Scout Notes – Gameweek 32 – Sunday

Luis Suarez grabs a goal and assist as Liverpool hammer Spurs at Anfield. Daniel Sturridge and Steven Gerrard deliver rare blanks in the 4-0 rout as Raheem Sterling returns to the starting XI in a switch back to 4-3-3. Elsewhere, Everton’s bench players plunder the points as Romelu Lukaku falters and Ross Barkley limps off at Fulham:

Lukaku Blanks Under Weight of Expectation
The frontman’s season-long stint on Merseyside continues to be blighted by a streak of inconsistency. Lukaku has been poised for Fantasy greatness on a few occasions, only to fall short of expectations, and yesterday was no exception. With promising fixtures and proven pedigree, over 350,000 Fantasy managers have acquired the Belgian’s services since his return to action in Gameweek 28 – so a blank in an open game at basement-dwellers Fulham may feel like another example of non-conformity. While he continues to frustrate, knee-jerkers – looking to sell out of frustration – could be brutally punished if they turn their backs, though; in spite of his Craven Cottage disappointment, Lukaku boasts three goals, an assist and five bonus points in his last five appearances ahead of Everton’s double Gameweek 34.

Martinez’ Midfield Rotation Policy Pays Off Again
There’s a selection headache brewing for Roberto Martinez. The Everton manager retained the same starting XI that tore Newcastle apart in midweek, with the rejuvenated Ross Barkley playing between Leon Osman and Gerard Deulofeu in an attacking trio behind Lukaku. The two wide men had registered a goal and a pair of assists respectively in their previous outing, but with neither able to produce against a resilient Fulham, Martinez rang the changes, introducing Kevin Mirallas and Aiden McGeady to the wings from the bench after Steven Naismith had replaced the injured Barkley at half time. With all three subs producing attacking returns, Martinez’s squad could become a source of frustration for Fantasy managers looking to invest in Everton’s attack for their upcoming double.

Barkley’s 20% of FPL owners now eagerly await further update on the calf complaint that forced him off the break – over 92,000 snapped him up prior to last weekend’s deadline after he delivered 20 points over double Gameweek 31 but they could already be looking for a way out, depending on the prognosis.

Dejagah Offers Optimism as Faltering Fulham Edging Toward the Drop
Yesterday’s home loss left Fulham five points adrift of safety with just six games left to play, having played one more than 17th-placed West Brom. Relegation looms over the west London club, whose Fantasy assets remain off the radar, but a ray of light comes in the form of the fixture list. Felix Magath’s side still have to face Villa, Norwich, Hull and Palace before the final curtain, placing them high on our season ticker. Having recovered from a muscle injury to take his place as a second-half sub for yesterday’s match, Ashkan Dejagah struck for the third time in five appearances – the 4.9-priced midfielder has now notched three of his side’s last five goals and, if he can prove his fitness, looks vital over the final six matches.

Sturridge Outshone by Suarez as Rodgers Reverts to 4-3-3
Fantasy juggernaut Luis Suarez once again took centre stage at Anfield, despite Brendan Rodgers’ decision to switch back to a 4-3-3 with strike partner Daniel Sturridge leading the line. The formation had previously seen the England international go toe-to-toe with Suarez and come out on top upon his return from injury between Gameweek 21-27 but Suarez was in unstoppable form once more as he battled his way through a disjointed Tottenham defence to notch a landmark 29th league goal of the season, while Sturridge’s blank in the 4-0 rout means he has scored in two of the last five matches. Rodgers’ decision to move away from a midfield diamond afforded Raheem Sterling his second start in the last five and, whilst the young English talent was named ‘Man of the Match’ after his scintillating display, Fantasy owners were left with a three-point return. Clearly, the winger still has a part to play in the Merseysiders’ title tilt but with City and Chelsea in the next four, many may decide to part company, in spite of yesterday’s promising showing.

Tightrope Affecting Gerrard’s Game Time
The Reds skipper was subbed off in the 70th minute yesterday with his side cruising at 3-0 up. Clearly, with Gerrard sitting on nine yellows, his manager felt no need to tempt fate and hauled him off early. The midfielder has now safely navigated games against Sunderland and Spurs without falling fall of the referee’s wrath but he still has to avoid yellows against West Ham and Man City in his next pair of matches – earn a caution in either of those and he’s facing a two-match ban.

Spurs Blunted as Adebayor Misses Out Again
With Emanuel Adebayor absent for the second game in succession due to injury, Spurs looked to Roberto Soldado to lead the line, but the Spaniard was largely ineffective and Tim Sherwood’s side failed to threaten and was forced off with a hamstring problem late on. The 4-0 defeat was Tottenham’s third consecutive blank on the road, though on the up side, the upcoming schedule suggests Tim Sherwood’s men have a strong opportunity to regain some form through the final six Gameweeks. Their remaining schedule (SUN, wba, FUL, sto, whm, AVL) is ranked second on our season ticker – if fit, Adebayor will surely join Christian Eriksen as a potential Fantasy target in light of such a run.