Scout Mission – Gameweek 37

As Fantasy managers sharpen their plans for the upcoming double, this week’s Mission already has one eye on the final round of fixtures. With the tension at both ends of the table cranked up, the upcoming scenarios are likely to have a major knock-on effect on our targets and transfer plans for Gameweek 38:

Giggs’ response to Mata’s display…
Benched against Norwich, Juan Mata won the post-match plaudits and high praise from Ryan Giggs and will expect to start against Hull. Fantasy managers will be looking for rich returns from the Spaniard over the two Gameweek home fixtures and yet, with Robin van Persie a possible option for Giggs, Mata’s starting role, his position on the field and his potential returns are all up in the air.

Chelsea’s reaction to Atletico beating…
Found out by Atletico’s counter-attacking in last night’s defeat at the Bridge, Chelsea return to domestic duties with the title still a possibility. With Eden Hazard back in the ranks, we surely have to expect a strong performance and three points that will likely banish Norwich to the Championship. Fantasy managers need Chelsea to keep their hat in the ring – the final day trip to Cardiff could well be profitable, with Hazard a potential target, should Jose Mourinho’s side maintain their interest with a win this weekend.

Pellegrini’s approach at Goodison…
Last weekend’s results mean that City have one hand on the title and now Manuel Pellegrini has to prepare to cope with the pressure, whilst bracing his side to enter the Goodison Park cauldron. Both Liverpool and Chelsea will be praying for a slip up and, having seen United fall foul of Roberto Martinez’ counter-attacking tactics, it will be interesting to see how Pellegrini sets his side out. The Chilean stuck with a 4-4-2 at Selhurst Park and it seems likely that both Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko will pair up again on Merseyside. David Silva’s potential return from injury could prompt a rethink, however, with Pellegrini mindful of mirroring United’s display and allowing the Toffees to hit them on the break. City’s defence, as we’ve seen often in their campaign, keep a high line and can be exposed to pace.

Sturridge’s return to the fray…
Brendan Rodgers will be dusting down his troops and preparing to throw Daniel Sturridge back into the mix for the trip to Palace. The Chelsea set-back has handed the initiative to City, forcing Liverpool to go on the attack and earn the points at Selhurst Park. Having lost out to City last weekend, Tony Pulis has had a rehearsal of this scenario and his side will provide a stubborn obstacle. Fantasy managers need three points from Liverpool, however, keeping Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge as active and motivated assets going into the final day meeting with Newcastle at Anfield.

The Arsenal momentum…
While the tussle at the top rumbles on, Arsenal are the unlikely form side right now. The routine 3-0 win over Newcastle on Monday gave them a third straight victory and set them up nicely for ties with West Brom and Norwich; essentially, we need the Gunners to remain interested and determined to see out the season with a flourish. While fourth place can be booked with three points against the Baggies, Fantasy managers will be desperate for Arsene Wenger to maintain his side’s momentum going into the trip to Carrow Road in Gameweek 38. Norwich could well be relegated by then, with Aaron Ramsey and company earmarked as potential Fantasy targets for a final day push.

The budget striker for the final dice roll…
The form of Connor Wickham has given Sunderland and us Fantasy managers an unlikely fairytale to end the season. If he can come out of the Gameweek 37 double with further goals, there’s little doubt that he offers an obvious route for those looking to roll the dice in the final Gameweek. Both Wickham and Tottenham’s Harry Kane (with Aston Villa at home on the final day) represent an option to shake up our frontlines and free up budget to invest in a couple of midfield heavy hitters. Score again in Gameweek 37 and the temptation to take that risk builds further.