Scout Picks – Gameweek Thirty Seven
Filed under: Scout Picks - Posted by: Paul
Just two Gameweeks to go, then. For some Fantasy managers, there’s still everything to play for, while others – perhaps stung by the previous double Gameweek – will just be glad when it’s all over, with next month’s Euro 2012 competition offering the chance of redemption. As always, we’ve knocked our heads together behind the scenes and bring you this season’s penultimate Scout Picks:
Mark Schwarzer gets the nod between the posts ahead of Fulham’s final home game of the season. While the Cottagers have been struggling for clean sheets at home in recent Gameweeks, the visit of Sunderland offers plenty hope of defensive points. Martin O’Neill’s side have scored in just one of their last five matches and have only netted in two of their previous six road trips. With Stephane Sessegnon having scored just once since Gameweek 23, Martin Jol’s side will be more than optimistic of nullifying the Black Cats’ threat.
Thomas Vermaelen’s potential at both ends of the pitch makes the Arsenal man an obvious choice. It’s easy to see why – the Belgian has three clean sheets and a goal in his last four at the Emirates and, with Norwich arriving in a poor run of form, the centre-half is afforded the chance to add to his tally of six goals already this season.
With regular pick Jonny Evans unavailable and with doubts over the right-back position, we’ve opted for Patrice Evra ahead of United’s crucial home encounter with Swansea. The top scoring Fantasy Premier League (FPL) defender thus far, the Frenchman has four clean sheets in his last five at Old Trafford and picked up an assist in his previous home game for an 11 point return. With United likely to go for the jugular, his raids from left-back could prove fruitful on Sunday afternoon.
Kyle Walker makes up the back-three. A stunning free-kick against Blackburn in the previous Gameweek suggests Walker will be afforded his fair share of set-pieces and, with a couple of clean sheets in his last five appearances, he’s been decent defensively, too. Spurs roll up to Villa Park this Sunday and, with Alex McLeish’s side scoring just once in their last four, Walker’s 13% of Fantasy owners will be confident going into this weekend’s round of fixtures.
Clint Dempsey is drafted in for his final home game of the season. The Fulham midfielder is up against a Sunderland side with just a single clean sheet in their last six road trips and, despite a three-match goalless run, has still produced attacking returns in each of his last three at the Cottage. With six double figure hauls at home already this term, the US international is a decent armband candidate for the Gameweek ahead.
A trip to relegated Wolves offers Steven Pienaar the perfect platform to continue his outstanding recent form. Six assists, two goals and eight bonus points in his last six Gameweeks highlights the South African’s potential and, with David Moyes’ side on a seven-match unbeaten run, the on-loan midfielder looks set to play a significant part in their push for the points at Molineux this Sunday.
Dropped to the subs bench as Sir Alex Ferguson rolled out a 4-5-1 for Monday’s visit to City, we’re confident of a recall for Antonio Valencia this time round. A return to 4-4-2 looks essential and United’s need for goals against Swansea is already well-documented; the Ecuadorian’s right wing menace looks vital to their chances of a substantial win over Brendan Rodgers’ side.
Rafael Van der Vaart gets the final midfield slot. As the season draws to a closer, the Dutchman shows little sign of letting up – those who drafted him in for the double Gameweek last time round were rewarded with double figure returns in each of his two appearances. Van der Vaart squares up to a Villa side with a single clean sheet in their last four home fixtures and, with Spurs pushing for a fourth place finish, looks in the mood to pick up the points yet again.
An Emirates showdown with out-of-sorts Norwich looks tailor made for Robin Van Persie. The Canaries arrive on a three-game losing streak, with 11 goals conceded in than run of fixtures – Paul Lambert’s men seem to have relaxed a little too much since sealing their top-flight survival. There’s no doubt the Dutchman has been far from his best in recent home matches – just one goal in his previous five in front of his own fans attests to that – but our faith in his ability to produce the points will never waver.
Wayne Rooney is another nailed-on pick this weekend. Perhaps surprisingly, Rooney lags way behind Van Persie in the Captain Poll, despite having far more impressive home form over the past couple of months. The United man has scored in each of his last six at Old Trafford, bagging four braces, and has returned maximum bonus in five of those six matches. With goals a necessity for the defending champions against Swansea, Rooney’s contribution will be critical.
Our faith in Everton’s potential this weekend sees Nikica Jelavic drafted in. Up against a side that have conceded 30 goals in 11 games since Terry Connor’s installation, the in-form Croatian looks in line to rack up the points at Molineux on Sunday. While his goal glut came to a temporary halt at the Britannia on Tuesday, Jelavic had grabbed two goals in each of last three prior to the Stoke encounter – a game against Wolves looks the ideal opportunity for the January signing to find the net yet again.
