We have ourselves a Gameweek that’s simply bombarded us with questions. Will Spurs and Blackpool get the chance to score goals on a frosty Bloomfield Road surface? Will Steven Gerrard return and start clicking with Fernando Torres? Will Frank Lampard’s return to Carlo Ancelotti’s side an re-ignite Chelsea against United? How will Carlos Tevez react to a crazy week of speculation and bluster surrounding his future at City?
A shocking amount of variables to consider, which makes this week’s Scout Picks that little more testing. In the end I’ve shied away from the potential offered by Rafael Van der Vaart and his team-mates at Blackpool, while the Chelsea vs United clash looks too tight to consider as a potent source of Fantasy returns. As for Gerrard and Tevez? That’s quite a different matter…
The Defence
Ali Al-Habsi
The Bolton loanee came out of the 0-0 draw at Goodison last time out with great credit and Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Bonus Points to his name. This weekend he has the opportunity to reap further rewards when he comes up against a Villa side who travel to the DW Stadium in stuttering form, just a single goal in their last 4 away trips and without the considerable influence of Ashley Young. Al Habsi offers a 4.0 goalkeeping option in the FPL, a valuable commodity in a season where cheap defences are again the trend – another clean sheet this weekend will surely see his 4% ownership rise further.
Bacary Sagna
An unfashionable Fantasy option – but then, that can be said of the Arsenal defence as a whole. The fact is, with Thomas Vermaelen still absent, if you’re backing the Gunners back four, Sagna looks the best option available, despite being the most expensive choice in Wenger’s current rearguard. That defence hosts Stoke at the Emirates this weekend, a side who are somewhat unpredictable and who have the tools to trouble the Gunners. I still see a first clean sheet in five for Wenger’s men here as Arsenal dominate the possession and opportunities at the Emirates.
Chris Samba
A Scout Picks stalwart – I’ll stand by the Rovers skipper, despite the alternatives presented by Ryan Nelsen and Phil Jones. Samba is a reliable source of Bonus Points and offers a regular goal threat at the other end of the field. Rovers are strong at Ewood and, although they present an unknown quantity under new caretaker manager Steve Kean, they face a West Ham side that offers potential returns at both ends.
Sotirios Kyrgiakos
The Greek claims a Scout Picks slot for the third Gameweek running, despite a disappointing showing at Newcastle last time out. This time around Krygiakos comes up against a Fulham side who have scored just 6 goals in 8 games. When you put that up against a Liverpool record at Anfield that shows just 3 goals conceded in the last 5, then a member of Roy Hodgson’s back four looks a no-brainer. Krygiakos is also averaging a couple a goal attempts a game and is sure to be a menace from set-pieces again this weekend.
Aleksandar Kolarov
Back in the City side following suspension and back in the Scout Picks as a result. Kolarov shows up as the most attacking defender in the Premier League on recent performances, even when compared to Leighton Baines who will be in opposition on Monday night. City’s clean sheet will be hard fought against an Everton side who have gained some decent results away from home but at his price and ownership, Kolarov presents a strong option once again.
The Midfield
Morten Gamst-Pedersen
The leading light in the Rovers lineup, Gamst-Pedersen brings impressive form into a strong home fixture with basement club West Ham this weekend. The Norwegian will be key to Steve Kean’s side, prompting play from the middle of the park whilst playing a major role at set-pieces, not least with his long-throws on to Samba’s near post flicks.
Samir Nasri
An irresistible force right now, Nasri is an essential pick in the Scout lineup having established himself in thousands of FPL squads in recent weeks. The return of Cesc Fabregas and Robin Van Persie may limit his role at set-pieces, and certainly will spot-kicks, but such is his prominence in the Gunners’ attack right now, you’d still back him for heavy involvement in any goals that are scored against Tony Pulis’ Stoke at the Emirates this weekend.
Somen Tchoyi
The Cameroonian midfielder has been a prominent figure in Roberto Di Matteo’s side of late with 2 goals in 3 games. The Baggies boss is reportedly considering pushing Tchoyi up front for the clash with Wolves at the Hawthorns but, even if he remains in a midfield role, he is sure to be a threat and offers a good alternative to the reliable Chris Burnt who is more expensive and one yellow from a ban.
Steven Gerrard
Despite Roy Hodgson’s coy reaction to the chances of Gerrard making a return, the evidence is stacking up to suggest he’ll be on the teamsheet. Gerrard will return to lead his side into a run of three home matches in four against very beatable opposition – a good time to consider him then, in a season where he has so far failed to live up to his billing as a heavyweight midfield Fantasy option. Just 3 goals and 3 assists is a meagre return for a player who fetches a price of 11.2 in the FPL, but set-piece and spot-kick dominance, with a superb run of fixtures to come, suddenly makes Gerrard worthy of consideration, starting this weekend.
The Forwards
Darren Bent
Sunderland have displayed strong form at home and in strikers Bent, Asamoah Gyan and Welbeck, they have players who can inflict heavy damage on opponents. Bolton are a the Stadium of Light this weekend and bring a record that shows just one clean sheet all season – and that came on the opening day against Fulham. The Black Cats look certain to score then and Bent, an assured starter and on spot-kicks, looks a strong option. He fired a hat-trick past Bolton in the corresponding fixture last season.
Carlos Tevez
It was a close call; Fernando Torres or even Jermain Defoe were options considered here but, with Steven Gerrard looking likely to start against Fulham, that gave me an attacking alternative to Torres, while Tevez presented the only real option of covering City’s potential at home to Everton. In fairness, that’s been the story all season. Tevez has been the only real reliable source of Fantasy points at Eastlands and, despite last weekend’s transfer request, he looks set to start for City on Monday night. His performance will come under heavy scrutiny but who would be against him being a major factor in the result; certainly not me.
