Joe Hart is back in contention for City’s Champions League clash with PSG. Yaya Toure is still sidelined with a back problem, Cheikhou Kouyate’s ban is overturned by the FA, whilst Gabby Agbonlahor is available for Villa once again.
Mixed News for Pellegrini
Manuel Pellegrini confirmed that Joe Hart has been passed fit for Manchester City’s midweek Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain, while Yaya Toure has been ruled out with an ongoing knee issue:
“Hart has worked without any problem in the last day. He has had medical and physical tests and has no problems to play. Yaya has a problem with his knee so he is not able to play.”
The Scout Says: Priced at 5.6, Joe Hart represents the cheapest secure source of Man City defensive coverage ahead of their double Gameweek 34 (che & new). Offering encouragement for prospective investors, the Sky Blues recorded three clean sheets and surrendered seven fewer shots inside the box (13) than any team across the last four Gameweeks, underlining their renewed diligence at the back. Moreover, it’s worth noting that Pellegrini’s troops rank top for shut-outs in away fixtures (nine). With Yaya nursing an injury and David Silva (zero goals and three assists in nine) struggling to live up to his 9.8 price point, Kevin De Bruyne – who scored on his return to action against Bournemouth – serves as the choice pick for managers wishing to double up on the Sky Blues’ offense.
Kouyate Ban Rescinded
West Ham have successfully appealed Cheikhou Kouyate’s three-match ban after the midfielder was sent off against Palace last weekend. The Senegal international is now available for Arsenal’s visit to Upton Park on Saturday.
The Scout Says: Considering that the Hammers embark on a double Gameweek (lei & WAT) after the Gunners encounter, their Fantasy assets will be subject to increased interest over the next fortnight. In terms of their midfield contingent, Dimitri Payet tops the pile by a significant margin, having chalked up three goals and four assists in his previous six starts. Michail Antonio would be next in line if he was assured a midfield berth, yet it remains to be seen whether James Tomkins or Sam Byram will relinquish him of his defensive duties at right-back, thus allowing him to return to the right of the three attacking midfield slots. That uncertainty renders Manuel Lanzini (4.9) – who’s netted in successive starts – the prime budget route into the Irons’ attack and an agreeable compromise for Gameweek 33 wildcarders.
Agbonlahor Back in Contention
Gabriel Agbonlahor is free to play this weekend against Bournemouth after Aston Villa elected not to deliver any further sanctions to the striker in light of his recent off-field transgressions.
The Scout Says: With seven straights defeats – in a run that’s seen them concede three or more goals on four occasions – any Fantasy interest in Villa has tended to surround their upcoming opponents as a potential source of points. This tactic was again evidenced at the weekend, when Chelsea pair Pedro (two goals) and Pato (goal and assist) both served up double-figure hauls at Villa Park. Those still holding Bournemouth’s assets will fancy their chances this weekend, then, whilst there’s certainly scope for a few of Manchester United’s attacking recruits to flourish during their double Gameweek 34 (AVL & CRY). Looking beyond Anthony Martial (three goals and two assists in seven matches), the likes of Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata could prove to be clever short-term differentials, whilst Marcus Rashford (4.5) may yet be worthy of a short-term punt if Wayne Rooney remains sidelined.
