James Tomkins and James Collins both return from injury to appear in Mark Noble’s testimonial. Wahbi Khazri and Lamine Kone are expected to be fit for Sunderland’s clash with the Baggies, Gerard Deulofeu notches for Spain Under 21s, whilst Rafa Benitez hints at more minutes for Newcastle’s forgotten Dutchman.
Hammers duo step up recoveries
James Tomkins and James Collins both took to the field for Mark Noble’s testimonial match after recovering from injuries. Tomkins played the first 45 minutes, whilst Collins was afforded the final nine minutes of the match as the pair look to step up their fitness ahead of a plum home clash with Crystal Palace this weekend. Sam Byram, meanwhile, is still nursing an injury and failed to take part.
The Scout Says: Assuming Tomkins is given the all-clear for the Eagles’ visit, Slaven Bilic could well decide to station him at right-back if Byram misses out again. Such a scenario would allow Michail Antonio – who has played at right wing-back and right-back recently due to the injuries in defence – to reclaim a spot in the Hammers’ attacking quartet. Considering that the former Nottingham Forest wide man has averaged 5.2 points per appearance and comes in considerably cheaper than Dimitri Payet (5.4 compared to 8.3), Antonio’s progress will be keenly observed prior to West Ham’s two doubles in Gameweeks 34 and Gameweek 37, with Manuel Lanzini – at 4.9 – also on our radars in light of his goal at Goodison last time out. It’s worth noting, however, that the London club play Manchester United in their FA Cup quarter-final replay on 13 April, setting up a schedule (four matches in 12 days) that’s ripe for rotation.
Black Cats optimistic on new boys
Having both withdrawn from international duty after picking up injuries in the Tyne-Wear derby, Wahbi Khazri and Lamine Kone are both expected to be back in the frame for Sunderland’s home tie against West Bromwich Albion this weekend.
The Scout Says: With the Baggies’ visit and a trip to Norwich on the Black Cats’ agenda across the next trio of Gameweeks, the short-term schedule looks crucial for Big Sam’s side. Khazri’s propensity for Fantasy returns was illustrated by a haul of 19 points against Liverpool and United over Gameweek 26-27 before a run of four straight blanks, with Jermain Defoe (two goals in as many matches) offering the in-form route into an attack that’s fired 17 shots on target in their last four matches – only four teams managed more. Although Sunderland don’t enjoy a double in Gameweek 34, their successive home encounters in Gameweek 37 (CHE, EVE) encourage us to keep tabs on their prime assets.
Deulofeu dazzles for Spain
Gerard Deulofeu scored the only goal for Spain’s U21 outfit (a stunning solo effort) as they ran out out 1-0 victors over Norway.
The Scout Says: With regards to Everton’s wing options, Aaron Lennon (four goals and one assist in six starts) and Tom Cleverley are Roberto Martinez’s favoured pairing at present, but the likes of Deulofeu, Kevin Mirallas (back from suspension) and Oumar Niasse (having scored for Senegal over the break) are all pushing for starts. Certainly, the Toffees’ back-to-back doubles in Gameweek 33 (wat & cry) and Gameweek 34 (SOU & liv) may lend itself to rotation on the flanks, given that their trip to Liverpool in the second double arrives three days before an FA Cup semi-final encounter against either West Ham or Man United. Given his security of starts, Ross Barkley furnishes us with the safest route into the Merseysiders’ midfield, though 11 blanks in his last 12 are hardly reassuring. Although he’s flattered to deceive of late, only two midfielders mustered more shots (12) than Barkley over their previous four outings, which suggests that a slight calibration could trigger strong returns.
Benitez talks up De Jong
Rafa Benitez intimated that Siem de Jong will enjoy more playing time under his stewardship, having been impressed with the Dutchman’s two cameo outings since arriving on Tyneside:
“At this time, you need experience, you need people that can understand the game and they can play the game under pressure. That is the most difficult thing, to play the game under pressure. Some players are good players but struggle under pressure, but he will be important for the rest of the season.”
The Scout Says: Looking at the output of Newcastle’s midfielders since Benitez took up the mantle, Moussa Sissoko (5.6) posted the most impressive statistics, ranking top for attempts (five), top for shots inside the box (five) and second for key passes (four). Conversely, Georginio Wijnaldum managed zero attempts and two key passes, which in part can be attributed to his deployment at the double pivot last time out, with Benitez fielding Ayoze Perez in “the hole” behind a lone striker. Should De Jong (who has managed a single assists in an injury-hit season) oust the latter, he could prove a surprise option ahead of the Magpies’ double Gameweek 34 (SWA & MCI) . Despite the fact that the Toon tallied two goals in their last four fixtures, Benitez’s influence is illustrated by the fact they charted sixth for shots inside the box (18) in their past two match-ups.
Blind hopeful on hamstring
Daley Blind sustained a stiff hamstring while training for Netherlands but expects to be passed fit for Oranje’s trip to Wembley:
“My hamstring is stiff. I didn’t want to take any risks in view of the upcoming games. We have to see how it goes. But I don’t think it’s that bad.”
The Scout Says: Blind’s classification as a midfielder in the Fantasy Premier League starves us of a path into the Red Devils’ rearguard, ensuring that Chris Smalling and David De Gea are the only safe selections. At a price of just 5.0, Marcos Rojo – who has been handed four consecutive starts – is beginning to establish himself as a candidate for Man United’s double Gameweek 34 (AVL & CRY), though there’s always the fear that Ashley Young’s imminent return to the fold will increase his rotation risk. Regardless, Louis van Gaal’s men have conceded three fewer goals (seven) than any team at home this term, which makes Man United’s backline a more alluring source of investment than a lacklustre attack that’s mustered just seven goals in their last six outings.
