Scout Picks

Scout Picks – Gameweek 18

We’re bracing ourselves for a flurry of fixtures over the next few days as the festive schedule serves up as many as four Gameweeks. With home ties on their respective agendas, City, Liverpool and Spurs provide our Scout Picks XI with two players apiece this weekend – here’s who we have for your consideration:

Jussi Jaaskelainen gets the nod between the sticks as West Ham prepare to welcome Everton to Upton Park. With the visitors devoid of the suspended Marouane Fellaini, Sam Allardyce’s side will be a little more confident of registering their second successive clean sheet after defying West Brom last time round. Jaaskelainen has already kept out his opponents on six occasions this term and is likely to have the comfort of save points to fall back on if he does concede.

Glen Johnson retains his spot in the Scout Picks on the back of his strong attacking displays. The Liverpool right-back has provided attacking returns in each of his last three and with visitors Fulham scoring once in their previous three on the road, the potential for points at both ends of the pitch looks prosperous as the Reds look to bounce back from last week’s home defeat against Villa.

A home clash with Reading earns City’s Matija Nastasic a call-up. Roberto Mancini’s side look strong candidates for a clean sheet – the Royals have failed to score in each of their last three road trips and, having started eight of the hosts’ last nine, Nastasic has offered a secure mid-price option at the back for the champions of late, as Joleon Lescott continues to look a peripheral figure.

Jan Vertonghen welcomes Stoke to the Lane on the back of his highest points return of the season. The Belgian supplemented his second clean sheet in the last three with a goal and maximum bonus last time round and with the Potters scoring twice in their previous four on the road, he could be set to continue his upturn in form.

With Roberto Mancini confirming his intentions to rotate over the festive period earlier today, our faith in City’s strike force has dampened further. Instead, we turn to David Silva as the champions prepare to wreak havoc on basement-dwellers Reading tomorrow. There’s no doubt the frontmen could rack up the points against a side that have conceded 13 times in their last four but Silva’s security of starts is a safer option – his recent 16 point home return against Villa highlights his offensive potential.

Theo Walcott’s move to the lone forward role against Reading last Monday earns him a Scout Picks place as Arsenal travel to Wigan. The Latics continue to struggle with injuries at the back and have shipped at least two goals in each of their last seven – with no Boxing Day fixture for Arsene Wenger’s side, rest and rotation is surely not a factor here.

Jason Puncheon is an enticing cut-price prospect as Southampton prepare for the visit of Sunderland. With Adam Lallana out injured, Puncheon’s contribution will be more vital than ever – he has two lots of double figure returns in his last five and is up against a side with one away clean sheet since the opening day of the season.

Fit and available after a brief hamstring absence, we welcome Gareth Bale back to the fold. There’s no doubt a home clash with Stoke is far from straightforward but prior to limping off against Fulham in Gameweek 15, Bale had notched in three back-to-back matches and seems to have picked up in goal threat this term under Andre Villas-Boas – he is just four goals short of equalling his tally for the entirety of last season.

With goals in each of his last four appearances, Robin Van Persie is an obvious choice. United travel to Swansea having scored at least three times in all but one of their last six on the road and with Michael Laudrup’s side conceding four to Norwich in their last home match, Van Persie looks to have the perfect chance to maintain his scoring form.

Demba Ba gets the nod as Newcastle prepare for the visit of QPR. While the visitors remain unbeaten under Harry Redknapp, they have, nevertheless, conceded in all but one of his four games in charge –Ba has scored in four of his last five at St James’ Park, in indication of his deadly form in front of the home faithful.

Our final forward is Luis Suarez. Granted, the Liverpool forward hasn’t been in the best of form in recent matches but is set to face a Fulham side that have shipped 18 goals in their travels already – the second worst away defence in the top-flight. With 10 goals and three assists to his name so far, Suarez’s owners will be anticipating returns tomorrow evening.

Nathaniel Clyne warms the bench ahead of Southampton’s home showdown with Sunderland. The raiding right-back has a couple of assists and two clean sheets in his last five and with doubts remaining over the availability of Steven Fletcher, Clyne’s owners will be confident of another strong showing this weekend.

