After the distraction of another international break, we’re back in the saddle and readying ourselves for another gameweek again. The Scout Selection Committee has rolled out a 3-5-2 for this weekend and are putting our faith in David Moyes’ Everton, amongst others, to deliver the goods at Goodison:
Asmir Begovic gets the nod for a place between the posts this week. The Stoke keeper had a bit of a nightmare last time round as his time slumped to defeat unexpectedly at Bolton but has the home comforts of a Britannia clash with QPR to make amends. Neil Warnock’s side have hardly been prolific on the road, with 5 goals indicative of their toothless away displays.
Leighton Baines makes his way back into the Scout Picks after a good few weeks in the wilderness. Subject of a recent “Monitor” members article, Baines has been rather unfortunate not to pick up the Fantasy points his attacking threat has merited and up against a Wolves side that has lost their last three on the road, the left-back looks a strong contender at Goodison this weekend.
A home game for Man City is usually enough reason for Vincent Kompany to be called upon. The Belgian picked up a red card at the Etihad last time round and, having served his ban at QPR, is welcomed back to the fold as City look to end Newcastle’s unbeaten league record.
Wes Brown has been the only ever-present for Sunderland so far this season. While injury and suspension blight the game time of others, the former Man United man has played every minute of the Black Cats campaign so far and is starting to develop a strong understanding with Michael Turner at the back. Up against a Fulham side that have netted just 3 times on their travels, he offers plenty promise ahead of tomorrow’s Stadium of Light showdown.
Aaron Ramsey earns the first place in our five man midfield with a trip to Norwich on the agenda for the young Welshman. The Gunners are racking up the goals right now and with Paul Lambert’s side yet to record a single clean sheet, Ramsey’s creativity at the tip of Arsenal’s midfield could be set to prosper at Carrow Road tomorrow lunchtime.
It’s impossible to turn our backs on David Silva. The Spaniard was carefully managed by his national side over the last week, playing roughly 70 minutes over the two international friendlies and will be raring to go against Alan Pardew’s side as he looks to boost his 6.2 per home game average tomorrow afternoon.
Yesterday’s news that Rafael Van der Vaart is currently 75% fit is enough to sway our thinking. We’d considered Gareth Bale but with Spurs facing up to Aston Villa on Monday night, the Dutchman has another few days to reach maximum fitness levels and recover from his hamstring trouble. A total of 55 Fantasy points from his previous six games highlights just what Alex McLeish’s side will be up against at White Hart Lane.
Home games tend to bring out the best in Jonathan Walters. Even in Stoke’s 3-1 Britannia defeat by Newcastle, the Irishman managed to grab a goal. While his points per game on the road averages 2.6, Walters has picked up 35 points over five appearances in front of his home supporters- an average of 7 per game. Up against QPR, and with spot-kicks in the bag, he’ll be looking to get amongst the goals yet again.
The recent displays of Royston Drenthe were too good for us to overlook. The on-loan winger has added a touch of class to David Moyes’ side of late, picking up at least one assist in each of his last four outings. Everton’s form player right now, he could be set to flourish against a Wolves side that have shipped 17 goals in their last eight games.
The Scout Picks Committee stood by Robin Van Persie for Arsenal’s last away game and was rewarded with a Stamford Bridge hat-trick. With 10 goals in his last six games, the Dutchman seems incapable of curbing his insatiable scoring habit right now and with the Gunners making their way to Carrow Road, Norwich will be more than just a little wary.
What better way to end the picks by extolling the virtues of Nicklas Bendtner this fine Friday evening? The big Dane will always divide opinion on the boards but he’s clearly benefitting from regular game time, scoring in each of Denmark’s two friendlies over the international break. To date, he’s averaged over 5 points per game for Sunderland and will be filled with his usual confidence as Fulham make their way to Wearside this weekend.