David Wheater settles for a place on the bench ahead of a home clash with West Brom. While his goal threat from set-piece could trouble the Baggies back-line, the prospect of defensive returns looks decent. Roy Hodgson’s side have scored just twice in their last five away games and, with Peter Odemwingie a doubt due to a hamstring problem, a clean sheet could well be on the cards for Owen Coyle’s side.
Victor Moses was just edged out of the first XI this weekend. Wigan arrive at Ewood Park next Monday knowing a win would all but seal their survival bid and the 5.3 priced winger has been crucial to their recent run of five wins in the last seven Gameweeks. Having notched a brace and 16 point FPL return against in-form Newcastle last time out, our Victor is clearly a man in demand – more than 52,000 Fantasy managers have already drafted him in this week, more than any other player.
We’ve gone for a differential for the final spot in the form of Kevin Davies. Back in the Trotters’ starting line-up, Davies proved his worth in the previous double Gameweek with a two-goal, 15 point return. With a home win vital if Bolton are to boost their chances of beating the drop, their skipper’s contribution will be key this Sunday as West Brom roll up to the Reebok.
About The Author
paul
Commenting is now closed for this post.
Recent Comments
-
ceo of quiz ;) » -
Hi there BG.Sup? » -
wrong! clue: batman ;) »
-
Who are you? » -
Hey guys.I'm back! »
-
Im here mate.How are you doin? »
-
michelin man crossed with some kind of pig-bird » -
⋋( 'Θ')⋌ Who am I? »
-
fine Pacers Spurs then. spurs have homecourt no? so grizzlies just have to win out at home and win one on the road… » -
:D genius! »
“We have dynamic players with good movement, so if he can link with them fine. He can play a bit higher because his timing getting into the box is very good.”
Rafa Benitez talks up the role that Frank Lampard can play in his Chelsea revolution
-
Mark @FFScout_Mark
-
Paul @ffscout_paul
-
greek fan @FFScout_Greekf
-
Andy @ffscout_andy
-
G-G-Granville @FFScout_Granny
-
Akers @FFScout_Akers
-
Big Dunc @FFScout_Dunc
May 4 at 8:18 pm
Mr Smith says:
Rival is 11pts clear and sure to captain VP, would you:
A). Play safe and captain VP
Or
B). Gamble and throw the band to Roonpig?
Answers on a postcard please peeps
May 4 at 8:22 pm
Natas says:
If Gamble, dont throw it to Roonpig with Hernandez up front. I would either save the differential captain for next week, or put the armband on someone other than Roonpig – That could be a season ender for you if you captain Roonpig and him RVP. Do you have other captain options. This is a tough week so the go to guy would be RVP and save differential for next week when situations become more clear.
May 4 at 8:23 pm
Mr Smith says:
Those be some wise words there, yup you are prolly right maybe not wort the gamble. Cheers fella.
May 4 at 8:25 pm
Natas says:
Next Week can have many differentials between Man City, Chelsea, Wigan if still fighting to stay up, And Manu if goal differnce has been narrowed significantly.
May 4 at 8:24 pm
Kenny Szczesny says:
Captain Rooney. At this stage its all about the differential there’s no point being a close second. Man city could also drop points at Newcastle which means Rooney would have the Old Trafford crowd behind him to put Utd back on top. All this plus Swansea having nothing to play for bodes well for Rooney.
Sorry for the long reply hope this helps
May 4 at 8:29 pm
Natas says:
At the same time, how does this fare in comparison with RVP vs Norwich – the point of a differential is to pick one that you think has a higher liklihood of scoring points. As far as armband goes, for only an 11 pt mini league difference, Its difficult to justify Rooney over RVP this week imo; especially when next week should promise goals from many sources.
May 4 at 8:25 pm
colonel shoe says:
dont gamble, keep him close this week then go for feckin broke next week
May 4 at 8:30 pm
mrben says:
Does rival have Rooney or not?
You have got to make your move sometime and I wouldn’t wait.
I have same situation and am sticking on Rooney.
Next week there is a clear c choice (aguero) whereas this week it is a close choice between Rvp/Rooney. Less risk this week.
Having said that, if my rival also had Rooney I wouldn’t do it.
May 4 at 8:34 pm
Natas says:
Next week can be Tevez, Aguero, Torres or Drogba depending who it looks like will play, Lampard with a 4 goal game(all from the spot against a relegated Blackburn – and if RVP has a monster this game, your mini league rival may stick with him vs West Brom out of fear of you doing the same. Obviously if Race is still close, you can still do Roo next week if it is to youyr liking.
