Scout Mission – Gameweek 16

There may be a few days until the deadline but, as always, we’re already casting an eye over the upcoming set of fixtures. Here’s the scenarios and line-ups on our radar for Gameweek 16:

Silva’s game time
Back with a goal in Tuesday evening’s Champions League win over Bayern Munich, the Spaniard is already being cautiously considered by Fantasy managers. Silva has picked up a couple of injuries this term but, like many of City’s main attackers, has looked reinvigorated under Manuel Pellegrini’s guidance – with three goals and a trio of assists in just seven league appearances, he’s averaged six points per game so far. A start and a fine performance against league leaders Arsenal this upcoming Saturday could well persuade those on the lookout for a differential – Silva’s 3% ownership looks hugely tempting.

Michu’s goal threat
The Swansea man is another premium-priced option to return from injury earlier in the week. Though, handed the full 90 minutes up front in Monday’s home game against Hull, Michu failed to produce the goods, as Michael Laudrup’s side stuttered to a 1-1 draw – he’s blanked in his last six appearances now and is down to 8.5 in Fantasy Premier League (FPL). The Swans boss conceded his star man had struggled with injuries for a number of weeks prior to being sidelined and, if he can step up his match sharpness and impress away to Norwich this weekend, Michu may well present us with another alternative for a midfield shake-up.

Deulofeu’s impact on Mirallas’ minutes
Climbing off the bench late on in Sunday’s match at the Emirates, the youngster’s superb equaliser denied the hosts victory and ensured Everton received a well-deserved point. Having served up a goal and assist in his first start for the Toffees in Gameweek 13, Deulofeu has been tentatively used from the bench in each of the subsequent two trips to United and Arsenal, but a run of four home games in the next six looks ideal for Roberto Martinez to hand him further first-team opportunities. Kevin Mirallas’ owners would have been eyeing up this run of games as a potential source of points but will now be a little uneasy in light of Deulofeu’s recent showings – despite his classification as a forward, a price of 5.4 and two goals and an assist in his last 124 minutes suggest the Barcelona loanee may even be worth a real punt if Martinez affords him an extended run in the side.

Liverpool’s response without Gerrard
Liverpool have yet to officially confirm it but it seems all but certain their skipper will be ruled out for the festive period with a hamstring injury. Having limped off against West Ham on Saturday, Gerrard’s absence will be a major blow to Brendan Rodgers’ side – he had scored or assisted in nine of the last 10 league games in an incredible run of consistency. Luis Suarez owners will be looking for the silver lining here – the Uruguayan could well be on spot-kicks in his skipper’s absence but, with a trip to Spurs this weekend and visits to City and Chelsea in the next four, the Uruguayan’s threat may well be diminished without Gerrard pulling the strings in the centre.

Rooney and van Persie in tandem at Villa
With Suarez and Sergio Aguero proving mainstays in many a frontline, and the likes of Romelu Lukaku and Loic Remy offering mid-price options with form and favourable fixtures to follow, faith in United is low at a time when the schedule smiles kindly. Despite their side’s stuttering displays, the United front two have impressed in recent matches – Rooney has four sets of double figures in his last six, whilst the Dutchman has scored in all but one of his previous five appearances in the league. Free from suspension and injury and sitting in just 13% and 18% of FPL sides respectively, their ownership levels are relatively low enough to shake up the rankings if they can plunder the goals at Villa and boost their side’s ailing title bid.

Palace’s resilience at the Bridge
The Eagles’ trip to Chelsea this weekend is Tony Pulis’ first real test since taking the reins last month. Palace have conceded just once in the three games under their new manager but Jose Mourinho’s side have been particularly lethal in front of their own fans and have scored at least twice in every home game so far – if Palace can frustrate and limit the Blues on Saturday, faith in their budget backline options is likely to see further investment – aside from Danny Gabbidon, their defensive regulars are all owned by 2% of Fantasy managers or less.

Ozil’s Form on the Road
The Arsenal playmaker has been outstanding at the Emirates but has so far struggled to replicate that form on his travels. Ozil has produced just three assists in six away appearances – blanking against Swansea, West Brom, Palace and United so far. Certainly, his previous away appearance (an 11 point haul at Cardiff) bodes well but, with the Gunners facing a City side that have conceded twice at home all season, he faces a tough task to produce.

Brady’s Role at Home to Stoke
The Tigers playmaker is on borrowed time now after warming the bench for the full 90 minutes of Monday’s draw at Swansea. Three sets of double figures in the first six highlighted Brady’s top-flight capabilities but, since picking up a hernia problem, he’s never been quite the same and, looking short of confidence, was taken out the firing line at the Liberty as Steve Bruce opted for Maynor Figueroa on the left of a 3-5-2 instead. At present, Brady still sits in over 8% of Fantasy teams but if his manager doesn’t turn to his talents against the Potters, the exodus will surely pick up pace.