a player, but he needs to produce that talent during games. He is young and has talent and I thought he could cause United a lot of problems. I don’t want him to waste all the talent he has.”

Dempsey Showing Consistency
Last season’s top scoring fantasy midfielder continued his recent upturn in consistency by firing the opener at Everton yesterday. Dempsey (EFVs 5 Times European Champions) has now produced the goods in four consecutive Gameweeks – having provided an assist in each of his previous three, he is starting to suggest he has finally settled at the Lane, after a poor first few months. With decent form and a strong set of fixtures on the horizon for Spurs, Dempsey could well move onto Fantasy radars as a decent differential but Andre Villas-Boas’ tactics may yet prove his undoing. The Spurs boss rolled out a 4-4-2 yesterday as Emmanuel Adebayor returned from suspension to join Jermain Defoe (John Terry’s European Champions) up top – the same formation utilised the last time Adebayor was available for domestic duty, against Arsenal in Gameweek12. While Dempsey can certainly expect to keep his place on the left flank until Gareth Bale (EFVs 5 Times European Champions) recovers from his hamstring injury, it remains to be seen whether he will continue in the first XI when the Welshman returns – Villas-Boas may well choose the current shape and do away with the 4-2-3-1 system which has afforded Dempsey plenty game time in “the hole” behind Defoe.

Rare Blank for Fellaini
Marouane Fellaini’s (Gordon’s Alive) first blank since the Gameweek7 draw at Wigan afforded a couple of Everton’s faltering stars a chance to steal the Fantasy headlines. Nikica Jelavic’s (The Deaf Offenders) late winner was only his second goal since Gameweek7, while Steven Pienaar’s (Team Skin) strike was his first attacking returns since the same match – a damning set of statistics that highlight just how disappointing the pair have been in recent months. With Leighton Baines (The Deaf Offenders) only producing one assist over his last seven, Everton went into yesterday’s match without a win in their previous nine and had failed to score more than once since Gameweek11 – David Moyes will be looking for more than just Fellaini to step up if his side are to kick on from yesterday’s morale-boosting comeback win.

Johnson Stakes a Claim
While Jose Enrique limped off with a hamstring injury, Glen Johnson (Luis Suarez’s Negirtos) hammered home his first goal of the season as Liverpool clinched victory at West Ham. Johnson had offered plenty of attacking threat all season without quite finding his eye for goal but his strike could well have propelled him onto Fantasy radars ahead of the Reds’ strong run of fixtures. With just one goal conceded in their last five at home, the Reds backline look an enticing option and, with Villa, Fulham and Sunderland all paying visit in the next five, investment in the Reds defence is expected to step up heading into the weekend’s home game with Villa. Although Enrique’s out of position appeal seems to have all but vanished after shifting from the front three back into defence in the last few weeks, his owners will be pleased by Brendan Rodgers’ post-match prognosis, which revealed the left-back was withdrawn as no more than a precautionary measure:

“He was just a wee bit tight. He’s just come back into the team and played during the week against Udinese. And given all the travel, he was very stiff yesterday but we gave him a go and he just couldn’t quite move the same.”

Gameweek15 Review

Club Athletico Bastardo top score with 92 points, Luis Suarez’s Negritos move to within seven points of The Deaf Offenders, no league movement for the third consecutive week, plus:-

Michu is at the double as Swansea clinch victory at the Emirates. Jose Enrique returns to defence as Liverpool scrape past Southampton, Jermain Defoe scores twice as Spurs see off Fulham, Marouane Fellaini finds the net yet again, Stoke register clean sheet number seven, while Wayne Rooney’s brace helps United squeeze past Reading in a seven-goal thriller at the Madejski.

Team of The Week

Unstoppable Michu
It’s four goals in his last four and 10 for the season for the Swansea man as yesterday’s Emirates brace saw him leap to the top of the fantasy standings with a 21 point haul. Handed a role in “the hole” once again, with Itay Shechter leading the line, Michu shows no sign of slowing down in an extraordinary debut campaign under Michael Laudrup. He faces Spurs and United in the next three, in addition to a weekend home clash against a stubborn Norwich rearguard that has shipped just three goals in the last seven. The fact that he also sits on four yellows, just a single caution away from a one-match ban, is unlikely to dim his appeal. Laudrup was, understandably, full of praise for his Summer acquisition, post-match….

“We know goalscorers go through periods where they score everything, but there are also times when they don’t. But he isn’t just a goalscorer. He works so hard all the time and is an important player for us.”

