Sergio Aguero fires City to victory in Germany thanks to a late spot-kick. Juan Mata provides a goal and assist in United’s home win over Wolfsburg, Heung-Min Son is sidelined for Spurs, whilst Daniel Sturridge is rested from European duties ahead of the weekend Merseyside derby.
Aguero Wins it for City
A last-gasp Sergio Aguero penalty granted Manchester City a 2-1 win over Borussia Monchengladbach. Nicolas Otamendi netted the equaliser at the 65-minute mark with a volley inside the box. Joe Hart was the Sky Blues’ real saviour, though, making two crucial stops and saving a penalty in the first period. Manuel Pellegrini made two changes from the side that lost at Spurs last weekend. Hart overcame a back knock to take his place in goal, whilst David Silva recovered from a calf complaint to replace Fernando. Yaya Toure was forced off with a recurrence of the hamstring problem that saw him withdrawn at White Hart Lane on Saturday lunchtime.
The Scout Says: Aguero’s finish from the penalty spot is good news for his patient 30% ownership ahead of three plum home clashes (NEW, BOU, NOR) in the next four. Despite his recent toils up top, it’s clear that the Argentine isn’t shirking his duties – he fired eight attempts last night, with four on target. Toure’s withdrawal is a real concern for his 31% ownership, given the upcoming schedule, though Silva’s return bodes well for City’s attacking prospects – Manuel Pellegrini’s men racked up ten goals without reply in the first four league fixtures before the Spaniard was injured. Kevin de Bruyne’s run of scoring in three successive starts came to an end last night, coinciding with Silva’s return to the XI. Like Silva, the Belgian offers an alternative to Toure owners – should the Ivorian be ruled out – though he looks likely to be fielded on the flank, allowing Silva to tuck in behind Aguero through the centre once again.
Mata Guides United to Victory
Juan Mata inspired Manchester United to a 2-1 home win over Wolfsburg, converting from the penalty spot before turning provider for Chris Smalling’s winner. Louis van Gaal made just one change from the side that beat Sunderland on Saturday, with the injured Michael Carrick replaced by Bastian Schweinsteiger in central midfield.
The Scout Says: Mata is enjoying a rich vein of form for the Red Devils, bagging two goals and a pair of assists in as many starts. In terms of FPL, Riyad Mahrez (60) and Dimitri Payet (49) are the only midfielders to accrue more points than the Spaniard’s 48 so far, with Mata producing returns in five of the first seven Gameweeks. In spite of this, he sits in just 17% of sides, with Anthony Martial (30%) proving a far more popular pick as a route into the Red Devils attack. The next three league fixtures (ars, eve, MCI) are clearly proving a deterrent, though Mata, and United (15 goals in their last six in all competitions) clearly have the form to prevail.
Son Sidelined for Spurs
Tottenham Hotspur revealed on their website that Heung-Min Son picked up a foot problem in the 4-1 win over City last weekend. When pressed on the matter at yesterday’s pre-Europa League press conference, Mauricio Pochettino revealed:
“Son got an injury against Man City, a foot injury, and he is not here for this reason. I think that it will be a few weeks.”
The Scout Says: Son made a promising start to life in North London – netting three goals in his last trio of starts in all competitions – so his injury is a frustrating development for Pochettino. With the South Korea international ruled out of Spurs’ trip to Swansea City this Sunday, Nacer Chadli and Clinton N’Jie will be pushing for a start, with the former more likely to get the nod. Chadli was usurped by Erik Lamela last time out, with the Argentine serving up a goal and assist in the weekend win, whilst Christian Eriksen – back in the starting line-up after injury – delivered a third assist in his last three league outings. With Harry Kane breaking his duck against City, Pochettino will be hoping that Son’s loss won’t halt his side’s momentum as they look for a fourth straight league win at the Liberty..
Sturridge Left out of Europa League Duties
Daniel Sturridge will be rested for Liverpool’s Europa League clash against Sion this evening. Brendan Rodgers said that they’re exercising extreme caution with regards to the striker’s fitness in order to avoid any further setbacks:
“Daniel won’t be involved in the game. Daniel has worked very hard and come back ahead of schedule but we have to make sure we don’t break him at this stage. He won’t play, which will obviously keep him fresh for the game at the weekend. We saw from the game at the weekend is that he is still working on his fitness but he gives us that quality. Daniel has shown that. If we can keep him fit – and there’s still a way to go but we’re working towards a good level of fitness – then there’s a real good combination there with Danny Ings.”
The Scout Says: Given his previous injury history, Sturridge’s no-show in the Europa League will be music to the ears of the 87,000 Fantasy managers that have recruited him since last Gameweek. With the likes of Sergio Aguero, Wayne Rooney and Diego Costa failing to deliver on their hefty price tags this term, Sturridge’s re-emergence as a big-hitter would restore some faith in the high-priced bracket. Liverpool’s prime frontman made a good start of it on the weekend, netting with two excellent finishes against Aston Villa on his way to a 13-point return in just his second start of the season. Furthermore, no forward has amassed more shots on target (five) since Sturridge’s return from injury, which bodes well for a trip to an Everton outfit that’s yet to keep a home clean sheet this campaign.
