Christian Eriksen is an injury concern for Tottenham after picking up an ankle problem on duty for Denmark. Phil Jones is forced off with a groin problem for England, Kevin Mirallas admits his lack of form has been instrumental to Everton’s woes up front, new Fulham coach Rene Meulensteen hope to kick-start Dimitar Berbatov’s season, whilst Jesus Navas remains happy at City despite losing his first-team place:
Eriksen Worry for Spurs
Andre Villa-Boas was left sweating over the availability of his summer signing from Ajax after he was carried from the field in last night’s friendly win over Norway. Eriksen supplied the assist for his nation’s opener in the 2-1 triumph before being forced off towards the end of the first period with an ankle injury. After the match, his national coach, Morten Olsen, was pessimistic with his initial prognosis:
“We don’t know if he’s out for four or six weeks or how long it will take. It’s bad for him at a new club.”
The Scout Says: After being dropped from the Spurs line-up in recent weeks, Eriksen was reinstalled to the role in “the hole” for the previous league match at home to Newcastle – his first start since Gameweek 7. While Spurs were unable to find a way past the inspired Tim Krul in the Magpies’ goal, the Dane turned in a superb creative display, teeing up nine chances for his goal-shy team-mates to suggest he was finally starting to settle in Villas-Boas’ starting line-up – last night’s news will give his manager plenty concern ahead of a back-to-back games against City and United, with Lewis Holtby potentially set to return to the centre, though Gylfi Sigurdsson or Erik Lamela also offer options, if the Spurs boss opts for Andros Townsend and Aaron Lennon out wide.
Jones Concern for Moyes
The United versatility man was forced off with a groin problem just before the hour mark in England’s defeat at the hands of Chile last night. After the game, Roy Hodgson revealed Jones is set for a scan and could well miss Tuesday’s match with Germany, going on to say “We hope it’s not very very serious”.
The Scout Says: With Michael Carrick already ruled out for four-to-six weeks with an Achilles injury, Jones was expected to settle into the United midfield, allowing Jonny Evans to continue alongside Nemanja Vidic in the heart of the back-four. A possible absence certainly lessens the likelihood of any rotation at centre-half, boosting Evans’ chances of increasing a run which has seen him start five of the last six. At 5.0, the Northern Ireland international could be set to pick up extra investors around the Gameweek 14 mark – United then have three home games and trips to Villa, Hull and Norwich on their agenda.
Mirallas Admits Culpability
Everton’s wide man blames himself for his side’s recent toils in front of goal after the Merseysiders drew blanks in each of the last two Gameweeks:
“I have become an important part of the team and, in the last two games, we have had bad results because I played less well. This had on impact on the whole team. I have to stop this lack of consistency, even if opponents are now marking me more. The whole team plays through me so that I can make the difference and provide good passes to Romelu (Lukaku).”
The Scout Says: After failing to score or assist in the first four fixtures, the Belgian picked up in form after Lukaku joined on loan from Chelsea. In their first four games together, Mirallas produced a goal and three assists but the returns have dried up again – with the Toffees impressing at the back instead, Martinez’ side have now earned a clean sheet in each of the last three but their failure to score is a real concern ahead of games against Liverpool, United and Arsenal in the next four. Over 7,000 have sold Mirallas this week while Lukaku, with a single goal in the last four, has been shipped out by over 47,000 Fantasy managers.
Kasami in the Goals for Swiss
Ahead of a run of four home games in the next six, the Fulham budget midfielder served a reminder of his eye for goal by scoring the opener in Switzerland’s 2-1 defeat at the hands of South Korea.
The Scout Says: With two strikes to his name already, including a goal of the season contender away to Palace, Kasami is the Cottagers’ third top scoring player in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game. Priced at just 4.5, he has started all but one of the 11 Gameweeks so far and is one of the few cut-price midfield options to offer attacking potential – with his side struggling for form, he looks a secure starter for Martin Jol’s strugglers.
Meulensteen Hoping to Help Berbatov
Still on the subject of Fulham, their new first-team coach is determined to help Dimitar Berbatov rediscover his form after a hugely disappointing first few months. Meulensteen – who has worked with the Bulgarian at Old Trafford in previous years – went on to say:
“Everyone knows the talent he brings to the table. It’s very clear sometimes the frustrations that goes with it. That’s what you get with these sort of players. They are geniuses in some ways and I always find it a challenge to make sure that we can serve those players in the right way that they can bring out the best in themselves for the best purpose of the team.”
The Scout Says: Having racked up 15 goals and four assists in his debut season at the Cottage, Berbatov was a Fantasy sensation last time around but has shown little of the same attacking potential. Despite starting 10 of the first 11 Gameweeks, he has produced just a single goal and assist and subsequently dropped from 7.5 to 7.0 in FPL. Jol’s continual tinkering has hardly helped, with Berbatov moved between the role in “the hole” and advanced berth up front in order to accommodate Darren Bent – the latter has failed to start the last two, though, and may find his game time curtailed again as Meulensteen looks to bring out the best in the Bulgarian.
Navas Happy at City
The Spaniard revealed he has no regrets over his move to the Etihad, despite falling out of the first-team picture in recent months:
“I am very impressed with the Premier League rhythm. The games are very direct and the league is very competitive. In Sevilla I also played big games. I feel an important player for City and I am happy. Pellegrini has welcomed me very well. he is a hard-worker, humble and simple. Manchester City does not intimidate me and neither does the squad. I was used to winning titles with Sevilla and Spain, I wanted to keep doing it and I had that option with City. They bet everything for me. I wanted to experience something new. What I got in Seville was unique, but I wanted a new challenge.”
The Scout Says: After starting four of the first five league games for his new club, Navas has quickly become a peripheral figure under Pellegrini. With four sub appearances in the subsequent six fixtures, he looks firmly behind David Silva and a revitalised Samir Nasri for City – indeed, despite Silva’s absence in the previous Gameweek away to Sunderland, Navas was overlooked for a starting berth on the right, with James Milner getting the nod instead. With Silva still likely to miss out at home to Spurs, though, his compatriot will be hopeful of returning to the XI after impressing off the bench against the Black Cats.
Brady on Track for Palace Return
Reports suggest that Robbie Brady will be fit and available for selection for Hull City’s home clash with Crystal Palace. Brady was recently forced to undergo a double hernia operation and has struggled to regain fitness – he was ruled out of the matchday squad for the Gameweek 11 defeat to Southampton and played just 22 minutes in the previous two league matches.
The Scout Says: Brady’s return will come as a major boost for Steve Bruce with his threat and delivery from set-pieces set to be a key factor against the Palace defence. Despite the staggered return from injury, Fantasy managers have not lost faith in the potential of the Tigers midfielder: Brady has slowly increased in ownership and has held his 5.2 Fantasy Premier League price tag. Should he return for Gameweek 12 and figure amongst the points, we’re likely to see Brady’s ownership jump again, particularly with Ross Barkley’s security of start in question.
