We’ve taken a bit of a different tack this week, taking an opportunity to revisit some old fantasy favourites from years gone by. While relative newcomers like Juan Mata, Daniel Sturridge and Demba Ba are getting all the attention, the Scout Selection Committee have been quietly debating choices for an “Old boys” special…

Antonio Valencia

Antonio Valencia has struggled to hold down a regular place in the side since returning from his horrific ankle injury, but after starting the last two in a row, and picking up three assists against Wolves last time out, the right wing spot looks Valencia’s to lose. Ashley Young is probably the main threat to his place, but that would mean switching Nani back to the right. Considering Nani and Valencia picked up 2 goals and 4 assists between them last weekend, it’s hard to see Sir Alex Ferguson going out of his way to accommodate the ex-Villa man.

Although less direct than his Portuguese team-mate, his 7.4 price tag and ownership of 0.4% in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) makes Valencia a big differential and a much cheaper route into the United attack if funds won’t stretch to Nani – perhaps the Ecuadorean could be a budget solution for those still struggling with the Mata, Nani or VDV puzzle we looked at earlier this week.

Didier Drogba

For a price of 10.1 in the FPL, you can buy one of the most consistently brilliant fantasy football performers in recent history. Now that he’s settled as number one choice ahead of Fernando Torres, and beginning to find some form, Didier Drogba could start to deliver some massive returns once more. Ok, so Daniel Sturridge is available for far less, but playing as the central striker, with the potential of penalties and a share of the direct free-kicks, Drogba can still be considered good value. There are not many strikers who have the explosive scoring potential of the big Ivorian, and if he can recoup some of the consistency that saw him score or assist in an incredible 27 of the 32 games he played in the 09/10 season, he could be a huge differential.

As mentioned in our earlier update on the African Cup of Nations, Drogba is potentially missing for gameweeks 21-25, so should only be considered as an option for the next five weeks. Thankfully Chelsea’s fixtures in this period are pretty decent; starting with a trip to the DW to face Wigan, they take on Fulham and Wigan at home before travelling to Wolves. Even the trip to White Hart Lane next week offers a decent chance of a goal considering Spurs’ injury problems at the back. The January wildcard would also provide a neat exit strategy for those that decide to take a punt.

Tim Cahill

It’s usually around this time of year that Everton start making their move up the table and with two home games against Norwich and Swansea up next, it’s now or never for the Toffees. It’s not been pretty to watch at times, but with two wins out of the last three, the signs are there that this could be the start of good run of results. Priced at 8.5 and playing as a second striker behind Saha, Cahill is probably the best bet from the Everton midfield right now.

There’s no denying that Cahill has had a disappointing season so far; the lack of creativity in Everton’s midfield since losing Steven Pienaar and Mikel Arteta has impacted the Australian star as much as anyone, and amazingly, the normally prolific midfielder is still looking for his first league goal. That said, Royston Drenthe and Leon Osman are expected to return this weekend, and if anyone is going to get on the end of a cross, it’s going to be Cahill.