Scout Picks- Gameweek Twenty-Four
Filed under: Scout Picks - Posted by: Sir Paulos
As we shiver in our winter thermals, the fixture schedule heats up, with the second gameweek in the space of four days just around the corner. We’re backing City, Arsenal and Newcastle heavily this weekend, with strong home fixtures for all three affording seven of their players a place in the Scout Picks:
Four clean sheets in his last six games brings Tim Krul into our chosen XI. The Dutchman warmed up for this week’s home clash against Aston Villa with a penalty save at Blackburn on Wednesday evening and is now just three points behind Michel Vorm in the goalkeeper standings. With Villa recording 3 wins and a draw in their last four on the road, though, Krul looks essential to Newcastle’s chances on Sunday afternoon.
We’ve opted for Thomas Vermaelen as one of the back-three, with a home game against Blackburn up next. With 3 goals in just 13 starts, the Belgian’s eye for goal and clean sheet potential has seen him average 4.8 points per game this season- the joint-third most impressive Fantasy Premier League (FPL) defender. Rovers’ away record of a single win in 11 road trips suggests the Gunners’ four-game winless run looks likely to end tomorrow lunchtime at the Emirates.
Vincent Kompany is a near-automatic pick whenever a home game comes around for Man City. With just 6 goals conceded at the Etihad, and 6 clean sheets returned in front of his home fans, the City skipper looks good value for defensive returns this weekend. All the more so when you consider that opponents Fulham have netted just 7 times on their travels; the lowest of any team this term.
Similar to Vermaelen, Robert Huth is drafted in for his potential at both ends of the pitch. While Sunderland have been exceptional since the appointment of Martin O’Neill, it’s worth noting they have failed to find the net on two of their four away games under the Irishman. With Wes Brown ruled out for an extended period of time, the Black Cats could be vulnerable at the back and Huth’s aerial abilities from set-pieces will be sure to trouble the Wearsiders’ throughout.
The inclusion of David Silva is hardly a surprise. While he’s hard to justify as an armband option – with just two double-figure points hauls at the Etihad to date- Silva’s remarkable home consistency means he rarely misses out. The Spaniard has started nine home fixtures this season and scored or assisted in eight of them- he’s almost certain to produce against Fulham on Saturday evening.
Gareth Bale is simply fixture-proof right now. A trip to Anfield will hold no fear for the winger, given that he’s scored 5 of his 10 goals and returned double figures three times on the road to date. With attacking returns in four of his last five fixtures, his form continues to flourish as he chases down Robin Van Persie at the top of the FPL scoring charts.
An away trip to Chelsea is not usually so enticing, but with John Terry and Ashley Cole both missing at the back, we drafted in Antonio Valencia. United’s form player, the winger will be up against either Jose Bosingwa or Ryan Bertrand and with 9 assists in his last nine appearances, the Ecuadorian seems set to wreak havoc at Stamford Bridge this Sunday afternoon.
James Morrison looks a decent cut-price option this weekend. The West Brom midfielder has played a part in all of his side’s 3 goals over the last couple of gameweeks and is proving to be an integral part of Roy Hodgson’s first XI right now. A home clash with Swansea is up next for Morrison and with Brendan Rodgers’ side picking up a mere 6 points on their travels this term, the omens look good.
Sergio Aguero is the first of a front three that practically picks itself this weekend. The Argentine hasn’t been at his best of late, but with a home average of 8.4 points per game and four double-figure returns at the Etihad, he’s hard to overlook for the visit of Fulham. Factor in his likely spot-kick duties in the absence of Mario Balotelli and Aguero is nailed-on, with many affording him the armband ahead of the Cottagers clash.
We put our faith in Demba Ba ahead of Newcastle’s home game with Aston Villa. Although he’s missed the Magpies’ last three league fixtures due to international commitments, Ba hasn’t over-exerted himself and was afforded a forty-five minute run-out in Senegal’s final African Cup of Nations match last Monday. Having trained today, along with compatriot Papiss Demba Cisse, we see no reason as to why Alan Pardew wouldn’t start his star striker, and with 3 goals and an assist in his last two home games, Ba will be keen to continue in the same vein this weekend.
Yes, he left many of us disappointed against Bolton in midweek, but Robin Van Persie has a home game against Blackburn to make amends. Since netting against Bolton in gameweek 6, the Dutchman hasn’t went more than one game without scoring and with Steve Kean choosing to leave out Chris Samba tomorrow afternoon, Van Persie looks an armband favourite for the gameweek ahead.
