Sunday’s showdown at the Etihad has clearly caused the Scout Picks Selection Committee some consternation. So much so that Robin Van Persie has been omitted for the first time in a couple of months. We turn our backs on both teams, then, and looks elsewhere for more straightforward fixtures ahead of the Gameweek 16 kick-off:
A spine injury to Mark Schwarzer has seen David Stockdale recalled to the Fulham fold, with his loan deal at Ipswich cancelled. The Cottagers chalked up a clean sheet in their last home encounter against Liverpool and with Martin Jol looking for a solid response after their Europa League exit to Odense on Thursday, the youngster gets the nod between the posts for a home clash against Bolton.
Blackburn skipper Chris Samba bustles his way into the Scout Picks after a series of solid attacking returns. The centre-half may have yet to return a single clean sheet all season but has either scored or assisted in each of his last five 90 minutes appearances. His threat in the opposition box could prove decisive as Steve Kean’s side look to recover from last week’s late defeat at Sunderland.
A home clash with Norwich looks promising for Leighton Baines. The Canaries have yet to pick up a clean sheet this term and have shipped 8 goals in their last couple of away trips. Everton have been lacklustre in front of goal but the left-back’s set-pieces and delivery from the flank make him the likeliest candidate to spark the Toffees back into life.
Newcastle may have lost some of their defensive resolve over the last few weeks but we’re opting for the attacking instincts of Ryan Taylor in our back-three. The joint-third top scoring Fantasy defender so far this term, Taylor’s set-piece potential and eye for goal is enough to win us over and, with Swansea bagging just 6 goals on their travels all season, he’ll fancy his chances of picking up the points at both ends of the pitch.
An away trip to Wigan affords Chelsea the chance to chalk up 4 wins on the trot for the first time this season. As Andre Villas-Boas’ side pick up the pace after a tough autumn, Juan Mata has been instrumental to their upturn in form. Factor in his corner kicks and- in the possible absence of Frank Lampard- spot-kick duties and the little Spaniard could be set to plunder the points against the Latics.
A reprisal of the left flank role of last season saw Nani serve an emphatic reminder of his Fantasy potential. With Antonio Valencia on the right against Wolves last week, United looked hungry again and seem determined to recover from their Champions League humiliation. A trip to QPR won’t be easy- Neil Warnock’s side have already beaten Chelsea at home and gave Man City a real battle- but the Portuguese flier looks in the type of form that’s impossible to ignore.
Clint Dempsey gets the nod for the next midfield slot. Top scorer for Fulham this season, the American may even be afforded a chance up top against Bolton, with Bobby Zamora currently doubtful with a knee injury. With opponents Bolton having conceded 3 goals in four of their 7 away games, Dempsey looks a likely candidate to take advantage of the out-of-sorts Trotters.
We’ve opted for the security of Gareth Bale as our final midfield choice. While it’s likely Rafael Van der Vaart will start for Spurs against Sunderland after Jermain Defoe’s 76 minutes against Shamrock Rovers on Thursday, the Dutchman’s game time is uncertain. Bale, on the other hand, has played every minute of Tottenham’s season and has returned double figures in each of his last three home encounters.
The selection of Demba Ba looks a no-brainer this week. Having bagged a brace against Norwich last week, the Newcastle forward looks on top of his game for the visit of Swansea. With just 2 points from 7 games on their travels and having been hit for 4 at Blackburn, even the heroics of Michel Vorm might not be enough to save the Welsh club tomorrow.
Daniel Sturridge is the second Chelsea player on the Scout Picks team sheet- an indication of the faith we have in the Blues triumphing at Wigan. Joint-top scorer with 7 goals for the London outfit, Sturridge’s threat from the right has seen him net 3 times and grab a couple of assists in his last four appearances, boding well for his Fantasy backers ahead of the trip to the DW Stadium.
The final place goes to Emmanuel Adebayor. Five goals in his last 3 games sums up his form right now, with the on-loan forward thriving in his role as Harry Redknapp’s first-choice frontman. Given the fact he may also be on penalties, Adebayor looks an assured bet for the game against Sunderland; we’re not the only ones expecting big things- he’s second in the Captain Poll behind Ba.
