Determined to keep the site updated during my holiday period, I’m updating this from my hotel lobby on my new laptop across a rather dodgy connection. Nonetheless, helped along by the countless Brit Bars fed by Sky Spots on the Canary Islands, my Scout Notes are of familiar length and breadth. Be warned though, future updates this week may well be hampered by sun cream leaking onto my keyboard or the hotel staff realising I’m dismantling their modem and lobby pc setup to get myself connected. The danger of being found out just adds an extra thrill to each post…

There’s only one place to start for alphabetical, table topping or just about any kind of reason you can think of at that‘s at the Emirates. What’s left to say about Wenger‘s men? They continue to turn their free-flowing football into convincing performances and are banging in the goals and reaping in the points. Saturday’s demolition of Derby once again saw Fabregas and Adebayor take starring roles. The Spaniard is now far and away the most productive Fantasy player, having added four goals to his established repertoire of assist and Man of the Match bonus points. It’s hard to imagine a Fantasy team competing at the top without Fabregas in the ranks right now. If you’re playing the Fantasy Premier League game meanwhile, there appears to be no serious alternative for a captain than Fabregas, at least whilst the United pairing of Ronaldo and Rooney find their feet for the season.

Adebayor meanwhile is now the Premiership’s top scorer. He’s stolen a march on teammate Van Persie who was rested for this game. Many, including myself anticipated surge of points for Van Persie in the absence of Henry, however, it seems that Adebayor is the one who has taken that step up in terms of goal output. Significantly, Adebayor’s price is considerable lower than that of Van Persie throughout the Fantasy games. While there’s a temptation to think that his best scoring weeks are behind him having hit a hat-trick here, there is certainly some value in making the Adebayor for Van Persie trade at this point given the form of the two players. I’ve no doubt that RVP will come good, perhaps with a big points haul next weekend at West Ham. However, over the course of the season, it appears that Van Persie is the more likely to be rested when Wenger calls upon Eduardo before or after Champions League ties. Plus Adebayor has netted two penalties so Van Persie could struggle to get those duties back. Given the number of penalties Arsenal are capable of winning, that is a significant factor.

Wenger’s lineup was hindered by the absence of Rosicky and Hleb through injury while he chose to rest Gilberto. That saw starts for Diaby and Walcott in midfield while Eduardo got a start up front with Van Persie rested. Fabregas was subbed after 70 minutes but only after he had contributed a goal and two more assists. However, it will be worth seeing what Wenger does next time, post Champions League with Rosicky and Hleb as available rotation options. West Ham “entertain” the Gunners next before Wenger plays host to Sunderland and Bolton before a crunch clash at Anfield.

Little can be said about Derby other than they are, as widely expected, struggling for a foothold. Their players offer little Fantasy value right now. Instead its worth making a note of their forthcoming opposition in order to spot opportunities for other sides to improve their goals for tally. This is a pivotal period for Derby’s chances of survival. Bolton at home are next for Billy Davies’ men in what looks like a crucial game for both clubs. Derby then visit Reading and Fulham before facing Everton at home.

Aston Villa were unchanged once more this weekend as they beat Everton 2-0. Carew did suffer an injury just before the hour mark and was subbed. He now looks set for a spell on the sidelines with the Villa doctors apparently “concerned”.Harewood will therefore come into the equation in the coming weeks. He was fit enough to claim a spot on the bench and came on for Luke Moore with 10 minutes to go. Their defence, like Portsmouth’s, is emerging as a decent proposition. All four of Mellberg, Laursen, Knight and Bouma look decent options given their prices although the threat of Curtis Davies, looming on the bench could cast doubt over Zat Knight’s prolonged run in the side should his form falter at any point. Villa have a visit to White Hart Lane next, followed by home games against West Ham and United and a trip to Bolton at the end of the month.

Everton meanwhile disappointed and struggle for consistent results and lineup. They were without playmaker Arteta through injury, so turned to Piennar, Jagielka, Osman and Neville in midfield. Anichebe got the nod over Yakubu, as Moyes tinkered again by following through on his promise to rotate his forwards. It appears Moyes considers his squad big enough to allow for such rotation but the struggle for consistency seems to suggest otherwise. Meanwhile, Andy Johnson is still looking for his first Premiership goal and despite showing glimpses this term, must surely be one of the major fantasy disappointments so far. Arteta and maybe Lescott remain their only Fantasy targets worth considering at this point. Everton host Boro next befre travelling to Newcastle. They then have Liverpool at home and end the month with a trip to Derby.

Blackburn were without skipper Ryan Nelson as they were turned over by Portsmouth. Ooijer came in for Nelson as expected and Rovers were unchanged elsewhere. It’s in attacking terms that Blackburn continue to frustrate. They have the players - Gamst Pedersen, Bentley, McCarthy and Santa Cruz - but none of this quartet seem to be able to establish some consistent form and points scoring. This result could see Hughes shake things up with Derbyshire given the nod for the jaded McCarthy next time out. Blackburn travel to Sunderland next then have home games against Birmingham and Reading before ending October at White Hart Lane.

