Jefferson Montero is still a concern for Swansea’s trip to Watford. Fabio Borini is handed a centre forward role in a behind-closed-doors clash for Sunderland, whilst question marks remain over the availability of Jordan Henderson and Adam Lallana for Liverpool’s trip to United.
Montero still a doubt
Reports in the local press suggest Jefferson Montero remains a doubt for Swansea’s trip to Watford this Saturday despite returning to training in midweek.
The Scout Says: Although Swansea triumphed 2-1 over Manchester United last Gameweek, both of their goals arrived when Montero’s stand-in, Wayne Routledge, was replaced by Ki Sung-yeung as Garry Monk moved to a midfield diamond. Over the opening three Gameweeks, the 6.0-priced Montero tormented opposing full-backs, racking up five more take-on attempts than any midfielder from his role on the left of a 4-2-3-1. In terms of his Fantasy potential, Montero ranked second among the Swans’ midfielders with regards to chances created (eight) but fourth for attempts (five). The fact that he amassed just one fewer penalty-box touch (14) than form man Andrew Ayew (15) during that period shows that he’s maneuvering himself into dangerous areas of the pitch, but prospective investors will be looking for a more concerted goal threat before they part with their cash. Should he miss out again, though, Ayew owners will be hoping that Monk utilises a midfield diamond from the off at Watford, with the switch in system seeing the Ghana international move up front alongside Bafetimbi Gomis.
Borini trialled in central role
Fabio Borini was deployed as the central striker in a 4-3-3 set-up during a behind-closed-doors friendly against Hartlepool last week.
The Scout Says: Considering that Dick Advocaat has admitted he doesn’t think Jermain Defoe can operate effectively as a lone frontman, and the likes of Danny Graham and Steven Fletcher have turned out uninspiring performances in the forward roles, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Borini was fast-tracked into the central-striker berth. The Italian’s propensity for intelligent runs beyond defences could dovetail well with the penetrative passing of Jeremain Lens – further enhancing the winger’s Fantasy appeal. With Lens nailed-on down the right, Defoe looks set to continue in the left flank berth, though the imminent return of Adam Johnson affords Advocaat another wide option in his three-man frontline.
Henderson and Lallana still doubts
Jordan Henderson is recovering well from a heel injury that’s kept him sidelined for the past two Gameweeks but will be touch-and-go for Liverpool’s trip to Old Trafford. Meanwhile, Brendan Rodgers is optimistic on Adam Lallana’s chances of recovering from a thigh knock before the weekend.
The Scout Says: With Philippe Coutinho suspended for Saturday’s clash, Brendan Rodgers will be desperate for Lallana and Henderson to recover in light of the previous Gameweek’s home thrashing at the hands of West Ham. Should the pair both miss out, Rodgers could turn to Danny Ings or Jordan Ibe if he maintains a 4-3-3 system, with the versatile Roberto Firmino perhaps shifting over to the left. Certainly, there’s no shortage of options for the Reds option, with a 4-2-3-1, with Firmino tucked behind Christian Benteke, also a viable alternative. Patient owners of the big Belgian, meanwhile, will be looking for signs of a return to form after he netted just once in the opening month. Sold by more than 142,000 FPL managers since the end of Gameweek 4, he still sits in over 36% of sides ahead of upcoming home clashes against Norwich and Villa.
Everton injury update
Bryan Oviedo is struggling to shake off a knee injury ahead of Everton’s home clash against Chelsea, but reserve left-back Brendan Galloway is expected to be passed fit. In the event that neither defender recuperates in time, Roberto Martinez revealed that new centre-back signing Ramiro Funes Mori will take up the mantle at left-back:
“With Bryan, it’s difficult. We all know how proud he is to represent Costa Rica and the moment he couldn’t make the squad, we knew it was something that we had to pay attention to and get to the bottom of. I don’t know if the weekend is too early or not – we’ll find out over the next 48 hours. I think Brendan is progressing well and should be available, in the same way that Ramiro Funes Mori could become available. He’s someone that has played in that position before. Being a left-footed defender, he has played in those positions. The way I see Ramiro, he is able to play in any of those positions when he is needed, so in that respect it is about assessing how he feels. It’s a long journey coming back on Thursday morning and we’ll assess that from a physical point of view.”
The Spanish boss also spoke on his midfield contingent, offering positive news on the health of James McCarthy while suggesting that Aaron Lennon could feature against the Blues:
“The reports that we have had so far has been very positive. We are going to see how James McCarthy comes back because he had a little bit of a problem in his tendon in knee before he joined the international setup but he got through the games really well. So in that respect we are quite positive. I’m not worried about his [Aaron Lennon’s] physical state and he needs to play games now to sharpen up his play. He’s refreshed and is in a great position. He knows the football club inside out and is desperate to get back to Goodison. From that point of view, I expect Aaron to be involved one way or another at the weekend.”
The Scout Says: With two shut-outs in the last three, the Toffees defence has been kind to their Fantasy owners. Given that Oviedo is listed as a midfielder in FPL, though, his appeal is virtually non-existent to Fantasy managers, with the likes of Phil Jagielka – at 5.4 – offering the cheapest, secure route into Martinez’ backline. That being said, if Funes Mori can muscle his way into the rearguard and secure a run of starts whilst Leighton Baines remains sidelined, the 5.5-priced defender – who’s a proficient free-kick taker and netted six goals in all competitions last term – would certainly emerge on our radar. Further up the park, in the wake of Tom Cleverley’s ankle injury, the door is open for Lennon to forge a route into the Toffees’ set-up. However, the bevy of other wide options (Kevin Mirallas, Gerard Deulofeu, Leon Osman and Steven Naismith) waiting in the wings for an opportunity render the former Spurs stalwart a considerable rotation risk. With Arouna Kone impressing on the right, Lennon may have to initially settle for a sub role as he looks to oust the Ivorian from Martinez’ starting XI.
Fernando on Cusp of City Comeback
Manchester City enforcer Fernando is nearing a return after undergoing treatment on a groin injury that caused constant discomfort last season:
“I’m feeling much better and in a couple of days I will be stepping up my training programme. I’ve had this problem for a long time. I originally picked up the injury a year ago and after every game I played, it felt sore and obviously much worse. I hoped I would return after the summer break and everything would be fine, but during pre-season the pain became gradually worse again. I went back to Porto for treatment, rest and to recover and now I’m feeling much better.”
The Scout Says: Fernando faces a tough task to establish himself as a regular in the City midfield. Given that Fernandinho has already scored twice in the opening four in his role alongside Yaya Toure, Fernando looks unlikely to forge his way into consideration just yet. Manuel Pellegrini has utilised 4-2-3-1 and 4-4-2 formations so far in the league, though the City boss did trial a 4-3-3 during City’s pre-season matches and such a scenario could offer the Brazilian pitch time, particularly with Champions League football just around the corner. Given that the 6.0-priced Fernandinho is owned by only 2% of FPL managers, despite racking up 23 points so far, though, it’s fair to say that most are looking to City’s big hitters as a route into their potent attack.
