Our first set of Scout Selection Committee Picks since the site re-design sees a change in formation. For the very first time, the 4-4-2 is thrown out the door as we plump for a 3-5-2 this time round. Let’s hope a change in our approach for Gameweek Eight pays off, then. Here’s who we have for you:
Asmir Begovic kicks off this week’s picks with a home tie against Fulham on the agenda. The second-top scoring FPL keeper thus far with 35 points, Begovic has chalked up clean sheets against both Chelsea and Liverpool at the Britannia –picking up 5 bonus points in the process- with Man United netting the only goal he’s conceded in front of his own fans so far. Despite strong home form, Martin Jol’s side have been poor on their travels so far, scoring just one goal over three games.
A somewhat unexpected stat- Kieran Gibbs has played four league games for Arsenal this season and the Gunners have picked up clean sheets in three of them. Arsene Wenger’s side have kept out their opponents in the previous two games at the Emirates and Sunderland’s visit could extend that record. Throw in the fact that Gibbs has returned more bonus points than any other Arsenal player and his selection looks a strong one.
Second-top scoring Fantasy defender despite just one clean sheet so far, Jose Bosingwa’s attacking play has been a fundamental factor in Chelsea’s strong start to the season under Andre Villas-Boas. The Blues sit just two points off the top and the right-back has played a significant part going forward, with a goal and 2 assists to his name already. Everton roll up to Stamford Bridge with their hosts looking to extend a winning run that has seen them bang in nine goals in their last two games.
With three clean sheets from three games at the Etihad so far, a home game for Man City has Vincent Kompany nailed-on. The Belgian has played every minute of the season so far and although Roberto Mancini threatened rest and rotation this afternoon, his skipper will surely be the one man we can depend upon to turn out against Aston Villa tomorrow.
A failure to score or assist in just one of his seven appearances so far is a mark of David Silva’s superb consistency. As mentioned above, while his manager talks of resting players, it’s worth remembering that Silva was withdrawn just before the hour mark in Spain’s 3-1 over Scotland, though he still had time to grab two goals and an assist. If Aston Villa’s unbeaten run is to come to an end, the impish City playmaker will likely play a major part.
Juan Mata has been something of a slow-burner in his opening five appearances for Chelsea. While he’s yet to return any real explosive scoring, the ex-Valencia man has still grabbed a goal and 2 assists thus far, as he integrates into Andre Villas-Boas’ new-look side. Add his corners and free-kick duties to the mix and Mata looks full of promise ahead of tomorrow evening’s visit of Everton.
After plenty of tinkering with his personnel and formation, Paul Lambert seems to have settled on a 4-5-1 and has fielded the same unchanged lineup for three games straight now. Tucked in behind a lone forward, Wes Hoolahan has the job of pulling the strings for the Canaries and with Grant Holt currently out-of-favour, looks the likely spot-kick taker for Norwich ahead of a home clash with Swansea. Two wins out of the last three bodes well for Lambert and co ahead of Saturday’s game.
Ah, Victor Moses. This season’s Aleksandar Kolarov or cut-price Fantasy gold just waiting to explode into form? So far, he’s been a liability in our Fantasy lineups- even at 4.8, at times he’s seemed 4.8 too much. The visit of Bolton to the DW tomorrow could prove the catalyst to turn his season around, though. We have faith in you, Victor. Do us proud.
A clash against Blackburn Rovers is always likely to offer a goal or two- even in defeat, Arsenal bagged three. Steve Kean’s side travel to QPR having shipped ten goals in their last three games and have failed to chalk up a single clean sheet so far this season. Shaun Wright-Phillips has been firing off plenty shots for Neil Warnock’s side without yet finding the net- a home showdown with the Lancashire outfit affords the perfect chance to break his duck.
Robin Van Persie was a nailed-on choice for this week’s picks, even before today’s injury updates. Yes, he’s hardly been prolific so far but the Dutchman grabbed a brace and three bonus points in his last home game and with visitor’s Sunderland losing their last away match at Norwich, you’d expect Van Persie to produce the goods on Sunday afternoon.
Our final place goes to Wayne Rooney. We’d been eyeing up Manchester City options but Roberto Mancini’s words this afternoon afforded a re-think. A trip to Anfield is hardly the easiest place to go after the red mist came down last Friday in Montenegro, but this season’s leading FPL player has form that’s simply too good to ignore.
