Scout Picks- Gameweek Eighteen
Filed under: Scout Picks - Posted by: Sir Paulos
We’re spoiled for choice this time round with some strong fixtures on the horizon for all the top six contenders. Looking at the gameweek 18 schedule, the potential for big scores is huge. With Christmas just around the corner, the Scout Picks arrive a little earlier than normal, then; let’s hope we don’t serve up any turkeys:
A home game for Swansea? That’s the keeper situation sorted, then. We don’t really need to elaborate much further on Michel Vorm’s record of 6 clean sheets in eight games at the Liberty Stadium. With QPR scoring just 3 goals in their last four matches, Brendan Rodgers’ side will be confident of yet another shut out against the Londoners this coming Tuesday.
With Nemanja Vidic ruled out for the season and Rio Ferdinand confirmed as unavailable for the home clash against Wigan, Jonny Evans makes his way into the Scout Picks. The Irishman looks to have established himself as a regular at the heart of the champions’ back-four and with United conceding just a single goal in the three matches since his return to the first XI, Evans, currently priced at 4.6, is a strong cut-price option for the Latics clash.
While Liverpool struggle to find an end product in front of goal, their defensive solidity has looked assured of late, with 3 clean sheets in a row. Kenny Dalglish’s side will be licking their lips at the prospect of heaping further misery on Steve Kean as Blackburn roll up to Anfield; in comes Jose Enrique, then, with the left-back offering more attacking potential than any member of the Reds’ back-four.
Since recovering from an ankle injury at the start of November, Thomas Vermaelen has served a reminder of his goalscoring abilities, with 3 goals in just seven games upon his return. The Belgian has helped the Gunners to 3 clean sheets in those games, with no more than a single goal conceded, and with Wolves arriving at the Emirates, he has every chance of prospering at both ends of the pitch.
Robert Huth makes the Scout Picks for the first time this season. The big German has been an influential figure in Stoke’s recent four-match winning run, with Tony Pulis’ decision to move him back to centre-half proving a masterstroke. Huth’s partnership with Ryan Shawcross at the back affords the Potters a steelier edge and he’s also started to return attacking points once again, with a goal and assist in his last four matches. With Aston Villa struggling to deal with set-piece situations this season, Huth should give Alex McLeish’s side a testing time at the Britannia on Boxing Day.
Currently second only to the Fantasy phenomenon that is Robin Van Persie in our Captain Poll, Nani is a nailed-on pick ahead of the home clash against Wigan. Since moving back to the left wing, he’s started to produce returns of a similar quantity to last season once more, and with two double-figure points hauls in his last three games, is in frightening form.
Scott Sinclair is a player who enjoys home comforts more than most. With 51 of his 72 points coming at the Liberty Stadium, including three double-figure points hauls, the Swansea winger will be hoping the visit of QPR affords him the chance to continue his Liberty Stadium streak. Factor in his spot-kick duties and Sinclair could be ready to give Neil Warnock’s side the post-Christmas blues.
Gareth Bale gets the nod for our final midfield slot. Norwich have been particularly porous at the back this season, with the Canaries yet to chalk up a single clean sheet thus far. Tottenham’s visit to Carrow Road means that record is unlikely to change and with the Welshman continuing to flourish as a key figure within Harry Redknapp’s side, his role will be crucial as Spurs look to return to goalscoring ways, after netting just once in each of their last three games.
Wayne Rooney makes a welcome return to the Scout Picks ahead of the home showdown with Wigan. The United forward has been overshadowed by the performances of Nani in the last few gameweeks but he’s getting amongst the goals again, netting –and picking up bonus points- in each of last three appearances. United are starting to look ominous going forward once again and Rooney’s a definite armband contender for the Latics clash.
A home game for Robin Van Persie against Wolves this Tuesday looks the perfect, gift-wrapped Christmas present for Fantasy managers. Undoubtedly, there are plenty of appetising alternatives but a run of form that has seen him return 15 goals and 5 assists in his last twelve games, it’s almost too much of a risk not to hand him the armband as the Gunners go looking for their seventh win in eight at the Emirates.
While Didier Drogba struggles for goals and Fernando Torres warms the bench, Daniel Sturridge has been Chelsea’s leading light up front this season. The former Man City man has proven to be essential component of Andre Villas-Boas’ side and has found the net in five of his last six fixtures. With a home game against a Fulham side still licking their wounds from a 5-0 drubbing at the hands of Man United, Sturridge looks poised for a Boxing Day feast.
About The Author
“Is certain he won't make the same mistakes next season.”
Sir Paulos @ffscout_paulos
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Recent Comments
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They tend to play 4-2-3-1 with Rosický behind the striker! » -
In English? » -
good point about rosisky. who would u recommend to get instead? is yarmelonki (pardon my spelling) a good prospect? » -
he totally took my idea »
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Thanks Eoin, Great effort. Too bad about you job being stolen :) I think i'll be avoiding Czech attacking players as I… » -
Zhirkov is on my bench, just took a quick snapshot. »
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You're such a Sir Paulos wannabe :grin: » -
The only difference between our teams are your Simunic and Sneijder to my Iniesta and Zhirkov. » -
Rosicky v Arshavin v Scezney v someone poor sods who dont play for mighty might Arsenal ps your such a Sir P wanna B » -
Yeah, same here by the looks of things.... »
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December 25 at 12:41 am
Deicide88 says:
Can someone rate my team?
