There’s no shortage of topics for us to monitor ahead of this weekend’s fixtures. Diego Costa’s expected return for Chelsea, Wayne Rooney’s effect on the United formation, Arsenal’s midfield set-up against Burnley and Liverpool’s much-maligned frontman are all amongst this lunchtime’s menu.
Costa’s recovery…
Back in training yesterday, the omens look good for a return to action at home to QPR. With Didier Drogba playing all but 16 minutes of Chelsea’s last three matches over the last week or so and Loic Remy still injured, Jose Mourinho has even been candid enough to admit Costa is likely to feature against the R’s. It remains to be seen just how many minutes his manager will afford the Spain international but, having scored in each of his four home appearances, he may well be given enough time to wreak havoc against a backline that has conceded more away goals than any other team so far.
Martinez’ use of Ross Barkley…
After starting back-to-back matches in all competitions upon his return from injury, the Everton youngster was utilised as a second-half sub in last weekend’s win over Burnley. With Samuel Eto’o staking a claim for more minutes by bagging a brace, though, Roberto Martinez has decisions to make as the Toffees entertain Swansea, with the Cameroon international potentially restricting the minutes of Barkley or Romelu Lukaku, as evidenced by last week.
Kane’s opportunities at Villa…
It’s eight goals in 12 appearances now for the Tottenham youngster after he struck in last night’s cup win over Brighton. Despite his side’s toils up top – just six strikes in the last seven Gameweeks – Kane has been used sparingly by Mauricio Pochettino in the league, with Roberto Soldado and Emmanuel Adebayor handed a start apiece in the last two Gameweeks. Given his form, though, it seems a matter of time before he’s finally entrusted with a first league start – at 4.8 in FPL, we’re keeping an eye on his pitch time as the north London side roll up to Villa Park.
Aarons and Obertan as budget prospects…
Back-to-back wins at Spurs and City will have filled Newcastle with confidence ahead of the weekend home encounter against Liverpool. The Reds’ porous backline looks there for the taking right now and with the fixtures improving after this one, Newcastle’s budget wide men have the chance to stake a claim for our attention. Obertan has a goal and an assist in the last three now, whilst Aarons notched on his comeback at the Etihad last night – more of the same and they may well find themselves on our watchlists.
Balotelli’s reaction at St James’ Park…
Emerging from the bench to notch against Swansea in the cup, the Italian relieved some of the pressure after a woeful start to life on Merseyside. Nonetheless, Balotelli is still awaiting that first league goal and with Daniel Sturridge still injured, he looks set to lead the line at St James’ Park again – will his midweek strike against the Swans be the shot in the arm his season needs?
Wenger’s shuffle of his midfield assets..
A 2-0 win at Sunderland brought Arsenal a second clean sheet of the season last weekend. On both occasions, Arsene Wenger has moved away from his 4-1-4-1 formation and utilised a 4-2-3-1 – last weekend saw Alexis Sanchez benefit from the central role behind Danny Welbeck to fire both his side’s goals. With Aaron Ramsey set to return to the starting XI against Burnley, though, Wenger must decide whether to utilise the Welshman in the double-pivot and allow Sanchez to retain his position through the middle or move the summer signing back to the flank against the Clarets, thus allowing Ramsey more freedom to bomb forward and join in his side’s attacks.
The United shuffle on Rooney’s return…
Available after a three-match suspension, the United skipper is expected to shake off a foot problem in time for Sunday’s derby trip to the Etihad. In Rooney’s absence, Louis van Gaal has moved away from a midfield diamond and switched to a 4-2-3-1 formation, with the likes of Marouane Fellaini and Adnan Januzaj earning increased pitch time. With Radamel Falcao also in line to recover from injury, though, Van Gaal has options aplenty – West Ham caused City problems aplenty with a 4-2-3-1 last weekend and the Red Devils’ boss could well retain his recent system, with Falcao and Juan Mata on bench-warming duties.
Zaha’s return as a mid-price differential…
After grabbing an assist off the bench against Chelsea in Gameweek 8, the on-loan youngster seems to have finally convinced Neil Warnock he’s worthy of a starting role. Zaha ousted Jason Puncheon from the Palace XI for last week’s clash with West Brom and looks poised to keep his place out wide at home to Sunderland this Saturday. Certainly, the situation is worth monitoring for now – Zaha is ineligible to face parent club United in Gameweek 11 but if he turns on the style against the Black Cats, at 5.3 he could be worth considering after the next international break is out of the way.
