Eden Hazard is handed some time off as title-winners Chelsea prepare for Sunday’s showdown with Liverpool at the Bridge. Palace receive an injury boost up front, Rolando Aarons steps up his recovery for Newcastle, whilst the FA rescind Michael Duff’s weekend dismissal during Burnley’s loss at West Ham.
Hazard soaks up the rays in midweek jaunt
With the league title wrapped up for Chelsea, Eden Hazard has been given permission to enjoy a midweek break in the sunshine. Ahead of Sunday’s clash with Liverpool at Stamford Bridge, the Belgian superstar posted a snap on Instagram of himself relaxing by an undisclosed seafront.
The Scout Says: It would be hard to argue that Hazard hasn’t earned the right to a mini-vacation in light of his authoritative displays in the lead up to Chelsea’s title win. That being said, news of Hazard putting his feet up might worry his 45% ownership and perhaps heighten the notion that Jose Mourinho may be looking to rotate over the final three fixtures. If such a scenario transpires, many may well be convinced to swap him out for Arsenal’s high-priced midfielders ahead of double Gameweek 37 and it’s fair to say that Fantasy interest in the Blues’ team sheet will be eagerly anticipated on Sunday afternoon. On the flip side, considering that the PFA Player of the Year has started every league game thus far, one might propose that some time off will freshen Hazard up for a strong finish as he looks to score for the fourth home match in succession.
Palace pair on verge of return
Crystal Palace strike duo Marouane Chamakh and Fraizer Campbell could both earn some pitch time during the Eagles’ home clash against Manchester United on Saturday as they step up their recoveries from injury.
The Scout Says: Following a four-match spell in which they recorded 11 goals, Palace have drawn blanks in their previous three encounters. Glenn Murray looked a sure-fire starter for the remainder of the campaign after notching three goals and four assists during that streak, yet manager Alan Pardew dropped the English frontman for their visit to Chelsea – instead fielding Yannick Bolasie as the lone striker. The return of Campbell and Chamakh provides further competition for Murray – thus diminishing his Fantasy appeal – as the London club search for a solution to their recent impotence in the final third. Campbell netted in one of his last two starts before suffering a pulled hamstring, which might factor into Pardew’s thinking when he draws up a gameplan for the Red Devils encounter.
Brown eager to help Black Cats beat drop
Wes Brown is edging towards a return to Sunderland’s matchday squad after clocking 45 minutes in the U21s’ 1-0 victory over Everton. In conversation with the club’s official site, the Black Cats centre-back expressed his desire to make a swift recovery:
“It was good to get back in the swing of things. It was a positive 45 minutes and the more players we get back for the remaining four games the better. It is very important because we have some very big games coming up, but it was a very good result on Saturday against Southampton and it is something we can build on. Personally it is just nice to be back playing and I can’t wait to get back out there.”
The Scout Says: Brown is likely to reclaim a starting berth upon his return from injury, which is pertinent to Fantasy managers ahead of Sunderland’s double Gameweek 37 (LEI, ARS). Although a clean sheet against Arsenal looks beyond the Wearsiders’ rearguard – considering only Chelsea have rebuffed the Gunners at the Emirates this term – Dick Advocaat’s men will fancy their chances when they welcome the Foxes to the Stadium of Light. Few will contemplate drafting in Brown (4.3) ahead of the cheaper (4.1) and more attack-minded Patrick van Aanholt (five assists to Brown’s zero), yet the former Manchester United defender’s return could render Aanholt a more enticing option by virtue of their bolstered back line.
Aarons steps up rehabilitation
Rolando Aarons has made significant progress on the comeback trail, playing 45 minutes for Newcastle United’s reserves in a 4-2 win over Blackburn Rovers. Conversing with NUFC TV following his run-out, Aarons went on to say:
“It’s no different to how I was at the start of the season. I always love playing for the club. And no matter if there’s three games or 30 games left I will always put my all in it doesn’t bother me.”
The Scout Says: Aarons’ long-awaited return to the Magpies’ set-up could be the catalyst they require to pose a greater attacking threat and snap out of their eight-match losing streak. The Toon winger netted in one of his three cameos before succumbing to injury and boasts 11 goals in 13 reserve appearances – clearly demonstrating his finishing ability. Aarons faces a race to prove his fitness before the end of the season, however, in light of his six-month layoff. Meanwhile, Papiss Cisse served the last match of his suspension on the weekend and could feature during West Brom’s visit to St James’ Park. The Senegalese frontman tallied three goals in four starts before his altercation with Manchester United’s Jonny Evans and will be John Carver’s last roll of the dice as he attempts to stave of relegation.
Duff red rescinded following appeal
Michael Duff’s one-match suspension for denying a goal scoring opportunity against West Ham United has been successfully appealed on the grounds of wrongful dismissal, meaning the Burnley defender is free to start against Hull City on Saturday.
The Scout Says: Eight points adrift and with three fixtures left to see out, Burnley are all but relegated. Little blame can be attributed to Duff and the rest of Clarets’ defensive contingent, however, given that they’ve conceded just ten times in as many outings, despite matching up against the six of the league’s top seven sides during that period. A poverty of goals has been the Lancashire club’s downfall, with their recent record in the final third (one goal in nine) making kind reading for their remaining opponents this season. On that note, managers still in possession of Tigers defenders may well be encouraged to field the budget recruits ahead of higher-priced alternatives, following their back-to-back clean sheets in Gameweek 34.
