Red cards flying, Ronaldo rested, Gerrard subbed in a Merseyside Derby. The Premiership is back to it’s unpredictable best. The Scout notes return to make some sense of it.
Let’s start as the Emirates as usual, where Wenger opted for Eduardo to fill Van Persie’s boots. However, it was Walcott’s arrival after the hour mark, replacing the Croatian, that turned the game. Walcott earned the assist for Rosicky’s goal and could now push for a start at Liverpool next time out. Elsewhere Almunia saw off Lehmann in goal and now looks to have sealed the keeper’s jersey – an appearance in next weekend’s top of the table clash will surely confirm that. I expect we’ll hear more on that from Lehmann in the next week or so.
Wenger recalled skipper Gallas to his back line with Senderos out injured. Eboue started on the right of midfield once a more, a role he’s had sporadically throughout the season. He too was replaced on the hour with some effect – his replacement Rosicky scoring the second goal. Eboue then remains a risky investment until he makes this position his own – which seems unlikely.
If you’ve yet to jump on the momentum of Arsenal’s bandwagon, this might not be the time. They face Liverpool at Anfield followed by a home clash with United. Two tight looking games which seem to offer little chance for clean sheets for the clubs involved. The points potential picks up dramatically in mid November, with a visit to Reading and a home game with Wigan.
With the Champions League in midweek, Sir Alex shuffled things for the visit to Villa Park, daring to drop Ronaldo to the bench to disappoint Fantasy Managers everywhere (hands up who had him as their FPL Captain). It’s clear then that the pre-Champions League games need monitoring, as Ferguson has proved here that he’s not afraid to rest his prize assets, even for tricky away trips. He gave starts to Anderson and Nani while Pique filled in a right-back, allowing Brown to replace Vidic who was still suffering from the effects of concussion. Van der Sar returned in goal as expected.
United have a fairly decent run of games coming with Boro at home, Arsenal away, Blackburn at home and Bolton away. Aside from Arsenal, that looks on paper like another 3 clean sheets. United have kept seven clean sheets from ten games, the highest in the Premiership and have yet to concede at Old Traffod.
In attacking terms, Ronaldo, Rooney and Tevez offer the points and are now showing signs of moving into top gear. As I’ve mentioned though, the Champions League rest and rotation policy is a concern here. The trip to Bolton at the end of November, three days before the home game with Sporting, could seem some rotation as could the home game with Derby in early December four days before the clash with Roma. Despite this, the lure of Rooney could prove too much given that he’s scored in every one of his last four competitive matches for United and England. Of the trio of big point scorers, he is also the least likely to be rested given the options available to Ferguson up front while Saha continues to be blighted by injury.
Rafa was without Torres for the Derby with Everton and opted for Voronin as the partner to Kuyt. Elsewhere Benayoun got the nod over Pennant with Gerrard employed on the right and Mascherano and Sissoko paired in central midfield. At the back it was Arbeloa’s turn to drop out with Finnan and Riise occupying the full-back positions. Things are likely to get shuffled again with Alonso and Agger and Kewell all nearing returns, plus of course, Torres will be back.
There were several points of interest in the clash with Everton even without the controversial refereeing. Kuyt scored both goals from the spot, the first while Gerrard was on the pitch, presumably because it was Gerrard that earned the penalty. It could be that Gerrard takes the next but it’s a situation worth monitoring. If Kuyt continues to get the spot kick duties it’s another factor that reduces Gerrard’s Fantasy value. The other interesting event that affects Gerrard again, is the fact that he was subbed on seventy minutes. A bizarre decision by Rafa but one which shows that nobody is untouchable in his squad.
Liverpool host Arsenal next of course then travel to Blackburn. They then have Fulham at Anfield, followed by a trip to Newcastle. In December they then have three of four at home, suggesting that, once Arsenal is out of the way, it could be time to brave Rafa’s rotation scheme and take a chance on a Liverpool player. Reina, and Carragher are the obvious candidates, simply because they appear to be those less likely to be subject to rest and rotation during a busy Champions League period. It’s worth noting however, that Liverpool have kept just one clean sheet in four Premiership outings but Agger’s return could well get things back on track. Gerrard meanwhile, is threatening Fantasy points having registered two assists in two games. Just one goal so far, in the opener against Villa though, is just not enough to warrant his price tag while the substitution and the Kuyt penalty are worrying factors.
