On Sunday Wolves beat Burnley 1-0, a scoreline which does not represent how dominant we were in the game. Wolves had 30 (yes 30) shots on what last year was a solid Burnley defence, some of the saves from Joe Hart and misses were quite incredible and, on another day, it could have ended five or six nil. A few weeks ago, I wrote about how Septembers fixtures present a fantastic chance of the Wolves players returning points and so far, that has happened especially defensively.
Matt Doherty
The Irishman was extremely unlucky to not get an assist or goal against West Ham United to add to his clean sheet a week before the Burnley game. He saw his shot very well saved from Fabianski and saw Raul Jimenez somehow fall over instead of tapping in what should have been an easy chance. Against Burnley he started how he left off from the Hammers game, but this time grabbed his assist, setting up Jimenez who ironically now scored from the pass. Doherty’s game is all about attacking and he plays a very important role in the Wolves attack as he often stretches opponents by hugging the touchline but then coming inside when someone like Helder Costa is on the ball. Putting on a man of the match display Doherty provided fantasy football managers (FPL) a great audition as to why he could be a consideration for their teams. He had 98 touches in the game which was the most in the match, produced six open play crosses again the most in the match and had three shots one of which he really should have buried. If that doesn’t scream points return potential over a season I don’t know what does. He is currently 4.4M too so a bargain.
Jonny
On the opposite flank to Doherty, Spaniard Jonny has quietly and impressively going about his business this season. Against West Ham Jonny was very impressive and gained the plus three bonus from FPL. His quality on the ball, intelligence, and calm defending all contribute to him being a very good player. Against Burnley it felt as though he was all over the pitch and was involved in almost every attack with the positions he was picking up. Like Doherty he registered three attempts on goal one of which was cleared off the line and created one big chance. I think it is just a matter of time before he registers his first attacking returns of the season given how often he seems to drift into dangerous positions. Like the rest of the Wolves defence he will likely register clean sheet points often enough to be a great option at 4.4M. One thing to add to his and the Wolves defence appeal is that Wolves are only second to Liverpool in conceding big chances to opponents.
Joao Moutinho
The Portugal international put on yet another display of pure class against Burnley, dictating the pace of the game and generally just being far too good for the opposition. Moutinho is more expensive than Neves at 5.4M which knocks his appeal down as Neves is always a threat with his long-distance shots, but Moutinho takes a lot of set pieces. Moutinho took the most corner kicks in gameweek 5 and has one assist this season. If you are someone who enjoys having a cheap set piece taker in your side then the Portuguese international should be an option for you, he is guaranteed to start, and his delivery is very good.
Raul Jimenez
If you have been reading my previous articles and seeing my tweets you will know I am a huge fan of the Mexican forward. As mentioned before Jimenez scored the winner against Burnley and his second of the season. His overall performance again was excellent, his work-rate, intelligence, pace and power caused Burnley no end of problems. Hart produced an excellent save in the first half to deny him and Jimenez also set up a great chance for Doherty who put his effort wide. This isn’t the first time he has had players fluff their lines after setting them up. It is quite frustrating really as he should be on more points than he currently is. If he keeps up his performance levels though then it will just be a matter of time before his points explode and people get on the hype train at the price of 5.5M. Only two more strikers have had more shots than Jimenez, which shows just how involved he is and if he can continue this frequency then naturally more goals will come.