Hull’s unlikely march towards a European place continues at the Hawthorns. United stutter at Goodison and Richardson blasts Sunderland fans into delirium at the Stadium of Light.

There’s a change of format for the scout notes this week, as I gear up for the midweek schedule. I’ll be structuring things differently from now on, giving myself a little more freedom to focus on the things that matter – rather than who Southgate picked at left back. Not that Gareth and his team aren’t interesting of course…

The Lineups

Santa Cruz is back in the fantasy equation after he returned from injury against Boro yesterday. Given his inflated value this season however – he will need some impressive form before any fanatsy manager will look his way. McCarthy’s late equaliser for Blackburn will surely put him in the frame for a start at Villa on Wednesday. He was a fantasy favourite the season before last of course, but it’s very early days before we can consider him as a prospect for this term. A price tag of just 7.2 in the FPL will make him an interesting proposition should he establish himself and find some form.

Samba missed the game yesterday so will remain a doubt for the Villa game. Warnock kept his central midfield role and looks set to do so long term – Olsson is becoming established at left back but is classed as a midfielder across the games so offers little value.

Yobo returned to the Everton defence against United. That meant that Baines dropped to the bench yet again, with Lescott shifted to left back. Cahill is back from suspension for Everton’s trip to Bolton on Wednesday so I’m expecting a change to 4-5-1 with Saha making way.

The right back situation is no clearer for United. Brown started yesterday with Neville benched. I expect that to be reversed against West Ham on Wednesday. The situation is far from predictable so both Brown and Neville look no-go in fantasy terms. Tevez was again on the bench at Goodison – he will surely threaten a start against his former club. Rooney would be favourite to get a rest.

Jones returned to the Sunderland bench against Newcastle. His partnership with Cisse looks potentially fruitful for Keane and fantasy managers. Both are mid-price options – Cisse at 6.8 in the FPL, Jones at 6.9 currently. Both represent decent options for those looking to downgrade their strikers and could provide a decent supplement to Zaki. Expect to see Cisse and Jones lineup together at some point at Stoke on Wednesday.

The Form

Hull stole the headlines again with another superb win and their players will get further attention this week. Another clean sheet makes it just one goal conceded in the last four games. Myhill and Turner continue to present outstanding value then. Zayatte is now offering strong value at just 4.0 as a further option – his goal and bonus will bring him to the attention of many then, including owners of Dawson who suffered an injury yesterday.

In midfield, Marney left with a fourth assist, while Geovanni was bombing beyond the strikers and always looked a threat – scoring his fourth goal of the season. Both will surely see FPL price rises again this week. Up front meanwhile, King is presenting himself as an excellent budget consideration with three goals, an assist and six FPL bonus to his name thus far.

Hull’s fixtures do get even tougher however – it’s Chelsea, United and City over the next four. Clean sheets look unlikely then, while you’d expect their attacking potential to be muted by the United and Chelsea defences, but it’s clear you underestimate Hull at your peril.

Richardson’s form for Sunderland warrants some attention. His fixtures are a mixed bag but his emerging threat from set plays makes him a decent alternative to Ireland or Geovanni. He is sitting on four bookings however. Staying in midfield, Fletcher grabbed a third goal of the season for United – his place will be under threat with Carrick’s immenent return from injury but he could warrant another look in the short-term.

There was lots of talk on the comments, as always, on Ronaldo. Just a single FPL bonus point for him this week will bitterly disappoint many who turned to him for their captaincy. He looked lively in a strong first half for United but faded badly and missed chances in the second. While he is clearly struggling to find the form and influence of last season – it’s clear to me that he remains central (quite literally at times) to United’s attacking play.

United stuttered at Goodison and therefore so did Ronaldo. I personally feel that when United click, he will bring in the kind of points that come close to justifying his price tag. if Chelsea get three points today, then Ronaldo should start against West Ham and Ronaldo owners should profit if the Hammers get the backlash from yesterday’s draw.

Injuries and Bans

Just one injury of note – Dawson picked up a knock for Hull against West Brom and was subbed on 10 minutes.

Still with Hull, and skipper Ashbee became the first Premiership player to reach five bookings. He’ll miss the game against United at Old Trafford next weekend so he will be available for the home game with Chelsea on Wednesday.