The Scout Mission – Gameweek 3

As always, there’s much for us to monitor over the upcoming round of fixtures. Wayne Rooney’s form, Riyad Mahrez and Ross Barkley’s momentum against tougher opponents, Stoke and Swansea’s differentials, Jose Mourinho’s teamsheet and Aleksandar Kolarov’s task of cementing his City start are all on our list as we prepare for the weekend scouting mission…

Depay’s display and Rooney’s reaction to the critics…
Moved to his favoured role on the left against Villa, the Dutchman offered a significant goal threat and followed that up with a midweek brace against Brugges in the Champions League. Rooney, meanwhile, continues to stutter and has come in for some major criticism after a lacklustre showing against Tim Sherwood’s side. The weekend visit of Newcastle affords both a final chance to get amongst the points and tempt further investment before the schedule turns against Louis van Gaal’s outfit.

Grealish’s potential as another budget midfield option…
Having notched the winner against Derby in Monday’s U21 encounter, the Villa wide man could be poised for a first-team return away to Palace. Now down to 5.4, Grealish will be looking to oust Scott Sinclair in the front three and boost his side’s attacking potential – Tim Sherwood’s men have netted just once but with Sunderland, Leicester and West Brom in the next four, have the schedule to build momentum.

Mahrez’ ability to maintain his form….
Arguably, a home clash with Tottenham represents Riyad Mahrez’ first major test after bagging three goals against Sunderland and West Ham in the first two Gameweeks. Get amongst the points and rack up yet more impressive underlying numbers and there will surely be no questioning the merits of the Algerian’s speeding bandwagon.

Stoke, Shaqiri and the Differential that is Diouf…
In a week where Wildcards have been wielded at a frantic pace, the Potters’ upcoming schedule has thrown their players’ names into the hat. A trip to Norwich affords Mark Hughes’ troops the chance of earning a first win of the season and with new boy Xherdan Shaqiri set to be unleashed at Carrow Road, many are keeping a keen eye on their main men ahead of some tempting fixtures. With an ownership of just 2%, Mame Biram Diouf has the chance to announce himself as a major differential if he keeps up the form that’s seen him fire more shots on target (six) than any frontman so far.

Advocaat’s rearguard solution…
The Black Cats’ backline looks a pale imitation of the one that served up 13 clean sheets last time out. Dick Advocaat’s side have already shipped seven goals and the Dutchman is considering his options as in-form Swansea make their way to Wearside this weekend. With Bafetimbi Gomis and Andre Ayew in red-hot form, the Sunderland manager needs to urgently address his ailing defence and there’d be no surprise if he called upon the services of John O’Shea in a vain attempt to paper over the cracks.

….and whether it can cope with Montero…
Back-to-back goals have ensured that the aforementioned Gomis and Ayew have hogged the headlines for Garry Monk’s men but Jefferson Montero has been equally impressive. Having produced more dribbles than any other player in the Premier League so far, Montero has been pivotal to the form that’s seen Swansea bristle with a new level of attacking threat. Advocaat has conceded his full-backs’ forward forays are causing a real headache and Monk will be certain to target Sunderland’s right flank as his in-form wide man looks to build upon his single assist so far.

Mourinho’s teamsheet for the clash with “Tony”…
A trip to the Hawthorns is hardly ideal for the champions as they lick their wounds after last week’s battering at the Etihad. Mourinho has been vocal in his praise of Tony Pulis’ top-flight record and after seeing his side beaten 3-0 in the corresponding fixture last season, faces a tough task to arrest Chelsea’s slump. It will be interesting to see if the Blues boss keeps faith with the old guard or turns to the likes of Kurt Zouma to help stem the tide of opportunities surrendered to opponents.

Barkley on the big stage against City…
It’s one thing scoring against Watford and an injury-hit Southampton but the Everton playmaker now faces a stubborn City rearguard that’s yet to concede. The Toffees’ schedule has, to an extent, prevented us from loading up on the likes of Barkley and Romelu Lukaku but a big performance against Manuel Pellegrini’s men would strengthen his fixture-proof appeal and spark a major scramble for his services at a tempting price of 6.6.

Kolarov’s ability to hold off Clichy’s claims…
The Serbian’s nine-point haul against Chelsea last weekend was somewhat tempered by Gael Clichy’s return to the City bench after stepping up his recovery from injury. Can Kolarov stave off the Frenchman’s threat and nail down a regular role? At 5.6 he’d be Fantasy gold but, as we’ve seen time and again under both Roberto Mancini and Manuel Pellegrini, City’s full-backs are more susceptible to rotation than any other position in the starting XI. Kolarov is only owned by 7% of FPL managers and another impressive showing in tandem with Raheem Sterling will make it very difficult for Pellegrini to contemplate a recall for Clichy.

The Saints and the Europa League hangover…
With many of last year’s regulars either elsewhere or stuck in the treatment room, Ronald Koeman faces a tough task to replicate the resilience that served up 15 clean sheets in the last two seasons. The packed schedule has hardly helped either, and as the Saints attempt to deal with European duties, their domestic aspirations have taken a downturn after shipping five goals in the first two Gameweeks. Fail to impress at Vicarage Road on Sunday and the Southampton fire sale will begin in earnest.

The Sanchez bid for essential status…
Back in the Arsenal starting XI for last week’s trip to Palace, Alexis Sanchez’ drive and never-say-die attitude were key to bouncing back from their Gameweek 1 home loss to West Ham. Yes, at 11.0 he’s hardly budget-friendly but the Chilean’s explosive capabilities are up there with the best forwards as a Fantasy target – with Eden Hazard owners mulling over their options, a big Sanchez performance against Liverpool on Sunday may well prove irresistible and make a further dent in the Chelsea man’s ownership.