Enrique Back in Defence
Jose Enrique had picked up an incredible 50 points since his return from injury in Gameweek6. The Spaniard was shifted to left-back as Jonjo Shelvey moved up top after Lucas returned from injury, with Glen Johnson (Luis Suarez’s Negritos) remaining at right-back and Andre Wisdom missing out once again. While the 1-0 win saw the Reds rack up their fourth clean sheet in the last five at Anfield, a strong run of upcoming fixtures should see any new investor happy to look to the spaniard.

Suarez Falls off the Tightrope
He’s been sitting on four yellows for a number of games but Luis Suarez (The Next Big Thing) finally picked up the caution that earns him a one-match ban yesterday. A handball in the second-half against Southampton means the Uruguayan will now sit out the weekend trip to West Ham, though with home games against Villa, Fulham and Sunderland in the following five, his owner will likely be content to ride out the weekend with Suarez on the bench. Having earned a recall this weekend, Jonjo Shelvey would seem a candidate to lead the attack at Upton Park – he is available for £3.8m

Fulham Faltering Up Front
Martin Jol’s side have now gone three games without a goal – a run coinciding with Bryan Ruiz’s absence due to a hamstring injury. The Cottagers had been one of the most lethal attacking forces in the opening 11 Gameweeks, scoring two or more goals in seven of those opening fixtures, but seem to have lost their way of late. Dimitar Berbatov’s (The Next Big Thing) owner will be more than a little apprehensive but with Ruiz returning to training next week and an upcoming schedule handing Fulham three home games and a trip to QPR in the next five, the prospects still look appealing. Jol was looking to his returning players when searching for positives, post-match…

“Hangeland is coming back, Bryan Ruiz is coming back, so hopefully if everyone is on the board we can try to get back on the winning track.”

Defoe at the Double
The Spurs forward has responded superbly to being dropped for Emmanuel Adebayor in the Gameweek11 trip to City. Defoe grabbed a double as Spurs swept aside London rivals Fulham and has now returned four goals and an assist in his last four – while Adebayor is now back from a three-match suspension next weekend, it seems highly unlikely Andre Villas-Boas will omit Defoe from his first XI for the trip to Everton.

Bale Hamstring Worry
Gareth Bale’s (EFVs Five Times European Champions) fantasy owner was dealt a blow after a hamstring problem the winger limped off on the hour mark at the Cottage. Andre Villas-Boas revealed post-match:

“With muscle injuries it’s very difficult, but it might keep him out for one to two weeks.”

Booked for simulation in the 3-0 win, Bale now moves onto the suspension tightrope on four yellows, a single caution away from an automatic one-match ban but with an eye-catching schedule on the horizon, many are likely to hold and await a midweek prognosis ahead of next weekend’s trip to Goodison. Villas-Baos also lost Michael Dawson to a hamstring problem – he later stated that he hoped that Dawson could still be in contention for the Everton trip next Sunday.

Fellaini Finds the Net Again
Another game, another goal for the Belgian as Everton grabbed a point at the Etihad. Fellaini’s (Gordon’s Alive) outstanding consistency means he has now scored or assisted in each of his last six, with his role behind Nikica Jelavic (The Deaf Offenders) providing a constant source of points. With the form Fellaini is in this season, fixtures are clearly irrelevant – he’s also netted against the likes of United and Arsenal and with five lots of double figures to his name.

Potters Produce Defensive Points Again
Stoke chose the perfect occasion to register their first away clean sheet since Gameweek8 with a 1-0 win in the midlands derby at West Brom. Tony Pulis’ side have mainly kept their best defensive displays for the Britannia – two goals against and five clean sheets at home, compared to one clean sheet and 10 goals against heading into yesterday’s Hawthorns showdown. Fourteen Gameweeks into the season, the Potters have conceded more than one goal just twice – against Wigan in Gameweek 3 and United in Gameweek 8 – and with a couple of save points also accrued yesterday, Asmir Begovic moved to second in the keeper standings, with 66 points.

Benitez Gets the Blues
Three games into his tenure as interim Chelsea manager and Rafa Benitez is already up against it. The defensive resolve that had produced clean sheets in each of his first two disappeared as West Ham tore into the visitors after the break to fire three past Petr Cech (The Wait is Not Over). While Juan Mata (Club Athletico Bastardo) again highlighted his capabilities with a goal upon his first-team return, the upcoming couple of Gameweeks may see us look for alternatives – a tricky trip to Sunderland, followed by a blank, is far from enticing. Factor in Benitez’s rotation policy and Chelsea are rapidly losing their appeal as the Gameweeks go by under the new man in charge.

