Scout Notes – Gameweek 7 – Sunday

Diego Costa and Eden Hazard steer Chelsea to victory over Arsenal. Angel di Maria grabs a goal and assist as United edge past Everton, Christian Eriksen fires Spurs to victory over the Saints, whilst Diafra Sakho and Stewart Downing are in the points again as the Hammers brush aside QPR.

Hazard On the Spot
Diego Costa continued his relentless scoring exploits at the Bridge by taking his tally to nine for the season in the 2-0 win over Arsenal, though the Spain international was – for once – overshadowed by Eden Hazard. A converted spot-kick laid the argument to rest over who is the Blues’ number one penalty-taker this term and helped the Belgian move onto 39 points – just two behind Cesc Fabregas. With an ownership of 13% compared to the Spaniard’s 51%, Hazard is developing into a deadly differential.

Blues Resilience Improving
Meanwhile, in defence, Chelsea delivered back-to-back clean sheets for the first time this term, with yesterday’s tally of just five shots over the 90 minutes suggesting that Jose Mourinho is tightening things up a bit. Those thinking of moving on Branislav Ivanovic for Leighton Baines due to the Blues’ tricky schedule (cpl, mun, QPR, liv) may now have second thoughts as Mourinho’s side start to rack up the defensive returns once again, though for those unwilling to shell out on the pricey Serbian, Cesar Azpilicueta is currently looking great value for his 6.0 price tag.

Sanchez Fails to Spark Gunners
After being utilised as a sub in the previous two league matches, Alexis Sanchez returned to the first XI yesterday afternoon. The Chilean was unable to help Arsene Wenger’s men breach the Blues’ rearguard but his installation in the XI at least suggests he’s back in the frame ahead of a very kind run of fixtures. The Gunners face just two of last season’s top eight in the next nine Gameweeks now and, in spite of yesterday’s loss, the likes of Sanchez and Danny Welbeck will be firmly on Fantasy radars as Wenger’s side look to the schedule to re-ignite their faltering title tilt.

Eriksen Sees Off Southampton
Cristian Eriksen rocketed back on to the radar yesterday as his second goal of the season earned Spurs a 1-0 victory over Southampton. Having found the net in two of his last four league appearances, the Dane is certainly starting to deliver as a result of a move to a central role behind Emmanuel Adebayor and, down to just 7.8 in FPL with a 7% ownership, is another differential starting to appear on our radars again. It’s hard to look beyond Nacer Chadli in Spurs’ midfield ranks, though; the latter moved up to fifth overall in the FPL standings after serving up an assist, yet in spite of a very kind 6.3 price tag, is still owned by a mere 10% of managers.

Saints Stumble at the Lane
Ronald Koeman’s men rolled up to Spurs on the back of a six-match winning streak in all competitions but were unable to breach their hosts’ backline. Graziano Pelle managed only one attempt on goal, whilst Dusan Tadic created a total of just one chance as the away side failed to click into gear. The good news for the Saints is that they now have five excellent fixtures to bounce back from the defeat (SUN, STO, hul, LEI, avl) and our faith in the likes of Tadic, Pelle and Sadio Mane, as well as their plethora of defensive talent, still remains strong for now.

Di Maria Delivers Yet Again
Angel Di Maria produced a goal and assist for the third time in four Gameweeks as United climbed into fourth spot. Snapped up by over 163,000 FPL managers last week, the Argentine now sits in 35% of sides but is set for significant investment over the international fortnight after averaging over eight points per appearance for Louis van Gaal’s side. Radamel Falcao finally found the net for the first time since arriving at Old Trafford but with Chelsea, City and Arsenal in the next five, few will be willing to load up on United options – with Di Maria’s exploits earning him plenty of interest, the Colombian is likely to remain off the radar for now.

Tough Times for the Toffees
Despite missing a penalty in the Premier League for the first time in his career, Leighton Baines comforted his 17.6% ownership by contributing the assist for Steven Naismith’s headed strike against United. The left-back continues to look the one Toffees player worthy of investment right now, though Naismith’s first goal in four could signal a return to the form shown in the first few weeks of the season. Sitting in 17th in the table, Everton’s form is undeniably poor, but their upcoming fixtures (AVL, bur, SWA, sun, WHM) should help them improve their position and also regain our Fantasy faith in their assets.

Sakho and Downing in Fine Form
Diafra Sakho scored for the fifth consecutive match in all competitions as the Hammers saw off QPR 2-0 to further cement his credentials as one of the best budget forward options around. Stewart Downing was also in the points once again with an assist and two bonus points, despite being shifted into central midfield to accommodate Mauro Zarate (making his first start since Gameweek 4). Sam Allardyce’s outfit secured their first clean sheet of the season against the Rs, and with decent fixtures to follow (bur, MCI, sto, AVL), the West Londoners are currently encouraging investment in all areas of the pitch.