A move to the role in “the hole” last week saw Adel Taarabt register his most impressive Fantasy returns of the season. Unbeaten in four under Harry Redknapp, QPR will be reliant on their Moroccan magician if they are to extend that record as they travel to Newcastle – priced at 5.6 in FPL, he’s a strong cut-price option heading into the weekend and is up against a backline with two clean sheets to their name all season.

Edin Dzeko gets the nod as City prepare to welcome Reading to the Etihad. As mentioned above, rest and rotation will be on the cards for Roberto Mancini’s side but with Mario Balotelli sidelined through illness, the Bosnian’s chances of game time are that little bit more enticing against the porous Royals backline – costing just 7.3 in FPL, his potential outweighs most other mid-price forwards this weekend. Even if he is handed a sub role, Dzeko has proven he needs little time to make an impact.

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1,602 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Studgie G
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Captain choice made

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    1. halnone
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      ok Ill ask.

      Who is it?

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    2. Optimus.
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      birdseye or morgan?

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    3. Studgie G
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Enrique

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      1. Butters
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Bold, hope it pays off 😀

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  2. halnone
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Should I do Enrique > Nastasic or just hope enrique plays tomorrow?

    It would be a free transfer by the way

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    1. Kostja
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Id prefer Enrique

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  3. ~SpartakMac
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Team for this week:

    Jaask (Bego)
    Reid, Cuellar, Caulker (Shorey, Rafael)
    Puncheon, Santi, Silva, Yaya, Michu
    RVP, Defoe (Berba)

    Got 2.3m in the bank, but thinking that my defence is quite weak, (with Rafael injured and Caulker's chances of playing doubtful) should I do a -4point hit to get in Vertonghen/Johson...Worth it?

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  4. Give The Todd Some Love
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    NOOOOOOOOO

    6 scout picks 🙁

    DOOMED

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    1. Mind över Mata
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Bad luck fella! 😉

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    2. halnone
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      pretty much.

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    3. Butters
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      also got 6 (+1)

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    4. Sebastian Rooks
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      wait you mean to say because you have six scout picks in ur team ..ur doomed??

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  5. andres
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Is rafael out for sure?

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    1. Sammy
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Yep

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  6. MB10
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Start
    Sterling
    or
    Walters
    ?

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  7. halnone
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Any spurs fans know if Caulker will be benched again?

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    1. The King
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      BAE might be back. Then I suspect there back four will be Walker - Gallas - Vert - BAE

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      1. sy
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        This is bad news if true

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    2. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Definitely playing vs Stoke. He's their tallest defender.

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      1. #23
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        I thought the same last week that he would play against Michu...but hope you are right 🙂

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  8. heartsattack
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Pick one to FAIL. Rooney, Aguero, RVP, Tevez, Silva, Suarez?

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    1. Keep calm and hoof me the b…
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      If I were a betting man, I'd say Suarez. That said I have him in my team!

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    2. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Van Persie, I hope (rather selfishly).

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    3. Obi Wan Elokobi
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Hopefully Rooney, Aguero, Tevez and Silva

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    4. Butters
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      The one of tevez or kun that gets rotated

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  9. Studgie G
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    man i hate taking a hit just to get Guzan in was hoping he held out til deadline

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    1. Cat Face
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      You're taken a hit to bring Guzan in before an away trip to Chelsea. Are you hoping he has a worldy and gets you 5 save points?

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  10. BT31 - WE ARE ALL TINKERMEN…
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Who to start:

    A) Begovic or Jussi
    B) 2 from Olsson, Rafael, Clyne, Cuellar
    C) Sessegnon or Sterling

    ???

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  11. andres
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Captain options:

    Suarez
    Silva
    Rvp

    Thx

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    1. ~SpartakMac
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Silva

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  12. stephenl15
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    My defenders are: Rafael, Enrique, Baines, Nelsen and Cuellar.

    Should i take a hit on rafael to get nastasic or just hope enrique plays?