Rooney Back in the Goals
Quite incredibly, prior to yesterday’s trip to Reading, Wayne Rooney (Club Athletico Bastardo) had found the net in just one of United’s opening 14 matches. Although Robin Van Persie’s (Team Skin) summer arrival has clearly dented Rooney’s goalscoring potential, with the former Everton man dropping deep when Sir Alex Ferguson has chosen to roll out his midfield diamond, Rooney’s creativity has helped him pick up the points, with seven assists to his name already.

Gameweek12 Review

Jose Enrique was Gameweek12’s top performer

EFV’s 5 Time European Champions top score with 64 points, John Terry’s European Champions climb two places to fourth, Carlos Tevez’s earns The Wait is Not Over 36 points as he’s made captain, Jose Enrique top scores with 22 (pre-bonues points), plus-:

Luis Suarez bags a double as Liverpool sweep aside Wigan, Arsenal produce points aplenty in the north London derby, Michu is amongst the goals again, while Norwich register a fourth clean sheet in five.

Team of the Week

Tevez Back in Form
With a single goal in his previous nine, Carlos Tevez (The Wait is Not Over) served a reminder of his capabilities with a brace and pair of assists earning him 18 fantasy points – his highest haul of the season, pre-bonus. Clearly, he remains in the driving seat for starts up top for City – he has now featured in the first XI in 11 of the opening 12 Gameweeks and with no international duties to scupper his game time, Tevez’s appeal looks set to take a boost now that Silva (EFVs 5 Times European Champions) is back pulling the strings. Sergio Aguero (John Terry’s European Champions) grabbed his first double figure haul of the season with a double against Villa, though he was kept firmly in the shadow by the exploits of Tevez and Silva.

Competition for Cazorla
Finally, Santi Cazorla (Luis Suarez’s Negirtos) produced the goods at the Emirates when it mattered most. Having provided a single assist in his first five home games, the summer signing chose the visit of Spurs to rack up his first double figure points haul in front of his own fans, with a goal and assist in yesterday’s 5-2 rout of their north London rivals. With strong form and a very set of favourable fixtures on the horizon, Luis Suarez’s Negritos may have the choice for captain made for them. Theo Walcott (EFVs 5 Times European Champions), Lukas Podolski (Gordon’s Alive) and Olivier Giroud (Luis Suarez’s Negritos) all picked up attacking returns for the second consecutive Gameweek, with Giroud vindicating the impressive displays extending his recent streak of four in three games in all competitions. Walcott’s return to the first-team last weekend has proved key in turning around his side’s attacking fortunes – the Gunners have notched eight in the last two Gameweeks, compared to a mere seven goals in the previous six matches without the winger in their ranks.

Unstoppable Suarez
The Uruguayan (The Next Big Thing) produced the goods for Liverpool yet again as he soared to the top of the scoring charts with a double in a 3-0 home win. His remarkable consistency means he has produced attacking returns in six of his last seven; the Reds are unbeaten in that run of games as the influence of Brendan Rodgers sees them climb up the table after a miserable start. Suarez has now played a part in 13 of his side’s 17 goals, with 10 goals and a trio of assists summing up just what a talisman he has become under the new regime. Rodgers’ tactics are clearly designed to get the best out of the Uruguayan and with a strong set of fixtures to follow, the captains arm band may be too hard to resist.

Resilient Reds
Saturday’s 3-0 triumph continued Liverpool’s impressive defensive displays in front of their own fans. Their last four at Anfield has harvested three clean sheets and with just a single goal conceded, investment in their defensive options looks a tactic worth considering. Whoever registered the interest in Jose Enrique but failed to bid must have been kicking themselves as the Spaniard scored a goal and made one assist on his way to a 22 point return. If he nails down the out of position role on the wing, Enrique could be set for significant investment, while Andre Wisdom offers a cheaper option at the back priced at £2.9m

Michu Back in “the hole”
A hamstring injury to Ki Sung-Yeung saw Jonathan de Guzman drop out of “the hole” and into central midfield, while Michu (Club Athletico Bastardo) moved from the lone forward berth to provide support for Itay Schechter up front. Despite their more withdrawn roles, both de Guzman and Michu found the net as Swansea clinched victory at Newcastle – their first away win since Gameweek1.

Canaries Resilience
A 1-0 win over United continued Norwich’s remarkable defensive turnaround under Chris Hughton. The Canaries managed just three clean sheets over the entire 2011/12 campaign under Paul Lambert but, after a shaky opening few fixtures,including a pummelling from Liverpool, their resilience over the last few Gameweeks is second to none. Unbeaten in five, they have produced four clean sheets in the last five fixtures, with a total of five to their name already – having kept out the likes of Arsenal and United over that run, Norwich’s cut-price assets look a real option, with so few of the heavy-hitters managing to replicate their returns at the back.

