Scout Scribbles – International Round Up

Sergio Aguero scores twice and provides three assists as Argentina thrash Bolivia. Mesut Ozil recovers from illness to turn out for Germany, Anthony Martial is handed his senior debut for France, whilst Gareth McAuley bags a brace for Northern Ireland.

Aguero Runs Riot against Bolivia

Sergio Aguero played a part in five of Argentina’s goals in a 7-0 home win over Bolivia last night. The City striker scored twice and laid on three assists before being replaced on 80 minutes. Everton new boy Ramiro Funes Mori played from start to finish in the heart of defence, keeping the likes of United’s Marcos Rojo, along with City pair Martin Demichelis and Nicholas Otamendi, on the bench.

The Scout Says: Having struggled for form in the opening four Gameweeks, Aguero’s display suggests he’s building up his match sharpness over the international break after returning to training later due to his Copa America exertions. A disappointing blank at home to Watford last time out took his tally to one league goal so far and has persuaded over 15,000 FPL managers to sell the 13.2-priced frontman since the end of Gameweek 4, but last night’s showing suggests they could regret that decision. Still sitting in over 32% of sides, there’s plenty of reason for optimism once he returns to domestic action, as the league leaders prepare for a superb run of opponents (cpl, WHM, tot, NEW, BOU, mun, NOR, avl) in the next eight Gameweeks.

Martial Handed Les Bleus Debut

Anthony Martial’s week to remember continued last night after the United new boy earned his debut during France’s 1-0 win over Portugal. Martial was initially named amongst the subs but replaced Karim Benzema up front with 16 minutes remaining.

The Scout Says: Whilst he failed to get in the goals, last night’s step up in status will surely be a confidence boost for the youngster ahead of his debut for the Old Trafford outfit. Didier Deschamps is clearly a big fan, calling him “a huge talent” and now looks set to integrate the youngster into the France senior squad ahead of next year’s Euro 2016. The French now host Serbia on Monday evening and Martial could even be poised for a first start as he looks to stake a claim for a starting berth for the Red Devils ahead of next weekend’s home encounter with bitter rivals Liverpool.

Ozil Back in Action

Having missed Arsenal’s Gameweek 4 trip to Newcastle, Mesut Ozil recovered from illness to play the full 90 minutes in Germany’s 3-1 win over Poland last night.

The Scout Says: The playmaker’s return is good news for the Gunners, who have yet to fully fire in the first four Gameweeks. Arsene Wenger’s side have managed just three goals, with Ozil earning an assist, though one look at the underlying stats indicates they’ve been more than unlucky – Arsenal lead the way for shots (83) and efforts inside the box (56) but have found the net with just 3.6% of their chances. Ozil has been sold by over 43,000 FPL managers since missing out at St James’ but now looks set to return to the first-team fold ahead of a mixed schedule which pits the north London club against Stoke, Chelsea, Leicester and United in the next four rounds of fixtures.

McAuley Double Earns Ireland the Points

Gareth McAuley bagged a brace for Northern Island as they moved to the top of their Euro 2016 qualifying group courtesy of a 3-1 away win over the Faroe Islands. West Bromwich Albion team-mate Chris Brunt turned provider for McAuley’s second header of the night.

The Scout Says: McAuley’s brace arrives at a time where the Baggies are prepared for a strong run of fixtures (SOU, avl, EVE, cry, SUN, nor, LEI) in the upcoming Gameweeks. Owing to injuries and rotation, predicting the exact composition of Tony Pulis’ backline has been a futile endeavour so far this season. Craig Dawson (5.0) has been the only ever-present among their full roster of defenders, starting the season at centre-back, before shifting over to right-back to replace James Chester. Brunt, who recovered from a hamstring problem in time for last night’s match, looks set to claim control of the left-back berth with Joleon Lescott out of the picture, which leaves two centre-back slots up for grabs. McAuley and Jonas Olsson have partnered up for the West Midlanders’ previous three match-ups yet the arrival of Jonny Evans (4.8) looks bad news for the latter, given that McAuley has been selected for every league match he’s been available for by Pulis. Although West Brom have shipped six goals in their last two home ties – albeit against Chelsea and Manchester City – two clean sheets in the last three suggests they are rediscovering the resilience that served up 16 shut-outs in the season gone by.

Long in the Goals

Shane Long nodded home the final goal as the Republic of Ireland recorded a 4-0 win over Gibraltar, having replaced man of the match Robbie Keane at the 71-minute mark.

The Scout Says: It’s been a tough start domestically for the Southampton striker, who has been named in the first XI in only one of the opening four Gameweeks. With Dusan Tadic and Sadio Mane excelling on the flanks in a 4-2-3-1 set-up against Norwich last time out, and lone striker Graziano Pelle also netting against the Canaries, Long looks unlikely to break into Ronald Koeman’s starting line-up anytime soon. A testing run of upcoming matches (wba, MUN, SWA, che) is likely to deter most from considering the Saints’ regulars, though potential suitors may wish to revaluate Southampton’s main men from Gameweek 9 onwards, with a view to capitalise on a favourable run of matches (LEI, liv, BOU, sun, STO) thereafter.