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“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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Top 4 Dutch players Robben RVP/Sneijder Huntelaar » -
Haha Soccer Am should be fun this Saturday. I never watch it but i might this week! » -
Just assumed :D Especially after seeing Robben in most peoples list- for me he is like the 3rd-4th best player for the… » -
good gets him some PL experience ready for United. Another of Fergie's old boys about to test their skills against him. » -
He never mentioned it being Fantasy related! »
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Llorente/ Villa Whoever is nailed on as the main striker from RVP and Hunt, if neither is nailed on than Kuyt(also if… »
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Evenin. Poor Torquay have to spend another season in League 2. Best pizza I ever had was in Torquay. Had impressive… » -
Arteta RVP Poldolski » -
OGS is favourite to get the job apparantly » -
You are incorrect, all goals from saves and off the posts wont be assists, also major deflections wont count. Also own… »
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Sir Alex Ferguson points to United's rich history in the light of City's title win
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February 3 at 9:46 pm
toby404 says:
is it worth doing graham and richards to kelly and ba (2 free transfers)??
February 3 at 9:53 pm
De_Roiste says:
Yes!
February 4 at 4:48 am
C.How says:
Yes.
February 3 at 9:51 pm
ThomasF438 says:
Krul
Richards, R Taylor, Enrique
Bale, Silva, Walter, Sessegnon
RVP (c), Aguero (vc), Ba
Any suggestions? 0.2m & 1FT already used 1 transfer on Sturridge>Ba
February 3 at 9:53 pm
De_Roiste says:
Who are your subs?
February 3 at 9:54 pm
ThomasF438 says:
Vorm, Sinclair, Caulker, Shotton
February 3 at 9:59 pm
De_Roiste says:
Keep it then. Looks strong for this week.
February 4 at 12:48 am
AusSpur says:
I’d drop Walters for Sinclair based on form.
February 4 at 9:23 am
Punter says:
hey same team as mine!!!!
February 3 at 9:52 pm
De_Roiste says:
Folks.. let me know your thoughts! My bench looks way too strong!!
Krul
Simpson Evans J Caulker
Dempsey Silva Sessegnon Bale
Ba Adebayor Van Persie
Vorm, Jose Enrique, Ireland, Assou-Ekotto
February 3 at 9:54 pm
ThomasF438 says:
I’m not sure about Evans
February 3 at 9:58 pm
De_Roiste says:
I know.. But who do I pop in? Pool V Spurs, there will be goals I feel, especially with Suarez back. Whereas, Torres isn’t exactly on fire..
February 3 at 9:54 pm
All Whites Undefeated says:
who should i start?
currently my team is looking like this…
Vorm
Kompany William Enrique
Silva Dempsey Sinclair Sess Bale
RVP(c) Ba
Lindegaard Morison Evans G Cahill
February 3 at 10:13 pm
AgentMZK says:
RMT please ASAP!!!
————————————–
Mignolet (Krul)
Simpson, Richards, Naylor
Moses, Dempsey, Bale, Valencia, Mata
RVP(c), Adebayor
Subs: Krul, Keane, Clark, BAE
February 3 at 10:56 pm
Zero says:
Good, maybe Keane for a QPR forward like Cisse or Zamora. Clark is a bit dodgy to play, maybe swap for Caulker/Taylor/Rangel?
February 3 at 10:19 pm
Aint Gota Kalou says:
Decided against Ba for some differential, plus i fancy OPR.
But is it Cisse or Bobby???? someone jus tell me!
February 3 at 10:27 pm
jkisthe1 says:
well I went for Gerbil if it helps.
February 3 at 10:24 pm
IM THE DADDY says:
On paper Zamora everytime but he’s a confidence player at a new club
Cisse’s already got 1 in 1 so perhaps the better prospect.
February 3 at 10:28 pm
Killitzer says:
No changes made so far this week but debating who to bench?
Mignolet (Vorm)
Clichy, Vermalen, Simpson (BAE, J Evans)
Bale, Silva, Sess, Dempsey, Valencia
RVP (c), Dzeko (Keane)
Think arse will spank Blackburn and Man City will destroy Fulham but is it worth playing Dempsey just in case? If Dzeko and clichy do not play am bit screwed though.
February 3 at 10:34 pm
Guinney says:
I’m not sure what to do with Enrique. Liverpool have terrible fixtures and are even missing a gameweek 26. Only problem is I don’t like the thoughts of losing 0.5million on him as I got him when he was 5m.
February 3 at 10:36 pm
Killitzer says:
i thought that last week and sold him as i was sure they were going to lose to wolves. In the end he got a cs! Mind you i did bring in J Evans for him who also got a cs.
February 3 at 10:58 pm
miloteddy says:
I am still in the BPL Cup. I have an intersting situtation. What I have is:
Simpson, Enrique, Assou-Ekotto, McMcCauley and Kompany in Defense
Dempsey, Walcott, Gomez (Wig), Valnecia and Bale in Mis.