Fellaini Falls off the Tightrope
For a number of weeks, Marouane Fellaini (Gordon’s Alive) has had a one-match ban hanging over his head – on Saturday, he finally picked up his fifth caution of the season and falls foul of the FA’s disciplinary measures. With four yellows in the league and one picked up in the Capital One Cup, the Belgian will now miss next weekend’s home clash against Norwich as the Toffees look to bounce back from a surprise defeat at Reading. Fellaini was in the points once again yesterday, providing an assist for Steven Naismith’s (Team Skin) goal, and has now picked up attacking returns in each of his last four since returning from a brief knee problem.

Gameweek11 Review

Apologies for the lack of posts recently as Mrs Admin had a few nights in hospital the other week so chaos reigned at Fantasy Towers. Normal service should be resumed this week.

Gordon’s Alive top score with 62 points, Club Athletic Bastardo move back into first place, John Terry’s European Champions continue to plummet down the leage, plus:-

Dimitar Berbatov produces two goals and an assist as Fulham hold Arsenal in a six-goal thriller at the Emirates, Javier Hernandez mirrors his former team mate’s contribution as United claw back a two-goal deficit to overcome Villa, Marouane Fellaini racks up another double figure return for Everton, Stoke keep yet another home clean sheet, Olivier Giroud opens his Emirates scoring account for the Gunners.

Team of the Week

Fulham Full of Goals
After just six away games, Fulham have already equalled the total number of goals scored (12) on the road from last season. Dimitar Berbatov’s (The Next Big Thing) impact has been undeniably superb, with yesterday’s 3-3 draw at the Emirates maintaining the visitors’ record of remaining unbeaten whenever the Bulgarian has started. Two goals and an assist at the Emirates, with penalty duties also looking in the bag, has helped Berbatov to 59 points (pre-bonus) from his six first starts under Martin Jol.

Bryan Ruiz (owner of the most beautiful hair in the premiership) also continued his recent rise to prominence with a pair of assists against the Gunners. The Costa Rican has supplied a constant source of creativity for Jol’s side and now has seven assists and a goal in just eight appearances – only Eden Hazard has provided more assists, with nine to his name thus far. Available for £7m, Ruiz is proving to be real value – his classification as a forward is likely to see many ignore his talents, though. On that point, it was interesting to here Jol’s opinion on how his two attacking players combine…

“They’re not similar…Bryan is more of an offensive midfield player and Berbatov is a striker, like Robbie Keane who can drop in and try to create things. But today we thought it was good for Berbatov to go into the pockets and try and create space for other people.”

Goals Keep Coming for United
Two goals down at Villa, the league leaders demonstrated their strength in attack, with the half-time introduction of Javier Hernandez for the ineffectual Ashley Young (AFC The Rod) proving crucial. The Mexican’s double and assist for Ron Vlaar’s own goal took his side’s haul to 47 for the season. Robin Van Persie’s (Team Skin) assist for Hernandez’s winner maintained his record of returning attacking points in every start, though it could have been so much more, with the crossbar denying the Dutchman twice. United’s dire defensive displays show little sign of abating, however; Andreas Weimann’s double in yesterday’s 3-2 defeat for Villa means Sir Alex Ferguson’s side have won only three games by more than a single goal thus far.

Post-match, Ferguson admitted Wayne Rooney was subbed off with an ankle problem, which the club will assess today, while the United boss was full of praise for Hernandez, admitting he is practically pencilled in for a start at Norwich next Saturday:

“As I have been saying for the last few weeks, he’s fresh as he had a good summer break and it’s made a difference to him. When he came to us two years ago, that’s what we’re seeing again today and, when you score a hat-trick, you pick yourself. I think he’ll be playing next week. He does his natural thing. He’s fantastic in the penalty box with his movement, his quickness and being in space and that has got him three goals today.”

Everton’s Flourishing Attack
Similar to Fulham, the Toffees continue to offer a consistent goal threat as the season unfolds. Saturday’s 2-1 win over Sunderland takes their unbeaten run to eight matches and means David Moyes’ side have found the net at least twice in eight of their 11 fixtures, with Marouane Fellaini (Gordon’s Alive) once again racking up the points. The Belgian is now ranked as the Number 1 player in the Fantasy League with a hugely impressive 94 points. Fellaini now has produced double figures in four of his 10 appearances for the Merseysiders, while an assist for Leon Osman continues his recent consistency at Goodison – he has now produced attacking returns in each of his last three home matches. Nikica Jelavic (The Deaf Offenders) took his tally to the season to five goals – yesterday’s winner was only the second time he has netted at home. David Moyes continued to back Jelavic in his post-match comments, despite his recent faltering form…

“He didn’t have a good game but I can tell you a lot of centre-forwards who don’t have good games and still score goals, and we’ll live with that….You don’t want to take your goalscorers off, especially when you’re a goal down – you want to try to find a way through. We hoped that something might drop to him and I’m sure that goal will help him.”

