Scout Mission – Gameweek 23

Once again, there’s plenty for Fantasy managers to ponder as we head towards next Tuesday’s deadline. Here are the scenarios and line-ups we’re keeping an eye on this time around:

Mirallas’ Form in the Middle
Since moving to the role in “the hole”, the Belgian’s attacking potential has taken a turn for the better. With Ross Barkley stuck in the Toffees treatment room with a toe injury, Mirallas has notched in back-to-back league games for the first time this term and is finally beginning to justify our show of pre-season faith ahead of the Merseyside derby at Anfield . Owners of the misfiring Romelu Lukaku are looking for a way out in order to free up a space in our three-man frontlines but, with Villa, Palace and West Ham rolling up to Goodison in three of the subsequent five, investment in the Toffees’ attack still looks a viable tactic. If Mirallas impresses against Liverpool, he may find himself subject to increased investment as a midfield option, allowing Lukaku owners to jump ship.

Vertonghen’s Impact on the Spurs Back-Four
Having trained with the Tottenham first-team all week, the Belgian played 60 minutes of a behind-closed-doors friendly and is set to return to action for Wednesday’s home clash with City. Whilst a clean sheet isn’t expected, Vertonghen’s comeback is at least likely to indicate the central defensive pecking order under Tim Sherwood – Vlad Chiriches and Michael Dawson have played every minute in the heart of the back-four since the departure of Andre Villas-Boas but one of the pair are set to drop out as Vertonghen reclaims his starting berth. With Younes Kaboul, Sandro and Paulinho also back in action on Thursday, we may get a better gauge of Sherwood’s preferred first-team next midweek.

Johnson’s Right-Back Replacement
Ruled out “indefinitely” by Brendan Rodgers after struggling to overcome a series of injuries, the defender’s absence opens the door for a cut-price option at Liverpool. Granted, the Reds have hardly been the most resilient side but, with Kolo Toure lacking the mobility required to be utilised efficiently at full-back, fit-again Jon Flanagan (4.3) and Martin Kelly (4.1) are set to battle it out for a regular role in Johnson’s absence and hand Fantasy managers another budget regular.

Sturridge’s Role for the Reds
Daniel Sturridge’s return to the Liverpool starting line-up saw Brendan Rodgers change formation in order to accommodate the fit-again forward last weekend. Liverpool started with a 4-4-2 against Villa but, after being outplayed in the middle of the park in the first 45 minutes, the Reds boss switched to a 4-3-3 to wrestle back control of the game. If Rodgers continues with a lone forward system, Sturridge may find himself out on the flank against Everton instead of alongside Luis Suarez through the centre – such a scenario may see some reassess his acquisition, with plenty of forward alternatives stepping up right now.

Mata’s Impact on the United XI
With Jose Mourinho confirming Juan Mata is set for a medical at United earlier this lunchtime, the Spaniard’s imminent arrival at Old Trafford will hand Fantasy managers an immediate chance to freshen up their five-man midfields. Initially, though, injuries may determine where Mata is utilised – if Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie are still absent for the visit of Cardiff, the new boy is likely to be handed the role in “the hole” behind Danny Welbeck, thus affecting Adnan Januzaj’s position within David Moyes’ starting XI. Given that the teenager has started seven of the last eight, Moyes may even look to ease the pressure for risk of burn-out, thus potentially depriving us of a budget midfield option, with the Spaniard tasked with providing the creativity instead.

Jose’s Teamsheet
Mata’s expected departure and Fernando Torres’s knee injury has resulted in increased Fantasy interest in Willian and Samuel Eto’o over the last few days. Willian has now started six of the last eight and, while the arrival of Mohamed Salah ensures the competition for places on the flanks remains just as intense, the 7.5-priced (0.4% owned) Brazilian’s recent displays suggest he remains in the driving seat. Eto’o’s hat-trick against United also brings him onto our radars at a time when that third forward slot looks more crucial than ever. Certainly, his chances of another start look good, bearing in mind Demba Ba has started just twice all season for the Blues – if he gets the nod against West Ham next Wednesday, his 1% ownership could also make the 8.2-priced Cameroon international the ultimate of differentials.

Ozil and Giroud against the Saints
Subject to substantial sales over the last few days, both may be on their last chance for many a Fantasy manager. With a single assist in five, Ozil has been sold on by over 55,000 Fantasy Premier League managers – more than any midfielder – with team-mates Jack Wilshere and Santi Cazorla offering in-form alternatives amongst Arsene Wenger’s side. Giroud, meanwhile, is third most unpopular forward this week, with over 36,000 parting company in light of a record which has seen him score in just four of his last 16 league appearances. The duo’s prospects are boosted by the news that Dejan Lovren is out for Southampton at St Mary’s – many may choose to hold as a result of the Croatian’s absence, but if the Gunners duo blank again, the exodus may pick up pace.

Chester’s Defensive Replacement
A cut-price favourite around these parts, the Hull centre-half is sidelined for “at least six weeks” after limping out of last week’s loss at Norwich with his second hamstring injury of the season. Fantasy managers still holding winter wildcards may look for a cheap alternative route into Hull’s backline ahead of a kind run of matches which sees Steve Bruce’s side travel to Palace, Sunderland, West Ham and Cardiff and play host to Southampton and Newcastle in the next seven Gameweeks. Alex Bruce, with eight starts in the last nine, looks an obvious alternative at 3.9, though the likes of Paul McShane and Abdoulaye Faye (3.9 and 3.8) could come into contention as the Tigers boss looks to his fringe players to step up.