We’ve opted for a trio of midfield options in our usual, pre-deadline article. A couple are handed home comforts during the midweek matches, whilst our third option may well prove vital to Villa’s chances of beating the drop:
Adam Johnson
With Jermain Defoe’s exploits earning plenty of attention, the Sunderland winger has remained firmly under the radar. Having undergone thumb surgery last week, Johnson managed a sub appearance in the weekend draw at Swansea but has since been confirmed as fully fit by Gus Poyet and is set to be unleashed at home to QPR this evening.
Having struck three times in his previous seven, Johnson’s eye for goal has been crucial in recent weeks but with Defoe also on board, his creative endeavours could be set for a boost. The 6.0-priced winger has mustered just one assist so far but bearing in mind he has averaged more than seven assists per season over the last five years, he’ll be hoping for a major improvement over the final 14 fixtures. With showdowns against West Brom, Hull and Villa in the subsequent four, Poyet’s side certainly have the schedule to ensure they remain clear of the bottom three from this point onwards.
Carles Gil
After failing to prove himself at Valencia, the winger’s winter transfer to Villa has afforded him the chance of regular pitch time. With his side screaming out for some creativity, Paul Lambert has turned to Gil’s talents to make the difference and having struck a wonder goal against Bournemouth in the FA Cup, he’s now starting to make an impact in the top-flight.
Gil’s assist for Jores Okore’s opener against Chelsea ended a run of six league matches without a goal and with Christian Benteke dropping to the bench, the Villains may have a new talisman in town. Coming in at just 5.0 in FPL, Gil now has five kind fixtures to stake a claim for our consideration as a cut-price midfield option. Tonight’s trip to Hull precedes showdowns with Stoke, Newcastle, West Brom and Sunderland and with the schedule turning against them from Gameweek 30, Lambert will be looking to his new arrival to spark Villa’s ascent to the security of mid-table.
Marouane Fellaini
As we mentioned in the Scout Picks earlier, the big Belgian’s impact off the bench was cited by Louis van Gaal as key to last Sunday’s comeback draw at West Ham.
Whilst there’s no doubt Fellaini is a punt heading into tomorrow’s match with Burnley, United’s lack of impact in the final third may well persuade Van Gaal to start the big Belgian this time around. Bearing in mind Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao have both scored just two goals apiece in their last six league appearances, whilst Wayne Rooney (no returns in six) and Angel di Maria (three assists in ten) have badly faltered, Fellaini’s physical presence in and around the box offers Van Gaal something a little different.
Hardly the most glamourous of picks, he does, nonetheless, also face Swansea, Sunderland and Newcastle in the next four and a big performance against the Clarets tomorrow night may well allow the 6.3-priced Fellaini the chance for greater pitch time.
