[sbu_large_image] Scout Picks
21 September 2012 1766 comments
Paul Paul
Share:

After a Gameweek that many will be happy to scrap from memory, weโ€™re ready to go again. Itโ€™s a tricky one this week โ€“ with City hosting Arsenal and United travelling to Liverpool, we draft in just one player from the Manchester duo in our 4-4-2 formation. Letโ€™s hope rest and rotation doesnโ€™t bite quite so hard this time round again:

With a clean sheet in both his home games so far and three in the first four Gameweeks, Jussi Jaaskelainen gets the nod between the sticks. The West Ham stopper welcomes Sunderland to Upton Park tomorrow afternoon and with plenty of save points already registered, Jaaskelainen is afforded the chance to extend his lead at the top of the FPL keeper standings.

Weโ€™ve opted for the marauding Branislav Ivanovic at the back ahead of a home clash against Stoke. With two goals and three clean sheets under his belt already, the Chelsea right-back has been the top-scoring Fantasy defender to date โ€“ an average of nine FPL points per game sums up the Serbianโ€™s current form.

Gareth McAuley is handed a place in the Scout Picks on the back of West Bromโ€™s home form. Itโ€™s two games, two clean sheets for Steve Clarkeโ€™s side so far at the Hawthorns, with the Baggies maintaining the defensive home resolve that stood them in good stead in the latter part of last season. McAuleyโ€™s attacking threat has already produced a goal and assist for his Fantasy owners and with the Royals struggling for form, he could be set to prosper.

Leighton Baines earns a place in our thoughts with a trip to Swansea on Evertonโ€™s agenda. Having opened his scoring account last Monday against Newcastle, the left-back continued his strong start to the Fantasy season; despite a single clean sheet in the first four, Baines has still managed to return 26 FPL points thus far โ€“ summing up both his offensive potential and suitability to the EA SPORTS PPI scoring system. With spot-kicks and set-pieces firmly in his locker, heโ€™s been drafted in by significant numbers of Fantasy managers ahead of tomorrow lunchtimeโ€™s early kick-off.

Jan Vertonghen is our final defender. Weโ€™re prepared to take a gamble here โ€“ no attacking returns or clean sheets after four matches is hardly cause for optimism but the Belgian is sure to come good as he settles into Andre Villas-Boasโ€™ first XI. Spurs returned a midweek clean sheet in the Europa League clash against Lazio – finally, their summer signings are slowly starting to gel and Vertonghen’s eye for goal may help him pick up the points at both ends of the pitch against injury-hit QPR at the Lane this Sunday.

Runaway leader in the Captain Poll, Eden Hazard is a nailed-on pick. The Belgian has accrued 38% of the votes cast so far โ€“ a sign of the Fantasy faith in the Belgian as he squares up to Stoke at the Bridge. With three double figure returns in his first four appearances, his trickery is set to torment Tony Pulisโ€™ Potters from start to finish as Chelsea look to bounce back from last weekendโ€™s draw at QPR.

Kevin Nolanโ€™s Upton Park heroics have already been crucial to West Hamโ€™s cause. With Andy Carroll still injured, the Hammers skipper is set to carry the main goal threat to Sunderland side almost certain to be devoid of Carlos Cuellar at the back โ€“ a goal in each of his two home games highlights Nolanโ€™s mid-price potential.

Having been rested for Newcastleโ€™s Europa League exertions last night, Hatem Ben Arfa will be fit and raring to go for Sundayโ€™s visit of Norwich. Similar to Nolan, the Frenchman has also notched in both his home matches and has been drafted in by huge number of Fantasy managers ahead of the Canaries showdown. With Papiss Cisse continuing to misfire and Demba Ba unsettled, Ben Arfaโ€™s contribution could be the difference against a stubborn Norwich defence that has conceded just twice in the last three games.

Thereโ€™s no way we can leave out Michu. Granted, he drew a blank last time round against Villa but four goals in the opening four Gameweeks highlights his form right now. Handed the home comforts of a Liberty clash against Everton, the Swansea man may be set to plunder the points again as Michael Laudrupโ€™s joint-top scorers look to return to winning ways.

A trip to Liverpool is not the type of game Sir Alex Ferguson can afford to rest Robin Van Persie for. Dropped to the bench last time out with Unitedโ€™s Champions League match against Galatasaray in mind, the Dutchman looks nailed-on to start at Anfield. As always, our faith in Van Persie is unwavering ahead of Sunday lunchtimeโ€™s kick-off.

