Scout Scribbles – Rooney Steps Up Recovery

Wayne Rooney could be back for United this weekend. Daniel Sturridge is set to remain sidelined for Liverpool, Mousa Dembele is back in training for Spurs, whilst Alexis Sanchez remains hopeful of returning in time for Arsenal’s head-to-head with City.

Rooney Close to United Return

Having sat out Manchester United’s last two league ties with an ankle injury, Wayne Rooney could return for their home tie against Norwich City this Saturday.

The Scout Says: Prior to succumbing to injury, Rooney was in the midst of the worst form of his career, carding just two goals in 12 outings. His inefficacy as the spearhead of Man United’s attack prompted Louis van Gaal to field him at the number-ten berth and task Anthony Martial with leading the line. Given that the former Monaco frontman has recorded just one shot on target across his previous four starts, it’s fair to say he’s fared no better than Rooney with regards to finishing. Ultimately, Martial boasts a superior shot-conversion rate (18.8%) than the likes of Harry Kane (13.1%), Graziano Pelle (12.2%) and Odion Ighalo (18.2%), but he’s suffering from the Red Devils’ turgid build-up play. Only Newcastle United (114) and West Bromwich Albion (103) have carved out fewer key passes than Van Gaal’s troops (123) this term, which discourages investment in their attack ahead of a favourable festive schedule (NOR, sto, CHE, SWA, new).

Sturridge Set to Remain Sidelined

Daniel Sturridge looks set to miss Liverpool’s trip to Watford this Sunday as he has not yet returned to full training.

The Scout Says: In a similar vein to Tottenham Hotspur – who’ve netted just twice since their 4-1 mauling of West Ham United – Liverpool’s attack has slowed to a simmer in light of their head-turning 4-1 victory at the Etihad. Aside from notching just three goals in as many outings, the Reds chalked up just 11 shots on target over that stretch and posted the third-worst shot accuracy (22.9%). Philippe Coutinho (8.5) made his return from a hamstring knock against West Bromwich Albion and remains the most alluring route into Liverpool’s offence. Although he didn’t prolong his scoring streak (four goals in four), the Brazilian playmaker placed joint-second among all midfielders for shots on target (three). Jordan Henderson (6.5) bolstered his case for investment with a goal and assist against the Baggies, though it remains to be seen just how much his minutes are managed over the Christmas period, following his return from a lengthy absence.

Dembele Back in Training

Free from a foot injury that sidelined him last Gameweek, Mousa Dembele has returned to training ahead of Spurs’ trip to Southampton:

The Scout Says: Dembele struggled for starts last season but has arguably been the Lilywhites’ most improved player this term, garnering widespread acclaim for his dominant midfield displays. The Belgium international scored both of his league goals while operating on the right flank in Spurs’ 4-2-3-1 set-up but has since dropped back into the double pivot, with Dele Alli (5.1) pushing up to the number-ten berth. Incidentally, the latter has emerged as a viable fifth midfielder, bagging three goals and assists in 14 outings. Across the course of the entire campaign, Alli charts second among Tottenham’s midfield contingent for attempts (22), shots inside the box (11) and shots on target (eight) – making him a solid pick-up ahead of an agreeable trio of fixtures (sou, NOR, wat).

Kaboul Back for Sunderland

Speaking to Sunderland’s official website, Younes Kaboul revealed that he’s recovered from illness and will be in line to start against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge:

“I feel a little bit better; I had flu on a Friday. I was feeling really down and I was not 100% for the game but I’ve recovered and I’ll be ready for the next game. It is a very busy schedule over Christmas but we need the points, so we will take all the games coming up as cup finals to get the maximum points we can.”

The Scout Says: The Black Cats defence – bar a 6-2 demolition at the hands of Everton in Gameweek 11 – has proven harder to breach during Sam Allardyce’s nascent reign at the club. Over the last four Gameweeks, only four teams conceded fewer goals (four) than the Wearsiders and only Stoke City (three) carded more clean sheets (two). Moreover, they charted in the bottom eight with regards to shots inside the box surrendered (29) during that stretch. Ranking top among all defenders for attempts (seven) since Gameweek 13, Patrick van Aanholt (4.6) is the pick of Sunderland’s rearguard, but their unforgiving schedule (che, mci, LIV) tempers our enthusiasm.

Sanchez Hopeful on Recovery

According to reports in the Evening Standard, Alexis Sanchez is determined to recover from a hamstring problem to be passed fit for Arsenal’s home encounter against Manchester City on Monday. The Chilean returned to training earlier in the week and initial signs “have been encouraging”.

The Scout Says: Since Sanchez limped off at Carrow Road in Gameweek 14, Arsenal have won three successive matches in all competitions, scoring eight goals in the process. Arsene Wenger will be reluctant to take any unnecessary risks with the player, who suffered a real slump in form prior to his injury and produced just a single assist in his last five league appearances. In saying that, Monday’s clash is a key encounter and while it seems certain that Sanchez won’t start all four of the upcoming league outings (MCI, sou, BOU, NEW), Wenger could pick and choose when to play him if he can prove his fitness. A fully-fit Sanchez could have repercussions up top, too – with the Chilean back on board, Wenger would have the option of fielding Theo Walcott as a striker, thus affording Olivier Giroud a break. In light of Mesut Ozil’s exceptional consistency (attacking returns in 10 successive starts) and Aaron Ramsey’s rise to prominence (two goals and one assist in two) since his switch to the double pivot, there are strong alternatives to the Chilean as a route into the Gunners’ attack for those who feel a festive punt is just a little too risky.