[sbu_large_image] Scout Picks
19 November 2010 639 comments
Mark Mark
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Fifty two boxes. Aching limbs. A disturbing lack of internet connectivity. It could only mean one thing – an untimely house move.

This week has been a testing one but, before I introduce my Scout Picks selection for the weekend, I want to salute the rest of the Scout team for stepping up during my enforced absence. Great job guys.

Enough of the back slapping – let’s get down to business with a run-through of eleven footballers who make up my selection for the fourteenth Gameweek…

The Defence

Paul Robinson
Beyond the obvious potential presented by United at home to Wigan, clean sheets look hard to come by this week. Blackburn’s Paul Robinson could well face a busy afternoon against a Villa side who will take encouragement from their 2-2 draw with United last time out. Houllier’s side have scored just 5 goals in 6 games on the road however, offering some hope that Robinson and Rovers could return a cleanie. Save Points looked assured even if Robinson’s goal is breached.

Titus Bramble

Subject of our recent Watchlist article, Bramble will likely be an unfashionable selection but nonetheless appears to offer strong potential in this and forthcoming Gameweeks. Steve Bruce’s side will face a tough ride against Everton at the Stadium of Light but the Black Cats’ defence comes fresh from a clean sheet at Stamford Bridge and goes into the weekend with just one goal conceded in the last five league outings at home.

Nemanja Vidic

Outstanding in recent weeks, the big Serb has chipped in with 2 goals in his last 4 league starts to supplement a couple of clean sheets. That has seen Vidic leap the Defender rankings and while Chelsea’s injury ravaged defence faces a tough run of opponents prompting sales, it seems likely that Vidic and his team-mates will collect further investment. A home encounter with Wigan this Gameweek offers great opportunity for immediate returns.

Paul Konchesky
Liverpool’s inconsistency and growing injury list would normally be a strong enough deterrent for Fantasy investment, but a home encounter with bottom club West Ham still appears to offer potential – particularly in defensive areas. The Hammers have scored just 4 goals on their travels making the Liverpool defence worthy of consideration. I’ve gone for attacking potential of Konchesky down the left flank again, with doubts surrounding Sotirios Kyrgiakos’ starting should Glen Johnson return at right-back.

Gary Cahill
With very few options for assured clean sheets this week, I’ve turned to the goal threat of Bolton’s Gary Cahill to fill my last spot. A focus of a recent Watchlist article, Cahill will face tough tough day against the power of Andy Carroll but, if he can keep him at bay, he seems almost assured of a Bonus Point return as a result. That first goal of the season will come soon too.

The Midfield

Nani
A no-brainer selection for the Gameweek given the scenario of an Old Trafford encounter with Wigan. United are far from fluent right now and Nani goes into the game following midweek international exertions with Portugal. Even so, a home win by a couple of goals is where all the smart money lives and Nani is sure to be involved if that proves to be the case.

Cesc Fabregas
Still edging his way back into favour with Fantasy Managers following on a spell on the sidelines, Fabregas returned his second goal of the season and a typical 3 point Bonus haul at Goodison last weekend. The North London derby with Spurs could well turn out to be edgy affair and Fabregas will be in danger of picking up the fifth booking which will find him facing a one match ban. He’s just as likely to return another handsome points haul however and that potential is enough to find him ease into my Picks.

Matt Jarvis
The Wolves winger is on fire right now, producing Fantasy returns to compliment a growing list of plaudits. Ignored in Fabio Capello’s squad this week, Jarvis will have a point to prove and comes up against an obliging Blackpool defence to help his cause. A slight injury doubt, Jarvis is nonetheless expected to shake that off to take on Ian Holloway’s side. I’m willing to take the risk on that following his two assists and Bonus Points that came off the back of last week’s Scout Pick selection.

Salomon Kalou
Chelsea’s form is stuttering and Fantasy Managers are opting out in their droves, with the likes of Florent Malouda and Ashley Cole being ousted. Carlo Ancelotti’s side face a trip to Birmingham this weekend and despite their current plight, it would be typical if they grinded their way to a result. Kalou has a knack of providing returns when Ancelotti put his faith in him and as a 7.3 option in midfield, he presents a decent mid-price route to backing a mini Chelsea revival.

The Forwards

Kevin Davies
While Johan Elmander is the more exciting option in the Bolton frontline, Davies goes into the Reebok clash with Newcastle boasting far greater returns in home matches than the Swede who has yet to score in front of his own fans. Such a phenomenon is difficult to explain but Davies assist potential and role from spot-kicks is enough for me to favour the Bolton skipper. Another player on the end of a Capello snub this week – he’ll be out to impose himself.

Fernando Torres
Liverpool, like Chelsea are displaying stuttering form and an ever-growing injury list. The loss of Steven Gerrard will be massive and will surely disrupt Liverpool’s attacking potential. Ironically however, it will likely hand Torres spot-kick duties and place even greater emphasis on the Spaniard providing a route to three points. A home clash with West Ham will surely grant Torres a good few sights of goal and while his form and fitness is still in doubt, he still looks a strong bet to provide the difference in a Liverpool win this weekend.

Mark Mark created the beast. He's now looking to tame it.

639 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Dave Bauer
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    Elmander or Davies?

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    1. @FuzzyWarbles
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 4 months ago

      answer is right above

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      1. Evasivo
        • 15 Years
        15 years, 4 months ago

        however Elmander imo. Toss a coin

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  2. SuperDorrans
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    Anyone ever seen the film Hush? Was just on Film4, can see why some people would find it pants but I actually enjoyed it.

