Double gameweeks always tempt crazy investment. With the season running out on us and the sun beating down on our heads, it’s all too easy to lose control and throw multiple transfers at mini-league gaps. For many however, there’s little point in resisting the temptation. While the likes of Fulham, Stoke, Wolves and Bolton are far from glamorous and reliable sources of Fantasy talent, at times like these, there’s an extra incentive to sift for gold and take a gamble.
While relying on double gameweek assets continues to be a risk– many of us will be banking on the potential they offer, hoping that leaders will sit on their squads and choose to avoid transfer spending. We’ve spent the last 48-hours “Scouting the Double” talent pools for investment opportunities and many of the names featured find their way into the gameweek’s Scout Pick selection.
Around them, there’s a scattering of potential heavyweight points scorers in a gameweek that offers a tantalising scenario. So many strong Fantasy talents face good home fixtures; those Fantasy Managers who don’t need to take risks will likely be content settling for what they’ve got. Time will tell if that “safe” strategy will win out against the double gameweek gambling.
The Defence
Chelsea have strong form going into their London derby with West Ham but, in defensive terms, have conceded in both their recent victories over West Brom and Birmingham. Even so, West Ham arrive with Scott Parker ruled out and could find themselves overwhelmed by Chelsea’s muscular efficiency in midfield as a result. I’m happy to back a cleanie for Carlo Ancelotti’s men, although, with rotation options available across the back four, selection is difficult. Petr Cech at least offers security and gets the nod in goal for the Scout Picks as a result.
The back four in front of the Chelsea keeper consists mainly of double gameweek prospects who offer goalscoring potential. The likes of Robert Huth, Gary Cahill and Brede Hangeland all offer two fixtures and significant goal and Bonus Point potential – even if clean sheets may not fall their way.
There could well be clean sheets to be found elsewhere – United look the best prospect with Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra looking the most secure but expensive options. Too expensive for me – I fancy Everton to notch one at Old Trafford given their current run of form and confidence so I’ve decided to turn my back on Ferguson’s back four.
I’m going to back an hunch then, gambling on City’s much criticised Serbian left-back Aleksandar Kolarov. With Micah Richards sidelined, Kolarov will start at Ewood for City and I just fancy him to offer attacking returns in a City win on Monday night. Liverpool’s youngling full-back John Flanagan offers a safe alternative – he should start and I can easily see a shutout for Liverpool against Birmingham at Anfield.
The Midfield
Fulham’s Clint Dempsey and Stoke’s Matt Etherington provide their double gameweek presence to the Scout Picks midfield. Both have a heavy attacking influence on their respective sides and should be on spot-kicks. While Dempsey is a consistent supplier of goal attempts, Etherington’s delivery from the left is also a persistent threat to opponents. They are without doubt the most reliable midfield options for those embarking on midfield double shopping.
The remaining two spots were up for grabs with an array of strong candidates pushing for inclusion. Rafael Van der Vaart’s showing against Arsenal booked his inclusion for Tottenham’s White Hart Lane clash with West Brom. The Dutchman is Fantasy Premier League armband material if you’re looking beyond a double gameweek option.
While Van der Vaart flourished in Wednesday’s game, Frank Lampard returned a blank in Chelsea’s 3-1 win over Birmingham to raise further question marks over his Fantasy value. I’ve chosen to back him again against West Ham however – simply to provide cover for Chelsea attacking returns with so many of their other attacking positions subject to rotation risk as Carlo Ancelotti prepares to shuffle. Lampard will surely start against his former club, always delivers goal attempts and will be on spot-kicks – that’s good enough for me.
We’re spoilt for choice beyond these four. The collective of Villa’s Ashley Young, Liverpool’s Dirk Kuyt, Newcastle’s Kevin Nolan and Wolves’ Jamie O’Hara could all enjoy strong returns over the gameweek given the fixture ahead of them. If you have them – you play them.
The Forwards
Arsenal will not have given up on the title just yet and their clash with Bolton at the Reebok looks likely to guarantee goals as a result. For me, you have to cover Arsenal’s significant goal power and the consistent scoring of Robin Van Persie is surely the answer.
In the same weekend encounter, Daniel Sturridge will be in opposition to the Dutchman and it’s the Chelsea loanee that takes the final spot in my Scout Picks starting XI. Sturridge was on fire before Bolton’s gameweek 33 blank and will now return with a double fixture against Arsenal and at Fulham – tough fixtures but, given the quality and form he possess, we can surely expect further returns.
Again, there are a wealth of options available elsewhere. Both Wayne Rooney and Didier Drogba will be heavily backed but I’m not expecting a flood of goals at Old Trafford, while Drogba’s starting role is somehow not 100% secure despite his recent run of form.
Lower down the price bracket City’s Mario Balotelli offers a strong differential if he can turn his talents to scoring goals rather than attracting controversy and the referee’s whistle. Liverpool’s Luis Suarez also looks a solid option with form and a decent fixture presenting an opportunity for the Uruguayan to boost his goal tally and reputation.
Both Kenwyne Jones and Bobby Zamora present options for those looking for further double gameweek investment and it’s the latter who claims the spot on my Scout Picks bench.
