[sbu_large_image] Scout Picks
23 August 2013 2090 comments
Paul Paul
Share:

Just a couple of days after Gameweek 1 closed its doors, we’re bracing ourselves for another round of fixtures. Home comforts help Tottenham, Stoke and Everton supply us with a couple of starters apiece, while a pair of in-form Manchester-based frontmen get the nod ahead of tomorrow morning’s deadline:

We select Southampton stopper Artur Boruc between the sticks as he prepares for a home clash with Sunderland. A clean sheet against West Brom last weekend maintained the defensive resolve that saw the Saints concede just nine times in the final 10 Gameweeks of the season gone by – the Pole looks a solid cut-price option across the Fantasy games.

Rested for last night’s Europa League romp away to Dinamo Tblisi, Jan Vertonghen returns to the Tottenham fold for Sunday’s home game with Swansea. The centre-half kicked off his campaign with an eight-point haul thanks to a couple of bonus points and clean sheet at Palace – his eye for goal harvested five strikes last time out and could come to the fore once more as Michael Laudrup’s men make their way to the Lane.

Robert Huth gets the nod for Stoke’s home game against promoted Crystal Palace tomorrow afternoon. The big German offered plenty attacking threat against Liverpool last week and had more efforts on goal that any Potters player – Huth offers decent potential of points at both ends of the pitch as Mark Hughes looks to grab the points in his first match at the Britannia.

A goal, assist and maximum bonus points away to Norwich last week has earned Seamus Coleman an early-season bandwagon. As highlighted in this week’s Technical Area, Roberto Martinez’s 4-3-3 affords the right-back plenty opportunity to forage forward and provide width from deep, allowing Kevin Mirallas to drift into more central areas – a home clash with West Brom looks enticing for the Republic of Ireland international as Martinez gears up for his first game in charge of the Goodison faithful.

We double up on Everton’s assets by giving the nod to Kevin Mirallas. Joint-top scorer in pre-season with four goals to his name, the Belgian’s goal potential has taken a turn for the better under Martinez after being moved to the right of the Toffees front three – classified as a midfielder across the Fantasy games, Mirallas’ mid-price appeal could well be set to flourish against the out-of-sorts Baggies tomorrow.

He may have drawn a blank in last Saturday’s surprise home defeat by Villa but we hand Theo Walcott another chance to impress in this week’s Scout Picks. The Arsenal winger was in sparkling form on Wednesday evening, providing a pair of assists in the 3-0 Champions League win at Fenerbahce, and may be set to run riot against a Fulham side hit hard by injuries to Maarten Stekelenburg, Fernando Amorebieta and Kieran Richardson at the back.

He may have failed to deliver the goods against Stoke last time out but, as s highlighted in our recent Monitor article for Members,Philippe Coutinho showed plenty attacking endeavour. The Liverpool winger makes his way to the midlands to face a Villa side that have now conceded in each of their last 24 league fixtures – a home clean sheet looks far from likely at Villa Park, with every chance Coutinho will be the hosts’ chief tormentor.

Having missed a last-minute spot-kick in last week’s narrow Anfield defeat, Jon Walters has much to make amends for. Luckily for the Stoke midfielder, he’s been handed a plum home tie with Crystal Palace this weekend – the ideal platform for Mark Hughes to pick up the points in his first home match in charge at the Britannia.

Granted, there are fears over rotation up top at City but Edin Dzeko has surely done enough to retain his starting role with a superb showing against Newcastle on Monday evening. He may not have scored but the Bosnian had more goal attempts than any other forward in the Gameweek and looks full of confidence as City roll up to Championship winners Cardiff. With Manuel Pellegrini easing Sergio Aguero back into action with a 60-minute appearance against the Magpies and Stevan Jovetic a fitness worry, Dzeko looks in pole position to produce against the Bluebirds.

With a double in the Community Shield against Wigan followed by a two-goal haul away to Swansea, it’s business as usual for Robin Van Persie. Sir Alex Ferguson may have exited Old Trafford but the Dutchman remains as deadly as ever – a first home game of the season against Chelsea is by no means easy but we’re backing him to produce yet again.

Roberto Soldado warmed up for the visit of Swansea by bagging a brace in Tottenham’s Europa League romp at Dinamo Tblisi. With a spot-kick winner against Palace in Gameweek 1, the summer signing from Valencia has made an instant impact at the Lane and leads this week’s Captain Poll heading into tomorrow’s transfer deadline.

A home game against West Ham brings Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa onto the Scout Picks bench. With Steven Taylor suspended, the January signing will shift into centre-half alongside Fabricio Coloccini against the Hammers – granted, the Magpies were far from impressive at City but bearing in mind their visitors scored just 11 times on the road over the entirety of 2012/13, a home clean sheet may well be on the cards.

