[sbu_large_image] Scout Picks
9 September 2011 934 comments
Paul Paul
Share:

After a fortnight of waiting, we’re finally back in the game. We’ve knocked our heads together to come up with our next “Scout Selection Committee” picks and as you’ll see, we’re backing the Gunners to bounce back big-time.

The threat of rotation at Man City has played a major part in the selection and resulted in a last-minute change of heart. Edin Dzeko was nailed-on but there’s a niggling doubt over his game time this weekend; with Mario Balotelli suspended for European matters in midweek, there’s a chance – however small- Roberto Mancini could rest the Bosnian and play the temperamental Italian and as a result, we’ve reluctantly omitted him. After much deliberation, then, here’s the picks for Gameweek 4:


Arsenal may have been hit for eight in their last match of the campaign, but what better way to come back to domestic action than to face the only side yet to find the net this season? With that in mind, the Gunners goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny finds his way into our Fantasy thinking. While Brendan Rodgers’ side have seen plenty possession, their lack of any cutting edge is proving costly and an Emirates showdown make the young Pole a solid option.

Fully recovered from a leg injury described by his manager as “serious” only a fortnight ago, John Arne-Riise takes his place in the Scout Picks after a remarkably quick recovery. The left-back squares up to Blackburn at home and with Steve Kean’s side struggling for any semblance of form, Riise’s rampaging left flank runs looked primed to cause plenty trouble for an out-of-sorts Rovers.

Today’s news from Man City that Kolo Toure is still a couple of weeks away from match fitness should cement Joleon Lescott’s place in the starting XI for at least another Gameweek or two. With Roberto Mancini keen to rotate, Vincent Kompany seems the best long-term option but for the immediate future, Lescott’s greater goal threat makes him a viable option for the home game with Wigan.

Hamstring scare now over, Leighton Baines makes his way into this week’s Scout Picks. Everton entertain Aston Villa at Goodison Park and with the left-back on set-pieces and penalties in light of Mikel Arteta’s departure, his selection is a no-brainer.

Ritchie De Laet looks a good budget pick this weekend. A home game with below-par West Brom offers the on-loan centre half a chance to replicate his previous performance at Carrow Road- De Laet scored and picked up all 3 Bonus Points in the 1-1 draw with Stoke.

As mentioned in our recent Watchlist piece, Theo Walcott has grabbed three goals in four starts for Arsenal so far this season. Arsene Wenger will be looking for a response from his team after the 8-2 hammering at Old Trafford and an Emirates showdown with Swansea looks like affording the Gunners the perfect chance to respond.

As mentioned above, the threat of rotation hanging over Man City has played a major part in our selections. With Samir Nasri’s hand injury perhaps placing a question mark over his availability, we’ve opted for the security of David Silva. The little Spaniard has sparkled in every game so far this season and the home game with Wigan should ensure that continues.

Clint Dempsey has been playing up front of late for Fulham, with Bobby Zamora out injured. Dempsey’s eye for goal seen him grab the Cottagers’ goal at Newcastle in Gameweek 3 and he’s also found the net a couple of times in Europe already. The arrival of Bryan Ruiz may threaten his role in the front two, but Dempsey has found the net regardless of where he plays; a Craven Cottage showdown with Blackburn offers him a chance to continue his goalscoring ways.

The influx of new players may have caught the headlines, but Adel Taarabt is still the main man at QPR. Though Joey Barton is likely to take his fair share of corners, the Moroccan should still be on free-kicks and spot-kick duties and with Newcastle arriving at Loftus Road, Taarabt will be looking to steal the spotlight from Barton and take centre stage.

Wayne Rooney is just impossible to ignore right now. The Man United forward is in the form of his life and with the champions up against a Bolton side that have conceded three goals in each of their last two games, Rooney looks in the mood to put Owen Coyle’s side to the sword.

Robin Van Persie ensured he comes into tomorrow’s game against Swansea with a four-goal haul for Holland against hapless San Marino in the recent Euro 2012 qualifiers. Brendan Rodgers’ side were hammered 4-0 by Man City in their only away trop of the season and the Gunners are odds-on favourites to dish out the same sort of treatment. Goals look high on the agenda and the Dutchman will surely feature strongly.