Portsmouth meanwhile are looking strong. Their defence is emerging as a front runner to rival United, Chelsea and Liverpool. A second consecutive clean sheet shows James and his defence to be well worth considering in the weeks ahead. Outside of the defence there are signs of stability in terms of team selection. Bouba Diop and Muntariare established but around them Kranjcar came into the midfield equation this weekend for his first start. Davis kept his place but will surely be under threat from Lauren and Mendes soon enough while Taylor looks to be limited to cameo roles until he cracks his first 30 yard goal. Up front Utaka and Kanu look solid although Harry went with a 4-5-1 for this game as Utaka continues to be employed out wide, although that isn’t preventing him contributing Fantasy points with another assist for Kanu’s goal this weekend. Harry plays host to Reading next before visiting Fulham and Wigan. They end Octobe with a home game against West Ham. A decent run of games then.

Sammy Lee rang the changes for Bolton against Spurs. He ditched the 4-4-2 at long last and drafted in Campo to play his familiar holding role in midfield as Bolton shifted to 4-5-1. Hunt was also dropped to the bench as Joey O’Brien got his first start at right-back after months on the sidelines through injury. Cid was also out of the sixteen with a knock, as Andy O’Brien started in the centre of defence. Alonso dropped to the bench to accommodate Diouf’s move from attack to a wide midfield role. The result was a more assured performance from Bolton with Campo impressing. However, the move to 4-5-1 could have an impact on the output of Anelka who seemed to be the one player who benefited from 4-4-2. His form, in the light of this change of ploy by Lee, will be worth monitoring in the weeks to come. He remains Bolton’s only major Fantasy prospect. Bolton travel to Derby next before hosting Chelsea and visiting the Emirates. They end the month with a home game to Villa.

Spurs were without Kaboul for this game which saw recall for Rocha at centre-back. Jol preferred Zokora to Huddlestone, while Tanio started with Bale absent from the 16 presumably with a knock. Lennon was benched along with Bent and Defoe, despite his scoring exploits in Europe in the week. Changes, and big ones at that, seem likely in the month ahead given Spurs’ position in the table. Jol’s expected departure makes the majority of the Spurs side a risk for Fantasy Managers although Keane’s consistency is tempting and Bales’ potential as a defender playing midfield is also a decent offering when he’s fit. Although it’s worth noting that Bales place in the side is far from established given the availability of Malbranque, Lennon and now Tanio, plus the impending changes that could be immanent at White Hart Lane. Spurs have Villa at home next. They then travel to Liverpool and Newcastle and end October by playing host to Blackburn.

Fulham made one change for the visit of City as Sanchez recalled Healy to the starting eleven, dropping Kamara to the bench. Dempsey continued in a striking role then. Kamara did appear at half-time and did enough to suggest he’ll be challenging hard for a recall next time out. Dempsey remains the best bet in this Fulham side then whilst Sanchez continues to employ him as a forward. Simon Davies is the other player that offers some potential, chipping in with his first Premiership goal this weekend. He’s been a consistent points scorer since his arrival from Everton and remains integral to Fulham’s set pieces. Fulham go to Chelsea next followed by Portsmouth and Derby at home and Sunderland away.

City once again went with a 4-5-1 with Mpenza the preferred option up front. Ireland started the game as part of a five man midfield despite all his “issues” in the week. Geovanni proved his fitness with an 80th minute appearance. Petrov was City’s star performer in attacking terms, unleashing a brace to get off the mark for the season. He and Elano continue to offer some decent value as mid-priced midfield options considering that City now have a run of three home games. Their defence had a bad day against free-scoring Fulham and although Schmeichel cannot be blamed for the goals, you do have to wonder whether Sven will look to recall Isaksson given that his defence was seriously breached for the first time this season. City face three consecutive home games against Newcastle, Boro and Birmingham before they visit Chelsea.

Rafa once again opted to leave Torres on the bench for the home game with Birmingham. Kuyt and Vornonin started then with Crouch appearing with Torres later in the second-half. Liverpool were without Agger and Alonso through injury Hypia and Mascherano started. Riise was recalled at left-back with Arbeloa moving to right and Finnan rested to the bench for the first time. More evidence that Arbeloa has emerged as the best bet in the Liverpool defence aside from Carragher of course. Gerrard is yet to hit run of form following his opening day free-kick at Villa while the threat of rotation looms over the rest of the Liverpool side making uneasy options for Fantasy managers. Liverpool have visits to Wigan and City in between games at home to Spurs and Arsenal in the next month.

Birmingham meanwhile earned their second consecutive clean sheet which hints at some potential for bargain defenders. Bruce gave a debut to midfielders Oubina and Palacios as he opted for the a 4-5-1 as expected. He duly lost Oubina after just 13 minutes to ruptured cruciate ligaments that seem set to end the Spaniard’s season. That injury saw the introduction of McSheffrey early on. The back four for Birmingham, with Ridgewell starring this weekend, will be of most interest to Fantasy managers aside from Kapo who has settled well in midfield. A third clean sheet in a row looks tough with United at home next. That’s followed by visits to Blackburn and City and a home game with Wigan.

