Aiden McGeady scores twice as the Republic of Ireland edge past Georgia. Theo Walcott is closing in on a return to action for Arsenal. Jordan Henderson is a doubt for England’s clash with Switzerland, Aleksandar Kolarov nets for Serbia, whilst West Ham’s new boy Enner Valencia also gets amongst the goals for Ecuador.
McGeady at the Double
The Everton wide man scored both goals for the Republic of Ireland in a 2-1 triumph over Georgia yesterday, while team-mates James McCarthy and Seamus Coleman picked up an assist apiece.
The Scout Says: McGeady’s display bodes well for his chances of retaining a starting role for the Toffees’ trip to West Brom next weekend. With Steven Pienaar sidelined due to a groin problem at home to Chelsea, McGeady returned to the first XI and picked up an assist in the 6-3 defeat – with a goal and assist over his two league starts so far, then, he’s been one of the Merseysiders’ most impressive performers thus far. If the South African remains sidelined for a prolonged period, the Republic of Ireland star could be handed greater pitch time by Roberto Martinez as Everton go in search of their first win of the season.
Walcott On Course for Return
Reports suggest the Gunners winger could be poised to return to action for the Gameweek 6 home encounter with Spurs on September 27.
The Scout Says: Sidelined since early January with a knee injury, Walcott’s loss was sorely felt by Arsene Wenger and Fantasy managers alike. The wide man grabbed five goals and four assists in just nine starts last term but, as we saw earlier in the 2013/14, the Gunners boss tends to ease Walcott into action with a series of sub appearances as he builds up his fitness. The same scenario looks likely – all the more so given that Wenger has the likes of Alexis Sanchez to field on the right until Walcott is fully fit, but there’s no doubt that once he’s up to scratch, he could be a major differential over the autumn. With the schedule turning kind for Arsenal from Gameweek 8 onwards, Walcott could offer an alternative to Aaron Ramsey or even a double-up option with the Welshman for our five-man midfields.
Valencia in the Goals
West Ham’s summer signing played 76 minutes of Ecuador’s 4-0 win over Bolivia yesterday and fired his side’s third goal before making way.
The Scout Says: Valencia has been eased into action by Sam Allardyce after a late start to pre-season training as a result of his World Cup duties. A couple of late sub appearances over the last couple of league matches has ensured he remains off our radars for now, though as his fitness builds up, it’s surely just a matter of time before he replaces Carlton Cole as the Hammers’ lone forward. With Liverpool, United and City in the next six, though, few Fantasy managers will be looking to the Upton Park outfit as a source of investment right now.
Kolarov Nets in Serbia Draw
The enigmatic City left-back reminded us all of his capabilities last night by firing home a 30-yard free-kick in Serbia’s 1-1 home stalemate with France.
The Scout Says: This is just typical of Kolarov. We handed him a place in the Scout Picks as City entertained Stoke last time around and he brought home just two points after the champions stumbled to a 1-0 home defeat. Tellingly, he was dropped for the Gameweek 2 clash against Liverpool, highlighting Manuel Pellegrini’s tendency to pick the defensively-minded Gael Clichy against trickier opponents – given that City square up to Arsenal and Chelsea in the next two, the Serbian may have to make do with bench-warming duties in spite of last night’s strike.
Henderson Concern for Reds
Reports suggest the Liverpool midfielder is a doubt for England’s match with Switzerland this evening after picking up an ankle problem in training.
The Scout Says: With question marks also surrounding the availability of Daniel Sturridge, it’s been an eventful international break for Brendan Rodgers. One of the first names on the Liverpool team sheet, Henderson missed only three matches last season as a result of suspension, and despite the fixtures coming thick and fast, his guaranteed pitch time means he looks immune to rotation. A possible period on the sidelines could allow Adam Lallana a route into the Reds’ first XI ahead of four favourable home matches in the next six, though with two assists in the first Gameweeks, Henderson’s 15% of Fantasy Premier League owners will be hoping he can quickly recover.
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