Alexis Sanchez remains a doubt for Chile with a groin problem. Andre Ayew withdraws from Ghana duties, Wes Hoolahan is a worry for the Republic of Ireland, whilst Stoke skipper Ryan Shawcross steps up his recovery from a back injury.
Sanchez Concern for Chile
Alexis Sanchez is a doubt for Chile’s World Cup qualifier against Brazil due to a minor groin complaint sustained against United on Sunday, according to manager Jorge Sampaoli:
“Neither Vidal nor Alexis are confirmed for the Brazil game. Neither player has been in full training since travelling to join the Chile squad this week.”
The Scout Says: With five goals in his last two starts, Sanchez’s exceptional underlying stats are finally being translated into explosive Fantasy returns after he managed just one assist in the opening six league matches. Over the past four Gameweeks, the Chilean livewire ranks top among midfielders for attempts (21), while only Theo Walcott has tallied more shots inside the box (17 compared to 16) and attempts on target (10 to seven). Over 166,000 managers drafted in the 11.2-priced midfielder after his hat-trick against Leicester, whilst 155,000+ have acquired his services after the brace against United. Sanchez’ 22% owners will be hoping for positive news when the teamsheets are announced later tonight, then, with Chile set to face Brazil just after midnight.
Ayew withdraws from Ghana squad
Andrew Ayew is still feeling the effects of a knock he picked up during Swansea’s 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur so did not travel with the Ghana squad to face off against USA on Wednesday.
The Scout Says: Much to the frustration of 110,000 owners that shipped him out in the last two rounds of fixtures, Ayew netted his first goal in four outings against Spurs. The former Marseille man registered just three key passes and one attempt on target between Gameweek 5-7 yet his return to form sees him sit fifth in the midfield standings so far. Providing he recovers in time, Ayew’s 21% ownership will be optimistic of further returns ahead of a schedule that pits the Swans against Stoke, Villa, Norwich and Bournemouth in the next five matches.
Hoolahan concern for Ireland
Wes Hoolahan is a doubt for the Republic of Ireland’s Euro 2016 qualifier against Germany later today after sitting out Tuesday’s training session. Assistant manager Roy Keane revealed that the Norwich City midfielder picked up a problem during Saturday’s home loess to Leicester:
“Wes has a knock on his heel from the weekend and it’s pretty sore. The fact he didn’t train today tells you it must be sore. I think with Wes’ injury another 24 hours will make a big difference to it.”
The Scout Says: If not for his considerable rotation risk, the 5.2-priced Hoolahan – who’s bagged one goal and five assists across 504 minutes – would surely boast an ownership that far exceeds 5.5%. Unfortunately, Alex Neil has displayed a willingness to drop one of his top attacking assets depending on the nature of the match-up, with Hoolahan most recently rooted to the bench at Liverpool in Gameweek 6. Nonetheless, those in possession of the 33-year-old playmaker will feel confident in retaining him for the next two Gameweeks (new, WBA) at least, given that the Magpies shipped 12 goals in their previous four outings, while the Baggies conceded nine across their quartet of home clashes.
Shawcross steps up recovery
Ryan Shawcross clocked 45 minutes for Stoke City’s U21 outfit as they drew 1-1 against Port Vale last night. Discussing his comeback with the local press, the Potters skipper is keen to build up more minutes over the international break:
“It was always planned to play 45 minutes. I’ve got a few niggles just from coming back so I need to let them settle down and hopefully I can kick on again next week. “I felt good. It’s just a case of building on it now. Hopefully next week I can get a 70-minute game in and then move on to a full game in the coming weeks. It’s up to the manager to see when I can get back involved. I haven’t trained with the first team yet so I’ll look forward to doing that. But I will stay with the under-21s for probably another week or so. It’s all about game time and then we’ll see after that. At the moment I’m trying to make sure I get the right minutes and the training between them is right.”
The Scout Says: Aside from Jack Butland – who’s amassed nine save points and two bonus points – and, more recently, Glen Johnson (two assists in as many starts), the Potters’ rearguard has proved to be lean on Fantasy returns. Mark Hughes’ men only claimed their first clean sheet of the campaign last time out against Aston Villa and have conceded more big chances (22) than any side, highlighting their lack of resilience in Shawcross’ absence. After three months on the sidelines, it remains to be seen whether Shawcross (priced at 4.8) will prove his fitness in time for the Gameweek 9 trip to Swansea, though the following two fixtures (WAT, new) bodes well, given that Watford and Newcastle are amongst the joint-lowest scorers in the league, with just six goals apiece.
Dummett and Haidara back in training
Defenders Paul Dummett and Massadio Haidara could return to the matchday squad for Newcastle’s home tie against Norwich next Gameweek.
The Scout Says: With Daryl Janmaat nursing a knee knock and third-choice left-back Kevin Mbabu sustaining a hamstring during the Toon’s 6-1 defeat to Manchester City, Steve McClaren will be encouraged by yesterday’s news after a poor start to the season. Newcastle’s defence as a whole have produced little for Fantasy managers to get excited about, save for Janmaat’s unparalleled goal threat – he ranks top among his counterparts shot on target (six) – despite facing six of last season’s top eight sides already. With an excellent run of fixtures (NOR, sun, STO, bou, LEI, cry, LIV, tot, AVL) now on their agenda, the likes of Janmaat could appear on our radars should the Magpies’ main men prove their fitness, as McClaren attempts to steer his side out of the bottom three.
Anya sidelined for Scotland
Ikechi Anya will play no part in Scotland’s match-up against Poland later tonight after failing to shake off a calf complaint that forced him off at Bournemouth in Saturday.
The Scout Says: Serving up zero goals and two assists, Watford’s midfield – which is comprised of six members who have clocked at least 300 minutes – has seldom generated discussion among the FFScout community this season. Certainly, Almen Abdi has looked the most likely to deliver attacking returns over the past four Gameweeks, amassing six shots and 14 key passes – only three midfielders created more chances over that period. Valued at just 4.8, the Switzerland international threatens to be a profitable budget pick-up if the Hornets can improve their scoring output.
Deulofeu impresses on Spain duty
Gerard Deulofeu bagged two assists for Spain U21s as they ran out 5-2 victors over Georgia in their European Championship qualification match.
The Scout Says: Deulofeu muscled his way into Everton’s starting line-up for their last two outings, having initially impressed during a 26-minute cameo against Swansea in Gameweek 6. In his first start of the campaign, the ex-Barcelona winger teed up Romelu Lukaku on two occasions as the Toffees came from behind to record a 3-2 win over West Bromwich Albion. Deulofeu lasted just 59 minutes in the Merseyside derby, though, with Aaron Lennon taking his spot on the flank. With Arouna Kone also in the mix and Kevin Mirallas now free from suspension, Deulofeu faces a tough task to retain the role on the Everton right, with playmaker Ross Barkley looking the most secure option as the schedule takes a turn for the better from Gameweek 11 onwards.