Three goals and an assist in his opening four is enough to earn Jermain Defoe. With Emmanuel Adebayor ruled out of last nightโ€™s Europa League match with Lazio due to a hamstring problem, Defoe seems set to continue up front for Spurs as Andre Villas-Boas looks to engineer his first home victory as QPR roll up to the Lane.

Steven Taylor makes the bench as Newcastle welcome Norwich to the Sports Direct Arena. The Magpies will be buoyed by their comeback draw at Goodison last Monday and can be expected to take the game to a Norwich side that has scored just twice in the opening four Gameweeks under Chris Hughton. The chances of a home clean sheet look strong here.

James Morrison warms the Scout Picks bench for the second Gameweek in a row. The West Brom midfielder welcomes Reading to the Hawthorns and has already returned a goal and assist for his Fantasy owners โ€“ with eight goals conceded in their first three and without a clean sheet, the Royals defence could be there for the taking as Steve Clarke looks to rack up a third straight home win.

Watchlist candidate Rickie Lambert earns the final bench slot. Goals against City and United in the opening four are indicative of his ability to produce in the top-flight โ€“ Southampton are in dire need of a win at home to Villa and with spot-kick duties and a share of direct free-kicks in his locker, Lambert looks the man most likely to fire the Saints to victory.

Paul Is certain he won't make the same mistakes next season. Follow them on Twitter

1,766 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Blue-Ghosts
    14 years, 1 month ago

    whos a better option? mccauley or ridgewell??

    Open Controls
    1. floydy_floyd
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Ridgey

      Open Controls
  2. JayBomb
    14 years, 1 month ago

    A Clyne

    Or

    B Rangel

    Already haveVorm in goal and Baines in defence so would be hoping for a 0-0 with Rangel, Baines and Vorm ! Not likely??? Help appreciated

    Open Controls
    1. Brightside
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Would likely go Rangel hoping for offensive returns.

      Don't see a CS in the Everton game (coming from an Everton fan)

      1-2 Everton.

      Clyne not likely to get a CS either imo.

      Open Controls
    2. Home Run Baker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      14 years, 1 month ago

      If that's your ass then Clyne.
      If not Rangel.

      Open Controls
    3. Blue-Ghosts
      14 years, 1 month ago

      i can see goals but rangel is attacking

      Open Controls
  3. Parm
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    14 years, 1 month ago

    Post your captain's name here.

    Open Controls
    1. Brightside
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Bale

      Open Controls
    2. floydy_floyd
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Richard lambert.

      Open Controls
    3. Baggers
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Hazard

      Open Controls
    4. mo 10 years on FFS? Join my…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Haz

      Open Controls
    5. Boss Hogg
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Hazard
      (I'll get them Dukes)

      Open Controls
    6. CatMac
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Bale

      Open Controls
    7. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Robin

      Open Controls
    8. 4vets
      14 years, 1 month ago

      H

      Open Controls
    9. SPorting
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Morgan

      Open Controls
    10. gedda
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      14 years, 1 month ago

      HBA

      Open Controls
    11. Monklane
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Defoe

      Open Controls
    12. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Hazard

      Open Controls
    13. 1966 was a great year for E…
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Pugwash.

      Open Controls
    14. Valar(Keith)
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Demba Ba

      Open Controls
    15. Home Run Baker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Percy von Robinho

      Open Controls
    16. McDog
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Eden Hazard

      Open Controls
    17. Optimus.
      14 years, 1 month ago

      ba

      Open Controls
    18. Evs
      • Has Moderation Rights
      14 years, 1 month ago

      ..... CAAAVEEEMAAAAAAAAAAN !!!!!!!!!

      Open Controls
    19. Blue-Ghosts
      14 years, 1 month ago

      torres

      Open Controls
    20. beric
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Fernando

      Open Controls
    21. Pablitto
      14 years, 1 month ago

      alwayscaptainRvP

      Open Controls
  4. Boss Hogg
    14 years, 1 month ago

    How long is Cuellar set to be out for.
    The Guardian has a return date of 21st October!?

