Can he do it again this week? Can you afford to sit back and watch Sunday’s game at Old Trafford without him in your Fantasy team? It’s Wayne Rooney’s biggest test of the season and Chelsea arrive at Old Trafford intent on somehow stopping the relentless United forward.
There are plenty options elsewhere for those looking for other options and we’ve thrown in a couple of leftfield choices in the Scout Selection Picks for Gameweek five:
With a home game against West Brom on the horizon, Michel Vorm gets the nod between the sticks. The Dutchman has returned a clean sheet in both his Liberty Stadium appearances and while Swansea struggle to fire at the other end of the pitch, Vorm has been a stand-out Fantasy option so far in his debut campaign.
It’s been one point from two home games so far for Everton and the Toffees will be desperate for a victory before a horrendous run of upcoming fixtures. Wigan roll up to Goodison next and Leighton Baines comes into the game in fine form- the left-back created more goalscoring chances than any player last weekend and grabbed a penalty in the draw with Aston Villa. A nailed-on pick.
Vincent Kompany continues to look the safest defensive option for Man City. With Kolo Toure on the bench for the midweek Champions League game with Napoli, Joleon Lescott’s game time could soon be less assured. Mancini has already shown he’s willing to rotate his full-backs with annoying regularity, leaving the Belgian looking a nailed-on starter. Kompany’s picked up bonus points in his last two games now and an away trip to Fulham could offer the chance of further strong returns.
In what is quite possibly a first, Alan Hutton makes his way into the Scout Picks. The last-minute transfer to Aston Villa has strengthened his cause- Alex McLeish’s side have conceded just one goal at home so far this season and Hutton’s right-flank runs offer an extra attacking edge over the rest of their back-four as he plays host to Newcastle.
Stephen Ward is the joint- top scoring defender in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game so far. The Wolves defender’s adaptability may even see him play up front this week with Steven Fletcher looking likely to miss out with a groin injury and a Molineux match against QPR offers looks enticing.
There’s no doubt he’s got the ability, but Martin Petrov has been a frustrating Fantasy player. A lack of consistency has never really made him a serious Fantasy option but the Bulgarian’s showings this term have suggested he may be capable of producing the goods on a near regular basis. Bolton will be desperate to bounce back from three straight defeats and a home game with Norwich may well be the perfect tonic.
Last week’s home game with Aston Villa saw Tim Cahill feature as a lone forward for Everton. With Louis Saha injured and a lack of real alternatives elsewhere in David Moyes’ threadbare squad, the Australian looks set to continue in the role and offers plenty potential as an out-of-position option with a home game against Wigan up next.
While doubts surround the Man City frontline, David Silva has been a constant so far. Roberto Mancini is reliant on his little playmaker more than arguably any other player in the City squad and with a trip to Fulham offering the chance to extend their 100% league record so far, Silva is likely to be and around the Fantasy points.
Scott Sinclair gets the nod for the final midfield slot. The Swansea winger has been unlucky so far this term, hitting the woodwork twice, and has looked the most likely to break his side’s goalscoring duck. With set-pieces and penalties in his locker, a home clash with West Brom could well be the match he gets the goal(s) his displays have deserved.
There’s just no way we can leave him out. So far this Fantasy season, a good week has consisted of handing Wayne Rooney the armband and sitting back as he does the rest. Chelsea’s first real test of the Andre Villas-Boas regime starts this Sunday at Old Trafford and Rooney looks in irresistible form.
We put our faith in Robin Van Persie once again this week. The home game with Swansea failed to return any points last week but Blackburn have been dire so far this season, failing to pick up a clean sheet in any match so far. The Dutchman warmed up with a midweek goal in Dortmund and a trip to Ewood Park should offer him plenty opportunity to find the net once again.
