Scout Picks – Gameweek 3
Filed under: Scout Picks - Posted by: Paul
Just when we’re getting into the swing of things, along comes another international break. As the Premier League steels itself for a fortnight’s hibernation, we’ve assembled the Scout Picks squad for Gameweek 3 and, for the first time this season, roll out a 4-4-2 ahead of tomorrow’s kick-off…
Michel Vorm gets the nod between the sticks ahead of Swansea’s home clash with Sunderland at the Liberty tomorrow. Racking up back-to-back clean sheets in the opening couple of Gameweeks, he has also registered an extra save point in both matches – the perfect safety net if Michael Laudrup’s side finally concede.
We have faith in the Newcastle defence ahead of the Magpies’ home showdown with Villa. Paul Lambert’s side arrive at the Sports Direct Arena having succumbed to defeat in both their matches thus far and with just a single goal to their name – the hosts look a decent bet for a clean sheet here and we’ve opted for the attacking threat and FPL bonus potential of Steven Taylor as a route into Alan Pardew’s backline.
A home clash with QPR earns Vincent Kompany a place in the Scout Picks. City have yet to register a clean sheet this season but with Mark Hughes’ side failing to gel after numerous summer signings, Kompany’s consistency of selection under Roberto Mancini gets our vote for Saturday evening’s showdown.
We highlighted the merits of Emmerson Boyce in a Watchlist article earlier this week and back up our faith in his abilities by handing the Wigan man a place at the back ahead of a home clash with Stoke. The Potters’ woeful away form saw them score a mere 11 goals on the road in the previous campaign and only have an Adam Federici error to thank for a single goal accrued over two matches so far –Boyce’s right flank raids offer the chance of both at both ends of the pitch tomorrow.
A trip to unbeaten West Brom fails to deter our faith in Leighton Baines. With Everton quick out the blocks this season, the left-back has instantly settled as a Fantasy force and has already supplemented an assist and clean sheet with five FPL bonus points. Baines’ left flank partnership with Steven Pienaar goes from strength to strength and, with set-pieces and spot-kicks in his locker, is impossible to overlook.
The trickery of Hatem Ben Arfa looks crucial to unlocking the Villa defence this weekend. The Frenchman has dazzled since being installed as a first-team regular in the latter part of last season – Ben Arfa has already produced in Newcastle’s home game with Spurs and, having been rested for his side’s Europa League exertions on Thursday evening, will arrive refreshed for Sunday’s match.
He may have failed to deliver the Fantasy points so far but our faith in Gareth Bale remains unmoved. A home game with Norwich affords the Welshman the perfect opportunity to finally get off the mark and with the Canaries shipping five in their only away game of the season, Bale could well be a decent armband contender as Andre Villas-Boas looks to grab his first league win since arriving at the Lane this summer.
An instant hit since moving from Dortmund this summer, Shinji Kagawa makes his Scout Picks debut for United’s trip to Southampton. Playing in “the hole”, the Japanese star netted on his home debut last weekend and squares up to a Saints side still licking their wounds after back-to-back defeats. Kagawa’s creativity is sure to play a part as United look to close the gap on Chelsea to three points at the top ahead of the international break.
As his ownership across the Fantasy games continues to escalate, Michu’s home game with Sunderland looks set to afford the midfielder another chance to maintain his superb start to the season. Netting three times in his first couple of matches for the Swans, the midfielder has swept aside any doubts as to whether he could replicate his La Liga goal-scoring form and, so far, he sits third in the Captain Poll – a sign of our confidence in the Spaniard right now.
Runaway leader in the Captain Poll with over 50% of the votes, Carlos Tevez is afforded another chance to impress as QPR roll up to the Etihad. While Mario Balotelli and Eden Dzeko struggle for form and fitness, the Argentine has stepped up for City in light of Sergio Aguero’s absence and, having notched in back-to-back Gameweeks, we’re backing him to continue his scoring spree tomorrow.
Robin Van Persie is another automatic choice. We selected the Dutchman last time round and were rewarded with a goal against Fulham – with Wayne Rooney sidelined for four weeks at least, the former Arsenal skipper seems nailed-on ahead of the trip to St Mary’s and, with spot-kicks at least temporarily in the bag, offers a real armband alternative to Tevez.
Guy Demel is our cut-price choice at the back with an Upton Park match against Fulham on his agenda. Having already returned a home clean sheet in Gameweek 1, the right-back offers a decent chance of defensive points against a side that scored just 12 times on the road in 2011/12.
