First of all, thanks to Andy who filled in admirably for me with the Scout Picks last week. Like it or not though, I’ve made a return this week with another selection of footballers who may or may not earn our fantasy fortunes….
Selecting a keeper and back four these days is a thankless task. In recent weeks we’ve seen little more than a couple of clean sheets come in, so the onus is on finding those defenders who can possibly threaten to contribute at the attacking end. That explains my selection of both Bolton’s Gary Cahill and Sunderland’s Michael Turner this week. Neither have “bankers” for cleanies at home to Everton and away at Birmingham, but both will be key threats from set-pieces. Both are also likely to catch the eye should their claim a shut-out given that they are high profile defenders fighting for England recognition. Fantasy Premier League bonus points are always on the cards then.
That pair sit alongside my picks for clean sheets this week with Chelsea, Burnley and City represented by Cech in goal and Bikey and Bridge in defence. Ashely Cole would have normally got the nod for Chelsea but he is carrying a slight knock going into the game, so I’ve opted for Cech as the safer option. City’s Bridge looks a fairly decent alternative to Cole, at home to Fulham – he too could wade in with an assist if City catch fire. As for Bikey, he should start in the Burnley midfield and has already claimed a goal from that position in Burnley’s last win at Turf Moor. Alexander is your other option – more expensive but in midfield and on spot-kicks.
Just a reminder – you can get 9/1 on Chelsea, Burnley and City keeping a clean sheet via our special Fantasy Football Scout bet at Paddy Power this week.
The midfield finds a recall for Lampard in a week where he claimed his first Chelsea goal for ten games. In truth he benefits from Gerrard’s injury and an away fixture for Fabregas/Arshavin. Even so, he will further goals in his sights when Blackburn come to the Bridge and Chelsea are overdue a penalty kick too. Alongside the pricey Lampard, I resisted the temptation of throwing in the expensive Fabregas and saved some pennies with two mid-price options.
Bolton’s Matt Taylor is always a good bet given his threat from set-plays. He will be integral to Bolton’s chances at the Reebok, against an Everton side severely depleted by injuries. I fancy a home win by a couple of goals and Taylor should fetch an assist at least here.
Villa’s Milner is my other mid-price selection. Again, his threat from set-plays is the factor, plus he’s on spot-kicks which are always a possibility when you’ve got the speedy Agbonlahor on the break against the Berra and Craddock in the Wolves rearguard. Milner makes a good second transfer option in the Fantasy Premier League this week, given that Villa have two fixtures to come in gameweek 11. You should get at least 2 of your 4 points sacrificed back next week when Milner takes on Everton and West Ham away from home. Unless of course O’Neill flexes his rotation muscles as threatened earlier this week.
The last spot in midfield goes to a budget option and Burnley’s Wade Elliot. Fresh from escaping a three match ban for an alleged kick-out at Blackburn’s Chimbonda, Elliot returned an assist in last week’s 3-2 defeat at Ewood. I see goals for Owen Coyle’s side at home to Wigan, which should see Elliot contributing again.
The money saved in midfield is most definitely spent up front. I’ve gone with two sure bets in Arsenal’s Van Persie and Chelsea’s Drogba. There’s little to say on the pair – both have been consistent of late and both will surely be vital cogs in wins for their sides.
On the bench I’ve backed the impressive Villa defence by opting for the budget flame-haired Welshman that is James Collins. His trip to Molineux won’t be easy with Ebanks-Blake sharpening up and Kightly providing some belated ammunition from out wide. Again though, like his defensive partner Dunne, Collins will be a threat from set-pieces. Portsmouth’s Prince Boateng will likely be the key threat to the Hull defence at the KC Stadium in a fixture that is spilling over with low cost fantasy options. Bullard, Hunt and Geovanni for the home side and Prince Boateng and O’Hara for the visitors all look worthy of attention if you’re short on cash this week.
Finally up front, I’m continuing to back Burnley’s Dave Nugent and award him with a bench role. He should be in profit in a home win over Wigan. Tottenham’s Crouch, City’s Adebayor and for some reason (even though I’m backing a City clean sheet), Kamara of Fulham, all pushed for inclusion this week.