Raheem Sterling returns to training for Liverpool. Leighton Baines misses Everton’s Europa League duties with an ongoing knee problem, Wilfried Bony concedes he’s not fully match fit, whilst West Ham boost their options in the final third by snapping up free agent Nene.
Sterling back in training
Raheem Sterling returned to training on Wednesday after stepping up his recovery from a foot problem and could be in line to start against Besiktas in the first leg of Liverpool’s Europa League last 32 tie this evening.
The Scout Says: The 8.4-priced Sterling produced attacking returns in four of his last six starts before sustaining an injury at Goodison Park. Although Liverpool fared well in Sterling’s absence – recording a 3-2 victory against Tottenham Hotspur and a 2-1 comeback over Crystal Palace in the FA Cup – Brendan Rodgers will be delighted to welcome back the Jamaican-born winger as the Reds prepare to face Southampton and City in the next couple of Gameweeks. Indeed, with United and Arsenal also in the next six many may be thinking twice over investing in the Reds but with Daniel Sturridge back on board, Sterling’s prospects remain strong – he produced two goals and an assist in the first three Gameweeks prior to the striker’s absence. With Sturridge back in the starting XI and Sterling poised to return, Adam Lallana may struggle to break into the XI again, with Sterling and Philippe Coutinho likely to tuck in behind Sturridge in Rodgers’ new 3-4-2-1 formation. Another knock-on effect of his return could be the benching of emerging starlet Jordon Ibe. The sprightly youngster was afforded a starting role in Liverpool’s last three matches but has Lazar Markovic to contend with – the Serb benefitted from a more advanced role against Spurs due to Sterling’s absence and was amongst the goals. With Markovic also serving a four-match European ban, it remains to be seen whether Rodgers will utilise Ibe quite so often domestically.
West Ham recruit Nene
West Ham United announced on Wednesday afternoon the signing of Brazilian forward Nene on a free transfer until the end of the campaign. The Ligue 1 veteran expressed his delight at sealing a move to the Premier League and alluded to his proficiency at taking free-kicks:
“I am very excited and happy to be here. I’m proud to come to a really big club like West Ham and I’m going to do my best to help the team. It’s a really good challenge for me, to come to a competition like the Premier League. It’s the most competitive in the world so this is the motivation for me. I like to get on the ball and show my technique. I like taking free-kicks, so practice to be good at that. “
The Scout Says: With Andy Carroll ruled rule out of the remainder of the season following his knee surgery, Hammers boss Sam Allardyce clearly felt his side were ill-equipped in the forward department. Diafra Sakho has notched once in his last seven league appearances, whilst Enner Valencia has failed to net since Gameweek 10 – with his team-mates misfiring, it’s little wonder the returns have dried up for Stewart Downing, who has mustered a goal and assist in the previous eight. Nene most recently plied his trade at Qatari side Al-Gharafa before being released as a free agent this January. The former Paris Saint-Germain player scored two goals in his last four outings for the Asian club and can operate either up front or on the flanks – expect a Scout Report on him later today.
Baines remains a doubt
Leighton Baines is set to miss Everton’s Europa League last 32 tie with BSC Young Boys, alongside Aiden McGeady. The pair were two of six senior Toffee players not to board the flight to Switzerland.
The Scout Says: Baines has now been absent for Everton’s past two league matches – a 1-0 defeat to Chelsea and the Merseyside derby stalemate. Frustratingly, his injury has come at a time when Roberto Martinez’ men have significantly improved their resilience – the Toffees have conceded just twice in the last five Gameweeks, despite also playing champions City during that period. Indeed, with two assists in his previous five, Baines was on the rise as a Fantasy prospect and with Leicester, Stoke, Newcastle and QPR in the next five, the schedule is starting to smile a little kinder on the Merseysiders. With uncertainty still surrounding his return, though, the likes of Seamus Coleman and Phil Jagielka could provide alternatives, though John Stones, at 5.2, looks just as secure after starting the last five Gameweeks.
Bony admits he’s not fully fit
Wilfried Bony conceded that he’s not feeling in peak condition ahead of his potential debut for Manchester City against Newcastle. The Ivory Coast international recently returned from the African Cup of Nations (ACoN) and admitted that he’ll have to ease himself back into the Premier League routine:
“It’s not easy because I’ve just arrived from Africa and I will have had five days of training before we play Newcastle. I have to take it step by step and wait for the right opportunity to present itself. I’m not 100% just yet and as I say, I’ve only just arrived so we will see. I still have another couple of days of training but I need to take things step by step.”
The Scout Says: With Chelsea now boasting a seven-point cushion at the top of the Premier League table, Sky Blues boss Manuel Pellegrini will be hoping Bony’s arrival isn’t too little, too late. Despite having Edin Dzeko and Stevan Jovetic available, ‘The Engineer’ has opted for a lone striker formation in three of City’s last four fixtures – a sign of his lack of faith in the out-of-form duo and one that raises hopes that Bony could nail down a regular role alongside Sergio Aguero in a two-striker set-up. Coming in at a relatively modest 8.2, Bony could be subject to some serious investment if he finds his form and fitness and capitalises on City’s agreeable schedule (NEW, liv, LEI, bur, WBA, cry) in the forthcoming six Gameweeks.