Rooney, Fletcher and Sturridge up front. I
I have Krul and an injured MANU keeper…so assume Krul.
Knowing that the cup ghames are close, would anybody take a 4point hit and bring in RVP for Rooney and Ba for Sturridge. If no 4 pt hit is warranted, which sub?
February 4 at 3:51 am
Two Clips says:
id defo take the hit
February 4 at 6:43 am
miloteddy says:
so you would do Rooney for RVP AND Sturridge for BA an take the hit? I am concerned about a close game. 4 pts could be tough.
February 3 at 11:08 pm
GeorgeR12345 says:
http://www.arsenal.com/news/ne.....van-persie
February 3 at 11:08 pm
GeorgeR12345 says:
Important!!!!! http://www.arsenal.com/news/ne.....van-persie
February 3 at 11:27 pm
DamianT says:
that throws a big spanner in the works
February 3 at 11:37 pm
huzzle101 says:
just great the minute i finally buy him
February 3 at 11:19 pm
NeilPerry says:
Rate my team on swag:
Mignolet
Kompany ~ Vermaelen ~ Coloccini ~ Assou-Ekotto
Bale ~ Sinclair ~ Larsson ~ Silva ~ Valencia
Rodallega
Subs: Lindegaard ~ Cole ~ Yakubu ~ Pogrebnyak (None of whom will play)
February 3 at 11:40 pm
Class of Pelé (1271893-288005) says:
Aguero and Silva as bread and breakfast picks for the next 5 gameweeks surely?
February 4 at 3:48 am
Goodfish says:
What the hell does ‘bread and breakfast picks’ even mean?
February 4 at 3:54 am
Two Clips says:
Im sure you mean bread and butter but agree with what your saying. both are impossible to leave out.
February 4 at 12:26 am
Lucky says:
What are all your opinions on 4 point hits? Personally, I’m OK with using them here and there if it seems to fix the team up a bit
February 4 at 1:14 am
BigJacksWallet says:
I’ve taken 8 pt hits that have worked out well!!!
Go for it I say!
February 4 at 12:26 am
pajomaginty says:
Got rid of Ade for Ba as my FT this wek
Team is:
Vorm
Kompany Shawcross BAE Simpson
Bale Sess Silva valencia
rvp (c) Ba
Subs Lindegard,Keane, dempsey and J evans
Should I keep in bae? f not, should i put in evans or dempsey???
Cheers
February 4 at 12:43 am
Lucky says:
Valencia> BArfa or
Valencia> Gerrard?
Gerrard is on pens although I have to get rid of him in the next 2 weeks, but B.Arfa has a good fixture – I’ll kill someone if I get rid of him and he starts & scores. McClean to come off the bench if he doesn’t play.
February 4 at 12:45 am
Lucky says:
Wait, the other way round sorry.
Barfa> Valencia
Gerrard>Valencia
February 4 at 12:45 am
MartinUnreal says:
I’m considering making two transfers and taking a 4 point hit for tomorrow. My team is really awkward because players all seem to work against each other this game week. This is what I’m looking at:
Mign/Ruddy
Lescott Simps Young Cahill Enrique
Dempsey Silva Sess Ireland Dyer
RVP Graham Adebayor
The success of Demps Ireland and Adebayor work against my defence. Any tips?
Was thinking of bringing in either Ba/Valencia/Aguero/Zamora/Morison
Cheers
February 4 at 3:09 am
nadman89 says:
have to play 2/3 of these who do u guys think i bench Dempsey away to man shitty , sess away to stoke or ade away to liverpool
February 4 at 4:31 am
TA says:
I have Dempsey and Sess and have benched Sess , if that helps.
February 4 at 7:03 am
808Shadow says:
out of all of those ade is by far in the worst form, if anyone is going to score I feel like it would be Bale or VDV. Also Liverpool has been keeping clean sheets so to me I would play dempsey and sess who are both in tremendous form
February 4 at 7:28 am
white heart pain says:
+1 I am a spurs fan and Ade is playing a team link role (and doing it well) ot good for FPL
February 4 at 3:40 am
Mark's Favourite Hat says:
I have 2 Fulham defenders in my team that I have played in the last 2 home games, no clean sheet so far
I now have 3 man city attackers with Aguero captain and my Fulham defenders are on the bench, so get ready for a 1-0 win for Fulham with Senderos scoring
February 4 at 3:54 am
andyd says:
Any advice for this GW appreciated..
Currently have:
krul
Santon Richards BAE
Gerrard Bale Sess Dempsey Ben Arfa
Sturridge Rvp
Bench: Sorensen Enrique Clark Yak
Have £1m in bank, got all players before their huge rises apart from Bale (got him a few wks ago)
Have 2 freebies, I’m thinking Sturridge and Gerrard out?
