Nemanja Vidic grabs United’s opener in a first-leg home draw with European champions Bayern. Sergio Aguero won’t rush his latest injury comeback, Emmanuel Adebayor is back in training for Tottenham, Loic Remy has a chance of returning for Newcastle this weekend, whilst Pepe Mel hails the importance of Graham Dorrans for struggling West Brom:
UNITED HOLD BAYERN FOR A DRAW
David Moyes was again giving something to cheer about in the Champions League last night, as Manchester United fought for a 1-1 draw with the reigning champions Bayern Munich. Moyes made five changes from Saturday’s victory against Aston Villa, with Ashley Young, Darren Fletcher, the injured Rafael, suspended Patrice Evra and cup-tied Juan Mata all making way. The under-fire boss fielded Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck up top and the experienced duo of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand in the heart of defence, with the former heading his side’s only goal from a Rooney corner. Ryan Giggs, meanwhile, was forced off at half time with a groin complaint.
The Scout Says: Could they pull it off? Whilst the top four now looks a lost hope United, last night’s dogged performance will mean they will still be harbouring dreams of lifting the Champions League trophy and qualifying for the competition next year. Should Moyes’ men indeed stun their German opponents in the next leg, however, those dreams will begin to have a genuine effect on the Fantasy landscape – Moyes’ attention will surely be focused upon his side’s European exploits, meaning rest and rotation will likely take their toll on United’s assets. The cup-tied Juan Mata of course remains immune to this, and with a goal and assist earned in last Saturday’s game the Spaniard could well be a key differential over the remainder of the season – though his lofty 9.2 price tag still remains an impediment. The situation regarding Wayne Rooney will also require monitoring; with three double figure hauls in last five games, the striker is riding high in our Watchlist right now and looked set to play a big part in our Fantasy fortunes in the coming weeks. With Robin Van Persie still sidelined due to a knee injury, it remains to be seen whether Moyes would protect his only in-form forward in order to keep United’s European dream alive.
Aguero Won’t Rush City Comeback
The Argentine admitted he is wary of returning to action too soon after breaking down twice with injuries already this season:
“With this recovery I am trying to do my best to be able to play again, but I cannot do it in a hurry. I do think to myself if something happens now, I will lose the rest of the Premier League season and the World Cup.”
The Scout Says: The Aguero news puts any plans for his immediate acquisition on hold. City still have two double Gameweeks remaining and play at the Etihad five times between now and the end of the season – fixtures you’d expect him to rack up the points, though having played just twice in the league since mid-December, his concerns are understandable. A continued absence for Aguero ensures Yaya Toure retains spot-kick duties, whilst Edin Dzeko owners will be a little more confident that the 6.9-priced Bosnian will hold onto his starting berth for now – certainly, three goals and an assist in his last three suggest Dzeko is firmly in the driving seat, with Alvaro Negredo scoring once in the last 12 Gameweeks by comparison.
ADEBAYOR BACK IN TRAINING
Tottenham have confirmed that Emmanuel Adebayor is back in training after recovering from a heel injury. Adebayor has missed Spurs last two Premier League fixtures with the problem but, according to Tim Sherwood, the striker could well return to the squad for next Monday’s game with Sunderland:
“We’ll continue to assess him as the week progresses and hopefully he’ll then be back in contention against Sunderland. He’s obviously been a big miss.”
The Scout Says: Having endured a 4-0 drubbing at Anfield last weekend, Sherwood will inevitably be eager to have Adebayor back in the frame. Reinvigorated under the current Spurs manager, Adebayor has accrued eight goals and five assists since Sherwood came into power at White Hart Lane, a run of returns that brought him plenty of attention around these parts throughout winter. Spurs have a cracking schedule to see them through the remainder of the campaign, and Adebayor, with a modest price tag of 7.7, could well be primed to reap the benefits against the likes of Sunderland, West Brom and Fulham and re-emerge as an alternative for our three-man frontlines before the season draws to a close.
PARDEW WAITS ON REMY
According to reports in the local press, Alan Pardew is hopeful that top scorer Loic Remy will be fit to face Man United on Saturday. Remy has been missing for Newcastle since picking up an injury on international duty in early March, but could well be set to make his comeback for the Magpies this weekend.
The Scout Says: With Pardew emphasising the need to freshen things up in his side, Remy’s return couldn’t be better timed for the Newcastle boss. Upon returning from suspension back in Gameweek 27, Remy notched in each of his two appearances before succumbing to a calf complaint and the Frenchman well be eager to make a similar impact upon his latest comeback. With only one goal in their last four games, the Magpies are desperate for a greater contribution up front and Papiss Cisse’s current stint in the starting line-up could be about to grind to a halt if Remy proves his fitness. The visit of Man United, followed by trips to Stoke and Arsenal in the next three, will be tough for the out-of-form Magpies, but there is no doubt that the 8.0 priced Remy, firing on all cylinders, has the potential to be the catalyst for a turnaround in fortunes for his side.
IRELAND AIMS TO END SEASON ON A HIGH
Stoke midfielder Stephan Ireland has discussed his recent performances for the Staffordshire outfit, and is keen to hang on to his starting berth for the remainder of the season:
“I perform better when I’m getting regular games, and I’m getting that. But the manager’s methods and way he wants us to play really suits me as a player. The team has done very well and hopefully now I’ve got myself back in the side, I can play every game from now until the end of the season.”
The Scout Says: Eight goals in their last three games have seen Stoke suggest they could be a surprise package for the rest of the campaign. Ireland, at just 4.4, has started each of the last two games he has been available for and, whilst he only has returned a single assist, has impressed in both for Mark Hughes’ in-form side. Charlie Adam was afforded a bench role against Hull last weekend upon his return from suspension, though it remains to be seen where Jonathan Walters fits into the equation – he has now completed a three-match ban and will likely challenge Ireland for his preferred position in ‘the hole’. Those looking for a real differential route into the Potter’s in-form midfield need look no further than the charismatic Marko Arnautovic – a run of seven starts, with a goal and two assists accrued in his last three, makes the Austrian a real consideration for those desperate to regain ground in their mini leagues over the remaining seven Gameweeks.
MEL BACKS DORRANS FOR THE RUN-IN
Pepe Mel has talked up the importance of midfielder Graham Dorrans ahead of West Brom’s remaining seven fixtures, insisting that the Scottish international is a ‘key player’ for the midlands outfit after scoring his first goal of the season in Saturday’s home draw against Cardiff.
The Scout Says: Three consecutive starts for the 4.4-priced Dorrans has been his best run in the West Brom team this season, with last Saturday’s goal scoring display rewarding Mel’s decision to back the midfielder after Chris Brunt was ruled out with a knee injury in mid-March. Although Dorrans may well now be a first choice starter for the Baggies, fixtures against Tottenham and Man City in the next four immediately reduce his differential appeal – showdowns with Norwich and West Ham do offer hope, though, before West Brom square up to Arsenal and Sunderland in double Gameweek 37.
