Double Gameweeks always play havoc with our transfer policy – they pull you in like a tractor beam with promises of big returns but can often lead you straight to fools gold. Nonetheless there are some double Gameweek forces that are simply too strong to resist.
The prospect of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres getting enough pitch time to click in at least one of their games is a case in point. Many Fantasy Managers will be looking to bring one of that pair in ahead of the deadline, regardless of Roy Hodgson’s recent warning that he may have to rest his prize assets at some point.
As for Charlie Adam – he’s surely walked into thousands of Fantasy lineups ahead of Blackpool’s two home fixtures. Those who have resisted the charms of the Scot will have to hope that the Blackpool skipper shrinks into the background or that the Bonus judges get distracted by the bright lights of the pleasure beach. Not likely.
All three make my selection and with a vast array of riches in attacking quarters, the Scout Picks continue to feel lopsided. That’s certainly the case with this little lot, as I go all out to find defensive budget options to ease the burden of big money investments elsewhere…
The Defence
David Stockdale
Back in the Fulham goal with Mark Schwarzer off at the Asian Cup, Stockdale returns to offer us value in goal and begins his new tenure by welcoming West Brom to the Cottage. The Baggies are stuttering for form and have Peter Odemwingie out of sorts up front. Mark Hughes has tightened things up of late and I can see a 1-0 home with Stockdale earning a Save Point or two.
Stephen Crainey
While Ian Evatt is the threat from set-plays, Crainey’s scampering legs might just be more likely to last over Blackpool’s crazy schedule. His raiding runs down the left have been promising an assist or two all season and he may just choose an opportune time to deliver. At 4.1, Crainey looks to offer the best route should you wish to gamble on defensive returns from Ian Holloway’s side.
Gary Cahill
I’ve put faith in Cahill several times before and he’s yet to repay me with returns. This Gameweek Bolton entertain a Wigan side who scratch around for goals at the best of times and will again be without their main creative force – Charles NZogbia; they struggled badly without him against Newcastle last time out. Bolton could well keep a rare clean sheet then, while Cahill threatens to find his first Premier League goal every game, so far without success.
Rafael
The young Brazilian will surely be restored at right-back after Gary Neville’s horror show at the Hawthorns. While Stoke will test the United back line, I expect Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic to stand firm, while Rafael will provide an attacking threat from the flank that could well catch the eye of the FPL Bonus judges again.
Steven Taylor
Clean sheets remain hard to come by and budget defenders, with heavy investment up front and in midfield, remains the way forward. Taylor is one of the best options available right now – available for a rock bottom price of 3.9 he faces a test against West Ham at St James’ Park but, off the back of a clean sheet at Wigan, Alan Pardew’s back four have confidence. Taylor is always a threat from set-pieces too.
The Midfield
Rafael Van der Vaart
While I opted for Gareth Bale for the Fulham game, I’m switching my affections back to the Dutchman for the visit to Everton having seen Phil Neville contain the Welshman at White Hart Lane. Once again Van der Vaart carries a slight threat or rest and rotation but Harry Redknapp has shown that he is reluctant to start without his talents and I see no reason why they won’t be the case at Goodison. When he plays, he normally returns and with Everton without Phil Jagielka at the back, it’s difficult seeing them keeping Spurs out.
Steven Gerrard
The Liverpool skipper came off the bench to drag his side to three points against Bolton and, although there’s talk of rest of rotation from Hodgson, it’s difficult to see Gerrard not playing the bulk of Liverpool’s two games over the Gameweek particularly with Raul Meirles sidelined. If he gets pitch time the he will surely be massively influential and if Hodgson’s side can muster a goal or two, then Gerrard should be amongst the returns with Bonus thrown in. That’s a lot of “if’s” but even so, he just about warrants the outlay.
Charlie Adam
The first name on the Scout Picks teamsheet – if you’re going into the Gameweek without the Blackpool skipper, you’ve either got balls of steel or you know something we don’t. Adam is consistently Blackpool’s most influential player and hoovers up FPL Bonus points with gusto. With more Bonus than any other player in the FPL and a set-piece dominance that promises assists and perhaps a spot-kick goal, Adam looks a must for Blackpool’s two home games and their run of doubles to come.
Samir Nasri
The Frenchman just can’t be ignored right now. While the encounter with City at the Emirates will be edgy, Nasri is always a potential match winner with his current form. The return of Cesc Fabregas may have reduced his Bonus Point potential, but it hasn’t impacted on his goal threat as he demonstrated ably with his smart strike at Birmingham last time out.
The Forwards
Dimitar Berbatov
While I’m slightly worried by the potential absence of Wayne Rooney for the clash with Stoke, I still feel the need to cover United’s attacking threat in this game and with Rooney and Nani both doubts, the Bulgarian is by far the best option. He may suffer should his strike partner miss out but Berbatov will remain at the sharp end to convert any United chances created.
Fernando Torres
A sweet strike against Bolton proved the catalyst for his most effective 45 minutes of football since the two-goal salvo against Chelsea. Torres is slowly edging back to his best and if Hodgson can keep Gerrard on the field with him, Torres should benefit from the kind of service that will bring him further goals starting with the trips to Blackburn and Blackpool – two defences that will surely afford him opportunities.
