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In this new feature, we will be tracking the ups and downs of players, managers, clubs and everything else associated with the Premier League. We will look at who should be bought, held, or sold based on how they are expected to perform and how much press coverage they are expected to get in the coming days and weeks. Sometimes, it will be a lesser known ‘share’ to jump on early, sometimes a more obvious one to make a solid investment.
Buy:
Sergio Aguero - Aguero hasn’t been what he was last year due to injury but his strike rate and propensity to score spectacular goals hasn’t left him. City are coming in to an important end to the season and he is their talisman. Mancini needs a strong finish, particularly an FA Cup win, to keep the doubters away from his door. Aguero is back from yet another little injury and if he can recapture the form he showed in scoring that wonder goal to win the Manchester derby at Old Trafford, he could be set for a run of goals to get him in form for the cup final, where he would get all the headlines.
Daniel Sturridge - With Suarez banned, this in an ideal opportunity for Daniel Sturridge to show why Liverpool paid £12m for him in his favoured central attacking role. He looked lively after coming on against Chelsea last week after a few rotten games, but he needs to consistently score goals to close out the season for Liverpool if they are to have any hope of getting ahead of Everton in the league. He’s got talent, but does he have application?
Eden Hazard - Hazard is in sensational form at the moment showing exactly why he deserves to be on the Player of the Year shortlist. Whilst Mata has been elegant and effective, Hazard is starting to regather his destructive form of the early season, and right when Chelsea need him to be. They are in an intense battle for a Champions League spot and closing in on the Europa League final, so he has plenty of high profile games to catch the eye.
How did last week’s buys fare?
Gareth Bale - Man of the match in a devastating display to beat Man City, it took him straight to favourite for Player of the Year. Very successful.
Linesman - No real controversies but some good decisions which were highlighted on TV. Success, more of a slow burner.Chelsea Caught up in the Suarez affair and then a European semi final win on Thursday. Very successful.
Hold:
Arsenal - I suggested holding them last week and I would advise the same again now. They are sneaking along quietly, having scrambled in to 3rd and are not necessarily expected to beat United this week. Just hold steady and you will get your fourth place.
Tony Pulis - Stoke’s result against QPR was deceptive because they should have lost. However, it’s seen them move away from immediate relegation danger with Wigan’s travails. Don’t be tempted to buy in though because the fundamental underlying issues have not been addressed. No need to sell because they will surely, unjustly, escape now and keep Pulis in the job.
Romelu Lukaku - Every time Lukaku plays, he causes chaos. He looks like he is possessed of trying to impress Chelsea to lead the line for them next season. West Brom have some good games to come and he might well look for one last scoring tear to stamp his authority over Stamford Bridge. So, buy right? Well, no. The problem is that Clarke doesn’t start him in every game, so just as you invest some faith he’ll suddenly not be figuring. There’s also the very real possibility that Chelsea could decide to go for Falcao, or even Ronaldo and he’d be stuck on their bench too. A star in the making, so let it play out.
Sell:
Manchester United - United have had their fawning praise, they’ve had their title winning moment, they’ve got the top scorer in the league. So why sell? Because it won’t get any better, they will move out of the spotlight now as the focus moves to the battle for the top 4 and to avoid the drop. They’ve got everything nicely settled up. The price is a high as it could be for them and it will plummet as they take a back seat for a few weeks as the fringe players get a game or two.
Luis Suarez - Have a guess why? See you in October Luis.
Fulham - Fulham have never been in the relegation battle, and never been in the European battle. They’ve quietly gone about their business and secured Premier League football for another season. They have four games against teams with nothing to play for, so they will be buried on the last page of sports news and at the end of Match of the Day. They’re not a big club and don’t get embroiled in controversy. It’s time to move stock away from them and in to the relegation and top 4 battles.
How did last week’s sales fare?
Swansea - Swansea were involved in a wonderful game with Southampton but were still last on highlights shows. Come back in the summer when most of their squad will be in the sights of other clubs. Success.
Santi Cazorla - Cazorla had a decent game against Fulham but has been shoved out wide left where he has less of an impact. Success.
Reading - Reading are down and even given how crucial Norwich’s win over them was, they still didn’t get themselves in to focus. Everyone has given up on them. Success.
