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.
