[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. mr. inconspicuous
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Very nervous not having RVP in my team this week, I think Arsenal could score big let's just hope I'm wrong.

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

      They could just as easily choke.

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

        That is true.
        although RVP could still get on the score sheet.

        Open Controls
        1. Louis123
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          14 years, 9 months ago

          I'd put my life on RVP at least bagging a brace tomorrow. New blood in the squad I reckon there'll be up for it. I also reckon Dzecko will be dropped for Tevez. If you want a bit of city go for Silva in mid. I think it's all about Rooney, RVP and Suarez at the mo.

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

      yeah im nervous having no arsenal coverage so tempted to do a 4 point hit rvp to dzeko

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

        I would prob take the hit, RVP is by far the best captain choice this weekend. I had 2 freebies this week and brought it Dzeko and Young - too caught up in the price rises, wish I would have waited now.

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

          lol yeah there the 2 i did

          i still might wait till the morning for .1 price rise on dzekon a take the 4 point hit dzeko to rvp

          Open Controls
    3. Holy See
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      Be nervous. You must have some players that could score well too. Haven't you? VP might get hauled off after 15mins anyhoo.

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

        True but I've been v unlucky with my captain choices this season which has proved costly and RVP is so obvious. I currently have Dzeko for this gameweek but all this talk about him being rested is making me reconsider.

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

    If you could only have RVP or Rooney which would it be and which £8m midfielder would you go for to play them with?

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

      Rooney, but I'd rather have both and a cheaper mid.

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

        Hmm that would be 8pt hit.

        Open Controls
    2. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      Ive gone with

      RVP-Rooney-Dzeko up top

      With

      Bale-Dempsey-Arteta as my big hitting midfielders

      If I HAD to make a sacrifice, you can't look beyond a rejuvenated RVP at home to Swansea. 8 mil mid? Toughy. There are a few. Why not take a punt on Modric?

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

    A) Aaron Ramsey or

    B) No Arsenal in my squad atall ?

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

      I would suggest having some Arsenal this week. Arteta if you have the money would be better than Ramsey as I see him being the Fabregas linchpin.

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

        I don't have the money or he would be straight in. Should Ramsey not play a little further forward than Arteta tho?

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

          Hmmm good point.

          Open Controls
        2. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
          • 14 Years
          14 years, 9 months ago

          He'll play off RVP, with Ramsey and Frimpong sitting. Walcott and Arshavin will play the flanks

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

      arsenal have good fixtures coming up

      plus rvp record v blackburn is exceptional

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

        He usually gets broken at Rovers..

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

      I also have no ARS cover (but if I am on WC Id go for some)
      R U on WC?

      Open Controls
  4. IceMan DB
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Who to captain- Silva, Dzeko or Walcott? Only reason i'm not too keen on Dzeko is because of the risk of rotation. What do you guys think?

    Open Controls
  5. Real Champion
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Is Smalling still a first team player when Vidic and Rafael are fully fit?

    Open Controls
  6. dk123
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    who should i get tarabat and brunt or rodwell and dempsey?

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

      taarabt and brunt

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

      Taarabt and Brunt would be my first choice.

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

    not WC team:

    Given

    Bosi Kompany Hughes STaylor
    Silva Anderson OHara Brunt
    Suarez Rooney

    bench: Begovic Fletcher NZog Jagielka

    Q: in my bench OK (and right order)?

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

      Personally,

      Why bench N'Zog at £7.5M?
      Why bench Jags at home to Villa but play S Taylor away to QPR?

      Otherwise, leave it. It's just my opinion.

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

        hm thanks - will consider - but who to sit? STaylor and Anderson?

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

    Need some help sufffered thro no Man Utd players so need Rooney also want walcott. 2 questions do i take a 16 point hit or use a wildcard and 2) do I keep Aguero? cheers guys

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

      16 pt hit is a bit painful.

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

        Wouldn't do a 16 point hit, I would rather WC and see if you need any other transfers

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

        wildcard then?

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

          And do i keep Aguero? worried bout city rotation

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

            Yeah I'd WC who are your other strikers?

