The Scout Mission returns this Thursday evening, as we seek out some of the key points of interest in the Gameweek ahead.
Santi Cazorla and Michail Antonio’s chance to prove their value as routes into the Arsenal and West Ham midfields, Pep Guardiola’s plans for the absence of Sergio Aguero and Wilfried Bony’s form ahead of some fine fixtures are all on our agenda.
City without Aguero…
It’s a puzzle for Pep Guardiola to solve but he does have a variety of options at his disposal.
Kelechi Iheanacho is widely expected to be given his opportunity to step into Sergio Aguero’s boots, having previously proved himself at this level. But Guardiola is known for his tactical curveballs.
Nolito and Raheem Sterling have the potential and talent to take up a false nine role, with Leroy Sane also now an option having proved his fitness.
Guardiola’s solution could have far reaching impact on our Fantasy returns and have us re-assess our options ahead of the Etihad meeting with AFC Bournemouth to follow.
Howe’s plans for Wilshere…
Having played just a single 90 minutes since 2014, it’s fair to say that our expectations of Jack Wilshere as a Fantasy asset are somewhat limited.
However, there’s clearly talent in those twinkling feet and, in Eddie Howe, he’s playing for a manager who will do his utmost to exploit it.
Bournemouth will likely build their team around Wilshere’s energy and passing, possibly deploying him in a role behind a lone striker.
If that’s the case, Wilshere may yet produce and become a factor in our seasons.
Karanka’s first choice back four…
Middlesbrough arrived in the top-flight with the most impressive record in terms of both clean sheets and goals against in the Championship.
Having conceded just twice so far, the Teeside team have been quick to replicate that resilience, with a shut-out against West Brom last time around.
With George Friend available to return at left-back once again, Saturday’s home clash against Palace will be the first time that Aitor Karanka has a fully fit defence (aside from Fabio) to choose from.
Given that the pricier Daniel Ayala is likely to retain a start in the heart of the back-four, we’re looking for signs of Karanka’s preferred defensive picks as potential budget routes into that rearguard.
Cazorla vs the heavy-hitters…
Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil have stolen a march on the Spaniard as we look to invest in Arsenal’s midfield ahead of some fine upcoming fixtures.
Cazorla, though, has already provided a pair of assists and, with spot-kick duties also in hand, sits just two points behind the Chilean after converting a penalty at Watford in Gameweek 3.
With the ball-winning ability of Granit Xhaka sitting in front of the Arsenal back-four, allowing him leeway to join in attacks, Cazorla could be set for a Fantasy renaissance.
Let’s not forget he averaged 168 points over his first three years in the top-flight prior to last year’s injury-hit campaign. At just 7.6, a return to form could force a re-think as we look for value in the centre of the park with one eye already on Aguero’s return.
Pochettino’s midfield shuffle…
Spurs’ late capitulation in the final few fixtures of 2015/16 saw Mauricio Pochettino add strength in depth in the final third, with the deadline day arrivals of Mousa Sissoko and Georges-Kevin Nkoudou.
We’ve already seen Harry Kane drop deep to accommodate new boy Vince Janssen and with Champions League duties just around the corner, will rest and rotation start to hit in midfield?
Pochettino’s attacks was one of the more consistent last time around, but already the likes of Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen have had their pitch time curtailed. With more options at their disposal, Erik Lamela could possibly next in line as Tottenham look to cope with the schedule.
Pardew’s commitment to 4-4-2…
With Loic Remy sidelined with a thigh problem, possibly for two months, Alan Pardew’s plans to shift to two up front will now be tested.
He opted to partner Christian Benteke with Connor Wickham in the stalemate with Bournemouth but, away from home at Middlesbrough, we wait to see whether he’ll revert to 4-2-3-1.
Jason Puncheon could be the man to sit behind Benteke and, if he can impress again, that could be a permanent set-up should Remy’s prolonged absence be confirmed.
Bony’s sharpness..
Yes, he failed to produce the goods at Man City but Bony was always going to play second-fiddle to Sergio Aguero.
A deadline day deal has thrown the Ivorian the chance to resurrect his career and he should thrive as the lone striker for Stoke, offering the Potters a much-need power and hold-up play in the final third.
If Bony can reprise his Swansea form of old, when he netted 17 goals for the Welsh outfit back in 2013/14, the upcoming fixtures could prove irresistible.
Antonio vs Payet…
The Hammers are another side to come under attention ahead of a schedule that hands them four home fixtures in six.
Dimitri Payet’s return to the starting XI will clearly strengthen our expectations, offering yet another premium priced contender at a time where the likes of Sanchez and Eden Hazard are living up to their lofty price tags.
Michail Antonio’s form suggests he could more than rival his more expensive team-mate, though.
Finally released from the shackles of a right-back berth, the former Forest man has notched in each of the last two and, at 7.0 to Payet’s 9.4, is making a persuasive case for inclusion.
Moyes’ Mika option…
We headed into the international break with high hopes for a couple of 4.0-priced keepers.
Our optimism didn’t last long.
David Marshall’s arrival at Hull places big doubts over Eldin Jakupovic’s starting role, whilst Sunderland acquisition of Mika yesterday now gives us a headache over Jordan Pickford’s minutes.
If the youngster makes way at the weekend, it’s back to the drawing board in our quest for value between the sticks, with Ben Foster and Tom Heaton perhaps the safest “fire and forget” of the sub-5.0 options.
Conte’s plans for Luiz…
The Italian has shot down suggestions that Luiz will be utilised in midfield this season, with a role at centre-half on the cards.
Chelsea’s defence have conceded just twice and have been quick to show an improved resilience under Conte but the return of Luiz and arrival of Marcos Alonso now places question marks over the make-up of his backline.
Will the Brazilian’s acquisition trigger a switch to Conte’s favoured 3-5-2 or can we simply expect rotation in the rearguard, with John Terry, Gary Cahill and possibly Branislav Ivanovic now at risk?
