Roberto Martinez could be set to alternate his attacking options as Everton prepare for two doubles in the next four Gameweeks. Steven Fletcher is struggling with an ankle injury for Sunderland. David Luiz is back in training for Chelsea, whilst Gabby Agbonlahor and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are expected to recover from calf complaints in time for the upcoming Gameweek:
Martinez Keen to Utilise Squad for Run-in
The Everton boss has revealed he is looking to ensure all of his attackers are handed game time over the run-in. Discussing the impact of Gerard Deulofeu, who grabbed a goal in Saturday’s win over Cardiff before being subbed off just after the hour mark, Martinez went on to say:
“I think it’s important Gerard keeps building back match fitness. He got an hour today and it’s important that we keep every forward player fresh. I’m looking at the next 10 games and players like Gerard and Aiden McGeady are starting to be themselves and physically they’re ready to perform. We’ve got options in Kevin Mirallas, Ross Barkley, Leon Osman, Steven Naismith and Romelu Lukaku as well. I’m going to make sure everyone has playing time and we develop a good moment of form for them, because it’s important we have freshness and a real edge about us in the next 10 games.”
The Scout Says: The news is somewhat worrying for owners of Mirallas and Lukaku ahead of a schedule which see the Toffees handed two doubles and a trip to Fulham in the next four Gameweeks. Everton have scored just five times in their last six league matches and their manager is clearly intent on ensuring fatigue doesn’t set in as he looks to finish his first season at the helm on a high. Mirallas was handed the role in “the hole” last weekend before being subbed off on 61 minutes against the Bluebirds – perhaps a sign of what we can expect, given Martinez’ words. Both Mirallas and Naismith are versatile enough to be fielded as the lone forward, too, suggesting Lukaku may not be guaranteed 90 minutes per appearance; a worry for his ever-growing bandwagon and a situation that perhaps strengthens the case for investing in the Toffees’ rearguard instead.
Fletcher Concern for Sunderland
The Black Cats forward could be set for another spell on the sidelines after picking up an ankle problem in Saturday’s goalless draw with Palace. Fletcher was subbed off at the break against the Eagles and Gus Poyet already fears the worst:
“He landed badly when he jumped for the ball, and he has twisted his ankle. We are having it checked out and he will have a scan, but it looks like he will be out for a few weeks.”
The Scout Says: In a season hampered by injury, Fletcher has already spent time on the sidelines with ankle, shoulder and Achilles problems. The latest setback could hand Jozy Altidore the lone forward role in the Wearsiders’ bid for survival, though with a single goal all season, the US international has hardly impressed. Fabio Borini offers Poyet an in-form alternative through the middle ahead of three doubles in the final eight Gameweeks, though the Italian cannot feature in the second match of double Gameweek 31 against parent club Liverpool due to the conditions of his loan deal.
Lambert Optimistic on Agbonlahor
Paul Lambert remains hopeful the forward will recover in time for Sunday’s home game against Stoke after revealing Agbonlahor was forced off against Chelsea on Saturday having picked up a calf problem:
“Gabby had a little problem at half-time just with his calf and so we watched it and took him off because we still have masses of games to play – I think he’ll be okay.”
The Scout Says: Agbonlahor’s recovery could be crucial for the Midlands outfit as Lambert goes in search of a third successive win for the first time this season. Having beaten Norwich and Chelsea in back-to-back matches, Villa are now nine points clear of the drop-zone, and whilst Agbonlahor hasn’t produced any returns since Gameweek 22, his pace and trickery on the flank are vital to Villa’s 4-3-3 formation. Lambert’s charges are lacking a double Gameweek 31 and are therefore likely to stay off Fantasy radars this week but from Gameweek 33 their schedule looks very kind. Showdowns with Fulham, Palace, Southampton and Swansea precedes a pair of fixtures against Hull and Man City in Gameweek 37, suggesting Villa could well be worth considering once the upcoming Gameweek is behind us.
Luiz Back in Training for Blues
The Brazilian stepped up his recovery from injury by returning to full training yesterday as Chelsea prepare for a Champions League showdown with Turkish outfit Galatasaray.
The Scout Says: Whilst Luiz seems highly unlikely to break up the central defensive partnership of John Terry and Gary Cahill, he could be set to benefit from Ramires’ dismissal against Villa last weekend. The latter is set to miss Chelsea’s next three league games (ARS, cpl, STO) and Jose Mourinho could perhaps install the versatile Luiz alongside Nemanja Matic or Frank Lampard in the double-pivot as he looks to reshuffle his pack to cope without Ramires who has played all but two of the Blues’ league games this season.
Oxlade-Chamberlain Boost for Gunners
Reports indicate the Arsenal midfielder is expected to be fit for next Saturday’s crucial trip to Chelsea after being forced off with a calf complaint three minutes from the end of Sunday’s north London derby win at White Hart Lane.
The Scout Says: Oxlade-Chamberlain was handed his first start in four Gameweeks at the weekend, after a couple of brief appearances off the bench in the previous three league matches. With Mezut Ozil and Jack Wilshere recently joining Aaron Ramsey and Theo Walcott on the sidelines for the Gunners, the 6.6-priced youngster could potentially hand us a decent differential if he can nail down a regular role for the run-in. Indeed, his assist for Tomas Rosicky’s winner at the Lane means he has now produced two goals and a pair of assists in three starts since returning from injury at the tail end of January. Granted, the Gunners’ immediate schedule – Chelsea, City and Everton in the next three – could be much kinder, but beyond that, Arsene Wenger’s side look primed for investment from Gameweek 34 onwards.