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  3. Dave Bauer
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    Has Kevin Davies already served a suspension for 5 bookings or is he on the brink? I'm sure I read something saying he'd got it out of the way in the league cup.

    Anyone?

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    1. PFOR
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 4 months ago

      Apparently he served it in a cup game. Not 100% sure though.

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    2. Lewis - Sky Pod
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 4 months ago

      where the hell have you been all week?

      davies is not suspended, he has served his ban. and davies v elmander is a coin flip

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  4. Bonny Scott
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    Carroll or odemwingie?! Help me please!!

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    1. mufc802
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 4 months ago

      Odemwingie this week.

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  5. rasher
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    i hope toress magic reads this...

    elmo or coleman??

    playing coleman i think surely bruce will stick with the same team as last week? ill be p*ssed off if elmo plays though

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    1. Lewis - Sky Pod
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 4 months ago

      elmo will start

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      1. jam
        • 16 Years
        15 years, 4 months ago

        What makes you think that? Why mess with a team that cruised past Chelsea?
        Just wondered...

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        1. Lewis - Sky Pod
          • 15 Years
          15 years, 4 months ago

          because they are at home, elmo has played in all home games. there is also a doubt over wellbeck. id say zenden is likely to drop out if not wellbeck, with richardson switching to the left.

          im starting elmo thats for sure

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          1. jam
            • 16 Years
            15 years, 4 months ago

            cheers, interesting.

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  6. Pat Mustard
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    Nani captain or Fabregas?? Doubts surrounding Nani making me nervous now..

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  7. Bareth Garry
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    I'm in dyer need of some help here! I was 800th 2 weeks ago, chamakh on the bench when he scored twice and no bale or v d vaart last week ... not good!

    Who would you play this wknd?

    My team atm ... 2 free transfers

    Foster
    ACole/Coleman/Ridgwell
    Nani/Cahill/Malouda/Nzog
    Carroll/Drogba/Chamakh

    Carson/Adam/Givet/Foley

    Thinking of Adam -> Bale n leave Nzog out ... ?

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  8. Bareth Garry
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    I’m in dyer need of some help here! I was 800th 2 weeks ago, chamakh on the bench when he scored twice and no bale or v d vaart last week … not good!

    Who would you play this wknd?

    My team atm … 2 free transfers

    Foster
    ACole/Coleman/Ridgwell
    Nani/Cahill/Malouda/Nzog
    Carroll/Drogba/Chamakh

    Carson/Adam/Givet/Foley

    Thinking of Adam -> Bale n leave Nzog out … ?

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  9. China Mag
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    I've made some minor adjustments to my wild card team. What do yous reckon?

    Gordon/ Jaask
    Vidic/ Kolarov/ Boateng
    Fab/ VDV/ Nani/ Jarvis
    Torres/ Carrol/ Gyan

    Bardsley/ Simpson/ Albrighton

    1) I have enough in the bank to do Gyan > RVP in a couple of weeks.
    2) I don't mind doubling up on city defenders as I think they will keep the most clean sheets this season. Anyone want to persuade me against it?
    3) I saw Jarvis has been yellow flagged, but haven't seen any news on that. Is he likely to be out for today? If so, Lee?

    Cheers in advance

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  10. jammydodger
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    who to bench????????????

    Drogba, carroll or Adam ??????????????

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    1. steven33
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 4 months ago

      I would bench Adam.

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    2. northernmuppet
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 4 months ago

      adam

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  11. steven33
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    Who to start, I have 2 decisions:

    1. Jara or Simspon
    2. N'Zogbia or Dudley Campbell

    I am thinking Jara & Campbell.

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    1. Evasivo
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 4 months ago

      Jara & N'Zogbia for me.

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  12. northernmuppet
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    Krul (Foster)
    Coleman, Jones, Konchesky (O'Shea, Enrique)
    Malouda, Fab, VdV, Jarvis (Park)
    Drog, Carroll, Tevez

    I want Nani in so a swap with Malouda is the obvious choice but then I'm toying with either bring in Torres for Drog or Cahill for O'Shea.

    Is it crazy to drop all my chelsea players?
    Will Torres still score with Gerrard to create?
    Worth getting Cahill in even though I can't see a clean sheet?

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  13. Gaz_b
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    Who to bench out of
    A. Lee
    B. Arteta

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    1. willg
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 4 months ago

      Lee - arteta going to come good

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  14. willg
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    Carroll or Adam

    and

    Dann or A Faye

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  15. Art Vandelay
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    Who to bench of Bale or Dempsey. I have VDV too.

    Or should I play five in the middle. Strikers are Odem, ELmander and Drogba.

    Cheers

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    1. Evasivo
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 4 months ago

      Dempsey out of those

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  16. Valar(Keith)
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    which one do i start? kolarov or Samba?

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  17. Evasivo
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    Which 3 to bench? Currently thinking Simpson Knight & Mal/NZog

    Foster (Hahnemann)
    Coleman Jones Elmo Simpson Knight
    Malouda Nani N'Zogbia VdV Fabs
    Drogba Carroll Elmander

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  18. alfast1c
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    Are u sure Elmo will start?

    Who to bench: Odemwingie or Dempsey?!

    Waiting Dempsey 3 games already to score/assist (do something) + Man City didn't concede 3 games in a row and they are playing Fulham away. Will get really angry if he scores now and i got him benched! 🙁

    Odemwingie playing home with Stoke, scored 1 goal out of penalty in last 3 games and Stoke lost 5/6 away games.

    Any thoughts on that?

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    1. rambo123mop
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 4 months ago

      play dempsey, he'll play upfront, good record vs mancity

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