Sergio Aguero and Alvaro Negredo fire City into the Champions League knockout stages, while United grab a draw at Real Sociedad. Michu may be out for four weeks, Theo Walcott won’t return this weekend, Fernando Torres is sidelined for Chelsea, Steven Gerrard is a hip worry for Liverpool, while fears are growing that Luis Suarez may miss Saturday’s home game with Fulham due to Uruguay’s upcoming World Cup play-offs:
Aguero and Negredo Run Riot
Manuel Pellegrini named an unchanged line-up from the side that dismantled Norwich last weekend and had his front two to thank for yet another barnstorming display as City swept aside CSKA Moscow. Sergio Aguero bagged a brace and an assist, whilst strike partner Alvaro Negredo notched a hat-trick in the 5-2 triumph to fire City into the knockout stages for the first time in their history. After the match, the City boss admitted David Silva and Fernandinho were subbed off with “small problems”, with the pair set to be assessed later today.
The Scout Says: A possible injury for Silva would be a bitter blow to the 15,000+ Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers who have already drafted him in this week, though City, of course, have until Sunday before they pay visit to Sunderland, boosting his chances of recovery. Last night’s result also bodes well for owners of Aguero and Yaya Toure, with Pellegrini now in the position to rest his star players for the remaining two group stage games over the next month and concentrate fully on domestic matters.
United Scrape Draw in Spain
David Moyes partnered Wayne Rooney with Javier Hernandez for last night’s goalless draw, with Rio Ferdinand joining Nemanja Vidic at centre-half. Ahead of Sunday’s clash with Arsenal, both forwards were subbed off on 63 minutes, as Robin Van Persie and Ashley Young climbed off the bench to force a tactical reshuffle that saw Shinji Kagawa move from the left flank into “the hole” behind the Dutchman. Van Persie fluffed the chance to win the match after failing from the spot in a game that saw Marouane Fellaini sent packing for two bookable offences.
The Scout Says: Last night’s sub role certainly suggest Van Persie is yet to fully recover from the toe and groin problems that have blighted his displays in recent weeks. Having played less than half an hour against Sociedad, the Dutchman now looks poised to start against his former club in Sunday’s crucial encounter at Old Trafford – a win for the Gunners would take them 11 points clear of Moyes’ side heading into the break. Young Adnan Januzaj’s owners will be hoping his non-appearance last night is indication that he is set for a recall at the weekend – a return to the XI would be his fourth league start in five.
Coloccini Eyes Weekend Return
The Newcastle skipper could be on course for a comeback against Spurs this Sunday, according to reports in the local press.
The Scout Says: The news would be a considerable boost to Alan Pardew as he looks to address a defensive record that has seen his side concede in every away trip this term. Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa and Mike Williamson managed to keep Chelsea at bay last weekend but the former looks the likeliest to make way – Williamson is expected to retain his place, with Steven Taylor still unavailable. Given that Spurs have scored just twice in their last three at the Lane, the visitors will be a little more confident of a clean sheet with Coloccini back in the fold.
Wenger Rolls Out Injury Update
The Gunners boss dismissed reports of an early return for Theo Walcott in yesterday’s press conference. Wenger had some mixed news on the midfield front as he rolled out an injury update, with his attentions turning to Jack Wilshere’s ankle problem first of all:
“As you know he (Wilshere) has not travelled because he has not practised. I will know more on Thursday when he has another test. If that is not a success he will definitely be out for Sunday, if he is out for Sunday he will be out for England as well….Gnabry has travelled and is in the squad. Walcott is not far, he should be back soon after the break and Flamini has a good chance to be available on Sunday. Gibbs has travelled and should be available. Eisfield, he was with us this morning in training.”
The Scout Says: A return for Flamini, allied with Walcott’s continued absence, may well see Aaron Ramsey shifted back to the right at Old Trafford, with the former partnering Mikel Arteta in the centre of the park. With the international break almost upon us, Wenger is clearly taking no chances with Walcott’s fitness – another fortnight’s recuperation may well see him return to fitness in time for Gameweek 12; with the Gunners having three home games in four from that point on, many Fantasy managers will be eyeing up the winger’s acquisition if he proves his fitness in time.
Vertonghen Hoping for Central Return
The versatile Tottenham defender has rued his own versatility in an interview with the Belgian press after a recent stint at left-back:
“Once there are injuries, I’m the first to fill in the gap. Sometimes it’s better if you can play in only one position. Other players specialise on one position and they can completely concentrate. I can play at left-back and I can help the team at times. But everyone knows I am not a left-back.”
The Scout Says: With Danny Rose still struggling to overcome an ankle problem and Kyle Naughton also picking up a problem in the recent Europa League match, Vertonghen may be forced to fill in at full-back yet again this weekend. Certainly, the shift hasn’t done his Fantasy prospects much harm, with 27 points in the last three appearances on the flank. Nonetheless, it still leaves Fantasy managers in the dark as to Andre Villas-Boas’ preferred back-four; with Vertonghen ultimately set to return to the middle, Vlad Chiriches and Michael Dawson will battle it out for the remaining role at centre-half.
