Some Gameweeks lend themselves perfectly to a few risks – a couple of daring transfers that explore some new potential and threaten to reward “out of the box thinking” – sadly, Gameweek 26 doesn’t appear to be one of them.
Scanning the weekend fixtures, the names that leap out are all too familiar ones. With United, City and Arsenal all looking big favourites for three-points, it’s difficult to see beyond their key assets. Even lower down the price bracket, it’s a struggle to let the imagination run wild with any real confidence.
At a time in the Fantasy season when a few key differentials can help bridge the gap, I’m sheepishly admitting that the Scout Picks offer few surprises. They’re certainly reassuring; they fit like a pair of tatty, comfortable slippers, but when you’re suffering from mini-league lag, you might prefer a pair of glittering 70’s platforms – something a little more individual.
Maybe Big Dunc can help you out with his regular “Spot the Differential” article. That will be delivered fresh from the oven before tomorrow’s 11.30 deadline; for now though, you can chow down on some old favourites from the Scout Pick takeaway menu.
The Defence
Wojciech Szczesny
Now established at Arsenal’s number one, Szczesny can be brought into our squads for just 4.5 in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game. When you consider that the Gunners have conceded just a single goal in the last 5 league games (and Everon’s goal was clearly offside) then Szczesny looks to be an offer that’s hard to refuse. Newcastle will pose a threat to Arsene Wenger’s back four but injuries up front and the fact that Arsenal are likely to dominate possession, are both factors that could see yet another clean sheet for the Gunners.
Rafael
Backed in the Scout Picks last time out, Rafael failed to turn up with Alex Ferguson keeping him out of the action following a bout of concussion. This time around at Wolves, we can be more certain of his return. That means an immediate opportunity to trade in the expensive Nemanja Vidic for young full-back. Over the last 4 Gameweeks Wolves have posed the least goal threat in the entire division – prospects for a United clean sheet look good then.
Aleksandar Kolarov
The City back four looks flimsier than ever, so the Serb’s place in the Scout Picks is perhaps a little contentious. Kolarov boasts a strong attacking threat however and, after his deadball blast at Birmingham in midweek, he’ll have his tail up and will be first to the queue for set-pieces when West Brom arrive at Eastlands. A clean sheet might be too much to ask, an assist or even a second league goal may not.
Seamus Coleman
Let’s face it, Blackpool are starting to look just a little bit jaded; some would say knackered. Ian Holloway is set to rotate at Goodison and that could go either way whatever the outcome, it’s likely to be an eventful one and goals look certain. Coleman continues to excel on the right flank and remains Everton’s prize possession for Fantasy Managers; he looks a strong bet to emerge from the Gameweek with further profits.
Robert Huth
Stoke City are an unpredictable beast, but at the back they remain one of the most combative sides around. Tony Pulis rotated his troops for the trip to Anfield in midweek and will likely bring back the likes of Ryan Shawcross and Danny Collins to his defence for the visit of Sunderland. Steve Bruce’s side has found goals in their last two matches but I’m still not convinced that they have the firepower to sustain a flurry of goals – particularly away from home. Stoke could come out of this with a cleanie and Huth offers a substantial goal threat from set-plays that’s always worth backing.
The Midfield
Rafael Van der Vaart
Deployed on the left-flank at Blackburn in midweek, the Dutchman still conjured a delicious crossfield ball to find Crouch’s bonce and earn himself an assist. Van der Vaart was as influential as ever in that game and, with a shift back to his central attacking role looking likely against Bolton, his goal threat will back to its peek with further Fantasy returns on the cards.
Ashley Young
Gerard Houllier seems set on employing Young up in support of Darren Bent and the player himself has reacted by producing some of his best form in a Villa shirt. Young looked the most likely at Old Trafford in midweek and will surely be a major threat and key supplier for Darren Bent when Fulham arrive at Villa Park this weekend.
Tim Cahill
Back in the Everton ranks following his Socceroo exploits, Cahill seems set to be reinstated to the starting XI in a game against Blackpool, a fixture that Everton must win to halt their alarming slide down the table. While Louis Saha has found the net of late, Cahill is the Everton goal threat – simple as that. He should outstanding form before his departure with 9 goals and 4 assists to his name. Cahill get plenty of opportunities to take his tally to double figures this weekend.
Nani
With United at Molineux, Nani comes in to cover United’s attacking potential. Almost a constant fixture in the Scout Picks, the Portuguese trickster, along with Van der Vaart, remains the league’s most consistent supplier of shots on goal and crosses. The Wolves defence conceded 3 goals to Liverpool in their last home clash and were simply suicidal at the Reebok in midweek. It’s difficult to see anything but a couple of goals for United here then, and Nani will surely be instrumental if that proves to be the case.
The Forwards
Carlos Tevez
I hardly needed to engage my brain to come up with this one – Tevez has form, has continually demonstrated his ability to return home and away, and this Gameweek he faces a West Brom defence that normally concedes at least a couple on their travels. Mancini’s comments today, in which he states he’s looking for his side to “win boring”, does call for some caution – if City grab a lead, will they really go after more goals and allow Tevez to return big profits? It’s a worry, but it still looks pure folly to overlook Tevez this weekend.
Robin Van Persie
The Dutchman has been the outstanding forward on show over the last four Gameweeks, firing in more shots and shots on target than any of his peers. While there are strong contenders for the second striker role then, Van Persie claims the spot as he faces up to the Newcastle defence at St James’ Park. Arsenal’s away form remains the best in the division and Wenger’s men will be expected to gain the victory with Van Persie amongst the points and Bonus once again.