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    1. Butters
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Chance it, you can still field enough players.

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  13. MB10
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Sterling
    or
    Walters

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    1. Butters
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Sterling

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

    How does this look? All set?

    Foster
    Johnson Nelsen Cuellar
    Cazorla Dempsey Michu Yaya
    RVP(c) Suarez(vc) Berbatov

    Begovic Sterling Cameron Shorey

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    1. Butters
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Looks good to go, good luck mate 😀

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  15. Thomass
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Repost: who to captain
    a) mata b) bale c) Cazorla or d) Suarez
    Thanks for the comments

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    1. drunken_mess
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      d

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    2. Butters
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      suarez

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  16. Weasel Boy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Aguero to start over Tevez?

    Thoughts please??

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  17. Ferris Bueller
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    How's the team looking?

    Jussi
    Baines Enrique Demel
    Santi Silva Michu Noble
    RVP(c) Tevez(vc) Berba
    Subs: Bego Mertesacker HRK Cameron

    Subs correct and in right order? Demel the right choice? Cheers

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    1. Red-United
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Would play Mert over Demel as you already have Jussi.

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      1. Belli2007
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Agree with above. I am playing Demel and Jussi as have Clark away at Chelsea and Nelsen away at Newc and have Ba.

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    2. Butters
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Play mert instead of demel

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  18. Red-United
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    I know this has been asked before, but just a quick opinion would be appreciated.

    Who is the better pick until January?

    A) Nastasic
    B) Zabaleta

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    1. Kagawa-san-mia
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Nasty

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      1. Butters
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Both

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        1. Butters
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          Natsy should play almost every game, but zabaleta has more attacking potential.

          Hence, choose zab if you have a strong bench, Nast if not.

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  19. tmccann
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Quick captain poll:

    A. Suarez
    B. RvP

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    1. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      C. Tevez

      😀

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    2. Butters
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      A. Suarez (if you take 10 shots per game something has to go in)

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  20. sahota
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Ba or Tevez in for Berba?

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    1. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Tevez
      😀

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      1. Butters
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        +1

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        1. Weasel Boy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          I got rid of Suarez this week so I have no doubt that he'll get a hatrick.

          The ***er!!

          🙁

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          1. Weasel Boy
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            I reckon Tevez Aguero.
            Man City will really want to win and have won all 13 of the Premier League matches that Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez have started together.

            They trail Man U by 6pts so they'll put out a strong team against Reading who have won two and lost just one of the last four away league games against Manchester City.

            But who knows with Mancini.

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  21. yanky
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    a) get in mata or silva?
    b) play taarabt or puncheon?

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  22. kibria
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    who to bench

    Snodgrass or michu

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  23. ahmed_7
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    any news on who to start out of "Tevez - Aguero - Dzeko" ?

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    1. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Hmmm I reckon Tevez Aguero.
      Man City will really want to win and have won all 13 of the Premier League matches that Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez have started together.

      They trail Man U by 6pts so they’ll put out a strong team against Reading who have won two and lost just one of the last four away league games against Manchester City.

      But who knows with Mancini.

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  24. Padre
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Correct subs? cannot make my mind up!

    Jaaskelainen, (Tremmel)
    Clyne Jose Enrique (Cuellar, Bassong)
    Sessegnon Michu Walters Santi Cazorla Sterling
    Rooney, Van Persie (Le Fondre)

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  25. superstarshah
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Bale, David Silva or Mata ?

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    1. avfcaidan10
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Silva short term, Bale mid-long term

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  26. avfcaidan10
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Start Cuellar (sot) or Cameron (tot)?

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    1. avfcaidan10
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      And Jaask (EVE) or Foster (NOR) ?

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  27. To go with the Hart or the …
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Here's my midfielders and forwards-
    ------Mata-----Noble-----Walcott----Yaya Toure

    -------Suarez------Tevez-----Lambert

    I have Puncheon on the bench. He's been on this week's radar,so whom should I replace?
    Plus,captain suggestions please...Currently,it's Toure...

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  28. Bastien
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    sagna or sess?

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