Vorm (Cerny)
Evans Smalling Vermaelen (Simpson, Alonso)
Walters Larsson Nani Silva (Allen)
Adebayor RP (Cap) Ba
Earlier this week i changed :
Bale -> Nani
R.Taylor -> Simpson
Jones -> Smalling (becausse his injury and i think Smalling will see a lot of mins, same with evans)
Thanks in advance
December 25 at 3:34 am
andylowery says:
Very odd transfers. Who wants Newcastle defenders now? Caulker was the one you wanted. You also need Bale for the DGW. I would’ve bombed Larsson for Nani, and made the money up elsewhere. by going for Caulker instead of Smalling.
December 25 at 3:35 am
andylowery says:
Meant Wilkinson in for Jones, not Caulker again!
December 25 at 6:25 am
bingoman08 says:
the “Bale nani” transfer should not have been done … even Bale is a fantastic player … somwhow, u should have tried to accommodate both of them in ur team (possibly by degrading ur defence a bit)
December 25 at 1:02 am
happy-boys says:
Why Eagles isnt inBolton first 11?
December 25 at 1:04 am
Mark says:
Owen Coyle suddenly fancies Petrov again, with Mark Davies out on the right. After the performances at Blackburn, there’s little chance of Eagles starting against Newcastle.
December 25 at 4:36 am
pratik says:
You make your return, or is this an impostor? We were just talking about you writing comments 2-3 days back.
December 25 at 4:39 am
pratik says:
Early christmas gift for users on this site, isn’t it? Congrats for doing so well by the way in fantasy this year
December 25 at 1:19 am
edditaylor123 says:
massive (c) dilemna of RVP or Rooney?????
December 25 at 3:14 am
Manani says:
rvp
December 25 at 3:35 am
andylowery says:
Rooney for differential (ish)
December 25 at 6:25 am
bingoman08 says:
rvp
December 25 at 1:30 am
Will says:
In my current starting 11 for GW 18, I have Richards, Jones, and Eagles.
2 of those are slight doubts, and Eagles will probably not start. My bench is weak- Moses Vs Man United, Ward Vs Arsenal, and Dyer. I’ve literally got nothing in the bank.
Is it worth doing a 4pt hit to bring Evans in for Jones (I already have Rooney and Nani) and upgrading Eagles to Walters?
I’m loathe to take out Jones as he’s been so attacking recently, but with Ferdinand out, he’ll be back in defence alongside Evans, so the risk of losing out on attacking points is lessened.
Other option would be to remove Richards for Shotton? Although how nailed on is Shotton?
Any other suggestions?
Thanks
December 25 at 6:33 am
bingoman08 says:
i dont think Fergie will play Jones in defence (he has very well established himself in the mid) … possibly fryers and/or rafael will play in place of rio … & if u want to upgrade eagles, i suggest u try Sinclair ( the Swans are playing at home this GW & that too against QPR) … as far as richards is concerned, u can try Enrique (LIV)
December 25 at 2:34 am
Psycho says:
Will Evans and Sturridge price rise before tmr’s deadline? How do I check? Need 8 pts to bring in
December 25 at 3:15 am
Manani says:
http://www.fiso.co.uk/crackthecode.php
December 25 at 3:36 am
reekster says:
Okay, I know Silva is a keeper and I know having NO Man City players is verging on suicidal but looking at the fixtures and the dreaded ‘rotation’…..
Silva > Nani until wildcard time?
December 25 at 6:37 am
bingoman08 says:
with players of such calibre, u dont know against whom they might shine … but i think u can do that transfer provided u bring silva back in ur team on the first week of using ur wildcard
December 25 at 3:40 am
andylowery says:
VDV to train on Monday, fingers crossed he makes it (and plays in the hole, not on the wing!); would solve a big problem for me…
December 25 at 6:00 am
urbantee says:
Now that I’ve traded him out, I’d hope that he doesn’t start for a few rounds, sorry!
December 25 at 4:42 am
pratik says:
Just this week, i took out sinclair for a 4pt hit to bale. From my past experience, remove a person from the scout pick never bodes well for me.
December 25 at 5:59 am
urbantee says:
Sinclair would be a good player to have this week…
December 25 at 5:36 am
andylowery says:
If you weren’t going to play Sinclair home to QPR, why did you have him?!
December 25 at 5:39 am
highlanderfil says:
Points prediction, anyone? Also, is my bench OK or should I swap?
Vorm
Taylor (Swa, doubtful)-Baines-Enrique
Nani (C) – Valencia – Silva – Drenthe
Adebayor – Morison – Van Persie (VC)
Bench: Krul, Larsson, Simpson, BAE
December 25 at 6:17 am
FantasyFreak says:
I am playing Vorm.
