Gameweek 20 Review – Walcott Hattrick

Musings from Gameweek 20

Arsenal hit seven

In another goal-fest, Arsenal hit Newcastle for seven, courtesy of a Walcott hattrick. Walcott’s three goals came from five shots and provide further evidence that he should be played centrally, as he claims.

Podolski had an excellent game with a goal and assist from five through balls and three chances created. Other Fantasy scorers include Giroud with a brace from a substitute appearance; Gibbs, Cazorla, and Wilshere with assists, and Oxlade-Chamberlain with a goal.

Walcott and Cazorla are the picks from the bunch at the moment. Cazorla’s consistency and guaranteed minutes make him the more reliable option but should Walcott cement his starting place in the lone forward spot he is a an attractive option at 8.7. As usual when players have a great Gameweek, I would advise Fantasy managers who intend to purchase Walcott to do so as soon as possible to avoid the inevitable price hike.

Ba and Suarez brace

Ba’s consistency makes him the most attractive second or third striker option as he hit a brace and scored in the double-digits despite the heavy loss. Despite the question marks surrounding him in the January window I think he is well worth the investment for the short run.

Suarez kept up his scoring ways with a brace against hapless QPR with three bonus points sure to follow. This is his third game in a row delivering goals or assists; a welcome change for his owners after a four game barren run.

Van Persie scores from the bench

If you listened closely on Saturday you could hear the combiend wails of the Fantasy managers who had captained Van Persie as the Manchester United’s squad was announced. The prolific striker started on the bench despite Rooney’s injury as Ferguson opted to start Welbeck up front supported by Kagawa in the hole.

But the Fantasy force that is Van Persie proved his worth once again with a well taken 90th minute goal after coming on off the bench. He has now scored 62 goals in his last 75 Premier League appearances since January 2011.

Kone kills off Aston Villa

Kone was integral to Wigan’s away win at Aston Villa with a goal from his three shots and an assist from his only created chance. He sits 14th in the League in total shots (40) of which six have resulted in goals. He has two goals in his last two games and with decent fixtures in January and February he is a differential third striker option for the January wildcard.

Ruiz and Berbatov

Ruiz’s seven shots and six chances created was reminder of his Fantasy potential as he had a great comeback game against Swansea, despite Fulham’s loss. His goal came from rebound from Berbatov’s header, supporting the claims that Berbatov’s Fantasy worth improves when Ruiz is playing.

Forgotten strikers make their case

Gameweek 20 was the week of the forgotten strikers. Dzeko, Jones, Lambert, Giroud, Graham, and Podolski all staked their Fantasy claims with great scores in or near the double-digits. Of these Lambert and Jones stand out as the budget choice, should they keep their place in the starting lineup.

Dzeko is the most intriguing at 7.3, however, as that would be a fantastic price to lead the line for Manchester City should he be able to push Tevez to the bench. It seems unlikely with Mancini’s tinkering, but he could still be a decent punt given his propensity to score when coming off the bench.

Gameweek 20 Captain Picks

I’m documenting whether I’m passing the test with my captain picks. If a captain pick scores over three points in the Gameweek it is considered a success and I am also noting double-digit Gameweek scores.

In the Friday Foreplay for Gameweek 20 I recommended Van Persie, Cazorla, and Berbatov as captain picks. For the second time in three Gameweeks, all my picks delivered. Nice.

Quality of captain picks:

• Good captain picks: 35/60
• Double digit captains: 10/60