Injuries will have decimated some fantasy team selections, but there’s still plenty of points on offer in Gameweek Four if you know where to look.
There’s a reason why Premier League managers hate the international break. In fact, if Alex Ferguson had his way (and you suspect he has in some cases), everyone would follow the example of Paul Scholes and retire from the international game at the peak of their powers to concentrate solely on club football.
Although playing for your country is never to be sniffed at, the likelihood of injury seems to increase tenfold for players on international duty, leaving the likes of Ferguson, Wenger and their cohorts cursing the need for tournaments, qualifiers or meaningless friendlies in far-flung destinations.
The international injury curse was in evidence this week, with Jermain Defoe and Theo Walcott struck down on duty for England against Bulgaria, with both now facing six weeks on the sidelines as the Premier League season begins to gather momentum.
Walcott’s Arsenal team-mate Robin van Persie is also out for six weeks after picking up a knock to his ankle in the win over Blackburn, while having missed England’s games against Bulgaria and Switzerland, Chelsea pair Frank Lampard and John Terry are both doubtful for the Blues’ clash with West Ham this weekend.
Both Lampard and Terry have the dreaded ‘yellow I’ icon (meaning doubtful) above their names this week, which means that managers are torn between whether or not to include them in their selection this week. There is nothing more infuriating than said ‘yellow I’ about fantasy football, a fact that was illustrated in the opening gameweek of the season.
Hundreds and probably thousands of managers omitted Didier Drogba on the basis that he was a doubt for the champions’ opening clash against West Brom. Drogba subsequently went on to net a hat-trick and 17 fantasy points against the Baggies, much to the chagrin of the managers who left him out.
What to look out for this week
Injuries and ‘yellow Is’ aside, there is still plenty of points on offer this week if you know where to look. As far as Chelsea are concerned, a short trip across London to face a flaky and out of form West Ham side looks like easy pickings and if you don’t already have Drogba or Florent Malouda in your side, now is as good a time as any.
Malouda scored again for France midweek, while Drogba is a constant threat and as was evident against Wigan has become a provider, as well as a scorer of goals. Chelsea’s defenders are an expensive bunch, but with full-backs Branislav Ivanovic and Jose Boswinga both injured, Paulo Ferreira represents decent value at £5.3million.
With Walcott and van Persie out, Arsenal’s goal-scoring burden falls on new recruit Marouane Chamakh (£8.2 million) as Arsenal take on a plucky Bolton side at the Emirates.
Chamakh has looked a tad unpredictable so far, but will likely be the sole presence and main goalscoring threat in the Arsenal front-line, with support from the likes of Andrei Arshavin (£9.5 million) and Cesc Fabregas (£11.5 million).
All eyes will be on free-scoring Wayne Rooney this weekend
Elsewhere, many managers will be tempted to pick Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney after his recent return to scoring form, both on and off the pitch. The fact that Rooney will face old club Everton at Goodison Park increases both the risk and reward of selecting him in your team.
At his old club, and in light of recent revelations regarding his private life, Rooney will never receive a more hostile reception than he will this Saturday lunchtime. Given his tempestuous nature, he could well blow a fuse and earn himself an early bath. On the other hand, the occasion could inspire him to goals and a man of the match performance. At £11.9 million, we’re not sure if he’s worth the risk.
Others to look out for this weekend include James Milner (£9.1 million), Adam Johnson (£6.4 million) and Carlos Tevez (£10.4 million) as Manchester City take on Blackburn Rovers in a very winnable encounter at Eastlands and Newcastle’s Andy Carroll (£5.4 million) and Kevin Nolan (£5.7 million) as the Magpies play host to Blackpool. In a team renowned for goals from set-pieces, meanwhile, Stoke City’s new signing Jermaine Pennant (£5.0million) has a wicked delivery and will be determined to make an impression on his return to English football against Aston Villa at the Britannia Stadium.
Fantasy Football Picks
Top Dollar: Didier Drogba (£12.9 million). With the form he’s in, you can’t afford not to have him in your side.
Mid Range: After his outstanding performance for England mid-week, we think Manchester City’s Adam Johnson is cracking value at only £6.4 million.
Bargain Basement: An in-form Andy Carroll is our pick as Newcastle take on Blackpool at home. At £5.4 million, he should be a no-brainer this weekend.
Irish Pick: For the second time in succession it’s Kevin Doyle (£5.4 million). The rest of the Irish team are hardly regulars at their clubs and Doyle should be high on confidence heading into Saturday’s clash with Fulham after two excellent performances in the green jersey.
Captain’s Pick: As Chelsea’s run of easy opening fixtures continues, it’s hard to look past either Didier Drogba or Florent Malouda once again. As a shot in the dark, it might be worth a punt on Newcastle’s Andy Carroll.
