Scout Scribbles – United Clinch Quarter-Finals Spot

Man United ease past Shrewsbury to clinch a place in the last eight of the FA Cup. Newcastle and West Brom have worries in defence, John Terry is in line to return for Chelsea, whilst Erik Lamela is a doubt for Spurs’ clash with Fiorentina due to illness.

United into last eight

Manchester United cruised through to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup by way of a 3-0 victory over Shrewsbury Town. Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata and Chris Smalling breached the League One side’s defence, while Ander Herrera and Morgan Schneiderlin delivered assists. On the injury front, Louis van Gaal is hopeful that David De Gea could make the squad for the Red Devils’ Europa League encounter on Thursday. Elsewhere, Cameron Borthwick-Jackson and Will Keane both picked up problems, whilst Van Gaal conceded that Lingard was “struggling” as the Red Devils’ injury concerns refuse to dissipate.

The Scout Says: Having chalked up attacking returns (three goals, one assist) in his last five starts for Man United in all competitions, Lingard (4.3) is quietly establishing himself as an enticing differential in the budget bracket and any would-be suitors will be waiting on an update on his fitness. Nonetheless, the fact that the Red Devils chart bottom for shots on target accrued in home matches (40) acts as a deterrent in light of back-to-back Old Trafford clashes with Arsenal and Watford. Although Van Gaal’s men have conceded just five goals on familiar soil, Borthwick-Jackson’s withdrawal could force another reshuffle at the back and with United down to the bare bones, those holding the likes of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez will fancy their chances when the Gunners roll up on Sunday afternoon.

Coloccini worry for Newcastle

The Magpies are set to assess the fitness of skipper Fabricio Coloccini, who picked up a calf injury during their training camp in La Manga over the last few days.

The Scout Says: Considering that Chancel Mbemba is likely to miss the Magpies’ trip to Stoke City in Gameweek 28, an injury to Coloccini could force Steve McClaren to field Steven Taylor and Jamaal Lascelles as a central defensive partnership, further reducing our confidence in a defence that’s claimed one clean sheet in their previous 11 outings. The Toon have been particularly dismal on their travels – ranking second for goals conceded (31) in away matches – which bodes well for the attacking prospects of Stoke and Leicester City, who both play host to Newcastle across the next four Gameweeks. It’s also worth noting that the Foxes and Potters are among the 10 teams that are guaranteed a fixture in Gameweek 30.

Evans sidelined again

Tony Pulis admitted that Jonny Evans is set to be “out for a while”, after a hamstring injury flared up during West Bromwich Albion’s 3-1 loss to Reading in the FA Cup.

The Scout Says: Although the Baggies lay claim to just three clean sheets since Gameweek 11, their defence recorded two shut-outs and conceded only two goals over the last four Gameweeks, underlining their recent improvement at the back. Adding to Pulis’ defensive headache, Craig Dawson (ankle) and Gareth McAuley (hamstring) will be touch and go for the West Midlanders’ upcoming home tie against Crystal Palace due to their respective injuries. Dawson’s 5% ownership will hope that the 5.1-priced defender returns to face an Eagles attack that’s tallied four goals in nine outings, but West Brom’s tricky schedule beyond that fixture (lei, MUN, ars) and prospect of a Gameweek 30 blank (if Arsenal beat Hull City in the FA Cup) could tempt many to cut ties.

Terry on course to return

John Terry will return to full training today after stepping up his recovery from a hamstring problem that sidelined him for Chelsea’s two cup ties last week.

The Scout Says: Terry’s return to action allows Branislav Ivanovic to vacate a central berth and return to his customary right-back slot – which has been occupied by Cesar Azpilicueta of late. Courtesy of their attacking intent, the Blues’ full-backs serve as attractive routes into a rearguard that surrendered just two goals and mustered a pair of clean sheets across the previous four Gameweeks. Even though the Londoners’ Gameweek 30 trip to Liverpool has been postponed as a result of their FA Cup success, prospective investors will be emboldened by Chelsea’s excellent run through to Gameweek 33 (sou, nor, STO, (blank), WHU, avl, swa).

Gomis at the double

Bafetimbi Gomis netted a brace as Swansea’s reserves recorded a 3-0 victory over The New Saints in a behind-closed-doors friendly.

The Scout Says: Gomis enjoyed a fruitful start to the campaign – scoring in four successive matches – but hasn’t made the starting XI in seven Gameweeks following a dramatic drop-off in form. That being said, new boy Alberto Paloschi has hardly hit the ground running – notching zero goals and two attempts in his first two league starts – so there’s certainly scope for Gomis to muscle himself back into contention, particularly if Francesco Guidolin returns to a two-man frontline next time out. Ultimately, Gylfi Sigurdsson (five goals in seven) represents our favoured source of Swans attacking coverage, though upcoming trips to Spurs and Arsenal limit his short-term appeal before a very favourable trio of fixtures (NOR, bou, AVL).

Lamela concern for Spurs

Mauricio Pochettino revealed that Erik Lamela was absent from Tottenham Hotspur’s last two cup fixtures because of illness:

“He was back home because he is ill. He was sick and he started to feel bad before the game against Fiorentina. He was out of the squad and today he was out too because he is still sick. We will have to see more of him and we will see.”

The Scout Says: In the event that Lamela is ruled out next Gameweek, Spurs have an able deputy in Heung-min Son. Conversely, Mousa Dembele’s groin complaint is a concern for all Fantasy managers that have invested in the Lilywhites’ offense. Aside from the fact that the much-improved Belgian midfielder has been central to their dominance during a five-match winning streak, his absence – coupled with the fact that Tom Carroll is nursing an Achilles injury – could result in Dele Alli dropping back to the double pivot, reducing his capacity for attacking returns. Alli (31% ownership) remains the most popular pick among Spurs’ midfield contingent, yet Christian Eriksen – who ranks top for key passes (21) and joint-top for shots on target (six) among his counterparts since Gameweek 23 – harbours strong differential potential.