Robin van Persie fires United into the last eight of the Champions League before being stretchered off against Olympiacos. Emmanuel Adebayor is an injury concern once again for Tottenham, Michael Turner is closing in on a Norwich comeback, whilst Craig Dawson is looking to nail down a starting berth for the Baggies:
VAN PERSIE TREBLE INSPIRES UNITED
David Moyes made four changes from Sunday’s embarrassing home defeat to Liverpool for last night’s Champions League showdown with Olympiacos, with Rio Ferdinand, Antonio Valencia, Danny Welbeck and the evergreen Ryan Giggs introduced to the starting line-up. Giggs repaid his manager’s faith with a controlling display in midfield, whilst it was under-fire Robin van Persie who was the hero on the night, bagging a hat-trick to send United through to the quarter-finals.
Van Persie was, however, worryingly stretchered off in the final minutes of the game, though Moyes has quickly played down fears of a serious injury to his star striker:
“I don’t think he’s too bad. He’s got a knock just behind his knee. We’ll know more in the morning.”
The Scout Says: United’s turbulent form continues, as does the fortunes of the most expensive player in Fantasy Premier League. Since returning from injury in Gameweek 23, Van Persie has ticked along with four goals, an assist and four bonus points in the last seven fixtures, hardly justifying his super-sized price tag. He, Moyes and his Fantasy owners will be desperate for last night’s salvo to kick-start his season, with the Dutchman’s contribution against the Greek side perhaps bringing him back into consideration for some. His performance last night certainly serves a timely reminder of his capabilities and sheer points power prior to a double Gameweek for United, and further news of the extent of his injury will thus be anxiously awaited by many.
DAWSON AIMS TO STAKE A CLAIM
West Brom centre-back Craig Dawson has talked up the ‘massive opportunity’’ offered to him by Jonas Olsson’s two game suspension as the ideal chance to prove his worth for his side. Dawson made only his fourth Premier League start for the Baggies in last weekend’s victory over Swansea, and the young Englishman – speaking in an interview with the club’s website – is now relishing the thought of retaining a regular starting berth in West Brom’s rearguard.
The Scout Says: With Hull, Cardiff and Norwich to face in the next three fixtures, Dawson’s wishes may well come true. The Baggies haven’t kept a clean sheet since the start of January but, on the back of Pepe Mel’s first win in charge and their upcoming schedule, Dawson, at just 3.9, could be primed to prove himself to both Mel and bargain-hunting Fantasy managers. Even upon Olsson’s return, Dawson could still retain his starting berth if his manager keeps faith in the 3-5-2 formation successfully rolled out against Swansea last Saturday.
TURNER READY FOR COMEBACK
Norwich defender Michael Turner has finally overcome a hamstring injury and completed 45 minutes of Under-21s football earlier this week. The centre-back is now looking forward to his imminent return to the Canaries’ first team, but is aware of the competition for places in the backline:
“There are good defenders in our squad – there will be four fit centre-halves now so there is going to be good competition for places, so whoever plays is going to have to perform to keep the shirt.”
The Scout Says: An ever-present for Norwich for the opening third of the season, Turner’s comeback looks set to give Chris Hughton plenty to mull over in the heart of his defence. Joseph Yobo has played every minute for the Canaries since signing in January, but his spot could well come under threat from the 4.1-priced Turner once he is back to full fitness. A decent short-term fixture list lies ahead for his side (SUN, swa, WBA, ful) before the schedule takes a severe turn for the worse – if Norwich are to avoid relegation then the next four games may well be key, and Turner could have an important part to play in ensuring the Canaries’ survival.
Injury Headache for Sherwood
Tottenham’s hopes of overcoming a 3-1 first leg Europa League defeat against Benfica were dealt a blow yesterday after a number of first-team players were omitted from the trip to Portugal through injury. Emmanuel Adebayor, Paulinho, Younes Kaboul, Hugo Lloris and Kyle Walker were amongst the names left behind in London as Tim Sherwood attempt to arrest a run of three straight defeats.
The Scout Says: Adebayor’s injury will be the main concern for Fantasy managers ahead of Sunday’s home game against Southampton. The Togo international was a doubt heading into last week’s clash with Arsenal and is struggling with hamstring and heel problems according to the club’s official website. Sherwood is doing all he can to protect the forward but Fantasy managers have clearly made their minds up – with a run of one assist in four appearances and a lack of a double Gameweek, he’s been shipped out by nearly 60,000 already this week and has dropped 0.4 in price over the last two weeks.
