THE PROPHET'S PROFIT - GW11
It was yet another weekend of football where Chelsea claimed all 3 points, this time against arch rivals Liverpool; and Southampton kept their unbelievable defensive record intact, recording their 7th clean sheet of the season and keeping their goals conceded at a remarkable 5 goals from 11 matches which tops the Premier League. Fantasy studs everywhere at the Saints! This week’s Prophet’s Profit focuses on a couple of newcomers to the EPL as well as some forgotten heroes. Here’s your insight into trading before Gameweek 12!
Charlie Austin
It was a bizarre weekend for the QPR hitman as he saw 2 goals disallowed within 30 seconds, one for offside and one because of an illegitimate free kick from Man City’s GK Joe Hart which landed at Austin’s feet for which he then scored; but the free kick had to be retaken. Austin eventually made amends and scored a ‘legal’ goal that put his side in front before they were pegged back twice to share the points with Man City. It is Austin’s first season in the English top flight, and he is already showing that he’s capable of matching it with the big boys. He has scored more than 15 league goals in his last 3 seasons in the Championship for QPR and before that Burnley so he has shown a knack of finding the net consistently. Having scored 6 goals from 10 league appearances so far, he has definitely warranted a spot in fantasy squads; and you may want to keep a hold of him to see how long the goalscoring ride lasts for.
Verdict: Keep
Emre Can
Much has been expected of the German man since he debuted for Bayern a few years back, comparisons to Michael Ballack and Bastian Schweinsteiger being just a couple of pressure comparisons to put on the young man. At just the age of 20 he may just be about to fulfil such potential, after a solid display for Liverpool against league leaders Chelsea where he even scored a goal to put the Reds in front. He has a tendency to get forward and can win in his own ball. He is primed to be a bargain buy for Liverpool at just £9.75 million; but there are still question marks as to whether his all around game can transfer to the fantasy scene as he has just scored 8 goals in his club career to date. If you own him you should sell high on his reputation as the next big thing as well as his goal on the weekend.
Verdict: Sell High
Samir Nasri
With just the 1 assist to his name so far this season and coming off a lengthy injury layoff; there isn’t a much better ‘Buy-Low’ option out there than Samir Nasri at the moment. With David Silva also out for the next few weeks, much will be called upon for Nasri to produce right away. The Frenchman is proven in the English top flight for both Man City and previous club Arsenal and is coming off a solid 7 goal and 11 assist season in 2013/14. It would be in your squad’s best interests to attempt to get Nasri on the cheap before Gameweek 12.
Verdict: Buy Low
Juan Mata
It is well known in world football that Juan Mata is a footballer of the highest quality. The unfortunate mistake that many fantasy managers make though is the reliance on the skill of the player over his actual opportunities on the park. Mata is being rotated in and out of Man United’s line-up regularly, and because of this he will unlikely reach the heights he has in previous seasons. He played just 28 mins on the weekend but still managed to score a goal. With so many attacking options in United’s ranks, Mata’s playing time will be few and far between and because of this you should sell high on him right now after his goal on the weekend.
Verdict: Sell High
Cesar Azpilicueta
The Chelsea fullback has cemented his spot in the starting XI as their LB, silencing previous concerns of him losing his place to new signing Filipe Luis. Azpilicueta has only missed 2 games thus far due to suspension and with Chelsea currently having only notched up the 3 clean sheets; it would be a good time to jump on the Spaniard. He has a tendency to get forward regularly as well; this was shown in 2012/13 where he managed 6 assists which is a great return from a fullback. The buy low window for him will likely be slammed shut very soon so make sure you chuck in an offer for him before Gameweek 12 commences in around 2 weeks time.
Verdict: Buy Low
Well those are the picks of the bunch when considering who to trade away or who to trade for before Gameweek 12. Again if you have any trade related questions or just anything fantasy football related; follow me on twitter @Duane_0343 and drop me a tweet.
Article by Duane Silva, Footy Prophet
Follow Footy Prophet on twitter: @FFProphet