Scout Scribbles – Van Persie on Verge of Return

Robin van Persie could return for United’s trip to Sunderland. Mikel Arteta is ruled out of Arsenal’s visit to Arsenal. Robert Snodgrass is sidelined for six months with a knee injury, while Tottenham’s World Cup stars are in line to feature in the Europa League this evening:

United Hopeful on Van Persie

Following their underwhelming first day defeat to Swansea last weekend, Man United are set to receive a timely lift as Robin Van Persie prepares for a return to action. His World Cup efforts ensured that the striker failed to make an appearance in pre-season for United, and was subsequently unavailable last Saturday, but the Dutchman’s fitness is increasing day by day and he is now primed to turn out for the first time under former international coach Louis Van Gaal this Sunday against Sunderland.

The Scout Says: Regardless of whether or not both players come straight into the starting line-up on Sunday, the inclusion of Van Persie and the newly-acquired Marcus Rojo in the matchday squad will certainly offer United fans something to feel positive about at both ends of the pitch after their lacklustre performance against Swansea. Coming into the new season on the back of a World Cup campaign that saw him notch four goals and lead his side to third place in the competition, and linking up with a manager who has mentored him and placed faith in him at international level, many believe that if Van Persie is to ever return to his ‘essential’ ways, then the time is now. With Wayne Rooney currently the most popular player in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) with almost 50% ownership, Van Persie slides on to the radar as a major differential, with the forward’s substantial 12.5 price tag still liable to discourage many managers from finding a place for him in their squads. However, should Van Persie be back on penalty duties at Old Trafford, the knock-on effect from his return could impact Rooney’s output. Likewise, Juan Mata’s owners may already be fidgety after last week’s uninspiring display from the Spaniard, and they may well have more cause for concern with Van Persie now likely to reduce Mata’s portion of dead ball deliveries.

Arteta Ruled Out of Everton Trip

Arsene Wenger has this morning confirmed that Mikel Arteta is sidelined for the weekend trip to Everton after picking up an ankle injury against Besiktas in midweek. The Gunners boss went on to reveal he “will check” on the availability of German trio Per Mertesacker, Lukas Podolski and Mesut Ozil, having previously stated the World Cup winners “should be available”.

The Scout Says: The likely return of Ozil and Mertesacker will be music to the ears of Gunners fan after their somewhat lacklustre performance against Besiktas on Tuesday night. With Arteta out, there’s a chance Aaron Ramsey could drop deeper alongside Mathieu Flamini or Jack Wilshere if Ozil gets the nod in “the hole” behind the lone striker, while Callum Chambers’ owners will still be hopeful the youngster will retain his place after Wenger suggested a showdown with Romelu Lukaku “is a big test” for the youngster. The Arsenal boss also suggested that if Arteta’s injury is long-term, ”we have to be creative” – again, bearing in mind he has previously admitted he sees Chambers’ natural position as a defensive central midfielder, there’s hope that the summer signing from Southampton could yet have a prominent part to play this season.

SIX MONTH SNODGRASS ABSENCE CONFIRMED

After numerous scans and tests, Steve Bruce has revealed that summer signing Robert Snodgrass suffered a dislocated knee against QPR on Saturday and will be sidelined for six months.

The Scout Says: As mentioned in yesterday’s Scribbles, Snodgrass’ setback should see Tom Ince’s pitch time assured for the Tigers, and may provide Robbie Brady (available in FPL for 5.0) with the opportunity to nail down a role on the flank or in the hole behind the two forwards for the large part of the season. Bruce has, however, underlined his intention to find a replacement for the injured Snodgrass and the recently departed Shane Long before the transfer window closes, which could bring the starting roles of both Ince and Brady into jeopardy.

VERTONGHEN TO MAKE EUROPA RETURN

Jan Vertonghen has travelled to Cyprus for Tottenham’s Europa League fixture against AEL Limassol this evening. The defender missed his side’s opening day clash with West Ham on Saturday after Mauricio Pochettino declared him to be lacking fitness in wake of his World Cup assertions for Belgium. Moussa Dembele, Nacer Chadli and Paulinho are all also set to feature for Spurs tonight following their absences from the teamsheet last weekend, whilst the likes of Emmanuel Adebayor and Christian Eriksen have been left at home by Pochettino.

The Scout Says: Though Pochettino may have been quick to emphasise the importance of European football for his side this season, the fact that Adebayor and Eriksen have found themselves without a seat on the plane to Cyprus demonstrates that the Spurs boss won’t be risking the fitness of any of his players in favour of their Europa League duties. Good news for owners of the pair, then, who should be fully rested and prepared for the home encounter with QPR this Sunday lunchtime. The return of the 6.0-priced Vertonghen, meanwhile, is set to make things interesting in the North London side’s defence. With Kyle Naughton banned for this Gameweek, Eric Dier (who has already acquired over 95,000 since his goal scoring display last weekend) could be shifted to right back from the start against QPR, allowing Vertonghen to slot in alongside Younes Kaboul in the heart of defence. From Gameweek 3 onwards, however, Pochettino looks to have decision between Dier and Naughton for that role on the right, if Kyle Walker remains on the sidelines.

Altidore Accepts Sunderland Sub Role for Now

Despite a less than perfect first season with the Black Cats, and a World Cup that lasted only 20 minutes due a hamstring problem, Gus Poyet has asserted that Jozy Altidore has never been happier at the Stadium of Light than he is now:

“The idea is always to have options. We talk about Fletch (Steven Fletcher) and Connor (Wickham), but I can say that I’ve never seen Jozy as happy as now. I think last year, unfortunately for all of us, there were too many doubts because of the way we started. Now he knows where he’s standing, knows he’s started later and knows he cannot play 90 minutes right now. He knows the importance of maybe the last half-hour for us. He knows his role in the team for the next month.”

The Scout Says: A ten minute substitute performance against West Brom last weekend is indicative of what Altidore should expect for the near future as he builds up his match sharpness. Poyet’s words confirm that the US international won’t be edging ahead of Steven Fletcher or Connor Wickham in the pecking order anytime soon – indeed, with the latter fielded on the flank in recent matches, it seems Fletcher remains the preferred option for the lone forward position. The Black Cats face a mixed bag of fixtures in the coming weeks, with tough home encounters against Man United and Spurs sandwiched in-between trips to newly promoted clubs QPR and Burnley. Investment in any of their attacking options remains risky for now then, a belief evidenced by the fact that Wickham and Fletcher currently hold a combined ownership of under 3% in FPL.