Torres Sidelined for Blues
Jose Mourinho has revealed Fernando Torres is out of this evening’s Champions League match against Schalke and the weekend home game with West Brom. The Blues boss admitted the Spaniard’s absence is an opportunity for his two remaining forwards to stake a claim as his side looks to bounce back from Saturday’s loss at Newcastle:
“Fernando has a muscular injury, we have to wait for the scans tomorrow but it’s easy to say he’s out tomorrow and at the weekend, after that is the international break and we’ll have to see if he can recover. Samuel and Demba, they want to play, they are waiting for opportunities to play so when they have a chance, and they know they will have it now and against West Brom, they know they have in their hands the job to play up front. It’s a good motivation for them and hopefully they can express on the pitch the way they work during the week.”
The Scout Says: Certainly, if Torres is sidelined for any length of time, Eto’o’s Fantasy stock would be set for a rise. Ba has appeared in only one of the last eight league games and looks an increasingly peripheral figure – granted, the Cameroon international has hardly made much of an impact since arriving in the summer but he has, nonetheless, been handed game time in six of the seven league games since joining up fro Russian outfit Anzhi. The upcoming schedule offers plenty optimism for Chelsea and Eto’o may yet prosper if Torres is indeed ruled out.
Concerns Over Suarez Availability for Fulham Match
There are growing fears Luis Suarez may be set to miss Liverpool’s home clash with Fulham this weekend due to international commitments with Uruguay. Suarez’ country is involved in a World Cup home and away play-off with Jordan, with the first leg taking place next Wednesday – FIFA rules state that players involved must be released four days in advance, or five days if the match in question takes place on a different continent to where his club is based.
The Scout Says: Intriguingly, the same applies to West Ham’s New Zealand international Winston Reid, who faces a similar head-to-head with Mexico.Reports have already surfaced that the Hammers are prepared to charter a private jet to take the centre-half to the Kiwis’ training base – a scenario that could easily apply to Suarez, though Liverpool will nevertheless need permission to field him against the Cottagers. Runaway leader in this week’s Captain Poll, Suarez has racked up 23 points in two home games since returning from suspension and will be a huge armband favourite if he is given the all-clear to play – as of yet, Liverpool have failed to clarify the situation, leaving Fantasy managers guessing for the moment. ** Reports this morning now indicate
Suarez is set to face Fulham before flying out for international duty.
Gerrard Hip Worry for Reds
Brendan Rodgers has confirmed Steven Gerrard picked up a hip problem in Sunday’s defeat at the Emirate, with the Liverpool skipper now regarded as a doubt for the weekend home clash against Fulham:
“He took a knock towards the end, with his hip. I’m not sure the complete diagnosis on it. Stevie’s been brilliant for me, it was a tough game for him, but we’ll assess his injury and see where he’s at.”
The Scout Says: From a Fantasy perspective, Gerrard had benefitted from the recent move to 3-4-1-2 and, prior to the Arsenal match, had scored or assisted in all four games in the new formation. With the international break directly after this weekend’s fixtures, Rodgers may decide to court caution with his captain’s problem – Gerrard has played every game for his club this term but with Philippe Coutinho now in the mix, the Liverpool boss may partner Jordan Henderson and Luca behind the Brazilian against the Cottagers.
Michu May Be Sidelined for Four Weeks
Michael Laudrup may be deprived of the Spaniard’s services for the next four weeks, according to the Swansea official website. Both Michu and Pablo Hernandez are out of the Europa League game against Kuban Krasnodar, though, while Ben Davies has recovered earlier than expected from an ankle complaint and is in the squad for tomorrow’s match.
The Scout Says: Although Laudrup is yet to officially confirm Michu’s absence for the weekend home game against Stoke, it looks more than likely he will miss out against the Potters. Having dropped 0.1 already this week, his price could be set to tumble if he remains on the sidelines for a four week period – if his recovery keeps on course, he’d return for a run of games against Newcastle, Hull and Norwich from Gameweek 14 onwards. Davies’ return is set to signal the end of Neil Taylor’s brief run of league starts, though with Ashley Williams (4.8) still the cheapest option at the back amongst Laudrup’s regulars, few will be targeting the 5.0 priced left-back.
Bony Ups Fitness Drive
Michael Laudrup has handed club record signing Wilfried Bony a new fitness programme as he attempts to find his form since arriving from Vitesse Arnhem in the summer. The Swans boss reckons the Ivorian’s lack of a pre-season has had a knock-on effect on his displays:
“We’re talking with him. He’s a little special case for a lot of reasons. We all know when you have a huge price tag on your shoulders there’s always a lot more pressure and expectation on you. He didn’t have a proper pre-season and then after we signed him he had to stay away for nine days for the work permit. He started playing and in some games he did well, especially the European games and a couple of others. But of course we want him to be at his best because I know the expectation that’s on him. We are here to help him and that’s why we are trying to do, to give him a programme where we are doing extra things with him to get him at his best. Of course everybody wants to play all games, but what we are doing is trying to put him up to his best condition so we can see the best of Wilfried.”
The Scout Says: Given Michu’s likely absence now, Bony’s contribution looks all the more crucial. After racking up 31 goals in 30 league games in Holland last term, he has scored just twice in the English top-flight, with Laudrup seemingly reluctant to give him a run of starts – only four of his nine appearances have come courtesy of the first XI. The fixtures remain firmly in Swansea’s favour, though, and providing Bony can convince his manager he’s worthy of a regular role, he could be a potential – albeit risky – differential over the upcoming matches.
