Sergio Aguero grabs a goal and assist in Argentina’s draw with Mexico. Wayne Rooney and Harry Kane both net for England, Juan Mata notches Spain’s winner, whilst Mame Biram Diouf is a doubt for Stoke’s trip to Arsenal.
Aguero Sparks Argentina Comeback
Sergio Aguero proved the inspiration behind Argentina’s draw with Mexico in the early hours of this morning. Having found the net to reduce the deficit to 2-1, the City striker then provided the assist for Lionel Messi to level matters late on.
The Scout Says: Aguero has now served up three goals and four assists over the two internationals, having played a part in five of his nation’s seven goals against Bolivia. After a disappointing start to the domestic campaign, where he scored just once in the first four fixtures, it’s clear that the City talisman is quickly regaining his match sharpness ahead of some enticing fixtures for the league leaders. With clashes against Palace, West Ham, Spurs, Newcastle, Bournemouth, Norwich and Villa in the next eight, Aguero looks to be building momentum nicely, strengthening his claim as a reliable armband candidate once again. Indeed, he’s the runaway leader in this week’s Captain Poll, with over 34% backing him ahead of the trip to Selhurst Park.
United Pair Help Spain to Victory
Juan Mata scored in fortuitous fashion during Spain’s 1-0 victory over Macedonia, with his cross cannoning against the woodwork and the back of the keeper’s head en route to the goal. In further positive news for Manchester United, David De Gea played the full 90 minutes at the Phillip II Arena in his first competitive start this season. In his post-match interviews, the Red Devils shot-stopper expressed a desire to return to Premier League action as soon as possible:
“I felt good out there. I really wanted to play the game. Now I have to keep working hard and let’s see if I have the same luck with my club. We got the three points with a good goal from Juan Mata. I am just happy to have played. I wanted to play. I am very grateful to my team-mates who have been superb, and to the manager.”
The Scout Says: Mata now boasts two goals in as many starts and has been the only United attacker to justify any Fantasy interest so far. Priced at 8.5, the former Chelsea midfielder has made a solid start to the season and played a part in two of his side’s three strikes, courtesy of a goal and assist, but considering that Louis van Gaal’s troop have tallied just three big chances and 26 shots inside the box this term, most Fantasy managers will be inclined to hold off on investing in the Red Devils main men for now. As for De Gea, Van Gaal could well be tempted to reinstate his first-choice keeper for their big-ticket home clash against Liverpool, in acknowledgement that Sergio Romero has been far from convincing between the sticks. Indeed, United face a bevy of tricky encounters (LIV, sou, ars, eve) leading up to the Manchester derby in Gameweek 10, that may well trigger a swift return for the Spaniard.
Rooney and Kane in the Goals
Wayne Rooney converted his second penalty in as many starts for England to set a new all-time scoring record (50 goals). Brought on for Jonjo Shelvey at the 57-minute mark, Harry Kane complemented his deft chip against San Marino with a controlled, low-strike from inside the area.
The Scout Says: In the wake of such a momentous personal milestone, Wayne Rooney will doubtless be more determined than ever to banish his ten-match barren spell in the league. His hat-trick against Club Brugge in Man United’s Champions League qualifying match proved to be a false dawn, though, so his 23% ownership will be hoping for a more impactful response when the Merseysiders pay a visit – a fixture he netted in last term. Kane has also failed to score in the league so far but his pair of clinical finishes from open play over the internationals bode well for his chances ahead of a trip to Sunderland. The Black Cats have conceded more goals (10) and shots inside the box (49) than any other team this season, suggesting Spurs’ talismanic striker will be afforded a handful of good shooting opportunities.
Johnson Steps Up Recovery
Adam Johnson is due to return to training this week after recovering from a shoulder complaint he sustained in Gameweek 1.
The Scout Says: Johnson’s reintegration supplies Dick Advocaat with another option on the flanks. Currently, both Jermain Defoe (two goals) and Jeremain Lens (one goal, three assists) look in the driving seat to continue out wide, either in a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, with new signing Fabio Borini expected to be handed the lone striker role by the Black Cats boss. With Ola Toivonen staking a claim for the role in “the hole” by supplying an assist for Lens last time out, Johnson may struggle to find his way back into the XI as a result of Advocaat’s summer shopping spree, with minutes off the bench the likeliest scenario.