Kevin Nolan also earns a place on the bench ahead of the Cottagers’ clash. With former Newcastle sidekick Andy Carroll set to be installed to Sam Allardyce’s attack, Nolan’s potential for replicating his goal return in the home opener with Villa looks that little bit stronger.
Danny Graham is the final Scout Pick this weekend. The Swansea man is unlucky not to make the first XI; he followed up his goal against West Ham last weekend by netting in the Capital One Cup win over Barnsley on Tuesday and looks a viable alternative to Michu as Michael Laudrup’s side go for their third straight league win at home to Sunderland.
About The Author
paul
Commenting is now closed for this post.
Recent Comments
-
Very good game indeed! » -
http://sportsbeta.ladbrokes.com/footballdetail?event=217099191 » -
Yeah, FPL points decides it.. Probably won't bet on it because I don't have a Ladbrokes account but Adebayor @ 40/1… »
-
Not selling myself, but it looks like he's entered another barren patch. 1 assist in the last 4 games is it? » -
Still kept him though » -
lol hope so! but i think he may drop Ba Am tempted to bring in tevez for mata team would then be bale walcott… » -
I asked this the other day and people just said because of his form?? »
-
Wally. » -
Link not working for me. » -
Sit tight. I'm slightly tempted to captain him too. »
“I am happy with the way I’ve started, but on the other hand, I should have scored four or five more, so that’s something for me to work on.”
Robin Van Persie talks about his early form at United ahead of his first Manchester derby
-
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
August 31 at 9:26 pm
Trebor says:
Alexander looked upon his empire and wept.
There were no more players to sign.
QPR had signed them all.
August 31 at 9:28 pm
Daniel.mf - Vote for Berba in the captain poll says:
We miss Drogba
August 31 at 9:46 pm
Manamongst says:
You guy missed the part where you should have splashed all that cash on Falcao…hell Drogba misses Drogba…he wasn’t enough to stop this asswhoopin…
August 31 at 9:28 pm
Sheep Flavour says:
SKY Sports reports money being taken for Essien to move to Everton & Arsenal on loan.
August 31 at 9:49 pm
Manamongst says:
so when do they cut him in half?
August 31 at 9:29 pm
kimoo says:
i already made 2 subs and get -4 hit ? santi and noble out > dyer and HBA in
it worth to get a defnder from new castle like s taylor ???
and it will be -8
August 31 at 9:37 pm
RayneWooney says:
No and there was no real need to do Noble – Dyer imo.. Santi to HBA would have been sufficient. -8pt for two mids and a defender not worth it.
August 31 at 9:39 pm
kimoo says:
thnx mate
August 31 at 9:31 pm
Scheister says:
Could use some help lads. Who is the safest/best pick of Newcastle’s back 4??
They have a great run of fixtures coming up, but I haven’t watched a lot of their games. Who do you think is guaranteed a spot? S. Taylor? Simpson?
Thanks!
August 31 at 9:34 pm
RayneWooney says:
saylor
August 31 at 9:36 pm
Luc says:
Collocini.
August 31 at 9:42 pm
1569Tippins says:
Simpson RB, Coloccini and S. Taylor CB’s, Santon LB … all four nailed on when fit now that R. Taylor is out injured. Williamson and Perch are back up
August 31 at 9:45 pm
Scheister says:
Sweet thanks. When R. Taylor is fit, does he come in for Santon??
August 31 at 9:52 pm
1569Tippins says:
Not necessarily. Because of his versatility, Pardew plays R. Taylor in a number of positions from LB, RB or RM but he usually starts on the bench when he has a fully fit squad. Santon is first choice LB, even when R. Taylor is fit but can be rotated at times when Taylor’s back from injury. With Santon though, his natural position is RB, so he’s probably a better long term prospect than Simpson, who by the way still hasn’t signed a new contract and is likely to be replaced in Jan.
August 31 at 9:55 pm
Scheister says:
Impressive, thanks mate! …Steven Taylor it is then
August 31 at 9:47 pm
Scheister says:
Sorry, one more quickie: Any of them get forward a bit? Looked at the stats and none really have a lot of shots or assists last season. Still thinking S. Taylor or Simpson maybe?
August 31 at 9:56 pm
1569Tippins says:
Simpson is useless going forward. Santon is right footed so is limited at crossing a ball from his LB position. S.Taylor and Coloccini can be dangerous when up for corners and free kicks. Goal threat wise S. Taylor is the best bet.
August 31 at 9:35 pm
wah1berg says:
Ddg
Demel clyne zab (ivan gorkss)
Michu yaya kacan cazorla (lamps)
Tevez(c) rvp graham
1FT
Lampard >
a) Kagawa
b) Ben Arfa
c) Pienaar
d) Morrison (gamble, good fixtures)
e) save transfer
August 31 at 9:48 pm
Scheister says:
Kagawa. Looks menacing.