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

              Aguero Suarez and Fletcher to get Rooney in means a couple of transfers would Hernandez be an alternative? everyone has Rooney

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

    Best defender for 4.6 or less?
    A) De Laet
    B) Ward
    C) S.Taylor
    D) Figueroa
    E) Brown

    Given + Vorm are my keepers

    Open Controls
  10. Fishy
    • 17 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    would it be crazy if i made 0 transfers this wek so i can have 2 free ones next week considering i only have the likes of rooney/rvp/silva/bosingwa/ i dont have dzeko/nasri/walcott/a.young/suarez

    Open Controls
    1. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      Who knows. You could make changes and the players you take out could score more than the ones you bring in. Its a funny old game you know!

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

    lads pages hard flying hard to get a reply but if ye could which option would ye prefer

    a) silva/young/JARVIS/brunt
    roo/RVP/suarez

    or

    b) silva/young/WALCOTT/brunt
    roo/DZEKO/suarez

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

      a.

      Open Controls
    2. Jake9
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      B what does the rest look like

      Open Controls
    3. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      A

      Id like to see the rest of your team tho! Thats a pretty heavy front 7!

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

      a

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

      team is

      vorm/ruddy
      bosingwa/enrique/delaet/brown/simpson
      silva/young/brunt/jarvis/dyer
      roo/dzeko/suarez

      3.5 in bank

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

    Vorm (Al-Habsi)
    Bosingwa Enrique Kompany (2.Jagielka 3.Simpson)
    Nani Jarvis Silva(V) Taarabt (1.Dyer)
    Long Torres Saurez

    Torres > Rooney(C) for my free transfer.

    Any other transfers required?

    How does the team look in general?

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

      Vorm I am sure will get some save points but Arsenal could go on the rampage!

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

        I doubt Al-Habsi will do much better against an in form City. I'm hoping arsenals players will need 1 match to gel together!

        Open Controls
  13. Cruicky
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    My team this week:

    Given
    Lescott Cole R Johnson
    Anderson Walcott Silva Brunt
    Holt Suarez Rooney.

    Bench: Vorm, Shawcross, R Taylor & Moses.

    Open Controls
  14. v12w12
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    S.Taylor or Enrique?

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

      Enrique.

      Open Controls
  15. danl23
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    How does this sound?
    krul (vorm)
    Kompany /bosingwa/enrique/ward (simpson)
    silva/walcott/young/(dyer)(Ferguson)
    Rooney/Suarez/agbonlahor

    Open Controls
    1. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      I like it. Agbon is a good dif.

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

    is it worth getting taarabt for 1 week only and
    1.senderos
    2.simpson

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

    should i take a 4/8 point hit to get saha or n'zogbia out or just see hoe=w they do this week?

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

    Jarvis or Cabaye?

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

      normally i'd say jarvis but his games relies on sharpness imo so this doubt over his ankle worries me. also with barton gone i fancy cabaye to really grow into his role at newcastle, with set-pieces as a nice bonus. if ameobi is on the bench he may well get penalties too

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

      jarvis

      Open Controls
  19. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Whos thinking that this week is pretty critical? I'm mile behind the front runners, and have WC as my team was gash (Although good on paper!). If I have a disaster, it could be curtains. The problem is tho, do you tr and keep pace by picking what everyone else has, or look for a team based on differentials? Deep breaths.....!!!!!!!!!

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

      I'm in the same boat as you and I agree. I WC'd last week and still only got 40 beacause of no Rooney or Young!

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

    Torres (C) still. I'm no changing. Bring it.

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

      Respect.

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

        Most punchable grav ever! 😉

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

          Apart from Wonga guy maybe...

          Open Controls
    2. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      Have you been drinking!!!!!

      Open Controls
    3. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      Have you been drinking!

      Open Controls
    4. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      weird

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

    My mates just text me to say as soon as dzeko goes up .1 he's gonna take the money and run, whats everyones thoughts? Will he play or rested for midweek?

