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With the season still in its
infancy, statistical analysis inevitably holds less precedence due to small
sample sizes and the lack of clear-cut form. With this in mind, the first few
weeks of Captain’s choices will unfortunately hold an element of ‘gut’ instincts.
These same gut instincts last year led me to twice select an underperforming
Chelsea forward, who for slanderous reasons will remain anonymous. Lets just
call him “F. Torres”…….or “Fernando T.” Whichever tickles your fancy like.
Moving forward, I’ve got a couple of new entries into my top as well as a long
time lover who I’ve started developing a disturbing penchant for.
First off the bat, I’m not
the kind of guy who’ll recommend captaining RvP. There’s already 14 million
reasons to captain that guy. I’m hoping to highlight those who at least offer
some differential from the 45% of players who already own the Dutchman. With
this in mind, I’m opting straight away from one of the most polarizing teams in
Fantasy Football. All preseason the debate raged regarding the role the
fullbacks would play in Martinez’s 3-4-3 formation. Also, who would spearhead
the attack, especially seeing as Kone was brought in from his former club?
However, Nicola Jelavic’s strong pre-season showing coupled with a high tempo
showing against Norwich has surely cemented the Croats starting place in
Martinez’s starting XI. His ICT threat index rating of 112* was the highest of
any player from the opening weekend, just edging out Edin Dzeko and Christian
Benteke (more about those later).
If Jelavic is to succeed, he’ll need adequate
service. If only he had a dynamic left back with a high success percentage of
crosses. Ahem. If Baines’ natural ability wasn’t enough, West Brom conceded the
largest amount of left sided chances last weekend, tied oddly enough with
Manchester United on 17 (they must miss Gary Neville). For those who read my
last article regarding the knee jerk transfer of Baines to Coleman, just
remember that Leighton has been the top scoring defender in Fantasy Football
for three, that’s THREE, years straight. Just a lil’ food for thought for those
contemplating a Toffees full-back.
Speaking of food, I’m gonna’
spank one way out to leftfield and go for an overweight Scotsman. Despite his
Ralf C. Nesbitt physique, Charlie Adam offers huge upside this week. Even
though he failed to get the nod against Liverpool last week, that was largely
due to Mark Hughes decision to play a 5-4-1 against a possession happy ‘Pool
side. This week, The Potters play a Crystal Palace side that will probably have
more quality sound-bytes than points come May.
Already entrenched on set-piece
duty, the deep fried Mars bar lovin’ (my last one, I swear) will have plenty of
opportunities as Palace have conceded the 3rd highest amount of big
chances from set pieces last weekend. Adam offers a succulent alternative for
those of us who were starved of fantasy points on the opening weekend and I
predict the game will undoubtedly offer a bucket of attacking potential for a
hungry Potters side.
Finally, I’ll give a slight
nod to two newly invigorated forwards who could almost be labeled “hipster”
picks in the fantasy world. Roberto Soldado and Edin Dzeko had very different
opening weekends, but oddly enough, the latter grossly out performed the former
despite the disparity in points returns. Dzeko has been covered in my previous
article, which can be found at the Back of the Net Boy Facebook page.
Soldado
on the other hand looked “sluggish” according to top top football pundit Jamie
Redknapp. Soldado still managed to create the second most scoring chances last
weekend (4), just one behind, eh, I’ll have to check these stats again but Iago
Aspas who had five. FIVE! Soldado also faces a Swansea side who will have been
undoubtedly exerted from their Thursday night Europa League tie against
Petrolul. Like I said at the start, I’m going by gut at this early stage so
feel free to shoot me down. Torres, he’s still good right?
Captains Choices:
1)
Nicola
Jelavic
2)
Edin
Dzeko
3)
Leighton
Baines
4)
Roberto
Soldado
5)
Charlie
Adam
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