We’re backing Hatem Ben Arfa to deliver the goods and help lift the Tyneside gloom against the Hammers tomorrow. Fielded on the right of a front three against City, the Frenchman looked the most likely to threaten the Etihad clean sheet , firing more efforts at goal than any team mate – with a strong upcoming run of four fixtures (WHM, FUL, avl, FUL) on his agenda, Ben Arfa looks a viable mid-price contender over the short-term.

Having notched the winner on his international debut, Southampton’s Rickie Lambert opened his domestic account for the season with a last-minute spot-kick garnering the points at West Brom. A first game at St Mary’s see Sunderland pay visit this weekend and with his form flourishing, Lambert could be the difference as Mauricio Pochettino’s side look to hand the Black Cats back-to-back defeats.

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

2,090 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Rupert The Horse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    A scenario has presented itself.
    The girlfriend has gone away for the weekend, as have flat mates.
    Do I take this opportunity to drink a load of beers and watch t.v.?
    Acceptable?
    I have a ridiculous off license next to my house with everything.
    What beer shall i get?

    Open Controls
    1. World XI
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Free house always = House Party!

      Open Controls
    2. Elwood
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      San Mig

      Open Controls
    3. super zlatan
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Case of corona. Kick back, enjoy the footy.
      I'm jealous. πŸ™

      Open Controls
    4. Mr Blue
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Ofc, get Krusovice if u can... punt of the week! πŸ˜‰

      Open Controls
    5. JT's Dog
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Just for laugh phone them and get them to deliver

      Open Controls
    6. Raddy
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      You are literally livin the dream. I haven't had time for one of those weekends in months.

      Treat yourself-go Peroni
      and Doritos and salsa

      Open Controls
      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        Oh yes, Doritos and salsa, yes sir.

        Open Controls
    7. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusβ…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Get wine. Better for you.

      Open Controls
    8. Essan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      No, drink green tea. Go to bed early. But have a cold shower first.

      DO NOT watch any football.

      Open Controls
    9. AAAAA
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Hoegaarden, if you're buying overpriced beer this should be it

      Open Controls
    10. Thick Of It
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Citra from the De Molen brewery, gorgeous

      Open Controls
      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        If they have Citra I will have to give them a little clap.

        Open Controls
    11. Robalabobolol
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Bruges Zot is a fine tipple. I vote, get smashed and spend all night contemplating making an extra hit to get Aguero in your team πŸ˜€

      Open Controls
      1. Evs
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        Why is your grav Michu with that name?

        Why not a Kac grav?

        Open Controls
        1. Robalabobolol
          • 13 Years
          12 years, 11 months ago

          Because he can Kacniklic it very well. I should mention that I also have neither in my current team.

          Open Controls
      2. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        You silky temptress.

        Open Controls
        1. Robalabobolol
          • 13 Years
          12 years, 11 months ago

          Got to be my favourite beer. problem is it gets me wankered incredibly quick

          Open Controls
    12. Kno
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      yes

      Kirin ichiban

      Open Controls
    13. SUPERMAN
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Single malt scotch whisky.

      Open Controls
    14. Evs
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      The Belgians are taking over, have you not heard ?!

      Stella (c) 😎

      Open Controls
      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        Ha. Yeah maybe I'll put on my old vest too. Think I'll go wheat beer tonight.

        Open Controls
  2. World XI
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    Just so everyone know's, in the interview after the Stoke game the Assistant manager gave a big hint Walters will be dropped from Pens. His scout pick seems puzzling.

    Open Controls
    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusβ…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      I blame drink, myself. πŸ˜‰

      Open Controls
    2. Jimmers
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Even with pens its puzzling

      Open Controls
      1. Bartowski
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        Makes more sense if you hold a pencil

        Open Controls
    3. AAAAA
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      That's a positive for him, fewer negative points. πŸ˜‰

      Open Controls
    4. stooshermadness
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 17 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      If Charlie Adams starts I would expect him to step in. for any pens.

      Open Controls
  3. meule
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    Would you play Toure and double up on liv defense or play Ward away at Stoke ?

    Open Controls
  4. SPorting
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    3 picks.

    I'm all sorted.

    Open Controls
    1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      thats a comfortable limit πŸ˜‰

      Open Controls
    2. beric
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      4 for me, feeling confident

      Open Controls
    3. Elwood
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      6, what can possibly go wrong.

