As always, there are plenty of scenarios for us to monitor ahead of the weekend’s matches. The game time of Everton’s Belgian wide man, the fitness of City’s star striker, the performance of West Ham’s target man and United’s display against Liverpool are just some of the situations under close observation:
Aguero’s Fitness and Dzeko’s Role
Having suffered a further hamstring scare in the Nou Camp last night, Aguero’s availability from this point on looks central to Man City’s title hopes. We’re waiting for conclusive news from the club in the next 24-hours but there’s every possibility that the Argentine will miss out or be preserved from the trip to Hull this weekend. With Stevan Jovetic also suffering another setback, Manuel Pellegrini could be left to either pair Alvaro Negredo and Edin Dzeko or retain the 4-5-1. Either way, Dzeko could well be firmly back on the radar given Negredo’s miserable form and Pellegrini’s apparent lack of faith.
Negredo was again sacrificed early in the FA Cup defeat to Wigan – hauled off before the hour-mark as Pellegrini turned to Dzeko to help chase the game against the Latics. Negredo last completed 90 minutes back on January 21 – more alarmingly, that match against West Ham was the last time he’s scored for City. The Spaniard’s form must put Dzeko in the running to partner Aguero in the 4-4-2, if fit, and could also see the Bosnian earn a start in the Gameweek 31 fixture with Fulham if Pellegrini is pondering Aguero in a 4-5-1 at Old Trafford.
Hull City’s backline against City
James Chester made a return to the Hull starting lineup for the FA Cup win over Sunderland, relegating Alex Bruce to the bench. Chester has started all three cup ties since his return from injury so the weekend teamsheet perhaps came as no surprise but it remains to be seen if Bruce is again restored for the visit of Man City. At just 3.8, both represent decent budget options if we can be sure on their security of start – sadly, that situation remains uncertain.
Mirallas’ Pitch Time
Rested to the bench against West Ham to be restored at Arsenal in the FA Cup, the Belgian’s minutes over the double Gameweek are in question and seem likely to remain so, unless he can put in a match-winning shift against Cardiff. Roberto Martinez has already indicated that competition for places is fierce and, with Aiden McGeady and Gerard Deulofeu vying for starts on the right , Mirallas is set to remain under more threat than most. With Steven Pienaar doubtful for the Bluebirds clash, though, Mirallas’ owners will be confident of a start, at least, on Saturday afternoon.
The Moussa Sissoko Option
The Frenchman’s two-goal salvo at Hull may have been overshadowed by the actions of Alan Pardew but shrewd Fantasy managers will have taken note. Sissoko is known to us as the player who made an explosive impact on his arrival in the North East, firing three goals in his first three league starts for the Magpies. His since almost vanished as an option to us, only to renewed by his KC Stadium haul and his potential as a double Gameweek midfield asset for a paltry sum of 5.6. We will be watching his display at Fulham with interest to see if he can continue to profit from the absence of Yohan Cabaye and the injured Hatem Ben Arfa.
Will Chambers Remain Benched?
The 18-year old had looked hugely impressive having started three consecutive league matches prior to the trip to Palace last weekend. However, Chambers found himself ousted to the bench with Nathaniel Clyne given a recall against his former club. It remains to be seen if that continues against Norwich, with Mauricio Pochettino perhaps likely to keep faith with Clyne, having seen his side claim an away clean sheet at Selhurst Park.
The Carroll Consideration
Prior to his suspension, Andy Carroll actually looked fit enough to score and assist goals for West Ham. After a lengthy lay-off, the big Geordie put in a storming shift against Swansea, only to see red for “lashing out” at Chico. Back from the ban, Carroll came off the bench at Everton but failed to help the Hammers dent Everton’s clean sheet. Things could be different at Stoke this weekend. Renewing his partnership with Kevin Nolan, we will be keeping tabs on them both, assessing whether there is any merit in investing in West Ham’s attacking options for Gameweek 31 when, for so long, they’ve seemed so impotent as a goal threat.
The United Revival
You can hardly call it a comeback but, three consecutive clean sheets and five goals in the league hints that United should have the confidence to put on a display against Liverpool. Sunday’s clash looks a timely test of the revival, with Fantasy mangers able to run the rule over the United backline against the most in-form attack in the league. There will be more eyes on Wayne Rooney, however: his performance next to that of Robin van Persie will be pivotal to United’s hopes against Liverpool and could yet see some transfer traffic heading their way for the season run-in.
Sherwood’s Teamsheet…again
Tottenham’s lineup at Chelsea puzzled many, not least because it saw Kyle Walker return to take up a midfield role and Jan Vertonghen at left-back. The 4-5-1 was expected but, similarly, we foresee a more attacking outlook for the visit of Arsenal. The formation will be of interest, but it’s the personnel involved that’s key to our thinking. Christian Eriksen is said to be back in contention, while Paulinho will surely be pushing for a recall having sat out at the Bridge – that all points to Emmanuel Adebayor leading the attack in front of midfield raiders. At the back, Younes Kaboul is available after having his Stamford Bridge red rescinded and will slot straight in ahead of the hamstrung Dawson. He should now get the opportunity to make that position his own and perhaps emerge as an end of season bargain.
Schürrle’s Pitch Time
A 65-minute display against Spurs followed on from his hat-trick at Fulham and now we need to monitor the German’s opportunities as Chelsea make their way to Villa. Schürrle’s emergence as a new source of goals for Jose Mourinho’s midfield is an enticing prospect – particularly with his modest 7.0 price tag. It’s meant that Willian has been relegated to the bench, while Oscar has also been limited to 45 minute appearances in two of his last three. Mourinho has many options, then, with Schürrle still classed as a gamble in Fantasy terms. Another start and goals at Villa may just change that.
