Fantasy Football NEWS

The Search For Consistency

Published by Arjun Naik on December 1, 2009

When it comes to your team most managers look for those players who are guaranteed to give you points with their steady performances. Players such as Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard are often popular due to their high level of consistent performances over recent decades, however with this continuity comes high prices and as a fantasy manager it is striking the right combination between price and points that takes real skill.

So far this season players such as Ryan Shawcross for Stoke (5.3) have produced a high level of performance on a consistent basis at a low price however Shawcross’ price has risen by 0.8 and although he is still relatively cheap he is not the bargain he was at the start of the season. However at his price he will get points due to Stokes tight defence and is already a popular player for fantasy managers.

Scott Dann of Birmingham (3.9) was not first choice at the commencement of the season however injury to Liam Ridgewell gave Dann his chance and he has not looked back producing stellar performances in every game he has featured. Birmingham’s strength is its defence they have produced six clean sheets so far and there is a good chance this could continue and with Dann as part of that defence he may be worth a look.

Wigan in comparison aspire to have a mean defence such as Birmingham’s however their strength is going forward. Ex manager Steve Bruce signed Columbian Hugo Rodallega (6.7) for a nominal fee in Premier League terms and with a ratio just shy of a goal every two games he is in good form. Rodallega is central to Wigan’s attack and is a vital player, he could be a worthy addition to any fantasy team with his consistent performances.

Last season Manchester City signalled their arrival on the big stage with signing of Robinho (9.0) for around £32.5m which was a British transfer record (now eclipsed by the signing of Tevez for £47m). Robinho took like a duck to water producing 14 goals and 5 assists the majority of which was produced at the first half of the season. He began to tail away towards the end as the rigours of English football began to take its toll. Rumours linking him to a move to Barcelona persist however with City’s determination for him to stay this could lead to Robinho focusing on his football and doing what he does best. His talent and ability is unquestionable however his temperament is another issue, at 9.0 he is a gamble but perhaps its a gamble worth taking.