As the clock winds down on 2012, we’re back once again with the first set of Scout Picks for the upcoming calendar year. While a couple of Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham players find their way into the XI, Swansea’s fixture list affected our thinking. Both Michu and Pablo Hernandez were up for consideration but Michael Laudrup’s weekend rotation – in addition to their hectic schedule of four games in the first 12 days of January – saw us line up midfield alternatives:
An injury to Petr Cech earns Ross Turnbull the nod between the sticks. Chelsea upturn in resilience has seen them register a clean sheet in all three home games under Rafa Benitez, while QPR have scored three times in their last six away games – at 4.3 in Fantasy Premier League (FPL), Turnbull is a real cut-price option this Gameweek.
We’ve plumped for Glen Johnson as our Liverpool defender of choice as the Reds welcome Sunderland to Anfield. The chances of a clean sheet seem strong – the hosts have kept out their opponents five times in the last seven home games, while Sunderland have scored more than a single goal just once in the last 10 matches. Johnson has also produced two assists in his previous three home encounters – a sign of his attacking potential.
Surprisingly rested for the trip to Sunderland, Jan Vertonghen looks set to return for Tottenham’s home showdown against Reading. After a disappointing start defensively, the London outfit have racked up the clean sheets of late. They have registered four in the last five with the Belgian in the first XI and with the Royals failing to score in any of their last four away fixtures, another clean sheet could well be on the cards. With a couple of goals to his name already, Vertonghen’s potential for points at both ends of the pitch looks enticing.
Swansea’s Chico is another who earned a weekend rest. The Spaniard is expected to be re-installed to Michael Laudrup’s back-four ahead of a home clash with out-of-sorts Villa tomorrow afternoon. The hosts have conceded more than a single goal just once since Gameweek 7 and their chances of a clean sheet seem a little more secure against a side that has scored in only one of their last five Gameweeks.
Theo Walcott keeps his place in the Scout Picks after Saturday’s sensational display against Newcastle. It’s four goals and three assists in three games for Walcott since moving to the lone forward role for the Gunners – a trip to former club Southampton looks prosperous as Arsene Wenger’s side go in search of their fifth straight victory.
We’re throwing Marouane Fellaini straight back into the Picks as the Belgian returns from a three-match suspension in time for Everton’s trip to Newcastle. While there are suggestions Fellaini could drop deeper to cover in central midfield, it’s difficult to see David Moyes turning his back on one of his most potent attacking weapons as the Toffees look to take advantage of a home defence that shipped seven at the Emirates on Saturday evening.
A goal or assist in each of his last five is indicative of Juan Mata’s importance to Chelsea’s season. Although there may be slight concerns over rest and rotation, the Spaniard’s contribution simply looks too crucial for Rafa Benitez to omit him from the Blues’ starting line-up as QPR arrive at the Bridge. Harry Redknapp’s halt-time tinkering against Liverpool yesterday suggests he may operate more defensively this Gameweek, making Mata’s creativity all the more important for the hosts.
Clint Dempsey gets a rare call-up in light of Gareth Bale’s suspension against Reading. The US international had produced a goal or assist in four of his last five starts before dropping out of the Spurs first-team in Gameweek 18 and while the Royals have tightened up at the back of late, they have, nevertheless, conceded in every away game this season. The Londoners have failed to score in just one of their last 10, with only a resolute Stoke backline denying them of late – with goals looking likely for the hosts, Dempsey could be set to turn in a profitable cameo appearance on the Tottenham left.
Afforded a 26 minutes sub appearance against West Brom, Robin Van Persie still found time to net yet again. The Dutchman’ start against Wigan tomorrow looks more assured, then, having been briefly rested by Sir Alex Ferguson at the weekend – with a goal in six of his last seven, it’s little wonder Van Persie is the runaway leader of the Captain Poll yet again.
A virtuoso display in the early stages of Liverpool’s stroll at QPR brings Luis Suarez into our thoughts ahead of a home clash with Sunderland. There’s no doubt the Black Cats have picked up defensively (with three clean sheets in the last five) but the Uruguayan’s dancing feet could be set to run amok against Carlos Cuellar and co on Wednesday evening – three goals and an assist in his last three sums up Suarez’s form right now.
Our festive faith in Edin Dzeko remains steadfast as City prepare for the visit of Stoke. Handed a start at Norwich last weekend, the Bosnian produced two goals and an assist as City found their spark up front again – his physical presence could be crucial at both ends of the pitch as Roberto Mancini looks to kick-start the New Year with a victory.
Joey O’Brien warms the bench as West Ham prepare for the visit of Norwich. The Hammers’ chances of a seventh clean sheet of the campaign will be bolstered by doubts over Grant Holt for the visitors, while O’Brien has impressed offensively since nailing down a regular role, with a goal and a pair of assists to his name so far.
Chris Brunt looks a strong mid-price candidate ahead of West Brom’s home showdown with Fulham. The Northern Ireland international has turned in a series of impressive displays without consistently picking up the Fantasy points, though a goal and assist against QPR in Gameweek 19 is indicative of his potential as the Baggies look for an eighth win at the Hawthorns.
We double up on Steve Clarke’s attacking assets by drafting in Romelu Lukaku for the final spot in the squad. A bit of a risk, perhaps, given his manager’s penchant for rotation but, having been benched last time out, the Belgian should get the nod ahead of Shane Long. Lukaku has scored in five of his six starts this term and up against a Cottagers side that have shipped 22 goals in 10 away fixtures, could be set to prosper.
