Scout Scribbles – Saints Go Marching On

Dusan Tadic and Nathaniel Clyne both find the net as Southampton send Arsenal tumbling out of the Capital One Cup. Alexis Sanchez’ goal scoring form continues for the Gunners, Swansea pair Gylfi Sigurdsson and Nathan Dyer notch for Swansea again, while Liverpool and Everton turn in worrying displays ahead of the weekend Merseyside derby.

Saints Stun the Emirates

Dusan Tadic and Nathaniel Clyne were both on the scoresheet as Southampton overcame an early deficit to defeat Arsenal 2-1 in their Capital One Cup third-round tie yesterday evening. Ronald Koeman made just five changes from the side that narrowly defeated Swansea at the weekend, with Victor Wanyama handed a starting role after his winning Liberty strike, and Saido Mane offered his first start since his summer move to St Mary’s.

The Scout Says: Koeman’s men are going from strength to strength right now, and Fantasy interest shows no signing of waning. Whilst Graziano Pelle is the attacking asset of choice, last night’s victory taught us that Tadic is on penalties for the Saints, and offered us a first glimpse of Mane’s potential – the Senegal international earned the spot-kick that Tadic subsequently slotted home, and put in a performance that gave plenty of indication of the verve and flair he could bring to the league. Meanwhile, at the back, Ryan Bertrand’s owners will have been glad to see the left-back make just a five-minute appearance from the bench last night, whilst fellow defender Clyne’s strike was his second of the season in all competitions – although his price has now reached 5.3, the full-back still looks incredible value as the Saints face four home encounters (QPR, SUN, STO, LEI) in the next six.

Sanchez Strikes Again for Gunners

Alexis Sanchez marked his recall to Arsene Wenger’s first-team with the Gunners’ only goal in their loss to the Saints. Jack Wilshere also earned a recall, whilst Calum Chambers completed another 90 minutes at right-back for his new club.

The Scout Says: The Chilean was an unused substitute in Arsenal’s 3-0 victory over Aston Villa at the weekend, and with the much-maligned Mesut Ozil impressing in that encounter, Sanchez’s owners may have feared that another sub role could be on the cards for this weekend’s north London derby. Last night’s superbly taken free-kick should bring the summer signing back into the reckoning for a starting berth on Sunday, however, and with three goals in his last four appearances in all competitions, and three home fixtures to come in the Gunners’ next five in the league, the in-form Sanchez is making a strong case to be considered as our Arsenal midfielder of choice right now, in spite of his lofty 10.4 price tag.

SIGURDSSON AND DYER ON TARGET FOR SWANS

Both Gylfi Sigurdsson and Nathan Dyer once again showed their goal scoring prowess as Swansea swept aside Everton 3-0 in their Capital One Cup tie. The two midfielders scored either side of half-time before substitute Marvin Emnes added a late third, whilst Jonjo Shelvey picked up his fourth booking of the season, making the former Liverpool man just one more caution short of a one-match ban.

The Scout Says: Though many have written off Dyer’s prospects due to the impressive early-season form of Sigurdsson, and a lack of faith in doubling up on Swansea’s midfield assets, it appears that the two midfielders are going to go toe-to-toe for our investment as the season unfolds. Whilst the latter has played every minute of league football this season, and has the majority of set piece duties in his locker, Dyer is 0.9 cheaper than the Icelandic international and has an ownership level almost 30% less than his team-mate – with four goals to his name now in all competitions, he is certainly emerging as one to watch and could well eclipse Sigurdsson in our estimations as the weeks progress.

EVERTON’S DEFENSIVE FRAILTIES CONTINUE

Roberto Martinez fielded a very different looking backline to the one we have seen in the league this season but despite a total of eight alterations to the XI, the Toffees’ poor defensive form continued with a 3-0 loss at the Liberty.

The Scout Says: Three goals conceded was on a par with their loss to Crystal Palace at the weekend, and with trips to Liverpool and Man United on the horizon for the Toffees, faith in Everton’s rearguard will surely continue to rely on their attacking potential. The main positive for Fantasy managers is that yesterday’s loss does lighten the schedule for Martinez’s men, which could subsequently mean less rotation – owners of Kevin Mirallas and Steven Naismith were left disappointed as the in-form pair were rested at the weekend, and will now be happier to see the fixture list begin to ease a little for the Toffees.

LIVERPOOL EDGE PAST BORO

It took a 30-penalty shoot-out for Liverpool to finally progress past Middlesbrough in their League Cup tie yesterday. Brendan Rodgers made eight changes to his starting XI at the weekend – Raheem Sterling was one of the few to maintain his starting role and played the full 120 minutes, though was the only Reds player to miss in the shoot-out. Debutant Jordan Rossiter grabbed the opening goal, with fellow youngster Suso notching the home side’s second in extra time, before Kolo Toure conceded the penalty that saw Boro make it 2-2 and force the match into a shoot-out.

The Scout Says: Rodgers has already warned us that he won’t risk Sterling burning out in the first half of the season, and with the young winger completing the full 120 minutes last night, his 47.5% ownership will now be anxiously awaiting the teamsheet for Saturday afternoon’s Merseyside derby. However, having lost their last two league fixtures, Rodgers is hardly in a position to be too forward-thinking with his team selection against the Toffees – a win is vital if the Reds are serious about their title-winning ambitions this season, and with his side turning in another unconvincing display, the Reds boss will surely send out a full-strength side come the weekend. With home encounters against West Brom and Hull City either side of a trip to struggling QPR to follow, Sterling’s place atop our Watchlist is still assured, though he will have to perform considerably better than last night if he is to maintain that position.

MUNIESA THE HERO FOR STOKE

Left-back Marc Muniesa bagged an unlikely brace as Stoke overcame Sunderland 2-1 in their Capital One Cup clash at the Stadium of Light last night. Black Cats striker Jozy Altidore notched his first goal in 30 appearances to put his side ahead, before Muniesa – in his first start of the season – drove in two powerful strikes to send the Potters through to the next round of the competition.

The Scout Says: Muniesa’s match-winning performance could see the ex-Barcelona defender challenge Erik Pieters for his starting berth when Stoke host Newcastle on Monday night, and with a price tag of just 4.4, could prove a great budget alternative to Marc Wilson in the Potters’ back-line if he can oust the Dutchman from the XI. With a kind run of fixtures in the next five Gameweeks for Mark Hughes’ side (NEW, sun, SWA, sou, WHM), many will be eyeing up their defensive assets, though with Muniesa now set to scrap for a full-back role, Ryan Shawcross remains the safest option for those willing to spend that little bit extra.