Part two of our Scout Picks preview of Sunday’s season finale switches attention to the midfield, often the most profitable area of our squads this term.
While the heavyweight mainstays of previous seasons – Frank Lampard, Cesc Fabregas and Steven Gerrard – have proved unreliable, we have become increasingly dependent on mid-price midfield acquisitions, pumping our cash into a forward line where expensive big-hitters have delivered with some consistency. Our end of season Scout Picks selection is somewhat typical then…
The Midfield
Jamie O’Hara’s influence on Wolves has been substantial since his arrival on loan from North London. Early on, handsome Fantasy returns looked assured – two goals in his first five appearances for Mick McCarthy’s side suggested that O’Hara would represent a huge Fantasy bargain. While those expectations have been tempered by a lack of goals since, few can deny that O’Hara’s overall influence always puts him in the frame for returns. An assist last weekend made up for a lack of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Bonus but, prior to this, O’Hara had returned 11 Bonus in his last 10 starts. If Wolves can carry their current form into Sunday’s crunch encounter with Blackburn and earn a positive result, O’Hara looks highly likely to reward his Fantasy owners with returns.
Charlie Adam’s season was turned on its head by a wave of speculation around the January window. It’s taken time for the Scot and Blackpool to recover from that period, but there’s little doubt that Adam has rediscovered his hunger and form at just the right time for the Tangerines.
The trip to Old Trafford presents a unpredictable scenario but it’s surely certain that Ian Holloway’s side will go on the attack – goals looks certain. Should the visitors penertrate what is expected to be a second-string United defence, Adam would seem likely to play some part. His set-piece delivery, assured spot-kicks and range of passing from midfield will surely be a factor, and having scored a rocket from open play in the 4-3 win over Bolton, Adam will have the confidence to fire in efforts on the United goal.
Charles N’Zogbia’s selection is no surprise – his form in recent weeks, culminating in his injury time winner to sink West Ham, has given Wigan hope of survival. The Britannia is far from a desirable venue for a do-or-die fixture but the Latics will arrive with optimism having earned the dramatic win over the Hammers. N’Zogbia is pivotal to Wigan’s attacking play and, should they emerge with a result, looks a firm favourite for yet more FPL Bonus having already gathered 33 points so far this term.
The final midfield slot goes to Arsenal’s Theo Walcott – a surprise selection perhaps, but a player who offers cover for the Gunners’ attacking potential at Fulham. Walcott has gone four starts without Fantasy returns having last notched in the 3-3 draw at Spurs in gameweek 33. Alongside Robin Van Persie however, Walcott is likely to be Arsenal’s major threat to the Fulham defence at the Cottage in a game which the Gunners need to win to have any chance of claiming third spot and avoiding the indignity of the Champions League qualifying rounds. Ten goals in the last 5 away trips suggests that Arsenal will find the net, despite Fulham’s impressive defensive record at home.
Tottenham’s Luka Modric came close to inclusion but I just don’t see Spurs returning too many goals at home to a Birmingham side scrapping for survival. Van der Vaart’s absence will come as a blow to creativity and, while Modric will likely be on spot-kicks, the Croatian has returned just 3 goals and 3 assists this term. He will likely require Bonus in a Spurs win to earn profits for his owners.
There’s much speculation about Alex Ferguson’s lineup against Blackpool, with Nani’s selection the key factor in Fantasy terms. Should the Portuguese winger start on Sunday, he would be backed for returns but his selection is far from assured having been omitted from Ferguson’s list reeled off in Friday’s press conference. Anderson is a certain participant however and, at just 5.5 in the FPL, he represents a punt for those looking for a differential – enough to earn him the slot on my bench.
Elsewhere, Fulham’s Clint Dempsey will be a major threat to Arsenal at the Cottage and could even be pushed up front with Moussa Dembele absent through injury. Newcastle’s Joey Barton will also be looking to end his impressive season on a high against the Baggies. Both players have been popular Fantasy signings over the course of the season and appear to warrant selection by their owners going into Sunday’s climax.