    Open Controls
    1. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      Play. Not even Makini would be so solid and not play him. Took him this long to settle, now on form, why drop him. If he does, i'm quitting my team

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

        Mancini is going to care more about the champions league than a game against Wigan which they should win easily in their form. I think him and Aguero could be rested, Aguero has just been half way round the world to play a friendly.

        Open Controls
        1. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
          • 14 Years
          14 years, 9 months ago

          I think he'll start, but will come off after an hour (score depending)

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

            +1, i think tevez will come on for him 65th minute, dont think tevez will start

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

          balotelli has just been caught with mafia bosses and is sitting trial on wednesday

          tevez and aguero can't really play together and tevez is set to start

          you still think dzeko will be rested?

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

            Being called as a witness to a trial on Wednesday is no reason why Balotelli can't play tomorrow. He's not accused of anything so his 'head should be right.'

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

            Mancini-"I think that Mario played well for Italy on Tuesday [against Slovenia], this is important, it is important that on Saturday he can play [against Wigan Athletic]. The other situation is not important.".

            You still think there's not a good chance??

            Open Controls
            1. buisty74
              • 14 Years
              14 years, 9 months ago

              There you go then - your mate was right after all it would seem? ha ha

              Tev in for Ague - almost certain
              Balot in for Dek - pretty sure... it appears anyway!

              Garsical Feek rules!

              Open Controls
              1. Erz
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 14 Years
                14 years, 9 months ago

                Source???? Mancini would be mad to drop Dzeko after his latest form and how much he has improved since last season.

                Open Controls
                1. Baines on Toast...
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 15 Years
                  14 years, 9 months ago

                  Would just be resting him, he'd still be first choice. They'll beat Wigan anyway.

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

        Napoli midweek could make him mix it up?

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

    A) De Laet, Brown, Dzeko

    OR

    B) Smalling, Kompany, Holt

    Rest of my team is:

    Krul (Vorm)

    De Laet - Simpson - Bosingwa (Brown,Ward)

    Taarabt - Silva - Brunt - Young (Dyer)

    Rooney - Van Persie(C) - Dzeko..

    Really cant decide..

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

      B and play 442 with Holt 1st sub.

      Open Controls
  23. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Anybody know why the fixture kist on FPL site is not alphabetical? Takes me ages to work the fixtures out!

    Open Controls
  24. The Bandit
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    New(ish) Post!

    Open Controls
  25. Stone Fox
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Lads
    and ladies

    Is RVP worth the 4PT HIT to get RVP for Suarez
    Could see him riping another hole in Swansea...

    Team currently is
    Given
    Baines Bosingwa Senderos Brown
    Silva Sess Sinclair
    Pig Dzeko Suarez

    (Ruddy Moses Suran Simpson)

    OR
    Be sensible = Shit Mid > Theo
    OR
    More sensible = do nothing ?

    Thanks

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

      * too many RVPs

      Open Controls
    2. Baines on Toast...
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      I think if you can get Walcott without a hit then just do that. Suarez/Dzeko should still pay off long term.

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

    Damn the torpedoes I'm captaining Aguero
    32,67,74 + 2 International Cameos the lad needs a game

    Open Controls
  27. Louis123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    I'm stuck lads. Is it worth going all out attack with Rooney, RVP and Suarez up front?! At the expense of quality behind them.

    Any thoughts, formulas, theories, ideas???

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

      What's the rest of your team?

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

    chaps please:
    play NZog (eve) or Anderson (bol) ?

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

      anderson

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

        cheers!

        Open Controls
  29. Bazman returns
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Should I take a 8pt hit to get rooney and RVP in?

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

      who r the players going out?

      Open Controls
  30. Dr. Rog
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    this is my defence

    Bosingwa Ward Brown Simpson Enrique

    which two to bench?

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

      simpson and brown imo

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

        sure? ward over simpson?

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

          i was thinking enrique and simpson on the bench

          ward and brown are at home. got to count for something

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

            not seeing sunderland keeping a cleanie..but your call!

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

            ye good point, still think Tottenham will score (actually hoping they do as have Adebayor) 🙂

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

          Imo, yes. Rafa out and spurs looking shaky altho Parker & Ade will strengthen them. I play Berra over Simpson myself

          Open Controls