After the frenzy of transfer deadline day, comes the adrenalin of a Gameweek under floodlights as the Fantasy Premier League game serves up a deadline of their own.
A calm, clear head is required then as focus turns away from the prospects of new arrivals and those on the move, to old reliables who have got us to where we are today – 60 points behind in my case.
A new Gameweek offers the opportunity to hit refresh and hope for ample returns to build on the handsome tallies presented by Gameweek 24. Wildcards remain up the sleeve of some, while the rest of us can only hope that reconstructed squads can deliver. The Scout Picks meanwhile, arrive in an unfamiliar afternoon slot as we approach the our first evening kick-off.
The Defence
Joe Hart
The City defence remains hard to predict which only goes to preserve Joe Hart’s status as the top Fantasy option in goal. Hart’s own form is going through a minor blip right now, but his starting role is unlikely to be in danger and the smart money will be on the England stopper to outshine his rival Ben Foster when City take on Birmingham at St Andrews. City and Hart will be tested but Birmingham’s home form shows just 4 goals in the last 5, while City arrive having conceded just 10 goals away from home all season – the best record in the league.
Johan Djourou
The Swiss defender has benefited from the absence of Thomas Vermaelen and the abject form of Sebastien Squillaci to cement his starting role in the Gunners back four. With Squillaci suspended for the visit of Everton, Djourou is assured of his start and, at just 4.2 in the FPL, presents a cheap route to an Arsenal defence that has kept 4 consecutive clean sheets in the league. Everton carry some threat, but without Tim Cahill, they’re always likely to struggle for goals and if the Gunners can maintain their usual possession football, Djourou and the Gunners defence should return once again.
John Pantsil
Mark Hughes has clearly worked tirelessly to improve Fulham’s defensive resolve and in recent weeks, it’s begun to pay dividends with 4 clean sheets in the last 8. Newcastle provide the opposition at the Cottage this Gameweek and, while Alan Pardew’s side are wounded by the departure of Andy Carroll and horribly unpredictable on their travels, they have mustered just 4 goals in their last 5 away trips. That bodes well for Fulham and Fantasy Managers can either elect to take on the goal threat of Brede Hangeland, or save some pennies and invest in the forward-thinking Pantsil. With my proposed forward line, I prefer the latter here.
Rafael
The Brazilian will be expected to start in the United back four, despite suffering concussion in the 3-2 win at Blackpool last week. Offering a cheap alternative to the towering Nemanja Vidic, Rafael looks set to be a Young Player of the Year contender having demonstrated a huge leap in form and confidence this season. Amongst the most attacking full-backs in the league, with defensive tenacity to win him FPL Bonus, Rafael remains a key option for Fantasy Managers. Gerard Houllier’s Villa will provide a test for the United defence but at Old Trafford, it takes a brave Fantasy Manager to bet against a home cleanie.
Martin Kelly
The young Liverpool right-back continues to offer outstanding value at just 4.2 in the FPL and, with another Anfield encounter against Stoke to come this Gameweek, he remains part of my Scout Picks back four. Two clean sheets over the Gameweek 24 double fixture should instil confidence, although the Stoke forward line of John Carew and Kenwyne Jones will provide a bruising test for Kenny’s rearguard. A risk then but Kelly’s price keeps him installed over the likes of West Brom’s Gonzalo Jara and Chelsea’s Jose Bosingwa who both got close to earning selection.
The Midfield
Cesc Fabregas
With Samir Nasri sidelined by a hamstring, Fabregas will be expected to take up the mantle as Arsenal’s key attacking threat from midfield areas. The Gunners skipper has been peppering the opposition goal with attempts of late but, aside from his strike against Huddersfield in the FA Cup, has failed to register. That could change when the Everton defence arrive at the Emirates. Arsenal will be fancied to bag at least a couple and Fabregas is a very strong bet to be instrumental as the provider if not the executer of those goals.
Nani
The Portuguese winger has stuttered of late with blanks at Spurs and Blackpool. His goal in the 5-0 mauling of Birmingham in Gameweek 23 did enough to maintain his status as the key Fantasy midfielder however and, when United are at home, it’s unwise to back against Nani producing. As previously stated, United won’t have it easy against Villa and Nani may well have to conjure some magic to help unlock the door in a much improved Villa backline.
Chris Brunt
While the Baggies have faltered disastrously of late, Brunt’s individual form has been outstanding. Our Members can study the OPTA player statistics for themselves to get a view on just how Brunt has stood out in recent weeks and, as West Brom approach a run of kind opponents, Fantasy Managers should have no qualms about investing. Wigan travel to the Hawthorns in the Gameweek to start things off and I’m fully expecting Roberto Di Matteo’s side to find the win they need to get back on track, with Brunt typically influential.
Charlie Adam
The Blackpool skipper may well have been frustrated to still be pulling on the tangerine shirt but he has made great efforts since all exits were closed, to emphasise his commitment to the Seasiders. Heavily owned as a result of Blackpool’s run of double Gameweeks, there is a chance that Adam may be affected by the recent speculation and breakdown of possible moves but with West Ham lined up in the Gameweek, Adam should play and will be strongly backed to return once again.
The Forwards
Dimitar Berbatov
There’s a tried and trusted formula at work here – with United at home and Wayne Rooney in the side, Berbatov flourishes and often returns explosive points tallies. While a huge haul looks unlikely with a resolute Villa in town this time around, the swaggering Bulgarian still looks irresistible with his sub 10.0 pricing and confidence oozing from every pore.
Robin Van Persie
While Berbatov has streaked ahead in the race for the Golden Boot, Van Persie’s form has shown that when he’s fit, the Dutchman is a true 20+ goal a season man who surely would have been a contender for that particular prize. His recent form rivals that of Berbatov and FPL price rises have followed a similar pattern to the United man. Fantasy investment will continue to flow his way as Arsenal near their delicious double in Gameweek 27 but for now, investors should have no concerns about looking to Van Persie to help dispose of Everton at the Emirates. With heavy set-piece involvement, spot-kicks and a confidence that should return 5-6 goal attempts, Van Persie looks set to add to a goal return of 6 in 4 league games.