May 4 at 8:19 pm
paganwinter says:
Current team transfers done. Chasing 19 pt lead
Al-Habsi
Walker,Vermaelen,Huth
Bale,McClean,Dempsey,Pienaar
Jelavic,Cisse,RVP(C)
Subs:Sigurdsson,McAuley,Caulker
Rival has Rooney. So kinda worried about that.
Which of these 4 point hits would you go for?
1) McClean to Moses/VDV
2) Sigur to Moses/VDV
May 4 at 8:33 pm
paganwinter says:
or should i do 2 more transfers and get rooney in?
May 4 at 8:22 pm
EdJames says:
Poor planning has left me with the following…
Vorm (Ruddy)
Enrique, Bosingwa, Vermaelen, Bardsley (Evans)
Bale, Dempsey, Ben Arfa, (Surman), (Sigurdsson)
Van Persie, Cisse, Torres
Any recommendations with my one free transfer?
May 4 at 8:22 pm
lazybones18 says:
can anyone give me update on simpson injury ? is he gona play on weekend ?
May 4 at 8:31 pm
Kenny Szczesny says:
Given that he picked up a frsh knock before the Chelsea game and how well the newcastle defence did I’d change him. I have him as well but most likely gonna keep him on the bench
May 4 at 8:57 pm
Redalert says:
Even if he was fit, playing againist man city who are in a title chase, no thank you
May 4 at 8:29 pm
TheJayMan says:
If I leave Evans in my 3 man defense this week and put a midfielder as my first sub will it allow me to play with only 2 defenders??
PLEASE HELP ME. THIS COULD BE A GAME BREAKER!
May 4 at 8:31 pm
jungle says:
You can do that and if Evans doesnt play he will earn 0 points.
May 4 at 8:32 pm
jungle says:
but your midfielder won’t earn any points either
May 4 at 8:34 pm
TheJayMan says:
So if evans doesnt play and my midfielder does wont it just sub in my playing midfielder??
May 4 at 8:43 pm
Common Barn Utd says:
automatic sub to 1st defender on the sub bench
May 4 at 9:44 pm
Johnny Unitas says:
You can’t do that no. If you don’t have 3 active defenders to field, you get 0 for Evans.
May 4 at 8:30 pm
jungle says:
Blackpool!
May 4 at 8:54 pm
crystalpalaceRus says:
Dont mind Blackpool, just find it embarrasing when they try to say glad all over is their song.
May 4 at 8:38 pm
emperikal says:
Repost.
Only have Valencia as United cover and already done Torres → RVP. Will that be enough?!
Would mean additional hit to either get in Hernandez for Cisse (can’t afford Rooney) or upgrading other MF to Nani?
May 4 at 8:39 pm
JWilson3 says:
Who is the safest Spurs defender to get excluding Walker?
May 4 at 8:41 pm
Spike says:
Kabul
May 4 at 9:03 pm
Gaz Downright says:
if you exclude goalies, then yes, Kaboul
May 4 at 8:48 pm
bigjohn says:
He was never ruled out for sure. Jonny Evans is unlikely to be fit is what was on utds site
May 4 at 9:45 pm
Johnny Unitas says:
Ferguson said “he won’t make it” in his press conference yesterday.
May 4 at 8:50 pm
rdb says:
Team is in a mess..appreciate some help!
Reina (bogdan)
Evans Skrtel Verm(collins,caulker)
Dempsey Bale Vdv Hba(siggy)
Roo cisse Jelly
Nani or a.young worth a risk for hba/siggy?
any other options?
cheers!
May 4 at 8:55 pm
bigjohn says:
Id go with valencia instead of young or nani
May 4 at 9:48 pm
Teletubby says:
Cisse to RVP
Bale or VDV to Valencia
May 4 at 8:50 pm
crystalpalaceRus says:
I cant get Rooney/RVP unless i sell Aguero
Is that worth it for a hit?
May 4 at 8:56 pm
bigjohn says:
i did it just because my rival had him. will prob get kun back next week
May 4 at 8:57 pm
crystalpalaceRus says:
my rival has persie(c) aguero jelavic and i have aguero cisse jelavic(c)
May 4 at 8:51 pm
TheJayMan says:
Is it worth doing Evans -> Jones or Gibbs if your only cover is a swansea defender for a 4 POINT HIT?
May 4 at 8:54 pm
Arakel says:
I’m looking for some help as I am dithering on a decision.