August 31 at 9:35 pm
RayneWooney says:
Unlucky there from Luiz, hit the post!
August 31 at 9:46 pm
eplitz says:
Rooney and Mata for RVP and _____?
August 31 at 9:58 pm
stupendous says:
DEMPSEY TO SPURS!!!!! NOOOOOOOO!!!
August 31 at 10:01 pm
Acquafresca;; Manager of Panathinaikos -ο Παναθηναϊκος με κέρδισε says:
link?
August 31 at 10:02 pm
stupendous says:
three year deal!!!!!!!
August 31 at 10:03 pm
Berbanip says:
Anyone know what the Everton attacking line up will be? Will Mirallas get 90 mins?
August 31 at 10:05 pm
Berba: The Bulgarian Zico-Real Sociedad. "Quotation is a servicable substitute for wit" - W Somerset Maugham says:
Lloris confirmed, unlucky Friedel owners…
August 31 at 10:05 pm
stupendous says:
This seriously throws a spanner in my plans!!! Dempsey at Spurs wow!!!
SSN confirmed it. He’s a Spud now.
August 31 at 11:41 pm
Hector Rivas says:
yea dempsey was a great player at Fulham, but spurs losing Modric and VDV is a massive loss, coupled with AVB who plays too high up the park, Spurs are in for a canning!!!
August 31 at 10:52 pm
Desperate Dan says:
Currently have 9 eligible players. Have Cole/Mata/Torres/Robson-Kanu(what was I thinking)/Ferdinand(even worse decision) all out
I’m thinking of switching things up; Mata to Kacaniklic
Torres to RVP
Leaves me some money to play aroung with next GW. Whats everyone think of Kacaniklic, probs the best 4.5m option around, right?
August 31 at 11:33 pm
Simon1983 says:
I’ve got a season ticket at fulham and every time i’ve seen him play he’s been very impressive
September 1 at 11:08 am
Desperate Dan says:
There’s alot of talk on here that he will not be in the starting XI, so I failed to stick to my guns, and went with Ben Arfa instead. I will see how he gets on today, potential transfer in next GW as Fulham have a good run of fixtures
August 31 at 11:07 pm
Sheep Flavour says:
Pablo Hernandez will be a great player for Swansea.
August 31 at 11:32 pm
Simon1983 says:
A decent selection above, i’m captaining Tevez but Bale a close second and Nathan Dyer would be my vice vice captain if such a thing existed
August 31 at 11:33 pm
u01nk5 says:
Will hazard rise again before gw4?
August 31 at 11:35 pm
Hector Rivas says:
Spurs will always be shit, they have lost both the best play makers in modric and vdv and also the best manager in Harry, Spurs to be in the relegation battle at end of season!!!
September 1 at 12:02 am
TheSportsGuy - you say cabay I say hello says:
Thank you for your educated and thoughtful contribution.
You have been an asset to this website inparticular and mankind in general.
Now GTFO
September 1 at 4:16 am
KOKAK says:
AVB is crap and not PL material. He ruined Chelsea, who became CL winners minus AVB. The presence of AVB in Tottenham only spells disaster for the club. They may never be fighting the relagation battle as pointed out by Hector, but they will never flourish under the wings of a manager who puts himself ahead of the team.
August 31 at 11:49 pm
BennyB89 says:
Any comments on my team for tomorrow lads?.
Vorm [Habsi]
Saylor-Rangel-Zabaleta [ Figs, Gibbs]
Michu-Duff-Pienaar-Cleverley [Hazard]
RVP-Tevez[c]-Petric
I got Cleverley instead of Kagawa because the main competition in my league has Kagawa. Duff been quietly picking up the points and Zaba looks nailed on atm.
Any feedback?,
cheers.
September 1 at 7:25 am
scout parag says:
With the transfer of Maicon to Man City, not sure whether zabaleta will play consistantly.
September 1 at 12:15 am
Big Chee Cheese says:
De Guzman or McClean? De Guzman is over every free kick and corner but does not get too far advanced and has yet to play 90 minutes. Where is McClean on the pecking order of free kicks after all the moves made by Sunderland? I have 6.6 to spend if I drop Guzman. I have Michu too so I met be a little Swan heavy in the mid. If not McClean who else for 6.6 or less?
Cheers
September 1 at 7:19 am
scout parag says:
Any good midfielder at 4.5 apart from kacaniklic?