Diego Costa finds the net before limping off as Chelsea tumble out of the Champions League. Everton’s Bryan Oviedo is recuperating after being rushed into hospital with chest pains, Sunderland sign free agent Emmanuel Eboue, whilst Antonio Valencia could be back on the bench for United tonight.
Blues Fall to Defeat
Losing 2-1 on the night and 4-2 on aggregate, Chelsea crashed out of the Champions League at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain. In the absence of John Terry, Gus Hiddink fielded Gary Cahill and Branislav Ivanovic in central defence, while Kenedy filled in at left-back. Courtesy of a Willian assist, Diego Costa drew the hosts level after 27 minutes but was then withdrawn at the 60-minute mark due to injury. Hiddink confirmed that both Costa and Eden Hazard – who also picked up a knock – will be assessed today to determine the extent of their complaints.
The Scout Says: Costa’s propensity for niggling injuries was showcased again at Stamford Bridge, limiting the allure of a forward that’s been in great form in recent weeks, notching three goals and two assists in four starts. Jumping ahead to the Blues’ double Gameweeks, the combative frontman’s pockmarked fitness record will certainly play in the minds of prospective investors. In the event that Costa’s latest problem sidelines him for West Ham United’s visit in Gameweek 31, Bertrand Traore will likely be afforded another opportunity to advertise his talents. Priced at 5.4, the Burkina Faso international delivered attacking returns (two goals, one assist) in his last three outings for the Londoners, ensuring we keep tabs on his progress.
Oviedo scare for Toffees
Bryan Oviedo has been discharged from hospital after suffering chest pains and breathing difficulties stemming from an infection.
The Scout Says: Although Roberto Martinez was forced to revert to a four-man defence following Kevin Mirallas’ dismissal last Gameweek, he initially set out his troops in a 3-4-3 formation against West Ham, deploying Oviedo as a left wing-back. That three-centre-back system could be the way forward for Everton if they intend to reinstate John Stones, who’s been overshadowed by the impressive partnership that Phil Jagileka and Ramiro Funes Mori forged. Speaking of the latter, the Argentine’s offensive threat (three goals, one assist) renders him the choice route into the Toffees’ defence ahead of two forthcoming doubles. Joel Robles (4.3) – who’s seemingly usurped Tim Howard as the Merseysiders’ first-choice shot-stopper – also warrants closer inspection, considering that he affords wildcarders with a cheap facilitator between the sticks.
Black Cats snap up Eboue
Sunderland have signed ex-Arsenal right-back Emmanuel Eboue until the end of the current campaign.
The Scout Says: Assuming that Sam Allardyce has recruited Eboue for his experience during the run-in, DeAndre Yedlin could be set for a spell on the Sunderland bench. Regardless, the Black Cats are without a clean sheet in 15 match-ups, ensuring that Patrick van Aanholt – by virtue of his supreme attacking potential – is their only viable defender on the Fantasy market; the former Chelsea recruit ranks joint-top among his counterparts for goals (five) and charted top among defenders for attempts (eight) over the last four Gameweeks. Looking at Sunderland’s schedule (new, WBA, LEI, nor) after their Gameweek 30 blank, there’s certainly scope for Van Aanholt to profit at both ends of the pitch.
Injuries easing for United
Talking ahead of Manchester United’s Europa League clash against Liverpool, Louis van Gaal revealed that Bastian Schweinsteiger and Antonio Valencia are nearing a return to action, with the latter likely to make the bench at Anfield:
“Antonio Valencia and Bastian Schweinsteiger are coming back. I think a lot of players shall come back in the month of March. But when they come back, it is not so easy to decide if they can cope with the rhythm of a match because they are fit to train with us. For example, Schweinsteiger has only had one training session with us behind his back. Valencia has a week [behind him] so he is much closer to being on the bench, for example, but not to play a match as that’s different. I don’t think [any new players will be available] but Valencia is fit enough to be on the bench, but to play 90 minutes, I don’t think so.”
The Scout Says: Although he’s blooded a number of youngsters in the starting XI in recent months, judging from the Red Devils’ starting XI at West Bromwich Albion last Gameweek, Van Gaal will rely on experience as they attempt to muscle their way into the Champions League spots. Valued at 5.0, Valencia could be an enticing source of Man United defensive coverage during their two upcoming double Gameweeks if he can fight off competition from Matteo Darmian and, to a lesser extent, Guillermo Varela. At present, Chris Smalling represents the only secure route into their back four, yet his 6.5 price tag serves as a deterrent in light of his paucity of attacking returns (zero goals, one assist). In the short term, few Fantasy managers will be eyeing up a Red Devils rearguard that has a blank Gameweek 30 and is then pitted against Manchester City, Everton and Spurs across the next four rounds of fixtures.
Dier rested for Dortmund clash
Eric Dier has been rested for Tottenham Hotspur’s Europa League tie at Borussia Dortmund, while Danny Rose also remained in England due to the calf complaint he sustained against Arsenal.
The Scout Says: Considering that Dier – who has fired four shots inside the box in as many matches – has started all but one of Tottenham’s 29 league matches this term, Mauricio Pochettino’s decision to rest him could pay dividends from a Fantasy standpoint. Rose’s owners, meanwhile, will now be sweating on his fitness ahead of the weekend, at a time when only ten teams are faced with a league fixture. Dele Alli is also unavailable as he sits out a one-match suspension this evening. Bearing in mind that Pochettino hinted earlier in the week that the youngster’s minutes could be managed during the final quarter of the season due to a couple of knocks, tonight’s absence allows him the chance to rest and recuperate ahead of Spurs’ plum trip to Aston Villa this Sunday.