I have Cisse, RVP and Jelly.
I am considering transferring Cisse out (-4 points) for either Rooney or Aguero.
I am chasing in my ML, and the leader is 22 points above me. He has Cisse, and I’m guessing he will captain him (he has captained him for 3 weeks running now). He also has Rooney, and (last week only) Ba.
I figure Aguero is a great pick for GW38 v QPR at home, but Rooney’s home form is hard to ignore, and Man Utd need to get a high scoring result. I currently have no Man City players, but I am playing Valencia.
Feedback would be appreciated….thanks!
May 4 at 8:55 pm
JWilson3 says:
I am in exactly same position and I think I am transferring Cisse out for Rooney.
May 4 at 8:58 pm
bigjohn says:
Cisse for Rooney for me aswell but ill have to take 2 hits to get him. 2nd hit would be Sess to Mosses
May 4 at 9:02 pm
Arakel says:
Thanks for the feedback so far.
I am slightly more tempted by Rooney, but I am also conscious that the ML leader has him. Since I am chasing, I can’t help but wonder if Aguero wouldn’t offer a better option.
Of course, if I get Aguero in and Rooney goes berserk, I’ll kick myself…
May 4 at 9:08 pm
SMOOTH says:
A. walker
B. huth
C. rafael
currently thinking huth cause of goal threat
May 4 at 9:16 pm
JELLYFISH says:
walker
May 4 at 9:11 pm
bigjohn says:
Has to be walker. Stoke looked rubbish the other night and qpr really have to win this game has they have city next, also dont think Rafael will play
May 4 at 9:13 pm
bigjohn says:
Sorry thought i hit reply
May 4 at 9:15 pm
SMOOTH says:
huth had 4 shots at goal if i recall correctly. walker doesnt really have much attacking threat as its often lennon and bale who deliver the cross.
May 4 at 9:17 pm
bigjohn says:
Am just thinking CS. Seens like you want Huth so just go with your gut
May 4 at 9:18 pm
bigjohn says:
Seems
May 4 at 9:14 pm
JELLYFISH says:
9 scout picks im my team for the gw. Only diference is Migs and Kelly instead of swarz and evra. No need for a rmt this week!
May 4 at 9:19 pm
bigjohn says:
Is Valencia worth a hit? the only way i can get roo is to take a 8pt hit
May 4 at 9:31 pm
ChristIna - Winner of JPT final 2012 says:
So Evans turned red…now orange…
May 5 at 10:02 am
UBS United says:
he wont play….. SAF has stated this in a press release today
May 4 at 10:06 pm
transferaddict says:
The only scout picks NOT in my starting 11 are VDV and Evra
I like it
May 4 at 10:47 pm
GreenBlue says:
again:
A) walker or evra?
B) valencia or pienaaaar?
May 5 at 1:03 am
Oncemoreuntothebreach says:
I’d go Evra and Pienaar.
May 4 at 11:20 pm
Dorse1988 says:
Bale or VDV for Valencia or just keep both?
May 4 at 11:41 pm
sundberg says:
My rival is chasing me and I am sure he will transfer in Vp but I will stick to Rooney and destroy him next week. Had such a loosy defense. Evra hattrick?
May 5 at 12:45 am
coogee says:
6 points behind leader of mini league!! Need advice please…
Cahill and Dempsey out for Gibbs and Nani
or
Torres and Bale out for Rooney and 5.8 midfielder!
By the way my rival has Rooney…
May 5 at 4:12 am
blokeman says:
Gibbs and Nani
Keep Torres and Bale, I think I’ll they’ll get it done this GW
May 5 at 1:14 am
jolones says:
Clichy or Huth? Huth or Clichy? for the next final 2 weeks?
May 5 at 1:39 am
scottysinclair11 says:
I hate gameweeks like this where i am going to captain Rooney but i support Swansea. If he scores i wont know what to do, it’ll be bittersweet anyway haha. Who is everyone else captaining?
May 5 at 1:45 am
Sizo says:
Cisse to Rooney for a hit? Pretty sure rival 28pts ahead went for Rooney.
May 5 at 8:49 am
richisbraDDERS says:
I have to bench either Moses, Cisse or Bale. Which one???
May 5 at 10:00 am
UBS United says:
Cisse….. I guess cause ive traded him out….. and cause ive kept VdV and Moses in my team
May 5 at 9:58 am
UBS United says:
FRIEDEL
EVANS (i) – KELLY – TURNER
MOSES – VAN DER VAART – DEMPSEY – VALENCIA
ROONEY (vc) – RVP (c) – JELAVIC
Points predictions anyone???