Elsewhere Moyes confirmed that Belgian Kevin Mirallas (Gordon’s Alive) will undergo a scan after suffering a hamstring injury which saw him withdrawn after 30 minutes of yesterday’s win…

“It looks as if [Kevin] has maybe got a slight hamstring injury. I don’t think it’s too bad but until it’s been scanned we wouldn’t be able to say what it was. He’ll be disappointed he had to come off, as we were. It was a blow because whenever he got the ball he looked a real threat.”

Resilient Potters
Yet again, Stoke registered a clean sheet at the Britannia as QPR joined Arsenal, Swansea and Sunderland as the fourth side unable to breach the Potters’ back line. Tony Pulis’ side have conceded just one goal in front of their fans in five matches now, with champions City the only side to find a way past Asmir Begovic. With two home games in the next three (whm, FUL, NEW) plenty of investment in the most resilient home defence will continue over the next few weeks – Begovic has now climbed to fourth in the keeper standings on 42.

Suarez in the Goals Again
A close-range equaliser continued the Uruguayan’s outstanding Fantasy season as Liverpool stretched their unbeaten run to six. Suarez’s strike at the Bridge takes his tally to eight goals – joint-top with Robin Van Persie – and is only three less than last season’s tally of 11. With a trio of assists also accrued, he has played a part in 11 of his side’s 14 goals so far and has scored or assisted all but one of the Reds’ goals since the end of Gameweek 5.

Chelsea’s Defensive Concerns
Four clean sheets in the first five Gameweeks earned the Blues huge Fantasy interest at the back but it’s been downhill ever since. Roberto Di Matteo’s side have now conceded in each of their last six and with John Terry stretchered off yesterday, their worries show little sign of abating. Di Matteo’s decision to field Cesar Azpilicueta at right-back and move Branislav Ivanovic into the centre suggested he is likely to continue to rest and rotate his backline options, though with Terry set for a scan first thing this morning, Di Matteo’s tinkering may depend on any potential absence for his skipper.

Hammers Resilience
While the return of Andy Carroll, Kevin Nolan and Sam Allardyce to St James’ Park provided an intriguing sub-plot to yesterday’s Newcastle-West Ham match, the visitors’ win and clean sheet were all that mattered to Fantasy managers. Prior to last weekend’s goalless draw with City, the Hammers had conceded in all of their previous five and with a brutal upcoming schedule on their hands, faith in their Fantasy assets was understandably subdued.

Despite being the only side to deny City a goal this term, Allardyce’s side looked an unlikely source of defensive returns yesterday after James Collins was only declared fit enough for the bench – Newcastle had failed to score at home only once, against United, but thanks to the heroics of Jussi Jaaskelainen, the Magpies were denied. The former Bolton stopper is currently ranked 3rd in the keeper standings with 45 points, while Winston Reid has moved up to 53 points and is currently ranked 9th in the defenders standings.

A Look Ahead to Gameweek9 and Beyond

The fixture list continues to smile kindly upon City and Everton, while Newcastle and Stoke look good for investment. At the other end of the scale, Liverpool, Swansea and West Ham are facing a potentially tricky run of matches over the next four to six Gameweeks.

The Strong

Newcastle United

The injuries are beginning to ease for Alan Pardew ahead of a strong run of fixtures. The Magpies now have three home fixtures in the next five (WBA, WHM, SWA) in addition to a trip to Southampton and with Tim Krul, Fabricio Coloccini (The Wait is Not Over) and Danny Simpson back on board, and Steven Taylor (The Next Big Thing) edging towards full fitness by coming off the bench at Sunderland, investment in the Newcastle backline looks an intriguing proposition.

Hatem Ben Arfa (The Next Big Thing) has scored or assisted three of his side’s four home goals thus far and is the stand-out midfield option. Demba Ba (Team Skin) looks set to continue in his role up front, the Senegal striker has played a part in seven of Newcastle’s nine goals to date and is clearly integral to their chances of success; Papiss Cisse (The Deaf Offenders) and Shola Ameobi look set to vie for the other attacking slot in the 4-4-2.

Manchester City

The champions showed their mettle at the Hawthorns last time round, coming back from a goal down to end West Brom’s 100% home record despite being reduced to 10 men. City now have three home games in the next four (SWA, TOT, AVL), though the threat of rest and rotation throughout the squad is a real concern.