    Open Controls
    1. Midtable
      14 years, 1 month ago

      hamstrings are incredibly unpredictable

      Open Controls
  5. smp
    14 years, 1 month ago

    Ruddy (DeGea)
    Cole, Mcauley, Dembel (Barnett, Cuellar)
    Bale, Kagawa, Cazorla, Noble (Routledge)
    Tevez, Torres, Ba

    Would you play Routledge for Noble?

    Open Controls
    1. Boss Hogg
      14 years, 1 month ago

      No.
      But I'd have DeGea in ahead of Ruddy.

      Open Controls
      1. smp
        14 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah, have gone back and forth on that. might switch to DeGea.

        Open Controls
    2. Brightside
      14 years, 1 month ago

      No.

      Open Controls
  6. CABAYE4
    14 years, 1 month ago

    @Scroobius Mac

    Got 78 in your sporcle quiz

    Can't believe how many points Kuyt got!

    Open Controls
    1. Scroobius Mac
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Yeah was pretty much all in the last 8 weeks if I remember.

      Open Controls
    2. Mílanista
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      14 years, 1 month ago

      89 ๐Ÿ˜Ž

      Open Controls
  7. mo 10 years on FFS? Join my…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    14 years, 1 month ago

    So dont know if demel is worth a transfer in or save it?

    Open Controls
  8. Smurf
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    14 years, 1 month ago

    Bale or Suarez for captain?

    Open Controls
    1. Evs
      • Has Moderation Rights
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Saurez?

      Why?

      Do you expect lfc to whip united?

      Open Controls
    2. Chris_White
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Bale.

      Open Controls
    3. Brutus619
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Idc who Bale is playing (genuinely forgotten) but it has to be Suarez. Massive derby match in an emotionally charged week and also in the background there is the whole race row story. I think this is a week Suarez will explode (I really hope he doesn't since I'm a Utd fan).

      Open Controls
  9. Brightside
    14 years, 1 month ago

    Clean sheet odds anyone?

    Open Controls
    1. Valar(Keith)
      14 years, 1 month ago

      i miss the total fpl of last season

      Open Controls
    2. 1966 was a great year for E…
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Repost:

      http://development.totalfpl.com/

      Under 'fixtures and odds', click on the little down arrow where it says ‘difficulty-weighted’ and change it to ‘clean sheet odds’.

      Open Controls
      1. Brightside
        14 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers.

        But what are those % based on? (Is it from an actual betting site or just the site owner's own beliefs?)

        Open Controls
        1. 1966 was a great year for E…
          14 years, 1 month ago

          From a betting site / sites, not just their opinion.

          Open Controls
  10. Batten Corrigan
    14 years, 1 month ago

    tricky one here:

    A) Gervinho and vertonghen

    B) Yaya and gibbs

    Open Controls
    1. Pablitto
      14 years, 1 month ago

      B

      Open Controls
  11. Brutus619
    14 years, 1 month ago

    Who to bench!? Am thinking Maloney but oh god why Maloney! ๐Ÿ™ FFS why did I have to listen to the guy telling me McClean is going to drop in price ๐Ÿ™ Brought in Pienaar for a hit.

    Morrison, Pienaar, Michu, Hazard, Maloney

    Fletcher, VP, Tevez

    Open Controls
  12. Evs
    • Has Moderation Rights
    14 years, 1 month ago

    10 out of my 11 starting players this gw are at home - with the only away player being RVP.

    I am goona be fooked beyond belief next week ๐Ÿ˜ฏ !!!!!

    Open Controls
    1. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
      14 years, 1 month ago

      WC!!!!!

      Open Controls
    2. 4vets
      14 years, 1 month ago

      You haven't factored the most ever away wins in the EPL this week ๐Ÿ˜‰

      Open Controls
      1. Evs
        • Has Moderation Rights
        14 years, 1 month ago

        Shitenhousen !!!

        I have not. Doh.

        I wil not the wild thing NOW vets ๐Ÿ˜‰

        Open Controls
      2. Claret14
        14 years, 1 month ago

        got all 11 at home

        Open Controls
    3. Ginkapo FPL
      14 years, 1 month ago

      I have 6 at home only

      Open Controls
      1. 4vets
        14 years, 1 month ago

        Same here.

        Open Controls
      2. 1966 was a great year for E…
        14 years, 1 month ago

        Snap.

