The Scout Mission – Gameweek 7

A new regular, the Scout Mission offers a preview the forthcoming Gameweek by targeting the players, the teams and the selection issues that matter. This is what we’re watching out for, so you don’t have to.

Suarez vs Sturridge
The jury is out and will be watching keenly as Liverpool prepare for an Anfield meeting with Crystal Palace that will have Fantasy managers expecting heavy returns. While Brendan Rodgers’ side lack the creativity of Philippe Coutinho, his strike pairing are purring and potential Fantasy suitors will be watching on to assess just how the pair operate. The split of points between the two will go a long way to deciding transfer trends over the international break. We’ll also be watching out for the formation – Jose Enrique’s stock could be boosted further if Rodgers persists with three at the back.

The Newcastle Teamsheet
Alan Pardew’s half-time changes and post-match comments would indicate that we’ll see a changed starting XI for the visit to Cardiff. We’ll be looking to his teamsheet with interest, with Hatem Ben Arfa’s role, in particular, hotly anticipated. Hooked at half-time on Monday night, it could be that the Frenchman’s flair is sacrificed as Pardew looks to find the “balance” in his team. In contrast, Yohan Cabaye and Mike Williamson look certain starters.

The United Backlash
Just how will United react to back-to-back league defeats? How much will the journey to Shakhtar drain from their legs? Will David Moyes start with Robin Van Persie and Wayne Rooney in tandem at Sunderland? Moyes seems certain Rooney will recover from the shin complaint that forced him out in midweek.

The United situation is posing us Fantasy managers questions on a weekly basis. Despite erratic form and the concern that United are way short of their potential, we have to stay alert to the fact that the fixture list remains in their favour. A pair of Old Trafford encounters with Southampton and Stoke follow the trip to the Stadium of Light and we need to monitor their performance and form carefully with that in mind. Moyes’s choice of back four also needs monitoring – with Rafael and Phil Jones now available, we’ll be watching to see how the pecking order shapes up.

Amilfitano and Sessegnon
The pair were simply outstanding in the Old Trafford victory and could well emerge as realistic midfield candidates for the weeks ahead. The home meeting with Arsenal is perhaps the toughest of tests right now but, having risen to the occasion against United, we will be watching this pair with interest. Midfield looks to be the place to target differentials and the Baggies duo are shaping up nicely.

Wenger’s Midfield
The Gunners boss opted to rest Jack Wilshere for the Champions League victory over Napoli and, with Mikel Arteta and Tomas Rosicky are back as options, it will be interesting to see how he shuffles the pack for the trip to the Hawthorns, though with Santi Cazorla still sidelined, Wilshere looks likely to return to the Gunners’ left.

Paulinho vs Eriksen
Christian Eriksen is the fashionable pick: a poised playmaker who exudes class and creativity. However, Paulinho’s ability to arrive in the box is not going unnoticed, nor is his propensity to fire in efforts on goal. It could be that, for all Eriksen’s craft and dead-ball involvement, Paulinho could emerge as the stronger candidate for our Tottenham coverage given the 1.2 FPL price difference. Saturday’s events at the Lane in the local derby with West Ham will tell us more.

The Hammers Rearguard
Sam Allardyce surprised a few by dropping James Collins to the bench for the trip to Hull, calling on James Tomkins to lineup alongside Winston Reid. Following a rather unfortunate defeat at the KC Stadium, it remains to be seen if Big Sam offers Collins a recall or sticks with Tomkins to disappoint the Welshman’s Fantasy owners. Remain on the bench and Razvan Rat could well be the most viable route into the West Ham defence once the fixtures improve.

Lukaku’s Fixture-Proof Status
While the Belgian tore a haphazard Newcastle apart in a 45-minute spell on Monday night, he’ll face a far more grueling test of his mettle at the Etihad. A duel with compatriot Vincent Kompany looks on the cards, with Fantasy managers lining up a move for the Chelsea loanee ahead of Everton’s Gameweek 8 home encounter with Hull. A 0.3 FPL price rise over the international break looks inevitable and that would only be assured by any kind of returns from Saturday’s clash.

Juan Mata’s Pitchtime
Impressive again in Bucharest on Tuesday, Fantasy managers will be looking out for his name on Jose’s teamsheet for the trip to Norwich, pondering whether the Spaniard could yet be a factor. Having dropped to 9.6 from an FPL starting price of 10.5, Mata could represent value if we can be convinced of form and security of start. It will also be interesting to see how Jose deals with Hazard’s possible return – Andre Schurrle thrived in his role on Tuesday. Meanwhile, John Terry has started every league game so far but was in action in Bucharest: we’ll be watching to see how Mourinho juggles Terry, Gary Cahill and David Luiz for the Carrow Road visit.

Swansea’s Potential
A trip to Southampton will be a stern test but, after an opening set of fixtures that made Michael Laudrup’s outfit more ugly ducklings than swans, they follow the weekend with a schedule that suggests strong returns at both ends of the pitch. We’ll be looking to see if both Ashley Williams and Pablo Hernandez can prove their fitness, whilst assessing whether Michu deserves to keep his top ranking status in our midfield watchlist.

Paul Lambert’s Tactics
The Villa boss continues to tinker with his formation as a result of injuries. Lambert has now moved from 4-3-3- to 4-4-2 to 3-5-2 in the last three matches, with the latter tactic utilised in last week’s win over City. Should he retain the same shape, Antonio Luna could arrive on Fantasy radars as on out of position prospect on the left of midfield.