David Silva returns to training for City after scans allay fears over his facial injury. Tottenham’s Kyle Walker is sidelined for another four weeks, Stephen Ireland recovers from a weekend knock for Stoke, whilst Roberto Martinez is confident over the availability of James McCarthy and Leon Osman as Everton prepare to host United.
Silva returns to City training
David Silva returned to training on Tuesday morning after tests revealed that he hadn’t fractured his cheekbone during Manchester City’s 2-0 victory over West Ham United.
The Scout Says: Manager Manuel Pellegrini will provide a further update on the Spanish playmaker’s health in his Friday press conference, but the signs are very promising that Silva will be available to face Aston Villa on Saturday after being given the all-clear. Regardless, with over 102,000 sales already this week in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game, Silva has clearly been earmarked as the fall guy in many Fantasy managers’ squads as they attempt to draft in Liverpool’s and Chelsea’s high-priced attacking midfielders ahead of their double Gameweek 34. In light of injury concerns over Daniel Sturridge and the Blues’ strike trio stripping us off any strong forward options this double, the sale of Silva would finance moves for the likes of Raheem Sterling (8.5) and Cesc Fabregas (9.4). Despite the favourable match-up against the Villains on the weekend, Silva’s 23% ownership might be worried that the former Valencia star’s goal threat seems to have dropped off recently- he’s failed to produce a single shot on target in the last two Gameweeks since a move back to 4-4-1-1.
Toffees optimistic on midfield pair
Everton boss Roberto Martinez is confident that both James McCarthy and Leon Osman can shake off their respective knocks in time for a home time against Manchester United this weekend. The Spanish head coach is more cautious on Steven Pienaar’s chances of making the Red Devils clash, implying that it will be touch-and-go for the South African:
“He [McCarthy] has reacted very well. For the first 48 hours after a knock like that it is important to see how the ankle recovers. The treatment has had a positive response so I expect James to join the group later in the week. If he can get through the two or three sessions before the game then that will be a good sign. We need to make sure he is 100 per cent but at the moment the way the ankle has reacted is positive. Knowing James, I do feel that he is going to be available for the squad. Steven Pienaar wasn’t 100 per cent and again we are going to keep a close eye on him. Leon Osman has had a very good session today [Tuesday], so I don’t think he is going to have a problem for the weekend.”
The Scout Says: Martinez will be loath to disrupt the momentum of his midfield by altering the personnel, so news of McCarthy’s speedy recovery will be music to his ears. Having switched to a 4-1-4-1 set-up in their last two matches, the Toffees have struck a perfect balance between attack and defence, notching the most goal attempts on any side (33) while conceding the third fewest (10) shots inside the box. Osman’s return to action presents Kevin Mirallas with competition for starts on the left flank, with the latter’s goal on the weekend holding him in good stead as Martinez’ men look to continue their five-match unbeaten against Louis van Gaal’s side. With Goodison encounters against Sunderland and Spurs, allied with trips to Villa and West Ham still to follow, the Toffees look poised to continue their strong form over the final few fixtures.
Walker ruled out for four weeks
Kyle Walker is expected to be sidelined for a further four weeks with a foot injury he sustained during Tottenham Hotspur’s Gameweek 31 fixture against Burnley.
The Scout Says: Walker’s latest prognosis more or less rules him out of the remainder of the campaign, paving the way for a defensive reshuffle for the run-in. Federico Fazio could be set to earn a handful of starts at centre-back as Eric Dier shifts over to right-back, though Mauricio Pochettino also has Vlad Chiriches and January acquisition DeAndre Yedlin as options for their trip to Southampton. As a whole, Spurs’ defence has provided little to cheer about on the Fantasy front this term, with the Lilywhites recording just two cleans sheets in their last 14 outings and a paltry total of seven shut-outs across the entire season – which is less than double that of Saints (15). Danny Rose (5.0) leads the way with his 3.3 points per game average, tallying two goals and three assists in his previous 13 starts. With three away matches (sou, sto, eve) and a trip to Manchester City in Spurs’ final five league ties, few managers will be eyeing up Rose for their three-man rearguards, with owners perhaps looking for a way out after he limped off at Newcastle on Sunday.
Ireland back in training ahead of Saints clash
Stephen Ireland trained on Tuesday after picking up a knock in Stoke City’s 2-1 win over Southampton, while Marc Muniesa will know the results of his hamstring scan at the end of week, according to assistant manager Mark Bowen:
The Scout Says: In the absence of Chelsea loanee Victor Moses, Stoke’s midfielders have stepped up in recent weeks. Charlie Adam has doubled his haul for the campaign in the last three Gameweeks, netting a spectacular 50-yard effort against Chelsea and securing the winner against Southampton last time out after replacing Ireland at the break. Marko Arnautovic, meanwhile, registered in a 1-1 draw at West Ham, whilst Jon Walters has provided two assists in the last three Gameweeks. Showdowns with Sunderland, Swansea and Burnley in the next four offer Mark Hughes’ side the chance to finish the season strongly but the Potters remain very much under the radar due to the upcoming double Gameweeks.
