Olivier Giroud returns to the scoresheet to nudge Arsene Wenger, Riyad Mahrez takes to the international stage to maintain his form, while Rafa Benitez counts Fabricio Coloccini out of Newcastle’s looming Canaries clash…

Giroud offers reminder

Olivier Giroud volleyed home from close range as France enjoyed a 3-2 win over Netherlands in an emotional night in Amsterdam, as fans and players remembered the recently deceased Dutch legend Johan Cruyff.

The Scout Says: In light of Danny Welbeck’s return from injury, Olivier Giroud has fallen down the pecking order at Arsenal, starting just one of the Gunners’ last four league ties. Welbeck, meanwhile, has repaid the faith invested in him by Arsene Wenger, notching three goals and one assist in three starts and two cameos. Priced at 7.3, Welbeck certainly represents an alluring option if he was guaranteed to start up top for both fixtures in the Gunners’ double Gameweek 34 (CRY, WBA). However, the fact he’s still not completely shaken off his knee injury and faces obvious competition from Giroud heightens his rotation risk during a period in which Arsenal embark on three matches in eight days.

United Pair Lay On Goals

Manchester United’s Anthony Martial and Memphis Depay earned assists for their respective nations as France secured an away win over Netherlands.

The Scout Says: In terms of harnessing Manchester United’s attacking potential in their double Gameweek 34 (AVL, CRY), Martial is our preferred selection at present. Although the 7.6-priced Frenchman failed to score in his previous three league starts, only four forwards have amassed more shots on target (five) in their last four outings. Marcus Rashford (three goals in four) catches the eye by virtue of his 4.5 valuation, yet Wayne Rooney’s imminent return negates his security of starts. Ultimately, Louis van Gaal’s side are still struggling to gain any attacking momentum (two goals in three) but will be confident after their Manchester derby victory and could well flourish against an Aston Villa outfit that has conceded more goals than any other side (59) and a struggling Crystal Palace side that is without a clean sheet since Gameweek 19.

Willian Back Amongst The Returns

Willian laid on the assist for Douglas Costa’s opener in a 2-2 draw between Brazil and Uruguay in their World Cup Qualifier.

The Scout Says: After delivering returns in just two of his last ten league appearances, Willian used Brazil’s qualifier to get amongst the assists once more. Despite drawing three successive blanks in the league, Willian has posted some impressive numbers across his last four outings, ranking second among Chelsea’s midfield for attempts (seven) and joint-second among all his counterparts for key passes (17). While Chelsea are not treated to a double Gameweek 34, their upcoming trip to Aston Villa could encourage Gameweek 33 wildcarders to secure a differential from the champions’ squad, with Willian a clear option.

Mahrez Figures in Algerian Rout

Riyad Mahrez continued his rich vein of form by earning a brace of assists for Algeria in a 7-1 rout of Ethiopia in their African Cup of Nations qualifying tie.

The Scout Says: Coupled with two goals in three league starts, Mahrez’s growing influence on the internationals stage acts as a timely reminder of the dangers of selling him in the pursuit of extra double Gameweek 34 assets. Mahrez tops the Fantasy Premier League ranks for points per game with a 7.2 average, illustrating his capacity to outscore potential replacements in a single outing. Moreover, the Foxes enjoy a promising home tie against Swansea City in Gameweek 35, which would put non-owners in a nerve-shredding scenario.

Coloccini Set to Remain Sidelined

Rafa Benitez revealed that Fabricio Coloccini is still contending with a calf complaint and is unlikely to be passed fit for Newcastle United’s crunch trip to fellow strugglers Norwich City in Gameweek 32:

“I think Norwich will be too close for him. He is undergoing treatment and he is improving but when you have been away for a while. You need to time to have match fitness again.”

The Scout Says: Assuming Daryl Janmaat can recover from the knee knock that forced him to withdraw from the Netherlands squad, the marauding right-back remains the choice route into the Magpies’ rearguard ahead of their double Gameweek 34 (SWA, MCI). Aside from being the most secure starter, Janmaat ranks joint-seventh among defenders for shots on target (seven) and joint-tenth for key passes (22). Newcastle managed just one clean sheet in their last 15 outings but have seemingly tightened up under the guidance of Rafa Benitez – they’ve yet to conceded a “big chance” with the former Liverpool boss at the helm. While that could bode well for the vital trip to East Anglia, Coloccini’s prolonged absence will come as a blow and those considering Janmaat for Gameweek 34 will be eager for the Argentine to make a return to at least offer Benitez more options in his troubled back four.