Olivier Giroud and Mesut Ozil grab a goal apiece to keep Arsenal’s Champions League hopes alive. Eden Hazard returns to the Chelsea first XI for a goalless draw in Kiev, Aleksandar Kolarov is passed fit for City’s clash with Sevilla, whilst Tottenham wide man Nacer Chadli is ruled out for six weeks.
Giroud and Ozil Keep Gunners in the Mix
Despite claiming less than 30% possession, Arsenal pulled of a stunning 2-0 victory over Bayern Munich at the Emirates. Olivier Giroud came on for Theo Walcott at the 74-minute mark and netted two minutes later, while Mesut Ozil maintained his fine form by doubling the host’s advantage in the third minute of stoppage time. Hector Bellerin and Santi Cazorla earned the assists as the London outfit recorded their first win of the Champions League group stages.
Aaron Ramsey was withdrawn after 57 minutes due to a hamstring problem and, post-match, Arsene Wenger revealed that the Wales international cut a dejected figure after the match:
“He is alright but very down because he told me that his hamstring is quite a tough one. He is out.”
Wenger also conceded that the recent international break has taken its toll on Alexis Sanchez:
“Alexis? You could see he was jaded physically. He still pushes himself too much and finished exhausted. Two games with Chile, plus travelling plus Watford and tonight. It’s too much.”
The Scout Says: Ally Giroud’s headed effort against the Bundesliga giants with his three goals in five substitute league outings, and there’s not much else the French marksman could be doing to reclaim a starting berth. As Wenger’s confidence in Giroud grows so does Walcott’s risk of rotation – presenting a dilemma for his 6% ownership. Ozil further underlined why he’s the highest performing player not named Alexis Sanchez for Arsenal at present, having tallied one goal and four assists in his last trio of league starts. Pitched at 8.4 and thriving for a team that’s bagged 11 goals since Gameweek 7, the German midfielder might encourage Sanchez owners to double-up on their Arsenal midfield coverage. A spell on the sidelines for Ramsey could allow Wenger to solve his Giroud dilemma by shifting Walcott back to the right flank to accommodate the Frenchman. Alternatively, it may also leave the door ajar for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to showcase his talents on the right flank. Coming in at a tantalising 5.6, the Southampton youth product harbours serious differential potential should the Welshman be ruled out. Whilst Sanchez owners will be a little concerned by his manager’s comments, the Chilean’s determination to play every match should ensure he remains in the first XI this weekend. It seems far more likely that Wenger may sub him off before 90 minutes against Everton if the Gunners have a commanding advantage, then allow him the evening off for next week’s cup clash with Sheffield Wednesday.
Blues Grind out Goalless Draw
Chelsea came away from Dynamo Kiev with a point after playing out a 0-0 stalemate. Eden Hazard reclaimed a starting berth following his omission against Aston Villa and Cesc Fabregas was stationed in the central support role behind Diego Costa, whilst in defence, Kurt Zouma was deployed at the right-back berth in an attempt to snuff out the hosts’ biggest threat in Andriy Yarmolenko. Pedro and Loic Remy missed out due to knocks.
The Scout Says: Even though Hazard has barely scratched the surface of his potential this term, no one could’ve predicted that Jose Mourinho would drop the reigning PFA Player of the Year for the Villains clash. The question now is whether the Portuguese boss will retain last weekend’s line-up away to West Ham or recall Hazard. having made his point regarding the Belgian’s work ethic. Regardless, Diego Costa – who bagged a goal and an assist on his return from suspension – now serves as the prime route into the Blues’ attack, given the poor form of Fabregas and the risk of rotation among their wingers. Beyond a home tie against Liverpool in Gameweek 11, the 11.0-priced frontman enjoys an excellent run of fixtures (sto, NOR, tot, BOU, lei, SUN, WAT) through to Boxing Day, which could render him a top pick among the high-priced forwards. Chelsea’s clean sheet last night, following on from their 2-0 win over Villa, is perhaps an indication that the resilience of old is finally starting to re-appear.
Kolarov Back for Sevilla Clash
Manuel Pellegrini confirmed that Aleksandar Kolarov has made a swift recovery from a hamstring complaint and rejoins the squad for Manchester City’s Champions League tie against Sevilla on Wednesday. The Chilean boss went on to confirm that Gael Clichy, Fabian Delph and David Silva are also close to returning:
“Vincent was fit for the last game, Aleks is fit so is in the squad list. Clichy, Delph, Aguero and Silva are injured. Aguero is out for a month – maybe next week Clichy, Delph and Silva will be fit.”
The Scout Says: After being ruled out for up to a fortnight on Friday, Kolarov has already been sold on by almost 300,00 FPL managers. The Serbian’s clean bill of health will be music to the ears of his remaining 27% ownership, who were likely considering their transfer options ahead of the Manchester derby. Despite sitting out the Sky Blues’ demolition of Bournemouth, the Serbian left-back still ranks top among defenders for attempts (12) and second for key passes (15), underlining his unparalleled potential for attacking returns. That being said, Clichy’s imminent return could spell the end for Kolarov as a reliable starter, forcing a rethink of Man City’s defensive options, with Bacary Sagna – who deputised for Kolarov last weekend – also looking on shaky ground after the recent return of Pablo Zabaleta. Given that Kevin De Bruyne (18% ownership) is now the favoured route into their midfield, the 6%-owned David Silva could emerge as an attractive differential during a strong pair of fixtures (NOR, avl) beyond next Gameweek.
Chadli Sidelined for Spurs
Tottenham have confirmed that Nacer Chadli sustained minor ankle ligament damage against Liverpool last Saturday and is now expected to be out of action for six weeks.
The Scout Says: Chadli has failed to make much of an impact on the Fantasy scene this term, notching just one goal through the opening nine Gameweeks. His absence now paves the way for the likes of Clinton N’Jie, Mousa Dembele or even Andros Townsend to stake a claim in the attacking midfield three slots behind Harry Kane, though with Christian Eriksen and Erik Lamela looking nailed on, and Heung-Min Son closing in on a comeback, few will be willing to gamble. By contrast, Eriksen remains the most promising prospect in Tottenham’s midfield, with two goals and as many assists to his name the last four Gameweeks. Valued at 8.3, the Denmark international – who is owned by just 4% of FPL managers – has chalked up nine shots (four on target) and seven key passes over the last trio of Gameweeks, illustrating his dual threat.
Toffees Pair Step Up Fitness Drives
Tom Cleverley (60 minutes) and Steven Pienaar (45 minutes) were given run-outs for Everton’s U21 outfit as they step up their rehabilitation programs.
The Scout Says: Having started each of the first four Gameweeks on the left flank under Roberto Martinez, Cleverley – once fully fit – will be hoping to slot straight back into the Toffees’ first XI, leaving the likes of Aaron Lennon, Kevin Mirallas, Arouna Kone, Steven Naismith and Gerard Deulofeu to duke it out for the other wide berth. Priced at 5.2, the former Manchester United midfielder offered little to suggest that he could become a viable option in the low-priced bracket when he was healthy – tallying just three attempts across 323 minutes – but an excellent schedule from Gameweek 11 onwards could engender an upturn in that regard. For now, Ross Barkley remains the sole route into Everton’s midfield, having already matched his attacking output from last term (two goals and three assists). Despite not recording any attacking returns over the last four Gameweeks, Barkley’s underlying stats (13 attempts and nine key passes) highlight his influence in the final third.
