Defoe Madness

On the back of Tottenham's 9-1 trousering of Wigan, Jermain Defoe's 25 point, 5 goal haul means his price is set to skyrocket over the next week or two. The unwashed masses believe any player earning a double-figure points total one week guarantees the same result the following week, and Defoe will be transferred in so many times before the next gameweek that his price should spike by £0.2 - £0.4m. This means a comfortable price rise for any manager who grabs him early.

Tottenham are in a fine vein of form at the moment sitting fourth on the table, however their next two games aren't the easiest: Villa and Everton, both away. After those two tough matches things get a little easier, with a mixture of Wolves, Man City, Blackburn, Fulham and West Ham.

I am always an advocate of striking when the iron is hot, as the best players tend to go on runs of form. After a 25 point haul Defoe's value is definately going to increase markedly by the next gameweek, so there is value to had there. And over the run up to Christmas, the Tottenham fixture list isnt terrible. If you are looking for a replacement striker or would like more cash in the bank, then a shorter term transfer for Defoe may well pay off. If this sounds like you, act quickly to make the most of his soon-to-happen price rise.

Hot Hot Hangeland - For Now

This gameweek is a double for a few teams including Fulham, which makes Brede Hangeland a fine pick for the next couple of weeks given Fulham's forthcoming fixtures (Bolton, Sunderland and Burnley after this week's double GW). Hangeland does well every season as a bargain priced defender, and is a key choice for those looking to hone in on Fulham's potential clean sheets.

Hangeland is 4th top defender in the bonus standings and is about due a goal. His price margin of £0.4m or £0.5m premium over Pantsil/Hughes is well worth it given his greater points potential. Expect to see a rise in his price very soon as other managers arrive at the same conclusion.

Fulham's fixture list takes a definate turn for the worse around mid Dec, so plan to transfer him out around then. However, for the next month or so Hangeland is definately worth bringing in. Get him soon and cash in on the price rise, then sell him before Dec 15.