United’s win over Chelsea was somewhat overshadowed by all the post Jose fuss but couldn’t mask the fact that this match featured two sides struggling to get out of third gear for one reason or another. The return of Rooney and Ronaldo to the United starting lineup has failed to galvanise their attack which remains in slumber compared to the vibrancy of Arsenal’s attacking play. Tevez did at least get off the mark for the season here but remains a risk with Saha threatening to start after appearing from the bench to seal this win from the penalty spot. It’s interesting that Saha should take the spot kick with Ronaldo and Rooney on the pitch - perhaps Sir Alex is looking to feed Saha’s confidence knowing that he could well need to turn to the Frenchman as a key figure in the week’s ahead. Elsewhere in the United lineup Nani was dropped to the bench as Giggs moved back into midfield as expected, while Hargreaves missed out through injury once again. United travel to Birmingham next. They then play host to Wigan, visit Villa and end October at home to Boro. A run of games which should provide the platform for Rooney and Ronaldo to kick start their seasons.

For Chelsea Ben-Haim was handed a start by his new manager and compatriot as expected, so Alex dropped to the bench. Grant went with a lone striker - playing just Shevchenko in a central striking role. His plans were of course disrupted by Mikel’s dismissal on the half hour mark so it will be interesting to see the side Grant puts out next time out. A 4-4-2 seems likely and perhaps Drogba and Lampard may be in contention. For now then, Chelsea players are a no-go at least until things settle for form to be established. Mikel faces a 3-match ban for his dismissla which will see him miss the Carling Cup tie in midweek in addition to games against Fulham and Bolton. Chelsea are to appeal he decision with news on that to arrive in midweek.

Boro were forced into one change to their starting lineup with Aliadiere sidelined for weeks. Tuncay partnered Mido from the start then. Elsewhere, Southgate also drafted in Gary O’Neil for his first start, leaving Boateng on the bench. O’Neil had a storming game that included the assist for Arca’s second goal of the season and now looks established on the right of midfield. Boateng could now struggle to gain a starting role. Having said that, the injuries from this game may open up a route for a recall. Southgate lost Arca in this game and reports today confirmed that he’ll face at least two months with medial ligament damage. Tuncay and Mido also came off in this game with injuries but there’s a chance that both will be available for next weekend following updates today. Downing remains the key Fantasy target within the Boro side, adding his third goal of the season in this game. Boro’s forthcoming fixtures look tough. They face three of the next four away from home with visits to Everton, City, and United with Chelsea to come at home.

Sunderland recalled Halford to right-back to cover the absence of Nosworthy through injury. McShane moved to the centre of defence once more. Elsewhere Sunderland lined up as expected although they lost Etuhu to a knock before the hour mark with Miller replacing him and eventually scoring the equaliser at the death. Keane has hinted in the press that the goal will earn Miller a starting role next time out so with Etuhu suspended for the Blackburn game, Miller should start. Sunderland follow that game against Rovers with games agains Fulham at home and Arsenal and West Ham away.

Reading managed to grind out a much needed win over Wigan. Kitson was on the score sheet once again and is emerging as his sides only decent points scorer. Doyle was recalled alongside him while Duberry was restored to the back four with Bikey dropping to the bench. Rosenior kept his place on the right of midfield but was replaced by Convey on the hour mark. Reading go to Portsmouth next. They then face Derby at home, Blackburn away and end the month at home to Newcastle.

Wigan meanwhile restored Kilbane to left-back for Boyce who dropped to the bench. Skoko started for Cotterill in midfield while Bent replaced the injured Heskey as expected. Bent got the goal with Koumas contributing an assist and two bonus points in the Fantasy Premier League game, despite suffering defeat. He, along with Sibierski remain the best options in the Wigan side, although their forthcoming fixtures seem to suggest goals over the next fortnight could be hard to come by. They host Liverpool next then visit Old Trafford. Portsmouth at home and Birmingham away complete a tough October.

Newcastle and West Ham continue to be unpredictable in their form. Viduka was the difference here, returning from injury to fire a brace. Nzogbia also emerged with a decent points tally even though he’s a midfielder being employed at left-back. Two assists and a third goal of the season continue to make him a decent option. In contrast, Milner is yet to fulfil his potential to this point. One notable selection decision by Big Sam saw Steven Taylor dropped to the bench as Beye made his full debut at right-back. Owen started despite a groin injury but limped off before the hour mark casting further doubts over his fitness in the short-terrm. Martins could well figure in the next couple then. Newcastle go to City next. Home games against Everton and Spurs follow with a visit to Reading to end the month.

West Ham brought Ferdinand back into their defence for Collins despite the clean sheet last time out. Cole came in for Bellamy as expected but was replaced by Camara on the hour. Ashton got his second of the season and remains the best bet amongst Curbishley’s men at least while consistency remains an issue. The Hammers are at home to Arsenal next. They then visit Villa Park, play host to Sunderland and end October on the road at Portsmouth.