No Wayne Rooney. Carlos Tevez off form and at Anfield. Rotation looming amongst the Chelsea, Tottenham, United and Arsenal lineups. Nobody said it was going to be easy.
At this stage in the game, mini-league leaders are looking for security and stability; the rest of us inspiration and the forlorn hope that a differential could come good and help bridge the gap. Gameweek thirty-two could be a key one with the destination of the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) armband looking particularly vital.
The Scout Picks have been in patchy form of late. Some consistently strong selections at the back have come up trumps, but that’s been balanced by some disappointing showings from the likes of Samir Nasri, Ashley Young and Rafael Van der Vaart in attacking roles. Two of that trio remain in this week’s selection – blind faith perhaps, and certainly selections made in hope that class will out eventually.
The Defence
Once again the defence is as mix of the strongest clean sheet prospects available, coupled with defenders who offer a clear attacking threat from open play or set-pieces.
Heurelho Gomes in goal and David Luiz in front of him, cover the Chelsea and Tottenham rearguards who, against Wigan and Stoke respectively, appear to have home matches that present the best opportunities for shut-outs. They’re joined in the Scout Picks defence by Blackburn’s Chris Samba, Bolton’s Gary Cahill and Villa’s Kyle Walker – all of whom provide an attacking threat to counter any chance that they will concede in their home matches against Birmingham, West Ham and Newcastle.
Beyond these five there are further options that present themselves. The United back four is hard to predict given injuries and the temptation to rotate ahead of the second leg of the Champions League with Chelsea – Chris Smalling could start alongside Nemanja Vidic and would offer strong value against the Cottagers as a result. Then there’s always Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman (if fit) of Everton – they travel to Wolves and, whilst they will struggle to keep their sheet clean, both carry their usual attacking potential.
The Midfield
Frank Lampard’s selection in midfield has been nailed-on all week, despite a muted performance in the 1-0 defeat to United in the midweek European tie. Lampard remains integral to Chelsea’s set-pieces, will be on spot-kicks and will be expected to contribute his usual smattering of goal attempts when the obliging Wigan defence par up this weekend.
Alongside the Chelsea man, Villa’s Ashley Young and Tottenham’s Rafael Van der Vaart are given opportunities to prove their Fantasy worth. Both have strong home fixtures and, like Lampard, are central on set-pieces and should also be on penalties. There are further options here, with Stewart Downing in particular, offering a cheaper and arguably more consistent alternative to Young,.
I’ve handed the final midfield slot to the in-form Wovles flyer Matt Jarvis. The newly capped England winger will be under the microscope ahead of the Summer transfer circus and, against Everton, will be looking to demonstrate his worth. Wolves seem likely to breach the Toffees back four and Jarvis, with his darting runs and regular supply from the wings, will be a major weapon in Mick McCarthy’s armoury.
While I’ve ignored the Arsenal midfield, there’s no doubting that the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri, Andrey Arshavin and Theo Walcott (if fit), could all emerge from the gameweek with handsome profits from the trip to Bloomfield Road. Then of course, there’s Charlie Adam in opposition – can he stand out against the rich array of talent in Arsenal’s midfield? It will be the ultimate test of his ability to dominate a game.
There could be potential in Chelsea’s Salomon Kalou if he is handed the start up front by Carlo Ancelotti against Wigan. United’s Nani and Dirk Kuyt of Liverpool also promise returns – Nani should earn a start having been benched in the last two, while Kuyt will remain on spot-kicks and will be looking to benefit from Andy Carroll’s knockdowns and the trickery of Luis Suarez.
The Forwards
I’ve covered the Arsenal attacking potential with the almost inevitable selection of Robin Van Persie. I’ve partnered him with a more risky selection however, opting for Bolton’s Daniel Sturridge over more obvious and illustrious names. The Chelsea loanee is a consistent threat for the Trotters and should find some joy from the West Ham defence.
Options elsewhere include Sunderland’s pairing of Asamoah Gyan and Danny Welbeck against West Brom, while Darren Bent looks strong with Newcastle in opposition. With Young in my midfield however, backing Bent looks overkill for a Villa side that are still lacking confidence following a hideous run of results. Blackburn’s Junior Hoilett gets my bench role – Big Dunc will bring you more on him and Daniel Sturrridge, along with some other left field picks in this week’s “Spot the Differentials” to come.
