Scout Picks

Scout Picks – Gameweek Thirty Seven

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.

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822 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Mr Smith
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    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 🙂

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    1. Natas
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      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.

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      1. Mr Smith
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        Those be some wise words there, yup you are prolly right maybe not wort the gamble. Cheers fella.

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      2. Natas
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        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.

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    2. Kenny Szczesny
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      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

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      1. Natas
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        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.

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    3. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      dont gamble, keep him close this week then go for feckin broke next week

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    4. Barwood
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      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.

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      1. Natas
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        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.

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  2. paganwinter
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    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

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    1. paganwinter
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      or should i do 2 more transfers and get rooney in?

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  3. EdJames
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    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?

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  4. lazybones18
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    can anyone give me update on simpson injury ? is he gona play on weekend ?

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    1. Kenny Szczesny
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      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

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    2. Redalert
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Even if he was fit, playing againist man city who are in a title chase, no thank you 🙂

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  5. TheJayMan
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    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!

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    1. jungle
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      You can do that and if Evans doesnt play he will earn 0 points.

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      1. jungle
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        but your midfielder won't earn any points either

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      2. TheJayMan
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        So if evans doesnt play and my midfielder does wont it just sub in my playing midfielder??

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    2. 42 Rules
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      automatic sub to 1st defender on the sub bench

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    3. Johnny Unitas
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      You can't do that no. If you don't have 3 active defenders to field, you get 0 for Evans.

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  6. jungle
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Blackpool!

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    1. crystalpalaceRus
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Dont mind Blackpool, just find it embarrasing when they try to say glad all over is their song.

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  7. emperikal
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    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?

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  8. JWilson3
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Who is the safest Spurs defender to get excluding Walker?

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    1. Spike ⚽️
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Kabul

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      1. Gaz Downright
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        if you exclude goalies, then yes, Kaboul

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  9. There's Always One!
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    He was never ruled out for sure. Jonny Evans is unlikely to be fit is what was on utds site

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    1. Johnny Unitas
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Ferguson said "he won't make it" in his press conference yesterday.

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  10. rdb
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    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!

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    1. There's Always One!
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Id go with valencia instead of young or nani

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    2. Lloyd Xmas
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Cisse to RVP
      Bale or VDV to Valencia

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  11. crystalpalaceRus
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    I cant get Rooney/RVP unless i sell Aguero

    Is that worth it for a hit?

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    1. There's Always One!
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      i did it just because my rival had him. will prob get kun back next week

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      1. crystalpalaceRus
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        my rival has persie(c) aguero jelavic and i have aguero cisse jelavic(c)

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  12. TheJayMan
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Is it worth doing Evans -> Jones or Gibbs if your only cover is a swansea defender for a 4 POINT HIT?

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  13. Arakel
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    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!

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    1. JWilson3
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      I am in exactly same position and I think I am transferring Cisse out for Rooney.

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      1. There's Always One!
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        Cisse for Rooney for me aswell but ill have to take 2 hits to get him. 2nd hit would be Sess to Mosses

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        1. Arakel
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          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... 😀

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  14. SMOOTH
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    A. walker
    B. huth
    C. rafael

    currently thinking huth cause of goal threat

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    1. JELLYFISH
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      walker

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  15. There's Always One!
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    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

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    1. There's Always One!
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Sorry thought i hit reply

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    2. SMOOTH
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      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.

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      1. There's Always One!
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        Am just thinking CS. Seens like you want Huth so just go with your gut

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        1. There's Always One!
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          Seems

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  16. JELLYFISH
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    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!

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  17. There's Always One!
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Is Valencia worth a hit? the only way i can get roo is to take a 8pt hit

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  18. Christina.
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    So Evans turned red...now orange...

    😕

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    1. UBS United
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      he wont play..... SAF has stated this in a press release today

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  19. Tim Canterbury
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    The only scout picks NOT in my starting 11 are VDV and Evra 🙂 I like it

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  20. GreenBlue
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    again:
    A) walker or evra?
    B) valencia or pienaaaar?

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    1. Oncemoreuntothebreach
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      I'd go Evra and Pienaar.

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  21. Dorse1988
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Bale or VDV for Valencia or just keep both?

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  22. sundberg
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    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?

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  23. coogee
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    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...

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    1. blokeman
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Gibbs and Nani

      Keep Torres and Bale, I think I'll they'll get it done this GW

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  24. jolones
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Clichy or Huth? Huth or Clichy? for the next final 2 weeks?

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  25. scottysinclair11
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    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?

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  26. Sizo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Cisse to Rooney for a hit? Pretty sure rival 28pts ahead went for Rooney.

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  27. richisbraDDERS
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    I have to bench either Moses, Cisse or Bale. Which one???

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    1. UBS United
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Cisse..... I guess cause ive traded him out..... and cause ive kept VdV and Moses in my team

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  28. UBS United
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    FRIEDEL
    EVANS (i) - KELLY - TURNER
    MOSES - VAN DER VAART - DEMPSEY - VALENCIA
    ROONEY (vc) - RVP (c) - JELAVIC

    Points predictions anyone???

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