With the FA Cup weekend a distant memory, it’s time for Premier League managers to calm the rotation, restore the big guns and get back down to business. The Scout Picks follows suit as another Gameweek rolls into view for the Friday evening treatment…
The Defence
Joe Hart
The City keeper presents an awfully expensive option but, along with Kolo Toure, the most secure route if you’re looking to hoover up City clean sheets. With Wolves at Eastlands this weekend, Hart looks good for yet another shut-out and with a lack of security elsewhere in Roberto Mancini’s back four, duly gets the nod in the Picks.
Jose Bosingwa
The Chelsea back four is far from a sure bet when it comes to defensive returns these days, but Bosingwa is relatively cheap, looks certain to play and presents a significant threat going forward on the right flank. A Stamford Bridge encounter with Blackburn promises returns at one end, if not two.
Roger Johnson
While Liam Ridgewell has emerged as a more potent goal threat, the stats show that Johnson has had more efforts on goal and is overdue further attacking returns. He’s also more prominent when it comes to Fantasy Premier League Bonus and against a Villa side lacking both Emile Heskey and Ashley Young, he could well emerge with a shut-out and Bonus this weekend.
Robert Huth
The big Stoke defender has proven his attacking threat at set-pieces with handsome goal returns this season. Huth will get a workout against the muscular Bolton attack, but that could see him stand out and capture some Bonus Points. Plenty of potential for returns at both ends then.
Antolin Alcaraz
A gamble given the likely return of Moussa Dembele to the visiting Fulham attack, Alcaraz is nonetheless the dominant figure in the Wigan defence and has every chance of returning Bonus with or without a home cleanie for Roberto Martinez’ side.
The Midfield
Chris Brunt
While Blackpool will turn up at the Hawthorns with the influential Charlie Adam in midfield, the Baggies have Brunt to orchestrate matters for them and he could well come out on top in a game that promises goals. Brunt’s delivery from open play and set-pieces will be a feature and if the Baggies can pull off a result, he could deny Adam yet more Bonus returns. With Roberto Di Matteo handing him the captaincy today, we must just see the Irishman rise to the occasion.
Samir Nasri
The Nasri vs Cesc Fabregas debate rages on and it could well be time to consider drafting both into our lineups to solve the issue. For now Nasri will suffice for the Picks as Arsenal travel to Upton Park to face a West Ham side which will battle but should concede at least a couple to the fluid Arsenal attack. Both Nasri and Fabregas could well be in the points but, with the Frenchman’s price considerably kinder, it makes sense to bank on him to inflict the damage and boost his goal tally further.
Nani
The United winger remains the key Fantasy midfielder as he continues to demonstrate a consistent level of scoring that belies his early career at Old Trafford. The clash with Spurs at White Hart Lane could well see goals with the home side possessing plenty to test Alex Ferguson’s rearguard. The visitors may need at least a couple to come away with something and that will surely mean that Nani will again be amongst the points.
Charlie Adam
While it’s a risk throwing in two players from the same match, Adam’s form is so strong, his case for inclusion is overwhelming. The battle with Brunt for superiority in midfield should be a fascinating one and I’m tipping both to emerge from the weekend clash with returns. Adam has peppered the opponent’s goal over the last two Gameweeks and he is well overdue a return for such attacking intent.
The Forwards
Carlos Tevez
Even with the introduction of Eric Dzeko as a unknown variable, Tevez looks an irresistible option at home to a Wolves defence that will surely grant him ample opportunities to fetch further Fantasy returns.
Fernando Torres
Kenny’s big hope with Steven Gerrard suspended, Torres will go into the Merseyside derby having scored his first goal under Dalglish at Blackpool in midweek. Back at Anfield, Torres promises to be an even bigger threat and with our Members’ statistics showing an impressive goal threat over his last three matches, Torres looks good for returns against an Everton defence that will be without the influential Phil Jagielka.
