We’re spoiled for choice this time round with some strong fixtures on the horizon for all the top six contenders. Looking at the gameweek 18 schedule, the potential for big scores is huge. With Christmas just around the corner, the Scout Picks arrive a little earlier than normal, then; let’s hope we don’t serve up any turkeys:
A home game for Swansea? That’s the keeper situation sorted, then. We don’t really need to elaborate much further on Michel Vorm’s record of 6 clean sheets in eight games at the Liberty Stadium. With QPR scoring just 3 goals in their last four matches, Brendan Rodgers’ side will be confident of yet another shut out against the Londoners this coming Tuesday.
With Nemanja Vidic ruled out for the season and Rio Ferdinand confirmed as unavailable for the home clash against Wigan, Jonny Evans makes his way into the Scout Picks. The Irishman looks to have established himself as a regular at the heart of the champions’ back-four and with United conceding just a single goal in the three matches since his return to the first XI, Evans, currently priced at 4.6, is a strong cut-price option for the Latics clash.
While Liverpool struggle to find an end product in front of goal, their defensive solidity has looked assured of late, with 3 clean sheets in a row. Kenny Dalglish’s side will be licking their lips at the prospect of heaping further misery on Steve Kean as Blackburn roll up to Anfield; in comes Jose Enrique, then, with the left-back offering more attacking potential than any member of the Reds’ back-four.
Since recovering from an ankle injury at the start of November, Thomas Vermaelen has served a reminder of his goalscoring abilities, with 3 goals in just seven games upon his return. The Belgian has helped the Gunners to 3 clean sheets in those games, with no more than a single goal conceded, and with Wolves arriving at the Emirates, he has every chance of prospering at both ends of the pitch.
Robert Huth makes the Scout Picks for the first time this season. The big German has been an influential figure in Stoke’s recent four-match winning run, with Tony Pulis’ decision to move him back to centre-half proving a masterstroke. Huth’s partnership with Ryan Shawcross at the back affords the Potters a steelier edge and he’s also started to return attacking points once again, with a goal and assist in his last four matches. With Aston Villa struggling to deal with set-piece situations this season, Huth should give Alex McLeish’s side a testing time at the Britannia on Boxing Day.
Currently second only to the Fantasy phenomenon that is Robin Van Persie in our Captain Poll, Nani is a nailed-on pick ahead of the home clash against Wigan. Since moving back to the left wing, he’s started to produce returns of a similar quantity to last season once more, and with two double-figure points hauls in his last three games, is in frightening form.
Scott Sinclair is a player who enjoys home comforts more than most. With 51 of his 72 points coming at the Liberty Stadium, including three double-figure points hauls, the Swansea winger will be hoping the visit of QPR affords him the chance to continue his Liberty Stadium streak. Factor in his spot-kick duties and Sinclair could be ready to give Neil Warnock’s side the post-Christmas blues.
Gareth Bale gets the nod for our final midfield slot. Norwich have been particularly porous at the back this season, with the Canaries yet to chalk up a single clean sheet thus far. Tottenham’s visit to Carrow Road means that record is unlikely to change and with the Welshman continuing to flourish as a key figure within Harry Redknapp’s side, his role will be crucial as Spurs look to return to goalscoring ways, after netting just once in each of their last three games.
Wayne Rooney makes a welcome return to the Scout Picks ahead of the home showdown with Wigan. The United forward has been overshadowed by the performances of Nani in the last few gameweeks but he’s getting amongst the goals again, netting –and picking up bonus points- in each of last three appearances. United are starting to look ominous going forward once again and Rooney’s a definite armband contender for the Latics clash.
A home game for Robin Van Persie against Wolves this Tuesday looks the perfect, gift-wrapped Christmas present for Fantasy managers. Undoubtedly, there are plenty of appetising alternatives but a run of form that has seen him return 15 goals and 5 assists in his last twelve games, it’s almost too much of a risk not to hand him the armband as the Gunners go looking for their seventh win in eight at the Emirates.
While Didier Drogba struggles for goals and Fernando Torres warms the bench, Daniel Sturridge has been Chelsea’s leading light up front this season. The former Man City man has proven to be essential component of Andre Villas-Boas’ side and has found the net in five of his last six fixtures. With a home game against a Fulham side still licking their wounds from a 5-0 drubbing at the hands of Man United, Sturridge looks poised for a Boxing Day feast.