Over on the blue side of Manchester, City kept another clean sheet at home and won again. That’s six stright home wins with just two goals conceded in those games. Selection wise, Sven kept faith with Hart in goal, keeping Isaksson on the bench and this will be a situation worth monitoring. It appears Sven is determined to hand us all a bargain keeper signing have given us Schmeichel for a good month or so, he is now tempting us with the proposition of Joe Hart. Elsewhere in the lineup it was as settled as ever. Elano was fit enough to take his place and score once more.
City go to Chelsea next, in what should be a real test of their credentials and those of Avram Grant’s side. After that they lineup against Sunderland at home, Portsmouth away and Reading at home. Those home games, as always, certainly look good bets for clean sheets and you’d also back Elano and Petrov to grab points in those matches.
Along with City, it’s Portsmouth who are mounting the major challenge to the “big four”. Also like City, it’s their back four which offer the best return. Portmouth’s clean sheet at Wigan on Saturday was their fourth in five Premiership games. Johnson, Campbell, Distin and Hreidarsson look to have their places secured and offer good value throughout the Fantasy games. Elsewhere in the side, against all odds, it’s Benjani who is currently catching the eye. He is now the Premiership’s top scorer with seven goals and has hit five in the last three. His place seems secure then, even though Kanu is likely to get back in at some point. It’s also worth noting that, unlike Kanu, Benjani won’t be called away to the African Cup of Nations in January as his Zimbabwe have been eliminated in qualifying.
Portsmouth have West Ham at home next, followed by a trip to Newcastle, a home game with City and a visit to Birmingham at the end of November. That’s a decent run which should offer a couple of clean sheets and dare I say, a few more Benjani goals. They have tough run coming in December though with Liverpool and Arsenal around the Christmas period. Until then, they continue to offer excellent Fantasy value.
Blackburn are another side in form, grabbing their fourth consecutive Premiership win against Reading. Crucially McCarthy is also hinting that he’s over his injuries and patchy form and could now emerge as the Fantasy force of last season. True enough, two of his three goals over the past two matches have been penalties, but his sharpness has returned and in Santa Cruz he has a partner who will lay on goals as he did on Saturday. Elsewhere in the side the defence offers little value – just two clean sheets in nine games. In midfield, Bentley is by far the best bet with Gamst-Pedersen left on the bench once again for this encounter. He’s unlikely to get back in given Blackburn’s current form and run of results.
However, be warned – the forthcoming fixtures for Blackburn don’t do them any favours. They travel to Spurs next in a game which should offer goals. However, they then face Liverpool at home followed by United away – two games in which McCarthy, Santa Cruz and Bentley will struggle to find points. Things look up towards the end of November however, with a trip to Fulham and a home game with Villa and December doesn’t look too bad either with a home game with Chelsea and trip to City the only real tricky encounters coming their way.
Avram Grant’s Chelsea (still can’t get used to saying that), are grinding out results and clean sheets and are promising decent Fantasy returns once again. The injuries remain an issue though with both Terry and Cole absent for the next three to four weeks. Cech, Carvalho and perhaps Belletti appear to offer the best value in a defence that has kept three consecutive Premiership clean sheets. Ferreira came in at left-back but looked vulnerable. He’s likely to have another couple of games until Bridge returns from suspension and Ashley Cole returns to fitness.
As if to counter-balance that weak spot,Essien’s return from a calf injury will only help their defensive qualities. He took his place in midfield in the victory over Boro alongside Obi Mikel and Lampard with Joe Cole and Malouda getting forward to support Drogba as the lone striker. The recent paper talk surrounding Drogba casts some doubt over his Fantasy value but he’s difficult to ignore given the run of games Chelsea have coming up.
