Once again we run the risk of having the double gameweek players dominate our thinking, forcing us to turn a blind eye to perhaps more sensible fantasy prospects. Selecting this weeks’ Picks, just like choosing your very own transfers, is a delicate balance of risk vs reward.
In the end I’ve gone for it and opted for seven double gameweek players in total; a decision made easier by tricky fixtures for United who are at Villa and Arsenal who face Liverpool at the Emirates. I’ve neglected all those sides here – risking to go without Rooney once again and forfeit Fabregas for a home match which Arsenal simply must win. Those games are just so difficult to predict and there’s little doubt that both Villa and Liverpool possess defences and form that could frustrate their opponents and lead to minimal fantasy returns for those involved.
If you’re looking for justification for double gameweek investment then, the Scout Picks are ready-made for you…
The Defence
Our recent “Scouting the Doubles” articles should provide you with plenty of background on some of the players I’m about to list. That begins with Shay Given in goal who keeps his place in the Scout selection courtesy of games against Bolton at home and a trip to Stoke. Clean sheets look tricky but save points should see Given amongst the top keepers for the gameweek.
Stoke’s Ryan Shawcross and Wigan’s Paul Scharner gain inclusion for their attacking potential as well as their opportunity to gain clean sheets over their two fixtures. Scharner is clearly a risk, although he regained his place in the Wigan lineup at Sunderland and should retain it for the two home fixtures with Stoke and Bolton. Shawcross, in contrast, will surely play both matches for Stoke, barring injury. While he doesn’t offer the potential of a midfield role like Scharner, his presence at set-plays is significant enough to warrant his inclusion.
The remaining defensive slots go to players with just one fixture in the gameweek. Blackburn’s Martin Olsson is another who is in the selection for his attacking potential though. Olsson has been occupying a role flanking lone striker Kalinic of late and could well remain in that role for the home fixture with Hull. Samba’s absence through suspension could see him shift to his more accustomed left-back role but the chance of some attacking points, plus decent clean sheet potential, is enough to see Olsson get the nod. His skipper Ryan Nelsen, is also an attractive proposition with his threat from set-pieces.
Chelsea’s Ashley Cole gets the final spot. Olsson’s selection allowing me the luxury of splashing out on Chelsea’s primary source of fantasy points in their back four. Ancelotti’s side face a real test a Goodision but injuries for the home side and the lacklustre display at Anfield may well put the buffers on their recent progress. I’m backing a Chelsea win by a two goal margin. Cole could earn a cleanie here but also will remain a threat down the Chelsea left.
The Midfield
Cole’s teammate – Frank Lampard retains his spot in the midfield, again earning selection over Arsenal’s Fabregas. Lampard’s form hasn’t been spectacular and he remains overpriced across the games but he is a regular source of assists and influence in the Chelsea side. I can see FPL bonus points and an assist thrown in again this week. Lampard is facing an Everton lineup without the cover of the impressive Fellaini, while Fabregas wil be facing a Liverpool side who will likely look to strangle the midfield at the Emirates.
Lampard is joined by a host of double gameweek players – mid price midfielders is where you can really get some strong deals for the gameweek. Wigan’s Charles N’Zogbia looks a prime investment. Wigan have two home fixtures without an FA Cup tie in between so there’s no risk of N’Zogbia picking up an injury in between games. He should surely start both and have a great influence on Wigan’s fortunes.
Similarly Stoke’s Matt Etherington is a good option. He too will surely start both matches and will be a menace to both Wigan and City with his supply from the left and from set-pieces. Tuncay is another option in the Stoke midfield if you need to gamble on more explosive returns. The Turk is far from assured of starts however, having been benched for the win over Rovers at the weekend.
The final midfield spot was a toss up between Bolton’s Matt Taylor and Chung-Yong Lee. I’m sure you’re all be relieved and surprised to see that I’ve opted for the Korean, ignoring Taylor despite selecting him for countless Scout Pick selections of late. Lee is perhaps more certain of starts with Weiss a threat to Taylor for the Wigan game – he is also a key threat down the Bolton right wing and will be a factor if Bolton are to get any points from their two matches. Having snubbed Taylor he will most likely produce, so those who have kept the faith with the former Pompey man in their lineups can thank me later.
The Forwards
Up front, I’ve controversially avoided Rooney once again with his fixture at Villa. While the United man produced in the win over Portsmouth last weekend, my selection of Didier Drogba was justified by his contribution in the win over Arsenal on Sunday. Drogba retains his place then for the trip to Everton. I just see Chelsea getting more joy from the Everton defence than United will from Villa’s.
Carlos Tevez also keep his Picks shirt. For me he is the more likely to start both City’s matches, with Santa Cruz now back to offer an alternative to Adebayor as the target man. I see Tevez rested for the FA Cup tie at the weekend, keeping him fresh for the tough trip to Stoke next week. Two matches for Tevez should see him produce and bring in his first returns after three consecutive blanks.
On the bench I’ve gone for the clean sheet potential of Fulham at home to a Burnley side still finding their feet under Brian Laws. He gained his first win in charge over West Ham at the weekend but will likely find Fulham a stubborn opponent at the Cottage. The home side have injuries but I see them grinding out a 1-0 with returns for Chris Baird.
Blackburn’s Gamst-Pedersen with strong form and a kind home fixture against Hull takes my midfield slot. A fantasy favourite from season’s past, he’s been shifted inside by Sam Allardyce of late and has rewarded that decision with goals and a string of impressive displays. Threat from set-pieces adds to his potential as another mid-price offering.
Finally, Wigan’s Hugo Rodallega gets the strikers position. Like N’Zogbia he looks assured of two starts which should be enough to see some returns with FPL bonus thrown in.
Paddy Says…
Mr Power isn’t fancying too many clean sheets from this week’s fixtures. Paddy has Man City and Fulham as joint favourites to bring in defensive points and after that there’s little to separate Chelsea, Blackburn and Spurs. Those three all look shaky but look the best we’re going to get. In the goals department it’s Man City who are most fancied for three or more against Bolton at Eastlands, reassuring for all those handing the armband to Tevez. After City it’s Chelsea at Everton and Blackburn at home to Hull who have the next shortest odds for goals.
Looking at individual odds and it’s Tevez who leads the way for anytime goalscorer. Teammate Adebayor is just a fraction behind. After these two Paddy goes for Rooney, followed by Defoe and Drogba. Rodallega’s odds look of interest you can get 21/10 on him for anytime scorer, which to me, looks quite generous. I’d certainly have him over Blackburn’s Kalinic who they have at 13/10 for an anytime goal.
I’ve got a host of specials for those aged 18 or over to consider for the gameweek. The clean sheet accumulator offers odds of 10/1 for Man City, Fulham and Chelsea to all keep clean sheets over Tuesday and Wednesday’s matches. In the Scout Picks market meanwhile you are offered odds of 12/1 on goals for Drogba, Tevez and Rodallega in tonight and tomorrow’s games.
I’ve also set up two double gameweek bets. You can get odds of 7/2 on Tevez to score three or more goals in his matches against Bolton and Stoke, while odds of 14/1 are presented for Hugo Rodallega to score three goals or more in his two home encounters with Stoke and Bolton. Useful bets if you’ve opted against getting these players in your lineups and what to cover yourself.
As always, if you’ve yet to register an account with Paddy Power, you can get a free £20 bet when you sign up through our site and bet a tenner. Again, this offer and all markets listed are only open to those aged 18 and over.