February 4 at 6:07 am
ch33kych4ppy says:
Gerrard > Silva
sturridge > Ba/Cisse/Zamora
February 4 at 7:26 am
white heart pain says:
+1
February 4 at 6:50 am
In Kenny We Trust: Anyone looking for a H2H league, join at 2072991-570927 says:
Vorm Lindy
Naylor Shotton Richards Kelly Simpson
Bale Valencia Sess Dempsey Barfa
VP Aguero Fletcher
2.7 in bank, 1 Ft. Should I shift Fletch out for Ba (Fletch has QPR at Loftus) or do something else?
February 4 at 7:01 am
808Shadow says:
I have all of my team set except for I’m stuck choosing between Walters and McClean. Walters has been a little off recently and McClean has been racking up the points with asists to sessegnon. Who should I start?
February 4 at 7:25 am
white heart pain says:
I am banking on Sessegnon to dry up soon.
February 4 at 4:31 pm
808Shadow says:
damn you McClean I should have started you
February 4 at 7:05 am
rabsi1 says:
Assess my team please, I’d be grateful.
Vorm
Kompany Evans J O’Shea Taiwo
Bale Silva Sessegnon Dempsey
Van Persie Aguero
Bench: Papiss Cisse, Ben Arfa, Taylor
February 4 at 7:25 am
white heart pain says:
Cisse a risk unseen in EPL let alone FPL.
Sessegnon playing well but not the fixtures.
Can United keep a clean sheet at CHE, not sure about that.
February 4 at 7:19 am
white heart pain says:
Team for the week:
Vorm
BAE Simpson Enrique
Silva Valencia Dempsey Bale
RVP(c) Aguero Ba
Lindegaard Moses Kelly Shotton
Surely Aguero has to hit from now? Is Ba a risk, this early back?
February 4 at 7:33 am
white heart pain says:
Considering this http://www.arsenal.com/news/ne.....van-persie
Who are you Vice captaining?
February 4 at 7:39 am
Liquor and poker says:
Anyone got any fresh news re Arsenal website report of Wenger talking about resting RVP (my capt). Also any games in danger of being cancelled due to bad weather?
February 4 at 8:30 am
starmanager says:
WHAAAT? resting RVP??
February 4 at 8:30 am
starmanager says:
Mignolet or Vorm this gameweek?
I have RVP, Morrison and BA up front, but…
Get rid of Morrison and Dempsy for maybe Gylfy sig, Ox or Mcclean and Aguero?
BUT, that will be -8 points (since I’ve already done, BA for Adebayor).
I just have that feeling that Ageuro will wreck Fulham and Senderos..
February 4 at 8:40 am
8010206647 says:
Vorm
J.Enrique BAE R.Taylor
Bale Valencia Dempsey Sessegnon
RVP (c) Bent Aguero(V)
Substitutes: Bogdan , Simpson , Cahill , Ferguson
Is Rvp gonna play?
Thoughts about my team?
February 4 at 8:47 am
starmanager says:
looks good, I would captain aguero, doesnt look like RVP is playing. But I think Im gonna keep him in just in case Wenger leaves him on the bench and the score is tie and he needs a savior.
February 4 at 8:53 am
8010206647 says:
But what if RVP starts?
He’ll create a big difference among the fantasy managers !
Anyway,
I’ll take your suggestion
Thanks you
February 4 at 9:10 am
starmanager says:
I know! I believe that 50% wount even know the fact if he starts or not, maybe more.. So the people that start him are either lucky or they may be gambling.. But Aguero is a good choice against Fulham i believe, Aguero loves playing at Etihad stadium!
February 4 at 9:51 am
Joey Barton and Friends says:
why wouldnt RVP play? Have you read this somewhere?
February 4 at 10:08 am
starmanager says:
its all over the news, wenger say he may rest him. But im thinking maybe Wenger would rest him against Sunderland so that he has a fresh pair of legs 4 days later against Milan..
I also believe if he does start, Wenger will probably take him out pretty early and give Henry some minutes so that Henry could be ready to start the next away game against Sunderland. Im not sure. Wenger said that he would rest RVP when he had the chance to take Shearer’s old scoring record for a year, but didn’t do that so.. Im not sure.. Right now I have Silva as cpt, Silva at home is a great cpt choice I believe. But RVP has nettet 10 goals in 12 games against Blackburn, that is if you like statistics
February 4 at 10:04 am
Epicfail FC says:
Ruddy
Koscielny Simpson Richards
Sessegnon Bale Dempsey Valencia
Ba Aguero Van Persie
What do you think about this?
Captain: Aguero or RVP?
February 4 at 10:09 am
starmanager says:
Aguero since no one knows if RVP will start