This double Gameweek business is both a blessing and a curse. While it focuses the mind of Fantasy Managers on a small number of teams and players, couple it with the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) wildcard, and the possible scenarios and variables begin to mount to scramble the brain.
The Scout Picks also suffer. Try as I might, it’s hard to resist the obvious charms of a the “double prospects” their siren song just proves too alluring. The result is another bottom heavy selection of Fantasy Footballers, filled with the familiar big priced attacking assets, backed up by the budget options in defence who almost need polite introductions before we can even begin to convince you of their worth.
The Defence
David Stockdale
The young keeper makes his second Scout Picks appearance of the season as he continues to deputise for Mark Schwarzer. The big Aussie will return in February to challenge for his number one jersey and, while Stockdale will likely drop to the bench at that point, right now he offers strong value, particularly in Fulham’s double Gameweek. Clean sheets look hard to come by across the board as usual and Stockdale’s best hope looks to be the home clash with Stoke this weekend. The follow-up fixture at Liverpool should offer Save Points however, and with Fulham’s stats showing marked defensive improvement in recent weeks, there might even be a shock on the cards at Anfield. At just 3.9 in the FPL, you can afford to take that gamble.
Martin Kelly
Kenny Dalglish has backed the youngster, throwing him at right-back and shifting Glen Johnson to the left. Kelly has returned the favour with a couple of outstanding showings to show he deserves the opportunity, and there’s every indication that Kelly will hold that role over Liverpool’s two fixtures in the Gameweek. The trip to Wolves will be a test but the midweek encounter at home to Fulham offers Liverpool and Kelly the opportunity of a rare clean sheet. Returns are far from assured, but at just 4.2 in the Fantasy Premier League, few Fantasy Managers will refuse the opportunity presented.
Seamus Coleman
The first of our non-double Gameweek players earns his place in the Picks with a strong home fixture against the obliging West Ham defence, with strong form to back up his case. Fresh from inking a new contract at Goodison, Coleman is flying and full of confidence and will likely give Wayne Bridge another thorough examination.
Kyle Walker
A new arrival in the Villa camp, Gerard Houllier wasted no time blooding the loanee from Spurs in the FA Cup at Sheffield United and Walker immediately announced himself with a goal. He then kept the right-back spot at Birmingham last time out and looks set to hold that role for both Villa’s fixtures against City and at Wigan. Clean sheet returns look in danger but at just 4.0, Walker is a superb budget purchase who offers a decent threat going forward.
Nemanja Vidic
For Fantasy Managers seeking a cheap route to United defensive returns, Mike Dean’s double helping of yellows for Rafael in the Spurs game was nothing short of a disaster. Now we have to spend and spend big to find security in Alex Ferguson’s backline. Patrice Evra comes in cheaper, but Vidic is the Rolls Royce option. A goal threat from set-plays and a Bonus hoover in United shutouts, it’s impossible to look beyond the Serb if you’ve cash to splash.
The Midfield
Charlie Adam
Blackpool’s playmaker has been subject to fevered transfer speculation for a fortnight and it’s little wonder. The Scot remains the fulcrum of a Blackpool side that have won friends all season and plenty of Premier League teams are queuing up to get a piece of Adam’s composure, passing and set-piece delivery. Another double Gameweek, even against stubborn defences presented by Sunderland and United, promises more returns for the Scot who has recently been firing in the goal attempts without reward. Maybe that will arrive in Gameweek 24, along with the obligatory Bonus returns of course.
Samir Nasri
While Arsenal aren’t graced with a double fixture, they do face a struggling Wigan outfit at the Emirates at a time when Arsene Wenger’s side are threatening to take their attacking brand of football to another level. Nasri has been the big goal threat all season and, while the return of Cesc Fabregas and Robin Van Persie has knocked him down a peg or two, he offered a reminder of his class in the midweek FA Cup win at Leeds. Cheaper than both his acclaimed team-mates, Nasri remains essential and offers good cover for what should be a convincing home win against the Latics.
Nani
Immensely disappointing in the 0-0 at White Hart Lane last time out, the Portuguese trickster will surely be looking to stamp his name over United’s two fixtures this Gameweek. A home clash with Birmingham and a trip to Blackpool appear to offer Alex Ferguson’s men plenty of opportunity for goals and Nani looks a strong bet to be amongst them or least part of them as he continues to pile up his assists.
Clint Dempsey
Fulham’s double Gameweek assets don’t look too tempting but Dempsey is the exception to that rule. Often thrust up front to lead the attack, Dempsey could well be given that responsibility again over matches against Stoke and Liverpool. Even from midfield Dempsey is a major goal threat and investors can surely expect some form of return from the American if Fulham continue to make progess as they pull themselves out of their recent slump.
The Forwards
Fernando Torres
The Spaniard is still stalling in his attempt to find top gear but, against local rivals Everton last weekend, the signs were good. Torres looked sharp and his shot count over recent Gameweeks demonstrates that the confidence is beginning to flow. Games against Wolves and Fulham should provide ample opportunity for Torres to boost his goal count and reward canny double Gameweek investors.
Wayne Rooney
Given his hefty price tag and rather questionable form, this represents a major gamble. Team-mate Dimitar Berbatov runs him close but Rooney perhaps offers that little bit more security over United’s two games and with spot-kicks and performance statistics on his side, he squeezes into the Picks past the Bulgarian. United will surely need a couple of goals in both their games against Birmingham and Blackpool and it’s hard to see Rooney not figuring in some capacity.
