Scout Scribbles – Sturridge and Balotelli Boost for Liverpool

Daniel Sturridge and Mario Balotelli could both be in line for a weekend return for Liverpool. Steven Taylor is expected to be in contention for Newcastle, Aaron Ramsey concedes he’s not yet returned to full match sharpness, Billy Jones nears his Sunderland comeback, whilst Harry Kane’s form continues with a brace for England Under 21s.

Strikers On Verge of Reds Return

Reports surfacing yesterday suggest that Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli is expected to be fit for his side’s clash with Crystal Palace this weekend, despite being sent home from international training with Italy with a groin concern. Daniel Sturridge, meanwhile, has dropped a major hint on Instagram that he, too, will be fit for the trip to Selhurst Park.

The Scout Says: Could we finally be set to see the two Liverpool forwards paired together for only the second time this season? The last time it happened, against Spurs in Gameweek 3, saw Brendan Rodgers’ side deliver unquestionably their best performance of the season as they ran out with a comfortable 3-0 victory. Raheem Sterling found himself on the scoresheet that day, and having notched just once since, his performances having taking a significant downturn since Sturridge was sidelined and Rodgers moved to a lone striker system. With his international team-mate now back in contention, however, we could see the young midfielder return to his dangerous best, and he couldn’t ask for a better place to start than against Palace this weekend, whose dire defensive performances have seen them concede two or more goals in four of their last five showings. With more decent fixtures to follow for Liverpool (STO, lei, SUN) both Sterling, at 8.5, and Sturridge, at 11.1, are poised to scale our Watchlists in the coming weeks.

MAGPIES HOPEFUL OF TAYLOR RECOVERY

Newcastle defender Steven Taylor is expected to recover from a knee problem in time to face QPR this weekend – contrary to reports that he had suffered a further injury setback during the international break.

The Scout Says: It’s been a merry-go-round couple of days for Taylor’s recent influx of owners, with earlier reports indicating that he could be out for up to four weeks having now been quashed. The 3.9-valued centre-back has picked up in popularity after securing a starting spot in a backline that has accumulated three clean sheets in their last four Gameweeks, though with skipper Fabricio Coloccini a doubt for the Gameweek 12 meeting with QPR, the Magpies’ defensive credentials could be put to the test this weekend: the Argentine has started every league match this season, and earned bonus points each time they have managed a shutout. Taylor’s return is likely to move Mike Williamson further down the pecking order – after recovering from injury last time around, the latter was handed a spot on the bench as Pardew opted for Paul Dummett alongside Coloccini at centre-half and the young Welshman could be tasked with filling in at the heart of defence until the Magpies have a full quota to choose from.

RAMSEY CONCEDES HE’S NOT FULLY FIT

Aaron Ramsey has spoken out about his recent criticism and admitted that he is yet to reach 100% this season:

“I’ve had a few injuries this season and I’m just getting back. To be honest, I’m still not 100 per cent physically there. The injuries do take a bit out of me. It will take me a few more games to be back to my best. But I’m not worried. I know my qualities. Certain criticism from people is unfair.”

The Scout Says: The Welshman was handed his first start since Gameweek 6 last time around against Swansea, as Arsene Wenger continues to ease him back into action following his injury difficulties. Having made such a positive start to the campaign, Ramsey is now without a goal since Gameweek 2, and, what’s more, the Gunners’ recent move to a 4-4-2 formation is likely to limit his ability to get forward as much: indeed, his performance at the Liberty saw him register an ICT rating of just 3.0, as opposed to an average of 14.4 across his first three displays of the season. Should Wenger stick with the same system, Theo Walcott – once fully fit – should feature on the flanks or possibly up top on occasion, and thus looks a better option than the 8.8-priced Ramsey for a similar price (9.0).

JONES EDGES CLOSER TO BLACK CAST COMEBACK

Reports confirm Billy Jones is expected to feature in training in under two weeks’ time as he nears his Sunderland return.

The Scout Says: Having finally broken into the first XI back in Gameweek 6, his subsequent injury the following week has come as a real blow for the right back, whose start to life at the Stadium of Light since his summer move from West Brom has been far from idyllic. His absence, coupled with further injuries amongst the Black Cats’ backline, has also allowed the error-prone Wes Brown increased pitch time, and the former United man is the prime candidate to make way upon Jones’ comeback, with Santiago Vergini then set to move back to the centre of defence in order to allow the former Baggies man the right-back berth. With four hugely testing fixtures (CHE, MCI, liv, WHM) proceeding this weekend’s trip to Leicester, Jones’ return will hand Gus Poyet a major boost as he attempts to continue the form which has seen his side earn four points from the last two Gameweeks.

KANE DOUBLE NOT ENOUGH FOR ENGLAND

Tottenham’s Harry Kane scored twice for England Under-21s last night as they lost 3-2 to France.

The Scout Says: Handed a first league start of the season against Stoke in Gameweek 11 after notching 10 goals in his previous 14 appearances, Kane’s form continues to impress. Last night’s brace will be a real confidence boost ahead of Sunday’s trip to Hull and, at 4.8, the youngster could offer managers a superb budget forward option if he can carry on his scoring form and hold on to his first team spot. Whilst matches against Everton and Chelsea in the next three may deter many, it’s worth noting that neither have impressed defensively so far and have mustered just three clean sheets apiece in the opening 11 Gameweeks. The following four (CPL, swa, BUR, lei) all look promising and should offer Kane a chance to oust midfielder Nacer Chadli as the best value route into Mauricio Pochettino’s side in the final third.