        Open Controls
    4. Mílanista
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      14 years, 1 month ago

      8 at home. RVP, Santi and Baines away

      Open Controls
  13. Hannibal Jack
    14 years, 1 month ago

    What to do with Valencia? It looks like he will drop tonight.
    Who is worth bringing in for a 4 point hit. I have a mid of Barfa,Guthrie,Hazard,Michu

    Open Controls
  14. Chris_White
    14 years, 1 month ago

    Winston Reid - will he rise tonight?

    If he does, I would be able to get Gervinho & Ba instead of HBA & Berbatov.

    Which do you prefer?

    Open Controls
    1. DHWizzo
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Gerv is a risk - can't see him nailed on just yet.

      Open Controls
      1. Chris_White
        14 years, 1 month ago

        I cannot see him being dropped as long as he keeps up the form. But Walcott is lurking, yes.

        Open Controls
      2. Manamongst
        14 years, 1 month ago

        you are trippin...

        Open Controls
    2. Hannibal Jack
      14 years, 1 month ago

      HBA and Berba

      Open Controls
  15. CatMac
    14 years, 1 month ago

    Evening all

    I have exactly enough in the bank to do Petric to Berbatov, but will need to do it tonight as Berba is going to rise. Will cost me -4 though, worth it or not?

    thanking you

    Open Controls
    1. Brutus619
      14 years, 1 month ago

      So worth it.

      Open Controls
    2. Doctor X
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Yes, Price constraints leave you no real choice there. Do it.

      Open Controls
    3. Oldman Unathletic
      14 years, 1 month ago

      worth 40 points

      Open Controls
    4. CatMac
      14 years, 1 month ago

      cheers guys

      Open Controls
  16. DHWizzo
    14 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone taking a punt of Aguero before his hat-trick this weekend?

    Open Controls
    1. 4vets
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Is he playing in the reserves?

      Open Controls
    2. Home Run Baker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Good call - brave but good. I admire you immensely. OK, enough ...

      Open Controls
      1. DHWizzo
        14 years, 1 month ago

        Heh - got a ton of back-up cash and could be doing the standard Ba or Defoe, but think why they heck not before the wagon starts.

        Strong players on the bench in case he doesn't play too.

        Open Controls
        1. Home Run Baker
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          14 years, 1 month ago

          Seriously I like it.

          Open Controls
    3. Manamongst
      14 years, 1 month ago

      No. You really are trippin...

      Open Controls
  17. Timon
    14 years, 1 month ago

    kakca or michuwho should start?

    Open Controls
  18. Doctor X
    14 years, 1 month ago

    REPOST:

    Ba or Berbatov guys?! First to 3 or more wins.

    Im a little worried about Bas starting spot!

    Open Controls
    1. Boss Hogg
      14 years, 1 month ago

      To play this week - Ba.

      To sign - Berbatov.

      Open Controls
  19. Optimus.
    14 years, 1 month ago

    was trying to milk the last 2 seasons of breaking bad by only watching 1 maybe 2 episodes if it was good per night..ended up watching the last 5 straight up last night i couldnt turn it off

    *red eye syndrome this morning but worth it ๐Ÿ˜‰

    Open Controls
    1. Brutus619
      14 years, 1 month ago

      I can't believe 5 ended the way it did, I thought it'd never happen!

      Open Controls
  20. BT31 - WE ARE ALL TINKERMEN…
    14 years, 1 month ago

    Jaakelainen
    Hangeland Ivanovic Demel Jagielka
    Kagawa Yaya Dyer Hazard(C)
    RVP(VC) Tevez

    Vorm, Graham, Guthrie, Clyne

    Thoughts on team and should I play Clyne??

    Open Controls
  21. DHWizzo
    14 years, 1 month ago

    Ivanovic Baines -----

    Pick one more defender to start: Demel, Hangeland, Naughton

    Open Controls
    1. Optimus.
      14 years, 1 month ago

      guy

      Open Controls
      1. Doctor X
        14 years, 1 month ago

        Naughton with Demel first sub

        Open Controls
    2. Home Run Baker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Demel

      Open Controls
      1. 4vets
        14 years, 1 month ago

        They've called it. I agree.

        Open Controls
    3. Chris_White
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Naughton.

      Open Controls
      1. DHWizzo
        14 years, 1 month ago

        That clears that up then.

        Open Controls
    4. Brightside
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Hmm.. Ive got Cole, and Baines. I'm starting Hangeland over Demel and Clyne.