Carlos Tevez (The Wait is Not Over) has producing attacking returns in six of the first eight Gameweeks, though he’s failed to find the net since Gameweek 3; Edin Dzeko, newly signed by John Terrys European Champsions, on the other hand, has scored three times in just 17 minutes of action over the last three matches and must be pushing for a starting berth. Sergio Aguero (John Terrys European Champions) has been benched for the last two games, he has still scored or assisted in the last three, while David Silva (EFVs 5 Times European Champions) is rumoured to be in contention for a return for this week’s Champions League clash with Ajax. At the back, Vincent Kompany (Luis Suarez’s Negritos) seems the only reliable contender as Mancini looks to build on a run of three back-to-back victories.

Stoke City

After a horrendous run of fixtures, Tony Pulis’ side have finally turned the corner and look set for plenty Fantasy investment over the next few Gameweeks. The Potters have four home matches in the next six (SUN, QPR, FUL, NEW) in addition to trips to Norwich and West Ham – affording them the perfect opportunity to bounce back from last week’s Old Trafford defeat.

Everton

The fixture list continues to smile kindly on the blue half of Merseyside, offering David Moyes a chance to consolidate Everton’s fourth place in the Premier League. The Toffees have three home matches in the next five (LIV, SUN, NOR) and also face trip to Fulham and Reading, suggesting Steven Pienaar’s owner will stick with the South African in spite of his one-match suspension for the Liverpool game. Marouane Fellaini (Gordon’s Alive) could return this weekend; the club were optimistic of his chances in an injury update last week.

The Weak

Liverpool

With just one fit senior forward available for selection, Brendan Rodgers’ side now embark on a run of games which sees them hit the road in four (eve, che, swa, tot) of the next six Gameweeks. Liverpool also face home clashes with Newcastle and Wigan but, aside from the 5-2 win at Norwich, they have struggled for goals, with just five strikes in the other seven games hardly enticing to investors.

Swansea City

After a superb run of opening fixtures, the schedule now starts to stiffen for Michael Laudrup’s men. Swansea square up to City, Chelsea and Newcastle in the next four, though a trip to Southampton in Gameweek 11 offers the prospect of points.

West Ham United

The Hammers will be buoyed by a fourth win of the season last weekend which lifted them into the top six but Sam Allardyce’s side could well have their work cut out to stay there. While a trip to Wigan this weekend should hold little fear for the Londoners, they then face four of last season’s top five in the following five Gameweeks (MCI, new, tot, mun), with a home clash against Stoke offering some respite in what looks a tough run of fixtures.

A Look Ahead to Gameweek4 and Beyond

After the unwanted fortnight’s interruption for international fixtures, we’re now in the home straight and edging ever closer to Gameweek4. So lets take a look at the upcoming Gameweek’s.

The Strong

Everton

David Moyes’ side will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing defeat at the Hawthorns last time round and, with a strong run of fixtures to come, the foreseeable future looks positive. The Toffees welcome (NEW, SOT, LIV) to Goodison in the next six and bearing in mind they returned a clean sheet in their only home game thus far against United, Moyes will be far from apprehensive.

With trips to Wigan, QPR and Swansea also on the agenda, faith in Everton’s assets is likely to take a turn for the good. Leighton Baines is the obvious candidate, his set-pieces and spot-kicks, allied with the possibility of clean sheet returns, will see him earmarked as a Captain candidate. Steven Pienaar and Marouane Fellaini offer the threat from midfield, while Nikica Jelavic is likely to be afforded plenty of chances as the lone forward in the 4-5-1 formation.

Tottenham

It’s not been the easiest of starts under Andre Villas-Boas but Spurs still have reasons to be optimistic. Despite harvesting just two points and no clean sheets from their first three Gameweeks, the London outfit continue to be handed opportunities to get their season up and running, with (rdg, QPR, AVL) in the next four.

Emmanuel Adebayor could be set to start at Reading and could be a real differential if he comes good. At the back, Jan Vertonghen highlighted his attacking capabilities with a stunning free-kick for Belgium against Wales last Friday – the summer signing from Ajax has now settled at the Lane after being left out of the opener at Newcastle and has the offensive edge over his fellow defenders.

Swansea City

Top scorers in the Premier League with 10 goals in their opening three, Michael Laudrup’s men are handed further opportunity to plunder points and goals over the next few Gameweeks. Swansea have three home games in the next five, with (EVE, RDG, WIG) all rolling up to the Liberty, while trips to Villa and Stoke hold little fear, with neither side producing a clean sheet so far.

With Michu having netted in each of his first three matches – those latter two home clashes will tempt his fantasy manager to hand the Spaniard the armband. While Nathan Dyer and Wayne Routledge have both returned attacking points in their first trio of fixtures, the arrival of Pablo Hernandez raises doubts over their game time, with Routledge perhaps the most at threat.

