Scout Scribbles – Janmaat Concern for Magpies

Daryl Janmaat withdraws from Holland duties due to a knee complaint. John Stones is ruled out of England’s qualifiers, whilst Wayne Rooney is a doubt. Gareth McAuley is available for Northern Ireland, whilst Switzerland are optimistic on Xherdan Shaqiri’s chances of recovering from a thigh problem.

Janmaat withdraws from Holland Duties

Daryl Janmaat has been ruled out of the Netherlands squad ahead of their Euro qualifiers due to stiffness in his knee. Newcastle have since released a statement confirming they are optimistic that the right-back will be fit to face Norwich City at home next Gameweek.

The Scout Says: In spite of the fact that Newcastle United have claimed just one clean sheet this term and shipped 10 goals in their previous quartet of match-ups, Janmaat remains on our radar because of his supreme underlying statistics. Only Aleksandar Kolarov (one every 62.1 minutes) boasts a better shot frequency than Janmaat (68.1 minutes) among those defenders who’ve made at least four appearances. Furthermore, the marauding Dutchman has amassed two more shots on target (six) than any defender. Considering that the Magpies now enjoy an excellent batch of fixtures through to Gameweek 15 (NOW, sun, STO, bou, LEI, cry), Janmaat could serve as an excellent differential if passed fit for the Canaries clash.

Stones Ruled Out for Three Lions

John Stones – who’s carrying a minor knee injury – will play no part in England’s final pair of Euro 2016 qualifiers after being ruled out yesterday afternoon.

The Scout Says: With Seamus Coleman nearing a return and Leighton Baines closing in on a return, Everton’s defence is slowly getting back to full strength. Fantasy managers will be hoping that Stones recovers swiftly as the Toffees gear up for an exceptional run of fixtures from Gameweek 11 (SUN, whu, AVL, bou, CRY, nor, LEI, new, STO). For now, Phil Jagielka (5.4) presents the safest route into their rearguard, while Tim Howard (5.1) – who’s ten points clear of any Everton defenders by virtue of eight save points and four bonus points – should pique the interest of anyone scouring the market for a shot-stopper. Ultimately, the fact that the Merseysiders conceded an average of one goal per match through the opening eight Gameweeks – despite facing off against six of last term’s top eight outfits – bodes well for their clean-sheet prospects over a kinder stretch.

Rooney Worry for Hodgson

Wayne Rooney, Danny Ings and Jonjo Shelvey all missed training for England yesterday, with the United skipper rated a doubt for Friday’s clash with Estonia after picking up a knock against Arsenal.

The Scout Says: With England already through to Euro 2016, it seems unlikely that Rooney will be risked for the Three Lions. The United skipper’s record-breaking displays on the international front have masked his domestic toils, which have seen him score just once in the league this term. The arrival of Anthony Martial has forced Rooney into a central support role at United, and although their fixtures take a turn for the better in Gameweek 11, Martial and Juan Mata – who has scored or assisted in five of the last seven – look the likeliest routes into Louis van Gaal’s attack.

McAuley Fit for Northern Ireland

Gareth McAuley has been given the go-ahead to play for Northern Ireland during the international break – the defender has been passed fit after suffering a recurrence of a calf complaint against Crystal Palace last weekend. Meanwhile, Baggies team-mate Jonny Evans is still touch-and-go for his nation’s crunch tie against Greece on Thursday.

The Scout Says: Although West Brom’s flawless road record came to an end at the hands of the Eagles, the West Midlanders remain a fine source of mid-priced defensive assets in light of Tony Pulis’ resilient brand of football. Craig Dawson remains the prime pick among the back four owing to his security of starts and fitness, while Boaz Myhill ranks second in the keeper rankings for total score (41). Both will continue to be in high demand as they embark on a favourable trio of match-ups (SUN, nor, LEI). The trip to Carrow Road is arguably the sternest test on paper, yet investors in West Brom’s rearguard will be emboldened by the fact that only Southampton (21) have conceded fewer shots inside the box in away matches than the Baggies (22).

Swiss Optimistic on Shaqiri

Having sat out Stoke City’s 1-0 road win over Aston Villa due to a thigh strain, Xherdan Shaqiri is expected to be passed fit for Switzerland’s Euro qualifiers, according to head coach Vladimir Petkovic:

“I have no doubt about the condition of Shaqiri. He will play on Friday (against San Marino).”

The Scout Says: Priced at 6.8 in the wake of a 0.2 depreciation, Shaqiri has failed to establish himself as contender in the mid-priced midfielder bracket. Turning out for a Stoke outfit that’s tallied just eight goals in as many matches, the former Bayern Munich recruit lays claim to a solitary assist across 407 minutes. Moreover, his underlying statistics don’t particularly portend imminent attacking returns, with just two shots on target and seven key passes arriving this campaign. Those managers yearning for Potters coverage ahead of a decent trio of encounters (swa, WAT, new) might consider the 6.0-priced Marko Arnautovic, who – apart from notching two goals and assists – places top among Stoke’s midfielders for attempts (11), shots on target (four) and key passes (nine).