Chelsea face City next in what will be a tricky game, although the City defence away from Eastlands is not as tight so Drogba could see some return here. After this they travel to Wigan, host Everton and then go to Derby. They then open December with two consecutive home games with West Ham and Sunderland. Three Champions League games amongst that little lot could complicate things and we’ve yet to see how Grant with shuffle things with Europe in mind. However, given that Chelsea have ground to make up, it appears that Drogba and Lampard should be ever present and therefore could offer a very decent return over the next six weeks. Lampard has averaged five shots per game in his two appearances under Grant, evidence that he is back in the frame of mind and is being given the freedom, to begin registering the goals he is renowned for. The one doubt with Lampard is that he no longer seems to have monopoly on set pieces. Alex’s free-kick goal evidence that Lampard now has rivals for dead ball strikes on goal.
Villa will be forced into changes following the dismissal of both Carson and Reo-Coker against United. Taylor is likely to benefit as could new signing, the Togolese Zidane’, Moustapha Salifou who is now eligible to take his place in the lineup. Whilst United tore into Villa, Agbonlahor quietly notched his fourth goal in six Premiership matches and is starting to emerge as a decent Fantasy proposition once again. He and Barry certainly look the only candidates worth considering in attacking terms whilst defensively Villa seem to either concede four or keep a clean sheet. They’re certainly not a defence you can rely on, although Laursen remains in the “maybe” pile.
Villa’s fixtures aren’t kind however. They face four of the next five away from Villa Park. While that is likely to mean few clean sheets, the opposition suggests that goals could be on the cards. They face Bolton away next followed by a home game with Derby. After that they have the run of away games with visits to Birmingham, Boro and Blackburn. All games in which Villa could and should score in. In December things get a lot tougher however with Arsenal, Portsmouth, City and Chelsea all coming their way.
West Ham are another inconsistent side who offer some value in attacking terms. Bellamy struck his second Premiership goal in the victory over Sunderland and could hit some form now he is back to fitness. There appears to be little value elsewhere in the side however with Ashton injured and real doubt over Curbishley’s first choice midfield with so many names in there. Solano came off the bench to add his to the list, earning an assist for Gordon’s own goal but with Ljungberg, Etherington and Boa Morte in the mix it’s very difficult to decipher any value here. Defensively the Hammers have kept three clean sheets so can only be considered during a period of kind fixtures. The forthcoming run of Portsmouth away, Bolton at home, Derby away and Spurs at home doesn’t look bad but the likes of Green and Upson should only be short-term options. Bellamy however, could flourish in those games.
Everton were the other side to suffer a pair or red cards this weekend with Hibbert and Neville getting their marching orders. That will see Moyes shuffle next time around with Jagielka likely to move to right-back and Gravesen, Carsley and Pienaar will compete for midfield slots. Against Liverpool Moyes brought Stubbs back into his defence with Lescott moving to left-back and Baines dropping out. Only Howard seems certain of his place in the Everton back five that has kept just one clean sheet in ten games. Lescott’s incredible goal return, boosted by an assist against Liverpool, continues to make him an attractive option though. Up front McFadden dropped out this weekend, presumably due to tiredness after the International break. Anichebe partnered Yakubu although Johnson should be threatening a return next time out.
Cahill is another factor to consider. He almost made a return in this game and will come into contention next weekend. Once he establishes himself back in the side he could certainly be worth consideration. Right now however it’s Arteta that remains Everton’s major Fantasy player although he’s yet to find the net so far this season. That could change over the next four games in which Everton take on all three promoted sides. They start with Derby away next followed by Birmingham at home. A tough trip to Chelsea is then followed by a home game with Sunderland.
Reading continue to struggle defensively but in Fantasy terms, their attacking players still offer some value. Doyle found a brace this weekend despite being employed in a wide role in this game. He and Kitson offer some value as Reading continue to find the net on a regular basis without picking up Premiership points. Elsewhere there’s little to value to be found amongst Coppell’s men. He changed the tactics against Blackburn, employing Bikey as a holding midfielder and Doyle out wide, with pretty disastrous results. Sonko did make a return to the back four with little effect. Shorey however, hinted at the possible value he offers should Coppell sort out his defensive problems. The England full-back contributed both assists to Doyle’s goals, his second and third of the season.