The Weak

Stoke City

The fixture list continues to be cruel and unrelenting towards the Potters. Tony Pulis’ side are still without a clean sheet this term and now face a schedule that sees them square up to City, Chelsea, Swansea, Liverpool and United over the next five Gameweeks. Defensive returns may become hard to come by, though Peter Crouch and Jon Walters still carry a goal threat.

Norwich City

Having picked themselves up after the Gameweek 1 mauling at Fulham, Norwich have registered a couple of draws but the next six fixtures look a real test for the Canaries. While the visit of West Ham may offer a little respite, Chris Hughton’s side then face (new, LIV, che, ARS) from Gameweeks 5-8; it’s fair to say that little investment is likely here until the schedule takes a turn for the better. With only two goals and no clean sheets under Hughton yet, it’s an easy decision for many.

QPR

A point from their first three matches is indicative of a team in transition right now. Mark Hughes’ influx of summer signings have clearly yet to gel and will need to get their act together quickly if they’re to climb up the table. Chelsea, West Ham and Everton all make their way to Loftus Road in the next six, while trips to Spurs, West Brom and Arsenal will offer real tests to the out-of-sorts side – Julio Cesar looks set for a busy introduction between the posts over the new few matches.

Gameweek2 Review Saturday and Sunday

On Saturday, Eden Hazard and Fernando Torres produce a goal and assist apiece as Chelsea maintain their winning start to the season. Michu and the Swansea wingmen are amongst the Fantasy points once again, Robin Van Persie takes 10 minutes to open his United account, while Marouane Fellaini notches in back-to-back matches as Everton grab the points at Villa.

On Sunday, Carlos Tevez produces a goal and assist as City grab a 2-2 draw at Anfield. Yaya Toure finds the net again, Luis Suarez opens his account for the campaign with a sublime free-kick, while Arsenal play out a goalless draw for the second time in the opening two Gameweeks.

Eden Hazard
A goal and assist against Newcastle continued the former Lille man’s sublime start to the season. Hazard’s potential is also boosted by the fact he seems to be on spot-kicks when Frank Lampard is absent, he has now played a part in seven of Chelsea’s eight goals and is clearly set to be a huge Fantasy favourite for the campaign ahead.

Fernando Torres
Equalling Hazard’s goal and assist contribution after executing a superbly-taken finish from outside the box, confidence returned, he is clearly flourishing following the influx of new recruits. Factor in his goal against City in the Community Shield and the much-maligned Blues forward has now scored three and provided an assist in four matches – hardly a man out of form. With Hazard and Mata weaving their magic behind him, Torres looks set to continue in the same vein.

The Swansea Defence

While the attackers rip apart opposition defences, Michael Laudrup’s backline has been equally impressive. We had our doubts as to whether a more offensive style of play would dent Swansea’s defensive potential after last term’s 14 cleans sheets but so far, it’s been two clean sheets from their first couple of Gameweeks. With Angel Rangel also chipping in with a goal and the maximum bonus points, Swansea defenders are currently looking decent value for money. While the centre-backs will be a threat from set-plays, on yesterday’s showing, Rangel is enjoying his football under Laudrup and could well enjoy improved attacking returns as a result of the Swan’s new cutting edge.

Robin Van Persie
Handed the starting role as Wayne Rooney dropped to the bench, the Dutchman needed just 10 minutes to announce himself to the home fans on his Old Trafford debut. With Rooney now likely to be sidelined for around four weeks according to his manager, Van Persie looks nailed on for a starting role for the trip to Southampton and home clash with Wigan in the next couple of Gameweeks at least. Goals looks likely to follow and if he can replicate his Arsenal form from last season, he looks a strong armband candidate, having picked up the maximum bonus for his display in the 3-2 win.

The United Midfield
At the moment, only Shinji Kagawa looks the likeliest to maintain a regular role of United’s attacking midfielders – a real source of frustration for Fantasy managers. In a clear reaction to the defeat at Everton, Sir Alex Ferguson dropped Nani to the bench, moving Antonio Valencia onto the right wing, while Danny Welbeck made way for Ashley Young on the opposite flank – although Valencia has also started both the opening matches, his right-back role at Goodison is something of a worry for his owner. Rafael returned to defence and grabbed a goal but his defensive frailties on the road, allied with Phil Jones’ current absence, means Valencia could yet return to right-back on occasion.