      Open Controls
  5. HarryS
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    Ivanovic, Collins or Turner to play this week

    Open Controls
    1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      turner

      Open Controls
  6. Demí
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    Had a feeling Vertonghen would be chosen. He liked playing Swansea last season, and is rested as the post says.

    Brave(read: very good/something different) choice to go with Walters, given the other midfielders around. I'm hoping he loses pens and Adam becomes a starter. One to watch.

    6 picks for me

    Open Controls
    1. Elwood
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      6 picks is for the cool kids Demi.

      Open Controls
      1. EoinM
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        Plus one.. Demi any (C)advice..Captain Wally, Miralles, or Studge. Cheers.

        Open Controls
  7. TheBabyfacedAssassin
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    Repost, sorry.

    Rate my on tilt wild card, please?

    Boruc / Foster
    Toure / Coleman / Collins / Turner / Whittaker (?)
    Silva, Wally, HBA, Barkley, Cole (?)
    Soldado, RVP, Sturridge (Or Dzeko?)

    Cheers.

    Open Controls
    1. super zlatan
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Sturridge

      Open Controls
    2. Dilzy
      • 17 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Looks solid. I'd risk it and have Dzeko over Sturridge & upgrade a defender

      Open Controls
    3. Bartowski
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      I'd have benny over Sturridge even with the blank

      Open Controls
  8. Thomass
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    Repost; Is -8 a good thing for the start of the season?
    The transfers I'm considering are; Bony + Coutinho + Lukaku for Soldado + Ben Arfa + Sturridge good deals?

    Open Controls
    1. moment
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Nothing wrong with -8 at this stage of the season. But not those transfers. Just get rid of Lukaku.

      Open Controls
  9. beric
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    thomass link us your spreadsheet please?

    Open Controls
      1. beric
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        ta

        Open Controls
        1. Thomass
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 11 months ago

          I'm mailing you in 2 mins

          Open Controls
  10. Evs
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    We were born with in hour of each other, her mother said we could be sister and brother.

    Name the song / artist?

    (Sorry got classic bit of music mix happening)

    Open Controls
    1. unoaime
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Pulp. Forget the song name, 2000 or something?

      Open Controls
      1. Evs
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        Yes. πŸ™‚

        Disco 2000 !

        Open Controls
    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Pulp - Disco 2000

      Open Controls
    3. Thick Of It
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Get Do You Remember The First Time on Evs. Or Babies

      Open Controls
    4. Chrissy Waddle - 2025/26
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      You can't read that line without hearing Jarvis Cockers voice... πŸ™‚

      Open Controls
  11. @FPLMason
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    6 picks for me (Really thoughtnClyne would be here tho)

    Open Controls
  12. unoaime
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    Why have you gone for Dzeko?

    Makes no sense to me.

    Expected to rinse Cardiff regardless of who they play up top. Far too many players competing for places.

    Open Controls
    1. michaelington
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Hes in form and the manager (cant spell his name without looking) has stated he is his main striker. Too early in season for rotation, wait till CL starts to worry about that.

      Open Controls
  13. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    I'm probably going to captain Soldado this week . I'm not sure what % is due to Forca completely writing him off. I did not watch the Spurs vs Palace game but they sounded fairly dire and I don't see a whole pile of creativity in their midfield yet ?

    Open Controls
    1. suddenorgan
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      They weren't great, but Palace played very negatively.. he scored two midweek, subbed off nice and early, Swansea defence looked a bit off against Utd.. good enough..

      Open Controls
  14. joinho
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    Pretty set on this team for GW2, but right players benched? Captain?

    Boruc (Cech)
    Mertesacker, Shaw, Zabaleta (Turner) (Chester)
    Schneiderlin, Nolan, Hazard, Walcott (Jedinak)
    RVP (c) , Sturridge, Gayle

    Open Controls
  15. 4vets
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    Hrrmmm... no Chester in the picks πŸ™

    Open Controls
    1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      hows the back look like 4vets, mine is chester, murner, zab, coleman πŸ˜•

      Open Controls
      1. 4vets
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        This week, Zab, Coleman and Chester (Murner & Collins on the bench)

        Open Controls
        1. mgrea
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 11 months ago

          Why bench Murner?

          Open Controls
          1. 4vets
            • 15 Years
            12 years, 11 months ago

            Away to Hull and the bookies odds favour Chester.

            Open Controls
  16. super zlatan
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    Surprised benteke isn't in the picks.

    Very surprised.

    Open Controls
    1. beric
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      yeah nor sturridge

      Open Controls
    2. Evs
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Liverpool good defensively though Zlat?

      Open Controls
      1. super zlatan
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        Yeah Evs, but stoke on another day would have scored that pen. And huth hit the crossbar.
        Just thought as benteke scored against arsenal and Chelsea away, he was a cert for the picks.