Paul Is certain he won't make the same mistakes next season. Follow them on Twitter

934 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Bluepenguin76
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Id go Young and Jarvis,both have flown out of the traps.The other two are still settling in (despite easier opposition)to new surroundings.

    Also I expect Wolves to get a point out of the Spurs match IMO.
    So Jarvis could prove instrumental.

    Maybe Id go Arteta and Young over the seaon tho! 😉

    Open Controls
  2. dan
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Stupid question - if i carried 2 transfers over from the last game week and i just use 1 can i carry the other over the following week?

    Open Controls
    1. Adam
      • 17 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      yes

      Open Controls
    2. Just_Ty
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      yes

      Open Controls
    3. Akers
      • 17 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      Yes.

      Open Controls
  3. RMT's Professor
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Just to let you know that ratemyteam.co.uk has been updated this week. And we also have our wildcard picks which is the team we would pick if we were wildcarding this week. (See the link on home page.)

    Also, check out who we think you should captain this week. RVP tops the pile, with Walcott, Silva, Rooney, Dzeko and Baines close behind.

    As always, we welcome your thoughts on the numbers e.t.c. so feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions about the site (email address on about page).

    Open Controls
    1. Funkyav
      • 17 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      does that mean that anyone who does a RMT on here we can just point them in the direction of your website? Sweet.

      Open Controls
      1. mo 10 years on FFS? Join my…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 9 months ago

        Its going to take a good few years fot these to disapeer with the influx this year. Kind of had enough knowing that i missed he gravy boat from the time the site was in its pomp. This is coming from a regular of 2 years

        Open Controls
  4. klegend
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Petrov vs man u
    dyer vs arsenal

    Open Controls
    1. applebonkers
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      petrov, given his set-pieces

      Open Controls
    2. jamsiep
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      Petrov, easily.

      Open Controls
    3. GOTG20
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      Petrov no question...He's looked dangerous despite tough fixtures and Swansea have yet to score

      Open Controls
  5. Just_Ty
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    I'm tempted to play Vorm over Given, I see no CS for either but the first one getting more saves... thoughts (I played it logically and got the wrong GK since start)?

    Open Controls
    1. Corrigan
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      Go for Vorm.

      Open Controls
  6. MB10
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Order of Subs needs to be right for me this GW with doubts over Bent and Baines. What order do you think I should put these in? I currently have:
    Simpson Dyer Moses

    Open Controls
    1. jimski
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      That's about right, I'd say.

      Open Controls
  7. SMOOTH
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    sorry got lost on last page

    A. mingolet + simpson + 0.5 cash
    B. Krul + brown (no cash)
    C. Krul + simpson (double up on newcastle?) + 0.5 cash

    if i choose A or C i can get barkley instead of surman

    Open Controls
  8. Binman_UK
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Given
    Senderos Bosingwa Kompany
    Silva N'Zogbia Jarvis Sinclair
    Torres Suarez(v) Rooney(c)

    Bench: Vorm Moses Brown Simpson

    Have 2 free transfers and nothing in the bank.
    N'Zogbia and Torres have to go surely? Any help much appreciated!

    Open Controls
    1. The one who has a knock
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      Torres>Dzeko
      NZog>Walcott IMHO

      Open Controls
  9. Dai Chicken Pie
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    I have Malouda and Sessegnon, one needs to go for Walcott, which one would you ditch? I'm thinking malouda.

    Open Controls
    1. Corrigan
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      Malouda 100%, though he's not exempt from Sods Law.

      Open Controls
      1. Dai Chicken Pie
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 9 months ago

        I'm now thinking of getting rid of them both for a 4 pointer. can't see sessegnon scoring more than 2 tomorrow. So as long as the replacement scores 6........ hmmmm, bit risky I suppose. Mata would be the other player I brought in, will Mata score 6 away at sunderland, this is now the question.

        Open Controls
    1. Adam
      • 17 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      +1

      Open Controls
    2. Somalion
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      +1 You can see it in his play, I think he's really going to start putting in some good performances.

      Open Controls
  10. greghammer95
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Grant Holt 50/1 to score a hat-trick. 🙂

    Open Controls
    1. applebonkers
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      always remember your balotelli hattrick call

      Open Controls
    2. jamsiep
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      Arsenal 500/1 to win 8-0.