But who should I play
a)Walters
b)Neil Taylor(double up Swansea defense)
December 25 at 6:35 am
CarelessGenius says:
NTaylor…..if he don’t play make sure Walters is first sub.
Swansea are tight at home, and Walters has been quiet points-wise for a while now…..just shipped him out for Valencia.
December 25 at 7:06 am
urbantee says:
Walters. He does well at home, Taylor first sub.
December 25 at 6:26 am
shite_factor says:
What you reckon Newcastle’s chances are on beating Bolton. Looking at a nice accumulator bet
December 25 at 6:33 am
CarelessGenius says:
Wouldn’t touch that game……anything could happen there. Bolton on the up? Newcy on the down?
December 25 at 6:48 am
shite_factor says:
yeah, thats what I have been seeing. Just I have a feeling the toons could pull it off and they hugely increase my return by including them in the bet.
Basically by leaving toons out and doing
Liv, Chel, Manu, Tott and Arse to win have 5-1 odds.
Not bad.
December 25 at 7:02 am
CarelessGenius says:
I have an accumulator on 11 matches….man U, arse, chel, man c….I only bet on obvious wins, and hope the accumulation creates a decent return. But then stuff like Wig 0-0 Che happens to screw it all up!!!
December 25 at 7:02 am
CarelessGenius says:
Sorry, wig 1-1 che…….
December 25 at 7:45 am
adamjoycey says:
Start Drenthe or Cabaye?
December 25 at 11:24 am
Adz says:
Is RVP a must for C this week??
My other options are:
A) Nani
B) Valencia
C) Bale
D) Silva
E) Ba
Thanks, and Merry Xmas!!
December 25 at 10:31 pm
Sparky6670 says:
Him or Nani only options for me. Nani feels like greater rotation risk?
December 25 at 11:29 am
lanredan19 says:
Hi I love this website always gives such helpful info. I have had a mare last two weeks, constantly dropping. My current team:
DE GEA-
JONES-ENRIQUE-SIMPSON-AKKUTO
SILVA-LARSSON-WALTERS
STURRIDGE-ROONEY-VAN PERSIE.
I am looking to get nani in defintley! but not sure on the others.. My plan was to get rid of silva for nani… ageuro for rooney. Reasoning being that at man utd nani has most points. Man city ageuro has most points. I was then going to put in bale for larsson. and then swap jones with evans..
losing 8 points..
need some serious advice.. i dont want to fail again.. i dont mind taking 8 point hit.. have been all season and have been doing well till now..
Any advice would be much appreciated..
December 25 at 12:00 pm
shite_factor says:
Nani, bale and silva are a must. Dont spend much on defense most points are mid and strikers.take a hit or two, whats 8 points with tge upcoming fixtures.
Ade and sturridge are two to be considered. Plan for your wild card.
December 25 at 11:29 am
piex_adeas says:
What do you of Adam against blackburn?
December 25 at 12:41 pm
got2bmyyear says:
who i sell out of (a) mata,silva, bale to buy nani, or (b) shud i wait til the wildcard to work some magic
December 25 at 1:34 pm
shite_factor says:
Mata out! Sooner the better. Nani will grab a lock of points in next game.
December 25 at 10:24 pm
dubai_dan says:
Is there any reason why I’m seeing no mention of Suarez at all? To me, Blackburn at home looks like a great chance of returns! Is it just because of his impending ban that nobody is touching him? Or am I missing something even obvious-er! I’m in Yahoo league so I have unlimited transfers.
December 25 at 10:28 pm
TorresMagic™ - Join the "After Xmas League" - 5003-2500 - 79 in so far says:
There are at least 3 better striking options.
December 25 at 10:29 pm
Sparky6670 says:
I’m looking forward to seeing him smash it up! He is due a big score:)
December 25 at 10:32 pm
Kostja is going to Poland/Ukraine says:
He has never scored over 1 goal in the PL if im not mistaken. How is he likely to get a big score soon?
December 25 at 10:32 pm
dubai_dan says:
Cost-wise though, Suarez is half the price of RVP and nearly half the price as Rooney and against the shittest team in the league, surely he’s due at least a hatty!
December 25 at 10:34 pm
Kostja is going to Poland/Ukraine says:
Adebayor, Ba both cheaper, better fantasy players and on pens.
Sturridge, Wellbeck also better options.
December 25 at 10:26 pm
Wills says:
Good evening
What do you think? Play Brunt or Jagielka
December 25 at 10:32 pm
Sparky6670 says:
Verminator or Huth?
December 25 at 10:34 pm
Kostja is going to Poland/Ukraine says:
Verm is better.
December 25 at 11:03 pm
UBS United says:
Play Assou-Ekotto and hope for a clean sheet against Norwich?
OR
Play Larsson and hope for a goal or assist against Everton?
Vorm
Jones, Vermaelen, Simpson (Assou-Ekotto)
Walters, Bale, Nani, Larsson
Ba, Adebayor, RVP
December 26 at 10:08 am
Fantasy Fanatic says:
Sessegnon or Drenthe this week?