Apologies for the term of absence this week. As regulars may have heard, I’m operating on limited internet access right now, having just moved flats. Nonetheless, the team news section has been updated today and my Scout Picks for the weekend’s games are now live in your right-hand menu. Read on for the logic behind the lineup…
Team selection for fantasy managers this gameweek is all about avoiding the minefield of rest and rotation that’s busily being laid by the likes of Hiddink, Ferguson and Wenger as these words are typed. In short, I’m expecting some heavy heavy rotation from Ferguson, middling stuff from Professor Wenger and hopefully just the odd tinker from Hiddink. It’s going to be an unpredictable stuff.
In terms of the picks, I’ve started with Cech in goal because he looks to provide the most security from the Chelsea defence which looks a strong clean sheet candidate at home to Fulham.
Stoke’s Shawcross is always a solid option for a home fixture and a impotent West Ham attack shouldn’t pose too many problems for Pulis’ side at the Britannia. Wigan’s N’Zogbia looks a bigger risk at home to Bolton but he offers plenty of attacking potential in his left-wing role, plus Wigan have only let in 3 goals in their last 5 home league games.
Portsmouth’s Glenn Johnson is another I’ve selected for his attacking prowess. I see Wenger making a good few changes for the trip to Fratton Park and, although Arshavin will be in the lineup, I still see Portsmouth putting up a decent defensive barrier as they look to grind out another point or two. It’s Johnson’s attacking potential that is most of interest however and with Kaboul on the verge of a return, we could see the full-back pushed into a wide right role again for this one.
The final spot in defence goes to United’s Evans – a certain starter with Ferdinand sidelined with his rib injury, Evans is available on a budget and looks a good option away at Boro. I can’t see United scoring too many in this one – more likely we’ll see an early goal and a rearguard action from Ferguson’s men. Boro will have to throw the kitchen sink at the United defence but they still look a decent bet to hold firm.
Ronaldo’s absence from the picks in midfield is perhaps the biggest talking point. I have my doubts over his starting role for this one. He was rested at Sunderland last time out and with the likes of Nani, Giggs and Park available – I just wonder whether he’ll be benched again here. I’ve enough doubt to look elsewhere this week and restore Gerrard to the picks, safe in the knowledge that he’s a certain starter against Newcastle at Anfield.
Chelsea’s Lampard is under some threat with Belletti an option for Hiddink but I’m leaning towards Frank starting at home to Fulham, which is enough for me to keep the faith. City’s Ireland also keeps his spot with very decent home game against Rovers, while the final spot in midfield goes to Tottenham’s Modric. On the mark last weekend at Old Trafford, he is at the centre of creativity for Redknapp’s side and against West Brom he should find increased freedom to express himself and hopefully bring in some points. FPL bonus is also more or less assured if Spurs win the game with goals.
Up front City’s Robinho, with form and a strong fixture against Blackburn, is partnered with Villa’s Carew. He also goes into the Hull game with form, despite Villa’s struggle of late. Hull are fighting for their lives but Villa still have the motivation of sealing fighting for fifth place with Everton. That’s enough for me to see O’Neill’s men coming out on top, with Carew leading the threat to Hull.