Danny Welbeck notches twice as England get the better of Switzerland. David Silva is instrumental in Spain’s hammering of Macedonia, Stevan Jovetic picks up a hamstring problem in training for Montenegro, Jose Mourinho is happy with Chelsea’s new attacking approach, while United receive some mixed injury news ahead of the home encounter against QPR.
DANNY DOES THE DOUBLE
Arsenal’s new recruit Danny Welbeck scored both goals in England’s 2-0 win over Switzerland in their first Euro 2016 qualifier last night. The former Man United striker tucked home Raheem Sterling’s cross early in the second half before grabbing a late second courtesy of a Rickie Lambert assist.
The Scout Says: The 66,000 managers to have already gambled on Welbeck in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game since last week’s transfer will be buoyant after last night’s performance in Basel. The striker gave a clear response to those who claim he ‘can’t score goals’ with two excellently taken finishes, and now looks set for even more investment ahead of this weekend’s deadline. With Olivier Giroud out till the New Year, and Yaya Sanogo failing to find the net in 17 competitive matches for the Gunners, Arsene Wenger will be hoping that Welbeck can carry through his form from last night and finally provide him with a reliable forward option. Nonetheless, Arsenal have fixtures against Man City, Tottenham and Chelsea to come in their next four, meaning that Welbeck faces a tough task if he is to reward those who have opted for his services.
SILVA SHINES IN SPAIN TRIUMPH
David Silva earned a penalty, bagged one goal and assisted another as Spain ran out 5-1 victors over Macedonia in their first Euro qualifier.
The Scout Says: Having been outperformed by Yaya Toure in midfield for Man City last season, Silva probably didn’t receive the attention he deserved at the start of the current campaign. A goal in Gameweek 1 changed all that, though the talismanic Spaniard has still failed to surpass City’s forward assets for our attentions, with many turning to Sergio Aguero as fail-safe cover for the Blues’ attack. Last night’s showing demonstrates what the playmaker is capable of, however, and his efforts looks crucial for Manuel Pellegrini’s outfit in they are to overcome Arsenal and Chelsea in their next two fixtures.
JOVETIC INJURY CONFIRMED
Man City’s Stevan Jovetic returned from international duty with Montenegro yesterday with a hamstring injury sustained in training. The striker missed last night’s 2-0 win against Moldova for his national side, and is now a doubt for City’s trip to Arsenal this weekend.
The Scout Says: Jovetic’s two-goal showing against Liverpool in Gameweek 2 saw the Montenegrin rocket up our Watchlist, and subsequently earned the forward a starting spot alongside Sergio Aguero the following week, with Edin Dzeko having to make do with a second-half appearance from the bench in the 1-0 loss to Stoke. A prolonged absence for Jovetic will, however, bring the 8.5-priced Dzeko back into reckoning, and Manuel Pellegrini will now not only be reliant on Aguero keeping fit, but will also be praying that the Bosnian can rediscover the form that saw him notch an impressive 16 times in the league last season. Whilst the extent of Jovetic’s injury remains unconfirmed, managers with an itchy trigger finger, who are eyeing up alternatives aside from Dzeko, could consider freeing up some extra cash by switching to Welbeck. Alternatively, for those with budget to spare, Mario Balotelli, at 10.0 in FPL, could well prove to be as equally explosive a differential option if Daniel Sturridge is sidelined ahead of Liverpool’s four home fixtures in the next six.
MOURINHO IMPRESSED WITH ATTACK
Jose Mourinho has hailed the new attacking style which has seen his Chelsea side win all three of their Premier League matches so far this season:
“It’s a direction we tried to establish since the beginning of last season but our squad now is different. We have different qualities now in our players. The second season normally is a good season for a manager because you come from one season of work and you can choose a better direction you want to go and we feel comfortable and we feel happy the way we are doing things. Are we going to lose matches? Obviously, yes, but in this moment we are getting results and we are enjoying our style of play.”
The Scout Says: We need look no further than last Gameweek’s 6-3 victory over Everton as an indication that a new philosophy has been installed at Stamford Bridge. The Special One’s new initiative does not, however, bode too well from a defensive point of view, and Branislav Ivanovic’s 20.9% ownership may be reliant on the right-back adding to his tally of two goals and an assist if returns are to be reaped. On the other hand, Cesc Fabregas and Eden Hazard look set to continue to thrive in the Blues’ new ‘direction’, though it remains to be seen whether they will be without their target man for this weekend’s home clash with Swansea. Diego Costa is now reported to be undergoing further scans at Chelsea’s training ground after returning home early from international duty with a hamstring problem, though he is yet to be ruled out of the Stamford Bridge encounter.
MIXED INJURY NEWS FOR UNITED
Man United’s summer recruit Ander Herrera is back in training after recovering from an ankle knock and could give his side a timely boost by returning to action in this Sunday’s clash with QPR. United boss Louis van Gaal will, however, be less than happy to hear the news that Phil Jones limped off towards the closing stages of England’s win last night with a suspected hamstring injury.
The Scout Says: With Angel Di Maria, Daley Blind and Darren Fletcher all fit and available in the centre of the park for United, Herrera is by no means certain to make an instant return to the starting line-up on Sunday. That said, the Spaniard is sure to be a major component in Van Gaal’s side this season, and – once fully fit and refreshed – will be hopeful of nailing down a role in the middle, whether in a 3-4-1-2 or 4-3-3. The potential absence of Jones will be a major blow for the Red Devils, with the England international one of the few players to really impress thus far. The 4.5-priced Tyler Blackett’s run of starts could be set to continue then, though Van Gaal may now consider a switch to a back-four if Jones is indeed out of the frame.
