This article is part of our Ball Watching series.
Is Wayne Rooney's Value Shot?
Especially with games against Sunderland and Burnley in the next four matchweeks, all Manchester United forwards have loads of potential. It appears, however, that Rooney will not be one of them. The Man United forward was once again slotted in the center midfield role, paving the way for Angel Di Maria to play in the number-10 role behind Falcao and Robin van Persie on Saturday against Leicester City. Rooney has now gone five straight games without an attacking return and has been playing further away from goal in each of those five games.
Diego Costa Replacement Search Proving Difficult
With the Chelsea striker suspended for two more games, the replacement search continues. The obvious choice, at a similar price, is Sergio Aguero, but the Argentine has yet to net a goal since returning from injury (four games). Romelu Lukaku ended his scoring drought against Crystal Palace, but with fixtures against Liverpool and Chelsea approaching, the young Belgian's future prospects are not too bright. The players with the brightest outlooks would be van Persie and Falcao, with the latter being the less expensive and more volatile option. An honorable mention goes to Harry Kane, who though less expensive, continued his scoring ways over the weekend. He also comes at a discount when compared to van Persie, Aguero, and Costa, which offers flexibility elsewhere in most daily formats.
Christian Eriksen has passed Nacer Chadli
As a long time supporter of Chadli, even I have to admit that Eriksen is the better option moving forward. The Spurs midfielders had been in quite the points battle until Eriksen tallied his ninth of the season to vault up to third among midfielders in FPL scoring and above Chadli in terms of FPL value.
Ryan Bertrand Replacements
The Southampton defender will, like Costa, miss out on future matches due to violent conduct. With that in mind, teammate Nathaniel Clyne is the obvious replacement. However, his direct replacement in the Saints' lineup, Matt Targett, may offer better value and financial flexibility.
While I'm Admitting Mistakes...
I can't ignore Santi Cazorla any longer. The Spaniard starred in Arsenal's 5-0 runaway from Aston Villa as the focal point of the offense. I have previously stated on our podcast that when Mesut Ozil, Theo Walcott, and Co. come back, it will come at the cost of Cazorla. I could not have been more wrong Sunday. Feel free to roll with Cazorla in all formats.
