Scout Scribbles – Over and Out for City

Sergio Aguero’s barren run continues as Manchester City’s Champions League run campaign reaches an unsatisfying conclusion. Jonathan Walters is doubtful for the Crystal Palace clash after undergoing surgery, Jonas Gutierrez is hoping for a weekend start, while Adam Johnson returned to training after Sunderland lifted his suspension.

Aguero misses penalty as City crash out

Sergio Aguero’s recent indifferent form continued as Barcelona eased into the quarter-finals of the Champions League courtesy of a 1-0 victory (aggregate 3-1) over Manchester City. The hosts took the lead through a deft chip from Ivan Rakitic in the first half, following an exquisite lofted through ball from Lionel Messi. The La Liga giants then enjoyed the lion’s share of possession and chances for the remainder of the tie but could have faced a nervy finale when Aguero was upended in the penalty area by Gerard Pique in the 78th minute. The Argentine’s penalty, however, was a dreadful one, placed a perfect height and distance away from the diving Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

In terms of team selection, Manuel Pellegrini named a multitude of changes from the XI that fell to a 1-0 defeat against Burnley in the league. The Chilean dropped Edin Dzeko and adopted a 4-4-1-1 formation, with David Silva playing just in front of a midfield four comprised of James Milner, Yaya Toure, Fernandinho and Samir Nasri. Bacary Sagna and Aleksandar Kolarov also came in for Pablo Zabaleta and Gael Clichy in the full-back berths.

The Scout Says: Bearing in mind that they are also out of the FA Cup, last night’s exit means City can now fully focus on their league ambitions from this point onwards. From a Fantasy perspective, the main point of note from the Nou Camp encounter was Pellegrini’s decision to opt for a lone striker system after utilising a 4-4-2 in a number of recent matches. There’s no doubt that Aguero has mainly thrived as a source of Fantasy points when leading the line on his own, whilst Silva’s owners will also be hoping he retains a central support role as Pellegrini looks to return to winning ways. With three home clashes (WBA, WHU, AVL) and a trip to Palace in the next five, City have the schedule to prosper and if Aguero can get back amongst the goals, those eyeing up a transfer out may be forced to reconsider if Pellegrini keeps faith in last night’s formation.

Walters doubtful after cheek surgery

Jonathan Walters went under the knife on Wednesday for a cheekbone fracture he sustained while jumping for a corner in Stoke City’s 1-0 loss to West Brom. The Irishman hasn’t yet been ruled out of the Crystal Palace encounter, though, as the Potters wait for the surgeon’s prognosis.

The Scout Says: After being employed as a lone striker and bagging a hat-trick against Queens Park Rangers in Gameweek 23, Walters’ out-of-position potential had piqued the interest of many Fantasy managers. Since the R’s clash, however, Stoke boss Mark Hughes has rotated between Mame Biram Diouf and Peter Crouch as the spearhead of their attack – Crouch has been given the nod recently following his winner against Hull City in Gameweek 28. Walters’ return to the right flank in Hughes’ 4-2-3-1 set-up engendered a decline in his goal threat. In his last three outings as a right winger, the former Ipswich town forward has attempted just four shots on goal and managed 14 touches in the penalty area. In contrast, Walters’ most recent three matches as a lone striker harvested seven strikes on goal and 17 touches in the 18-yard box. Ally this with a tough run of fixtures in the next  four (CRY, che, WHU, sou) and Walters’ 5.3 pricepoint isn’t as enticing as it once was.

Johnson free to train after suspension dropped

Although police investigations into an alleged off-field transgression continue, Adam Johnson has been allowed to return to training by Sunderland. The Wearside club issued a statement explaining that Johnson would be allowed to return to action while the legal process continues apace. Sunderland’s inquiry won’t be conducted until the police have concluded their investigation:

“We recognise that the player is entitled to re-commence his duties with the club while the legal process continues. He will therefore return to training. The club’s own investigation cannot continue until the conclusion of the legal process.”

The Scout Says: If we are to assume that Johnson will reclaim his starting berth under new boss Dick Advocaat, then the former Manchester City winger will clearly require time to regain his fitness after two weeks out – placing major question marks over his availability for the Black Cats’ trip to West Ham this Saturday. The Tyne-Wear derby on 5 April would seem like a reasonable return date for Johnson, giving Advocaat a trump card off the bench if his side’s attack is faltering. The 5.9-priced midfielder has only had one stretch of Fantasy productivity this campaign (three goals and an assist in five starts late last year), yet there’s no telling if the new manager can aid Johnson in rediscovering the form that saw him tally 13 goals and 15 assists over the last two seasons. Sunderland will be scrapping for every point in a relatively kind run-in (wha, NEW, CRY, sto, SOU, eve, LEI, CHE), so Johnson doesn’t look worthy of writing off just yet.

Versatile Gutierrez hopes for weekend start

Jonas Gutierrez has thrown his hat in the ring for a weekend start at home to Arsenal as Newcastle attempt to patch up their injury-and-suspension-hit defence. Talking to the local press, the Argentine – who has emerged from the bench in each of the last two after recovering from serious illness – went on to say:

“Three years ago when we finished fifth, I played in many positions. I was playing in different positions because we had problems with injuries. I’m here to help. I work hard and I want to enjoy. Always, I have to do the best for the team. We don’t have enough players at the moment. Colo is banned for three games. But we have to keep together and work hard for the manager.”

The Scout Says: With just three fit defenders available for selection, Magpies boss John Carver has a real dilemma for the Gunners’ visit. Newcastle are devoid of Steven Taylor, Massadio Haidara and Paul Dummett through injury and with Fabricio Coloccini suspended for three matches, Arsene Wenger’s side will be licking their lips ahead of the St James’ Park visit. A reshuffle could see Gutierrez shifted to left-back at the weekend, with Ryan Taylor moved to the opposite flank, which would allow Daryl Janmaat to partner Mike Williamson in the heart of the back-four, though with Olivier Giroud in such fine form, Carver’s side look in for a testing time of it.