The lowest-scoring Gameweek so far threw up some shocking results for real and Fantasy managers alike. This week’s Scout Mission looks towards a potentially bountiful weekend schedule, with Liverpool’s young talisman, Chelsea’s under-performing Belgian, City’s trip to Hull and Louis van Gaal’s plans to overcome a resurgent West Ham all amongst our lunchtime topics.
Sterling’s role in the derby…
The Reds were anything but convincing in midweek after sneaking past Middlesbrough in the cup via penalties after extra-time. After benching Sterling for the Gameweek 4 home loss to Villa due to the hectic schedule, Brendan Rodgers subsequently handed him the full 120 minutes on Tuesday evening – hardly ideal preparation ahead of Saturday’s lunchtime meet with Everton. We can surely expect the youngster to be named in the XI for such a vital encounter, though his role as a right wing-back against the Hammers last weekend was a worry – we need Sterling back in the centre and firing on all cylinders as he looks to continue the form that has served up three goals in four starts so far.
Hazard at home to Villa…
Having played a part in just three of his side’s 16 goals, last year’s Fantasy superstar has been overshadowed by Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas thus far. Hazard’s best returns tend to come in home matches (10 of his 14 goals last season), though, and with ownership now down to 13%, the Belgian has become a relative midfield differential. Villa shipped three goals to Arsenal last weekend and Hazard will be looking to replicate the displays of Mesut Ozil and Danny Welbeck last week after both recovered from sluggish starts to plunder the points against Paul Lambert’s backline.
Aguero away to Hull’s shaky rearguard…
Having missed the midweek cup mauling of Sheffield Wednesday, the Argentine is poised to return to the starting XI for the KC showdown. Aguero is likely to be partnered by Edin Dzeko as the champions attempt to end a three-match winless run in the top-flight, and bearing in mind the Tigers have conceded six goals in their last three league matches since moving to four at the back, hopes are high for a comfortable City win. Owned by just 9% of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers, this looks the perfect time for Aguero to step up and put himself forward as a contender for our three-man frontlines – at the moment, only Diego Costa has merited the hefty outlay, but if City’s star striker can stay fit, there’s no doubt he could have a significant say on our Fantasy seasons.
Wenger’s attack in the derby…
Arsene Wenger finally utilised Mesut Ozil in his favoured number 10 position last weekend – and it paid off in spades. Both Ozil and Danny Welbeck plundered a goal and an assist to help down Villa before the first-half was finished, and with his team looking better balanced, the Gunners’ boss may well decide to retain a 4-2-3-1 for the north London derby. In recent times, matches against Tottenham have been high-scoring affairs, though, and we’ll be looking for Aaron Ramsey to return to form, whilst Alexis Sanchez – rested last weekend – has now notched three times in his last four in all competitions and looks set to be unleashed against Mauricio Pochettino’s strugglers, as the competition for our Fantasy affections amongst Arsenal’s attackers starts to heat up.
Van Gaal’s game plan for the Hammers…
The one thing seemingly certain about United at the moment is they guarantee goals at both ends of the pitch. After shipping five to Leicester, the defensive problems continue to mount up – Tyler Blackett is suspended, Jonny Evans limped off last weekend, while Chris Smalling has now picked up a thigh problem in training. The Red Devils are down to the bare bones at the back and it’s likely that their manager will again look at attack as the best, or only, form of defence. It seems that the big guns will be rolled out once again as the Hammers make their way to Old Trafford – another bench role for Juan Mata and withdrawn berth for Wayne Rooney may well prove the catalyst for a significant Fantasy exodus if both fail to deliver this weekend, as Van Gaal retains his faith in Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao up front.
Palace’s attack against The Foxes…
The unexpected managerial shift from Tony Pulis to Neil Warnock instigated a corresponding focus on attack as opposed to defence. Whilst the Palace backline looks suspect to say the least, visitors Leicester have been equally inept at keeping out opponents. The Eagles have netted three times in two of their three matches under the new manager, and with their offensive threat flourishing, Fantasy managers may well profit from investing. Jason Puncheon looks the likeliest beneficiary of Warnock’s tactical switch after serving up points in three of his four appearances, though Yannick Bolasie is also on the radar, with Wilfried Zaha looking increasingly peripheral under the new man in charge. With Hull, West Brom and Sunderland in the subsequent four, this weekend looks the perfect time to assess their Fantasy potential.
The Saints at home to travel-sick QPR…
A home clash with the R’s hands Southampton the platform to kick on as they brace themselves for a superb run of fixtures. After two road trips, Harry Redknapp’s side have failed to score and conceded four times on both occasions – as the injuries pick up, there’s a real fear they are in for another hiding. Ronald Koeman’s side not only have the league’s best defence, but in Graziano Pelle, Dusan Tadic and Sadio Mane they sport a trio of players who look capable of cementing a place in our sides for the long haul. Of that threesome, Pelle – with just 7% ownership – is the most popular in FPL but there’s a feeling that, after this weekend, one or two of the Saints’ attacking options will surely break out of the differential bracket as the bandwagon ensues.
Moses against the Magpies…
Arriving on loan from Liverpool late in the transfer window, the wide man has quickly cemented a starting role in Stoke’s XI at the expense of another enigmatic winger, Marko Arnautovic. Moses served up an assist last weekend and is set to be unleashed against Newcastle’s dire defence this time around – can he step up against the Magpies and offer us a valid cut-price alternative four our five-man midfields? With Sunderland, Swansea and West Ham in the subsequent four, we’ll be keeping a keen eye on events at the Britannia.
