In week torn asunder by injuries to Wayne Rooney and Cesc Fabregas, many Fantasy Managers will go into this gameweek with millions to spend and a host of options to consider. I feel the weight of responsibility with this week’s Scout Picks then. Bizarrely enough, I found selecting this week’s eleven the most pleasurable for some time.
With Rooney, Fabregas out and Arteta a doubt – plus United hosting Chelsea at Old Trafford, it opened the door for some mid-price selection to gain some limelight. Options that would normally be filed under risky hunches suddenly became viable options at a time in the season when playing safe is only a tactic for those running away with their mini-leagues…
The Defence
Those of you who listened in to this week’s podcast will have heard Granville and I giving you a full run-down of the weekend’s fixtures. In that you will have heard that Everton at home to West Ham and Fulham at home to Wigan lept out as key sources of fantasy points. It’s no surprise that their players provide the backbone of this week’s Picks then starting with my goalkeeper. I’ve opted for Mark Schwarzer because unlike the Fulham back four in front of him – he is certain of his start this weekend. Brede Hangeland is a very strong option, although not assured of a start with tinkerman Roy Hodgson preparing for their Europa League second leg on Thursday.
As for the Everton contingent, this begins with the selection of Leighton Baines yet again. He’s repaid investment spectacularly in recent weeks, recording assists and clean sheets. With Mikel Arteta out, Baines may play a greater role from set-plays and has strong clean sheet potential against West Ham. His selection is a no-brainer this week then and he even looks a decent option as Fantasy Premier League captain if you’re looking to take a risk.
Liverpool’s Glen Johnson with his strong attacking instincts keeps his place with Liverpool set to play out a tight encounter at St Andrews. He sits alongside another attacking defensive option with Blackburn’s Martin Olsson getting the nod for his trip to Portsmouth. Olsson should line up in a left-wing role and wil be a threat to the injury-ravaged home side. Stoke’s Robert Huth with his set-piece threat and clean sheet potential at home to Hull City completes the defence.
The Midfield
Everton’s Tim Cahill will be their key attacking threat along with Louis Saha and that’s enough to earn him selection in my midfield. Fulham are represented by the lively and influential Zoltan Gera who just squeezes out teammate Clint Dempsey. Both are a rotation risk but I’m backing Hodgson to keep faith with Gera and have him out on the pitch long enough to do damage to Wigan.
Like Fulham, Stoke are treated to a double fixture next gameweek and that’s enough to promote Matt Etherington to Scout Picks selection. The left-winger will be a key component of Stoke’s attacking play at home to Hull and should be good for at least an assist if Tony Pulis’ side prevail.
The midfield is completed by Blackburn’s David Dunn who goes into the trip to Fratton Park in outstanding form. Such is the injury crisis at Portsmouth, it’s hard to see them not conceding to Big Sam’s in-form side. With both Olsson and Dunn in the Picks I’m covering Blackburn’s major attacking threats.
The Forwards
It’s no surprise to see Fernando Torres up front once again. He will struggle to get change from the Birmingham defence but if Liverpool are to sneak a win then you can bet that Torres will be involved. I’m backing another league goal for the Spaniard in a narrow Liverpool win. Torres is partnered by Everton’s Louis Saha who, along with Cahill, looks set to be the leading damage dealer to Zola’s lowly West Ham at Goodison.
Paddy Says…
The weekly Scout specials at Paddy Power provides you with the option to back this week’s Scout Picks. You can get 16/1 on David Dunn, Tim Cahill and Fernando Torres all scoring this weekend.
Don’t forget, if you’ve yet to sign up for a Paddy Power account, you can sign up via the Scout and get a free £20 when you bet a tenner. As you would expect, this deal and the Scout market above are only available to those aged 18 and over.