Week 3 - Midfielders

After yesterday's post on strikers we move on to midfielders for Week 3. Again, plenty to think about with lots of reasonably priced options:

---------------------------------------

Lampard - Frank has not had the start to the fantasy season that most of us expected. At the tip of the diamond I think we all believed he'd already be averaging 15-18 points per match but that's not been the case. He's averaging over 11 but he's lost a few set pieces (Drogba freekicks & Deco/Malouda corners) which may well be affecting his return...plus only 1 goal so far. However, he has a chance to improve on that vs Burnely. I personally think this is the game where he'll break out with a goal & a few SOT, so he's my top tip for the week.

Gerrard - He's still looked good for a struggling Liverpool team, taking every set piece and constantly shooting from distance (very often hitting the target). I'd love to get him in vs a poor Bolton side, but I don't think you can afford to have both Gerrard & Lampard in your team unless you sacrifice 2 or even 3 other positions with cheaper players. I'd say that if you have him at £18million then hang on to him due to Liverpool's next few matches, but otherwise I'd go for Lampard this week & use the spare £2million elsewhere. Whichever you pick you'll get a good return from them - if you can find a way to fit them both in without destroying your team too much then it's up to you to take the risk!

Lennon - If you'd grabbed Lennon pre-update then he's a great option this week. When flying at full pace he cannot be stopped, he has a surprising strong shot and he is actually capable of delivering a decent cross on occasions. He has a nice fixture at home to Birmingham but at over £12 million he's probably a touch expensive. If you do want to grab a Spurs midfielder this week then it should probably be...

Modric - He's one of my favourite players, a rare breed like Ineista who appears to have so much time on the ball - he's in for a big season. Same fixture as Lennon, but Modric has the added bonus of being almost 3 million cheaper & taking corners & side free kicks. If you are looking for a midfielder for under £10million I think he's probably the best choice this week.

Nani - Nani has often ruined weeks for me. Whenever I've picked him over the past 2 seasons he has done zero. So this season I've avoided him, and of course he's had a very decent start. I managed to barndoor him for £8 million & even though he has a tough fixture I think he can get me some points vs Arsenal. he's shooting from distance & taking the majority of freekick & corners...after his performance vs Wigan he'd be very unlucky to be dropped. I expect him to start & do well.

Milijas - A let down for the past 2 weeks (subbed both times) - I expected him to be less effective away from home as Wolves look to get some harder workers on the pitch. However, it's going to be games like this (home to Hull) where I expect him to shine in his free role behind the striker. He'll take the majority of set pieces & at just over £6 million he's a great option to fill a gap this week.

Deco - Has a good chance of starting after his great performance at Sunderland followed by a place on the bench vs Fulham. He's looked vastly improved so far (although he started well last year) and he should steal some corners from Lampard. Bargain option at under £8million.

Pederson - Outside bet here, but one that I'd think about if I had the money. Those of you playing the game around 3 seasons ago will remember MGP was a fantastic fantasy player, taking corners, free kicks, getting crosses in & chipping in with goals. He's gone quiet for a while but he looked good last weekend & at around £10million he could be quietly effective this weekend at home to West Ham.

Pienaar - See Pederson above, has begun in a similar way despite Everton's poor start. Will get crosses in & not afraid to shoot. Another outside bet around the £10 million mark.

Palacios - Good fixture and he's peformed well so far this season. His goal was his first ever in English football so he's not going to score too often & he's always likely to get booked, but he's in top form, getting tackles in and charging forward so he's a good mid/low range option at under £7 million.

Hunt - Seems to be involved in everything good that Hull do so far & whilst away from home, Wolves isn't the toughest fixture. He'll take set pieces and he'll get at least one chance, so if you fancy a bit of a gamble on a player not many will have then he could be a decent risk taker at under £9 million.

Fellaini - Cheap, impossible to mark from corners and capable of scoring this weekend. I currently have him in my team although not certain whether he'll stay. Good value if you do go with him - Everton have to pick up soon & Wigan's good start has stalled.

Rodwell - Bargain filler.

---------------------------------------

Hope this helps a bit.

Quick overview of the others...

Keepers: Given, Foster, Hennessey, Howard. If you're desperate like I am Robbo or Myhill, though this is not really recommended, I just screwed myself by dropping Given.

Defenders: Wilkinson, Givet, Bassong, Vermaelen, Richards, Craddock & Mancienne.

I might not be around for the next couple of days so it's unlikely i'll be able to respond to comments, but there will be Predicted Line-ups & a Week 4 Preview on Friday.

In the meantime, I'm sure Kellz, Fidan & the other regulars will be able to help you out if you have any questions!

Cheers,
AM