Scout Notes – Gameweek 5 – Sunday

Leonardo Ulloa strikes twice as Leicester come from behind to see off United. Angel Di Maria bags a goal and assist as Juan Mata is dropped to the bench. Leighton Baines brings home the points again despite Everton’s loss to Palace, James Morrison fires West Brom to victory at Spurs, while Chelsea old boy Frank Lampard cancels out an Andre Schurrle strike as City hold the leaders at the Etihad.

Mata Benched as Rooney Drops Deep
Fantasy owners of both players may well be reassessing their options after Louis van Gaal’s tactical reshuffle yesterday. The Dutchman’s decision to hand Rooney the role in “the hole” behind Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao saw the England international earn just an assist in the 5-3 loss, though with back-to-back home matches against West Ham and Everton preceding a trip to The Hawthorns, his owners are likely to hold as we assess the long-term impact on his Fantasy potential. Those still holding Mata, however, will surely be planning an exit route,

Di Maria Delivers Again
The Argentine grabbed a goal and assist for the second successive Gameweek as he becomes increasingly instrumental to United’s prospects in the final third. Snapped up by over 293,000 Fantasy Premier League managers last week, Di Maria’s ownership continues to soar in our five-man midfields and the above-mentioned schedule looks set to ensure the bandwagon hurtles along at pace. Elsewhere in the United midfield, Ander Herrera netted for the second time in as many matches, and at just 7.3 to Di Maria’s 9.7, some may be persuaded to opt for the Spaniard’s more budget-friendly appeal.

Ulloa and Vardy Steer The Foxes to Victory
Nigel Pearson’s side continue to defy the fixture list with a stunning comeback win over United. Leicester had already drawn with Everton and Arsenal at the King Power Stadium but their unbeaten record looked on the line after the visitors went 3-1 up just before the hour-mark – what then followed showed just why The Foxes won last year’s Championship. Leonardo Ulloa took his tally to five goals in as many matches with a brace, though the summer signing was overshadowed by James Vardy, who turned in an exceptional display with a goal and four assists. Pearson’s side now have some decent fixtures in the next five (cpl, BUR, new, swa, WBA), and at just 5.6, many are now eyeing up Ulloa as a cheap forward option as he continues to take the top-flight by storm.

Spurs Slump at Home Again
Mauricio Pochettino’s side have now failed to score in each of their last two home encounters after suffering a disastrous defeat at the hands of West Brom. Hopes were high for the likes of Emmanuel Adebayor, Christian Eriksen and Nacer Chadli but Spurs managed a single shot on target all match, and with Arsenal, Southampton and City in the next three, returns look arguably unlikely at either end of the pitch.

Morrison The Baggies Hero
In his second start of the season, the Scot grabbed the only goal in yesterday’s early encounter at the Lane. After his side had failed to score in each of the previous three, Alan Irvine dropped record signing Brown Ideye to the bench as Saido Berahino grabbed the lone forward role, whilst at the back, the installation of Joleon Lescott proved crucial in chalking up a second shut-out of the campaign. With three strong home fixtures in the next six (BUR, CPL, NEW), Andre Wisdom owners will perhaps be a little more confident in starting the 4.0-priced defender if the Baggies carry on from yesterday’s result.

Baines in the Points Again as Martinez Rotates
In a Gameweek where many captaincy options failed us, the Toffees left-back proved an excellent armband differential after picking up the points for a third Gameweek in succession. Baines’ converted spot-kick in yesterday’s 3-2 home loss to Palace means he has now served up a goal, two assists and six bonus points over that period, though with back-to-back trips to Liverpool and United up next, many may be prepared to hold fire until the schedule picks up in Gameweek 8. Certainly, given that Roberto Martinez’ side have conceded at least twice in all but one of the opening five matches, defensive returns are looking hard to come by.

While Romelu Lukaku kept his starting role and scored for the second match running, Martinez’ team sheet indicates he may well be set to rotate in the forward areas to deal with Europa League duties. Steven Naismith and Kevin Mirallas both approached the match in excellent form but dropped to the bench as the Everton boss turned to the likes of Christian Atsu and Leon Osman – perhaps a sign of things to come as the schedule picks up for the Merseysiders.

Palace Shock Goodison
Palace continued their impressive attacking form on the road under Neil Warnock yesterday. The Eagles stuck three past Newcastle in their previous road trip before stuttering to a goalless draw at home to Burnley last weekend but found their scoring boots once again, with Yannick Bolasie, Fraizer Campbell and a Mile Jedinak penalty earning a crucial win. While Jason Puncheon kept his tally ticking over with an assist, Wilfried Zaha already looks far from assured of a start after dropping to the bench to accommodate goal-scorer Bolasie. Interestingly, Warnock also recalled Joe Ledley in favour of Dwight Gayle and shuffled his pack at the back, with Adrian Mariappa dropped to the bench in favour of the recalled Martin Kelly, underlining the uncertainty in the Palace starting XI at this moment in time.

Schurrle Nets in Blues Draw
Chelsea’s 100% start to the season came to an end yesterday after a 1-1 draw at the Etihad. For the first time this term, Eden Hazard outscored both Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa by providing the assist for Andre Schurrle’s opener, though the Blues’ defensive frailties continue to blight their prospects – it’s just one clean sheet in five for the league leaders ahead of back-to-back home matches against Villa and Arsenal.

Lampard to the Rescue
Edin Dzeko recovered from a back problem to take his place alongside Sergio Aguero as City reverted to 4-2-2-2 formation. Neither player was able to influence matters, though, and the Bosnian was subbed off midway through the second period as his goalless start to the campaign continues. Instead, it was left to Chelsea legend Lampard to net a late equaliser just seven minutes after emerging from the bench – bearing in mind he’s been afforded just 58 minutes this season, it’s fair to say his he’ll be utilised as an impact sub at best.