Here at In The Stands there is a lot of banter in our head office about how everyone is doing in the Premier League’s Fantasy Football game. So we thought that we will bring in number 208 (out of 2.15 million) to give us a few tips. Please welcome Ches…

“I would bring him in, but I know as soon as I do he will start playing rubbish.” Ever heard this phrase before? Chances are, if you’ve ever played fantasy football, you have. Together with various other permeations of it. At its heart, this approach represents a decidedly flawed, results orientated mentality that really doesn’t help one achieve success in the game. But it does help clarify one of the finer points of the game. Timing is everything. Fantasy players are akin to mini stocks; you need to know when to buy, and when to sell. Getting this right is a large part of success in fantasy football. Fixtures should undoubtedly be the biggest factor in such decisions. But past history, form (both club and player), finances and that tingling sensation in your stomach also play a role.

So the intention is to look at a few of those players who I would currently consider bandwagons; players who have suddenly begun to appear in all your mates teams over the last few weeks. And attempt to guess at the players who may become the bandwagons of the future. Ironically, the timing of this article is pretty bad as there haven’t really been too many “bandwagon” performances over the last few weeks. A few, however, do stand out.

Graham Alexander. So just what is a defensive midfielder from Burnley doing in the fantasy football team of the year? Despite Burnleys stellar home form it certainly hasn’t been due to clean sheets or bonus points. Surprisingly it his goal record, chipping in with four goals (3 from the penalty spot) so far this season. Not bad for a bargain basement defensive midfielder misclassified as a defender.

It was a close decision between Bikey (4.0) and Alexander (4.5) a few months back . But I decided to shell out an extra 0.5 million due to Alexander’s penalty duties. A decision that I immediately cursed the following week as Bikey scored a sublime goal against Birmingham. But my faith has been more than rewarded in the last few weeks, with Alexander netting three times in his last two. What matter at this point, of course, is whether we should expect this sublime fantasy form to continue as the season progresses? Well, unfortunately, no. Before the start of the season Burnley’s penalty expectation would likely have been around 3. A milestone they have already reached only. Whilst luck is not a continuous function, you do have to wonder whether Alexander is worth the extra 0.8 million gap over Bikey. Given that a realist would only expect an extra 2-3 penalties between now and the end of the season for Alexander (even then they have to fall in Burnley’s home games as starting Alexander away from home is probably not a recipe for success). If you have him already then stick with the lad. But I can almost guarantee that you have more important transfers to make then bringing this guy in.

If you’re looking to be a bit more proactive in your decisions then Brede Hangeland is your man. Not only is he a better player than Alexander, but he also plays in a better team, with a better defence, has better fixtures, better chance of earning bonus points, and is only a measly 0.4 million extra. And given that Fulham have a DGW this week, now would be the perfect time to bring him in. Although injuries to some key players during the international week may have forced your hand in other directions.

Francesc Fabregas. If you haven’t got on this bandwagon yet, you may need to question your sanity. Along with Drogba, he is the standout performer of the season so far. And to be honest, this kind of fantasy performance has been a long time coming, with constant injury the only barrier to cementing Fabregas’ place as a fantasy football legend. Five games in a row Fab has picked up 3 bonus points and if Arsenal continue winning they don’t look like going to anyone else.

If you want to be a bit “different” then some of your mates it might be the time to bring in Steven Gerrard (though, please not at the expense of Fabregas). Notorious for bailing Liverpool (and Benitez), out of jail, might he just do it again? He is slightly more risky than usual as he is coming back from injury and playing in a Liverpool team that are having a really bad run of late. But still, it is Stevie G, one of the most consistent fantasy performers there has ever been and at 12.3 million that 0.2 million saving from his start price probably won’t last for long. For me, he would be one to keep an eye on over the next few weeks, perhaps looking to bring him in before the Blackburn game. But if I was going to put a bet on anyone becoming a bandwagon over the next month, it would be this lad.

Other potential bandwagons of the future: Jimmy Bullard (DGW + relatively decent fixtures after + nailed on bonus point in a hull win). Anelka (Drogba injury + African Cup of Nations). Ivanovic (only 5.6 million and looks certain to start with bosingwa out for 3 months + does chip in with a few goals)

Transfer of the week: Medium priced defender -> Hangeland.

It may be tempting to take a four point (or more) hit this week after looking at your injury ravaged team. But remember the golden rule, kids….

Ches

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