Do the usual refresh and you’ll see that this week’s Scout Picks are live.

Horrible week this, complicated by no game for United, two teams player after their FA Cup ties and some horrible uncertainty over Rafa’s lineup. Regardless, I’ve done my best to cut through the noise to come up with my eleven for the forthcoming Premiership games. Read on for the rhyme and reason.

First of all – I admit it – I’ve completely bottled it on Rafa’s team selection. With the threat of rest hanging over Gerrard and Torres, I’ve not considered them for what looks like a juicy home game with Newcastle. As I see it, even if they play, I can see Rafa taking the first opportunity to haul them off. If Liverpool take the lead, I can see them both being rested in under an hour. With that in mind it’s hard to see either scoring heavily. Famous last words.

Arbeloa does get a look in though – he’s almost guaranteed a start at the back given Finnan’s injury. He takes a place in my defence in another week where clean sheets looks scarce. Chelsea offer the best option but again, here rest and rotation is a worry. Luckily Cech’s injury gives me a clear option on Cudicini. After that, I’d opt for Carvalho as the next best choice with the full-backs unsure and Terry under threat from Alex.

I can see Arsenal keeping Wigan at bay in a muscular affair at the JJB. High on the Milan performance, Gallas gets the nod. Elsewhere in the back four, I’ve gone for goals. Both Laursen and Samba carry a goal threat and a half decent chance of clean sheets at home to Boro and Fulham respectively.

In midfield, Lampard is my big signing. Ballack is another, cheaper, option but as penalty-taker, Frank has the advantage. The temptation of a Chelsea double gameweek is just around the corner too, making this home game with Derby an ideal opportunity to buy in early. There is a risk of injury at Barnsley in the FA Cup this weekend, but I can see Grant resting him for that one.

I like Bentley at home to Fulham. If Dunn fails a fitness test, his new role in central midfield might cut his supply of crosses and therefore his assists, but he’ll be central to things regardless and FPL bonus points should arrive if Rovers prevail.

Barry gets a recall in midfield simply because I see Villa finding goals again at home to Boro. Young is an even better option if he’s classed as a midfielder in your game.

My final choice is a long shot. I can see Reading getting a win against a weakened City defence and Hunt is often central to Reading’s attacking ambitions and amongst the FPL bonus as a result.

Up front, Adebayor is looking for his tenth consecutive game with either a goal or an assist. That should continue at the JJB with Wenger likely to go with a more direct approach. Bendtner is an excellent option here too if you’re on a budget. He looks certain to start with Arsenal’s injuries.

Berbatov partners the Arsenal man. Spurs face a West Ham side who are likely to be without Upson which will weaken their resistance. The Bulgarian could be rested but it looks unlikely with Bent falling ill this week and missing training.

That’s this week’s picks then. As for alternatives – the Everton crew – Pienaar, Cahill and Yakubu offer potential returns at Sunderland but I see a tight game here. Sunderland don’t concede easily at home and Everton may well be shellshocked a little after the UEFA Cup defeat in the week.

I’ve already mentioned Young with Villa at home to Boro. Carew and Agbonlahor are also worth a good look up front. Portsmouth almost tempted me with their home game with Birmingham but again, I see this as a tight one. Harry’s side aren’t playing well and are still struggling for goals at home. Birmingham are on a high meanwhile, so this one whiffs of a 1-1. Defoe is worth considering though with three goals in four. McFadden likewise from the Birmingham lineup, although he’ll have easier games.

Anelka and Drogba are always likely to be tempting with Derby in town but it’s still not clear which will figure in Wednesday’s game. Hence, I’ve given them a miss. Big potential if you want to risk either of them though.

That’s about it then. As for the FPL Captain – it’s clear from this week’s poll results that it’s far from cut and dry. Ballack and Lampard head those results and provide the best potential. Risk of injury in the FA Cup is a factor though. If you’re worried by that then Adebayor presents the usual safety net option. He’ll be brimming with confidence but up against a tough defence. If I had to pick from the rest, I’d opt for Bentley. I can’t see Fulham keeping Rovers at bay and FPL bonus is almost a given for Bentley in a Blackburn win.