      Open Controls
      1. GREENDREAMS11
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 9 months ago

        james sir. do you think anelka will get a start tomorrow ?

        Open Controls
        1. jamsiep
          • 16 Years
          14 years, 9 months ago

          I hope he does, but can't say that he will with any sort of confidence. Why are you asking? If it's anything to do with FPL then just forget about it right now, unless you're already stuck with him.

          Open Controls
          1. Dai Chicken Pie
            • 16 Years
            14 years, 9 months ago

            how about Malouda? is he likely to start on the bench now?

            Open Controls
            1. jamsiep
              • 16 Years
              14 years, 9 months ago

              I'd imagine so.

              Open Controls
          2. GREENDREAMS11
            • 16 Years
            14 years, 9 months ago

            nah, i dont have him but my thinking is that its the kind of game he seems to thrive on. Away from home when the home teams push up a bit. He looked pretty good against Norwich and stoke and could easily have bagged a few. I also think the competition for places is like a shot in the arm to him.

            Open Controls
        2. GREENDREAMS11
          • 16 Years
          14 years, 9 months ago

          p.s. can you see i'm clutching at straws ?

          Open Controls
        3. mo 10 years on FFS? Join my…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          14 years, 9 months ago

          James sir? Fook me mate easy

          Open Controls
          1. GREENDREAMS11
            • 16 Years
            14 years, 9 months ago

            lol, its the only way to get his attention

            Open Controls
      2. Funkyav
        • 17 Years
        14 years, 9 months ago

        Chances of;

        Mertesacker being found out for pace
        Arteta picking up a niggling injury
        Park chu yung being rubbish

        1/500

        Open Controls
    3. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      It would need another zero to tempt me. 🙂

      Open Controls
  11. Rendabomb
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Hmmm, worth it to keep Jarvis or should I switch him for O'Hara/Cabaye?

    Open Controls
  12. Avon Barksdale
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Just played it safe, very unlike me!

    Swapped Torres and Nzogbia

    For RVP and Brunt.

    GW 4 and I havent spent a point yet very unlike me!

    Open Controls
    1. Attila the Bum
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      Maybe you're not you

      Open Controls
  13. AllessandroSwissToni
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Woodgate or Da Laet baring in mindI have Brunt and Hoolahan in MF.

    Open Controls
  14. ReinaMan
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Best midfielder for 8mil or less?

    Open Controls
    1. Avon Barksdale
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      bale

      Open Controls
      1. O Fenomeno
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 9 months ago

        😆

        Open Controls
  15. cougarking
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    wright phillips any thoughts

    Open Controls
    1. Avon Barksdale
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      Though about him but couldn't do it so many contenders in that team, Taarabt and barton on Set pieces killed it for me

      Open Controls
    2. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      I think he had one once.

      Open Controls
    3. GOTG20
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      Under-rated by this community had a good pre-season with City. Could be a decent punt, If I had wild-carded i would have brought him in

      Open Controls
  16. drinkup245
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    should i be starting dyer infront of de laet?

    Open Controls
    1. Avon Barksdale
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      No!

      Open Controls
    2. Adam
      • 17 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      haha are you serious?

      Open Controls
    3. O Fenomeno
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      Dyer is pants get rid of him, and definitely don't start him ahead of De Laet..

      Open Controls
  17. Avon Barksdale
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Brunt o hara Tchoyi Cabaye

    Open Controls
  18. Cluub
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Is Angel Rangel an OOP player?

    Open Controls
    1. applebonkers
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      no. just a good full back

      Open Controls
  19. jimski
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Rank in order:
    Cabaye, Brunt, O'Hara, Tchoyi
    as a prospect for the next few weeks...

    Open Controls
    1. Ronaldinhos_Front_Tooth
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      brunt o hara cabaye tchoyi

      Open Controls
    2. Corrigan
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      Brunt Anderson Cabaye O Hara Tchoyi

      Open Controls
    3. O Fenomeno
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      The order you wrote them in.

      Open Controls
  20. The Laughing Man
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Who is most likely to command the CAM position for Arsenal now, Ramsey, Rosicky or Arteta??