      But if I had Naughton in my side he'd be in there.

      Open Controls
      1. Home Run Baker
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        14 years, 1 month ago

        I think he was asking about his team.

        Open Controls
  22. Clayton_3
    14 years, 1 month ago

    Apologies for the repost but really need advce!

    Zab dropping tonight, was gonna do Zab -> Baines on a FT tomorrow but won’t be able to afford it – worth doing it now for -4?

    Open Controls
    1. Home Run Baker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      14 years, 1 month ago

      No

      Open Controls
    2. 1966 was a great year for E…
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Probably, yep.

      Open Controls
    3. mdm
      14 years, 1 month ago

      no

      Open Controls
    4. Clayton_3
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Thanks for the replies all, will have a think... may end up going with 1966 purely because of your name!

      Open Controls
  23. Optimus.
    14 years, 1 month ago

    post new

    Open Controls
  24. Sheiny
    14 years, 1 month ago

    Jaakelainen
    Hangeland A Cole Demel Clark Zabaleta
    Bale Kagawa Michu Toure Noble
    Graham Adebayor Tevez

    0.5 in the bank

    Is it worth getting rid of Kagawa for Hazard and having no Man U players in my team. I have 2 free transfers this week but want to do the following:
    Ade> Ba
    Noble> Kacankilic
    Kagawa>Sterling

    Thoughts please?

    Open Controls
    1. mdm
      14 years, 1 month ago

      for this week do just ade>ba imo

      Open Controls
    2. Sheiny
      14 years, 1 month ago

      I mean Kagawa>Hazard

      Open Controls
  25. Mr. Perfectionist
    14 years, 1 month ago

    Jaaskelainen & Tevez or Demel & Foster who should i play in my XI. What do u guys reckon. Im really confused since i think WBA will keep a clean sheet and wham may concede. Plz help me out...

    Open Controls
    1. Blue-Ghosts
      14 years, 1 month ago

      lol

      Open Controls
  26. Screaming Midget
    14 years, 1 month ago

    Thoughts on side with subs in correct order?

    Jaask (Beg)
    Lowton Ridgewell Baines
    Cazorla Maloney Hazard Michu
    RVP Tevez Berbatov

    Subs: Sterling Gibbs Nelsen

    Open Controls
  27. Blue-Ghosts
    14 years, 1 month ago

    i have 2 free transfers and im going to use 1 this week! so will i still have 2 free next week or do i lose the free transfer?

    Open Controls
    1. Screaming Midget
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Yeah you'll have 2 free

      Open Controls
    2. Mr. Perfectionist
      14 years, 1 month ago

      No in that case u lose the free transfer. U have utilize both this week or the extra transfer will go!

      Open Controls
      1. Blue-Ghosts
        14 years, 1 month ago

        i believe the cabbage! scum like u should be banned from this forum if your only here to sabatage teams

        Open Controls
        1. Mr. Perfectionist
          14 years, 1 month ago

          I did correct myself stop being such a loser!

          Open Controls
    3. Mr. Perfectionist
      14 years, 1 month ago

      If you do not use your free transfer, you are able to make an additional free transfer the following Gameweek. If you do not use this saved free transfer in the following Gameweek, it will be carried over until you do. You can never have more than 1 saved transfer.

      Sorry my bad.

      Open Controls
      1. Blue-Ghosts
        14 years, 1 month ago

        cheers mate ๐Ÿ™‚ sorry i thought u gave me wrong info on purpose

        Open Controls
        1. Mr. Perfectionist
          14 years, 1 month ago

          I was not very sure so went and looked it up. Cheers ๐Ÿ™‚

          Open Controls
  28. Standcider
    14 years, 1 month ago

    Torres Bale or Berbatov for Capt?

    Open Controls
  29. Cheeseoid
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    14 years, 1 month ago

    I obviously wasn't coherent earlier. my team is:

    Foster
    Demel-Ivanovic-Baines (kompany-Fonte)
    Maloney-Cazorla-Michu-Pienaar (kagawa)
    Torres(c)-berbatov-Tevez

    What do you think about choice of subs and captain. I think the week will be tough.

    Open Controls
    1. DHWizzo
      14 years, 1 month ago

      I would have Kags in there.

      Puddle are crap at the back - that match will have goals.

      Open Controls