Marouane Fellaini and Steven Pienaar

It’s two goals in two games for the big Belgian as Everton saw off Villa in a 3-1 away win. Fellaini continued in his support striker role, thrust up with Nikaca Jelevic with Steven Naismith drafted in to tuck in from the right side of midfield. With a strong run of fixtures to follow, Fellaini’s points return is surely set to rise. The same applies to Pienaar – the South African also found the net and his suitability to the EA SPORTS PPI scoring system continued with the maximum bonus points at Villa Park.

Arsenal Defence

Two clean sheets from their first couple of Gameweeks suggests an upturn in resilience at the back for Arsenal right now. Arsene Wenger’s decision to install Steve Bould as the club’s new defensive coach seems to have paid off – Arsenal looked far more organised at the back and easily dealt with Stoke’s aerial bombardment, overcoming a tactic that has caused them untold damage in previous visits. Carl Jenkinson continues to look strong cut-price value across the Fantasy games, though with Bacary Sagna nearing a comeback, snapping up the former could be a little risky. While Thomas Vermaelen has yet to find the net, his Fantasy owner can’t complain with his returns so far – with goals surely set to come, the Belgian could be set up for a strong season if his side continue their form at the back.

Santi Cazorla
Arsenal’s new playmaker drew another blank, despite another impressive showing on Saturday afternoon. Cazorla has been handed corners since the departure of Robin Van Persie and also has a fair share of direct free-kicks; his scheming in “the hole” is sure to come to fruition sooner rather than later, judging by his two displays thus far. Post-match, Wenger admitted his new recruits have yet to gel up top but bearing in mind yesterday was the first time Cazorla, Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud have started together, it’s clear we need to have a little patience with the Gunners’ attacking assets right now.

Carlos Tevez

There’s no denying both his goal and assist was somewhat fortuitous but the City man delighted his Fantasy manager with  another points haul at Anfield. Mario Balotelli and sub replacement Edin Dzeko both looked out-of-sorts, suggesting Tevez will be an armband favourite for Gameweek 3.

Yaya Toure
The Ivorian notched to follow his assist in the 3-2 win over Southampton and is currently looking like the only City midfielder guaranteed game time right now. With doubts over his form and fitness, David Silva dropped to the bench after an ineffectual display at the Etihad in Gameweek 1 and, while Samir Nasri was handed a role in “the hole”, the Frenchman was hauled off for Jack Rodwell on the hour mark as City chased the game. The move immediately paid dividend – Rodwell’s introduction allowed Toure to move into the role vacated by Nasri and the Ivorian netted the equaliser within two minutes of the switch. Mancini may well move back to a 4-4-2 at the Etihad next weekend, though, but Toure looks a sure starter regardless of formation – something that perhaps can’t be said for his fellow City midfielders at present.

Luis Suarez
A superbly executed free-kick saw the Uruguayan open his account in his first home game of the season. Suarez had hinted at a points return last week – he had eight shots in the 3-0 defeat at West Brom but with a share of set-pieces now adding to his points potential, there’s a hint that he could produce the goods this time round.

Liverpool Defence
Five goals conceded in two games suggests Liverpool may need some time to adjust to Brendan Rodgers’ tactics at the back. In a similar situation to last week at West Brom, the Reds inability to clear their lines proved costly, with individual errors from Martin Kelly and Martin Skrtel allowing Toure and Tevez the chance to net. Skrtel still managed a nine point FPL return with a goal but the upcoming schedule suggests he may well need to maintain his offensive returns if he is to prosper in the short-term.

Raheem Sterling
Handed a start on the Liverpool left with Fabio Borini shifted to the opposite flank, the youngster is clearly one to keep an eye on. Sterling impressed without quite producing yesterday but his price of £3.6m certainly elevates his appeal. Much depends on the next few days, though; with the transfer window set to close on Friday, it could well be Rodgers finally seals that mooted move for Clint Dempsey and resultantly curbs our enthusiasm over the teenager’s Fantasy prospects.

Gameweek 1 Review Monday

Marouanne Fellaini towers above the United defence to earn three points for Everton as Sir Alex Ferguson’s side are shackled, with Robin Van Persie reduced to a cameo role.

Marouanne Fellaini
Pushed up in support of Nikaca Jelavic, the big Belgian was imperious and led the line with strength and composure. It’s not clear if David Moyes will persist with Fellaini in the role, with Steven Naismith and new signing Kevin Mirallas (not on transfer list yet), the Everton boss clearly has options. However, this promises to be a big season for Fellaini and at £6.1m could soon find himself a Fantasy League home as he is currently still available on the transfer list.

David De Gea

While United struggled in attacking terms, De Gea stood firm against a first half blue tide, pulling off notable saves to keep the score deadlocked at the interval. With Anders Lindegaard breathing down his neck, the Spaniard has to produce. Last night he was arguably United’s most impressive performer – he had to be.