    Open Controls
    1. Ronaldinhos_Front_Tooth
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      not rosicky, prob arteta

      Open Controls
    2. The one who has a knock
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      Arteta prob

      Open Controls
  21. Cousin_Elvin
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Please help with my team. Played WC, need to complete midfield

    Given Vorm
    Bowingwa, Jose Enrique, De Laet, Taylor S, Ward
    Silva, Young, Jarvis, 2 midfielders for 11 mil
    Rooney, Dzeko, Suarez

    Any advice would be much appreciated. As I said, I'm on WC so can make bigger changes to team if necessary

    Open Controls
    1. super zlatan
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      Brunt and Moses?

      Open Controls
  22. Milkman
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Evening all,

    What was with all that active league with a great forum nonsense on the last article forum?!

    Anyways, can any of you confirm what Liverpool's frontline is likely to be from the start? Carroll to start? Suarez to start?

    Has it actually been confirmed anywhere or at least hinted at?

    Open Controls
  23. thesmed
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    What about Hernandez? Got to be worth a shout...

    Open Controls
    1. Avon Barksdale
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      Definitely, so many other options at the moment though. I can see him being a rotation risk also.

      Open Controls
  24. Man Eating Squirrel
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Anyone sticking with Torres or Lampard? Any thoughts on how Chelsea will do against Sunderland?

    Open Controls
    1. O Fenomeno
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      Sunderland will get a draw or win imo.

      Open Controls
      1. GREENDREAMS11
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 9 months ago

        i fancy chelsea to be honest and to score a few as well, no to torres and lamps tho.

        Open Controls
        1. O Fenomeno
          • 15 Years
          14 years, 9 months ago

          They haven't looked like there is many goals in them lately, Sunderland are terrible at home though but I think they will geta result for some reason.

          Open Controls
    2. Genghis
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      Thinking I might give Torres a chance, crap scores overall so far so might be a differential?
      Got 2 frees and a front 8 of:

      Yaya, downing, sessen, Sinclair, Moses
      Suarez, bent, Torres

      Thinking bent, downing, yaya out
      Walcott, ???????, ???? In

      Open Controls
      1. Henry Hill
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 9 months ago

        I'm telling you stay away form him, he is finished, I got him in a few weeks ago and he did absolutely f uck all. Can't even get on the bench for Spain anymore and its only a matter of time before Villas-Boas loses patience with him.

        Open Controls
  25. Avon Barksdale
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Given will definitely play, Long has been declared fit whether he starts or not is a different question.

    Open Controls
  26. The Vicar
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Walcott and Aaron Hughes

    or

    Arteta and Bosingwa?

    Open Controls
    1. Milkman
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      Surely B

      Open Controls
  27. Schutang
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Whats best place to find injury news. .
    Im worried about given and long.

    Open Controls
    1. GREENDREAMS11
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      in the injuries and bans section at the top of the page

      Open Controls
    2. They call me Mr. Glass
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      Given will play

      Open Controls
  28. Attila the Bum
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Danny Murphy (fancy Ruiz to win a penny for some reason)
    OR
    Joey Barton (drama incoming, he'll either score against us or get sent off)
    OR
    Anderson (tight fixtures)

    Probably just a two week fling.

    Open Controls
    1. GREENDREAMS11
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      liked the danny murphy one masell Attila

      Open Controls
    2. O Fenomeno
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      Danny Murphy, Fulham have decent fixtures as well as the Ruiz winning a penalty too.

      Open Controls
  29. Rasping Drive
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Is it too much to ask for Ryan Taylor, Ando and Ward to rise in price tonight?

    Open Controls
    1. Adam
      • 17 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      I was hoping for a price rise in R Taylor & Anderson because I want to sell them for a profit before the deadline. Looks extremely unlikely though.

      Open Controls
    2. Attila the Bum
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      I'd love that.

      Open Controls
    3. MAD
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      Not keeping Ward? Decent pick and perfect rotation with the other cheap slut De Laet...

      Open Controls
      1. Adam
        • 17 Years
        14 years, 9 months ago

        That's what I'm doing too.

        Open Controls
      2. Rasping Drive
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 9 months ago

        Doubt it. Will probably go with a Stoke Villa combo, but Wolves Sunderland could also work. Wouldn't touch a Norwich defender.

        Open Controls