Defensive Boost for Gunners
Reports suggest that Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker are in line to turn out for Arsenal this weekend. The former missed France’s 2-1 win over Serbia due to pain in his lower back, whilst Mertesacker has skipped the last two league matches due to an ongoing illness. Both are believed to have made a return to training yesterday ahead of a home encounter with Stoke on Saturday afternoon.
The Scout Says: Koscielny also sat out the Gunners’ 0-0 draw against Liverpool due to a back injury, so – with Champions League football set to return next week – the Frenchman’s health will need to be monitored closely. With Mertesacker also expected back in contention, Arsene Wenger has a defensive dilemma on his hands for the Potters encounter. Given that Arsenal have registered back-to-back clean sheets in the German’s absence, with Gabriel impressing in the heart of the back-four, it remains to be seen whether Mertesacker will be immediately reinstalled in the starting XI. Should Gabriel continue as a regular, at a price of just 4.9 in FPL, the Brazilian would surely make his way onto many a radar.
Okazaki at the Double
Leicester City frontman Shinji Okazaki netted a brace as Japan crushed Afghanistan 6-0 in their 2018 World Cup qualifier.
The Scout Says: Having started the opening trio of match-ups, Okazaki was dropped to bench for the trip to Bournemouth in Gameweek 4. This saw the Foxes move from 4-4-2 to 4-2-3-1 as Claudio Ranieri chose to bolster his midfield with the inclusion of N’Golo Kante. Considering that the East Midlands club conceded zero big chances and a paltry two shots inside the box last time out, Ranieri may continue with his new set up, though it may well be that the Foxes boss rolls out a lone striker system when away from home, with a two-man frontline favoured at the King Power. Regardless, Jamie Vardy – who’s priced just 0.1 more than the Japanese marksman – serves as the choice route into Leicester’s attack by virtue of his security of starts and recent form (two goals and one assist). Aston Villa’s visit in the upcoming Gameweek presents a fine opportunity for English striker to perpetuate his profitable start to the campaign.
Rodriguez Impresses for Saints Reserves
Jay Rodriquez notched a goal and assist as Southampton bested Oxford United 2-1 in a behind-closed-doors friendly. The Saints forward followed up his saved penalty to grant the south-coast club the lead, before assisting Juanmi for the hosts’ winner.
The Scout Says: Understandably, Rodriquez is being eased gradually back into contention for Southampton following his lengthy injury layoff. For that same reason, Ronald Koeman urged England boss Roy Hodgson not to select the Burnley-born wide man for the Euro 2016 qualifiers, insisting that he’s not fit enough to represent his country. Eventually, Rodriquez will hope to earn back his regular starting berth on the left flank, with Dusan Tadic (no. 10) and Sadio Mane (right wing) filling out the other attacking midfield roles. Koeman, however, will harbour no desire to rush the academy product back into the first XI, having witnessed Tadic register a brace while deployed on the left wing against Norwich City.
Diouf Concern for Stoke
Mame Biram Diouf missed Senegal’s match against South Africa on Tuesday due to a minor hamstring complaint. In an attempt to be passed fit for the Potters’ visit to Arsenal, Diouf has returned early from international duty to undergo treatment.
The Scout Says: Diouf has served as a nice differential for his 5% ownership so far and has scored two of Stoke’s three goals in the opening four rounds of fixtures. Despite the fact that his prospects were hit hard in Gameweek 4 after Stoke faced West Brom with nine men for the majority of the match, Diouf still ranks top for shots on target (eight) and big chances (five), underlining his Fantasy potential. Beyond the Emirates trip, Mark Hughes’ men embark on an excellent run of fixtures (LEI, BOU, avl, swa, WAT, new) that render Diouf a prime pick in his price bracket. The Senegal striker’s fitness will be keenly monitored, then, with Joselu looking the likeliest to earn a start up top should he miss out.