Fulham earned their second clean sheet of the season as they hung on to a draw with ten men after Konchesky’s dismissal. His three-match ban is likely to see Bocanegra recalled after he made way for Stefanovic at the weekend. Only Dempsey and perhaps Davies offer any real potential. Kamara and Healy seem to be rotating making them both a risk. A shame because Fulham’s next two games against Sunderland and Reading seem to offer some potential for goals. After that, forget it. Fulham face Liverpool, Blackburn and United a run of games which could leave Fulham firmly in the bottom three.
Birmingham continue to show spirit but are yet to put a run of results together. Schmitz got his first start in the absence of Djourou as expected. Larsson was missing, presumably with a knock so Palacious started. De Ridder made his first appearance of the season as a sub for McSheffrey after the hour mark. Kapo and Jerome appear to be the main Fantasy targets in Bruce’s side. Both seem to have secured their place in the side and offer the biggest attacking threat. Birmingham have three of the next four at home with Wigan, Villa and Portsmouth paying them visits. The next month could well be an opportunity then for Birmingham to get the results their performances have threatened which could make both Jerome and Kapo worth considering. If you’re looking for budget defender over the next few weeks meanwhile, then Ridgewell could be that man.
Wigan continue to struggle with Heskey. Sibierski’s injury problems have blighted his early form and he was once again subbed before the hour mark in this latest Wigan defeat. Koumas remains the bright spark and creative influence but without a goal threat he is also limited in what he can offer Fantasy managers. Scharner is yet to register a goal so despite being classified as a defender whilst playing midfield, he is yet to deliver value on that promise. Fixture wise, Wigan have a tough run of games coming. They travel to Birmingham next and then face Chelsea at home, Spurs away and Arsenal away followed by City at home. All those opponents will be looking at Wigan to help them earn precious clean sheets and things aren’t looking good for Chris Hutchings’ side.
Sunderland were unlucky to slip to defeat at West Ham. Keane brought back Halford at right-back to cover for the suspended McShane as expected. He also dropped Chopra to the bench for the first time and drafted in O’Donovan for his first start. Etuhu replaced Yorke in midfield after returning from suspension. Of the Sunderland players it’s Jones who seems to offer the best value. The big striker notched his third goal in six games and has also earned three assists in that time. Clearly he is central to Keane’s side attacking ploys and has now emerged as a clear bargain buy, ousting the early front runners to that crown – Chopra and Healy. Elsewhere Leadbitter has faired well since earning a starting role with two goals and two assits. Wallace is still worth a look although his place will be threatened by the return of Richardson and Edwards come December. Sunderland have Fulham at home next followed by a trip to City, Newcastle at home and then a trip to Everton.
Boro are suffering and seem to offer little value to Fantasy managers. That includes Downing who, after a promising start has dried up as Boro struggle to establish a regular strike pairing due to injuries. Alliadiere’s return and Mido’s recovering match fitness could yet see an improvement but right now there appears to be little to tempt us amongst Southgate’s men particularly as they travel to Old Trafford next.
Similarly theres little of note at Derby. The only one temptation could be Giles Barnes. Hotly tipped in pre-season, he played the entire second-half at Fulham after appearing as sub. He could be worth monitoring although only if Derby can somehow find some form. Every game looks tough for them right now and in the next month when they face Everton, Villa, West Ham and Chelsea.
Finally, Archie Knox selected his first Bolton side without being able to call on Anelka. As expected he recalled Nolan but introduced few changes to Sammy Lee’s last lineup elsewhere. Presumably another week in charge could see some changes when they entertain Villa next weekend. That’s the first of three home games in the next four for Bolton, a fact that makes Anelka worth persevering with, although there’s little else amongst the Bolton lineup to catch the eye right now.