        Open Controls
    3. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Dzeko will probably start this week and maybe he will get a haul.

      Open Controls
    4. Blue Moon Rising
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Very strange.

      Open Controls
  17. Optimus.
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    1 of the main reasons i WC was to get Rvp in as i was kicking myself for not getting him in at the start...im a glutton for punishment,second time of asking and still no Rvp πŸ™‚

    *gw3 -8 no doubt

    Open Controls
  18. UnitednationsXI
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    1) Best mid upto 5.9?
    2) Best mid upto 6.4?

    have 5th mid as kim so this player would need play more often then not

    3) lambert vs bony? impact of osvaldo on lambert?

    Open Controls
    1. Optimus.
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      cole
      snodgrass tomorrow morning

      Open Controls
  19. The Pep Revolution
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    Which one would you pick as captain?

    A. Dzeko

    B. Soldado

    C. Walcott

    Open Controls
    1. LOCO ABREU
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      B

      Open Controls
    2. Hot Sauce
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      I am leaning towards C. I have all those three

      Open Controls
  20. Matt
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    I said to myself I would never captain a player playing Palace this season, but that Walters (C) pick may just be too tempting

    Open Controls
  21. Tronity
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    Agbonlahor or Van Wolf?

    Open Controls
    1. LOCO ABREU
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      vw if any

      Open Controls
      1. Tronity
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        I'm stuck because of Anelka! 7 is max I can afford by taking just a -4 hit

        Open Controls
    2. Thick Of It
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Rvw at a push Altidore

      Open Controls
  22. Bests Conquests
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    Matt - the Palace man, You've made me want to cheer for Palace a bit. On here, providing info across the board but also on essential promoted team budget players. Here's to hoping they stay up πŸ™‚

    And maybe bringing Zaha back into the fold on a loan? πŸ˜‰ Cheers.

    Open Controls
    1. Matt
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      haha no problem, just hoping we get a win before too long to stop the doubters πŸ™‚ Good luck this week

      Open Controls
  23. Heels_Over_Head
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    I get the feeling:
    - Bale deal is contingent on Spurs buying replacements prior to deal going through.
    - Chelsea picked up Willian to foul up the Bale to Real Madrid deal.

    Open Controls
    1. moment
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Why would Bale still playing for Spurs be a good thing for CFC?

      Open Controls
    2. Frip
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      But why would Chelsea want to keep Bale in the EPL?

      Open Controls
  24. LOCO ABREU
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    i'm done,what you think?(-4)
    boruc
    mert-chester-kolo
    walcott-silva-mirallas-snoddy
    dzeko-soldado(c)-sturridge(v)

    cech-murner-kim-ward

    Open Controls
  25. Raddy
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    Vertonghen is the best non-obvious pick on there. Could be a lucrative gameweek for him.

    Open Controls
  26. Back on the horse
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    I can't see a 'who to replace Lukaku with' hot topic. Shall i jsut go with Dzeko?

    (i have soldado and benteke and 7.9m to spend)

    Open Controls
    1. Hate that rotation
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      How about Lambert?

      Open Controls
      1. Back on the horse
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        that was my other thought - on pens, nailed on etc. but dzeko had a good game and sounds like pelle likes him... cue immediate benching

        Open Controls
    2. Mr Blue
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Think outside the box.

      Open Controls
      1. Back on the horse
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        nah that gets you nowhere in this game πŸ™‚

        Open Controls
    3. Mull
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      I've gone with Dzeko. Good luck in our H2H this weekend.

      Open Controls
      1. Back on the horse
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        ah H2H, I hadn't looked... does that mean you haven't gone for Dzeko πŸ˜‰

        Open Controls
        1. Mull
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 11 months ago

          I'm telling the truth. You need all the help you can get to defeat me πŸ˜‰

          Open Controls
  27. Ferris Bueller
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    Evening all!

    What to do with Lukaku (I know, don't pick him to start with...)?

    A) Luka > Dzeko (punty as I've Benteke who I plan to bench in GW3)
    B) Luka > Lambert (safe option)
    C) Keep him and save the transfer

    Be good to know what others are doing. Cheers

    Open Controls
  28. stumanchuu
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    hmmmmmmmmmmmm...1 FT

    A) Hazard to Silva
    B) Lampard to Mirallas
    C) Save FT, hope for a highscoring Chelsea MU game

    Currently thinking of saving, thanks

    Open Controls
    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Great start, B for me but C works.

      Open Controls
    2. Mr Blue
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Of those? C for sure...

      Open Controls
    3. stumanchuu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Thanks for the reply

      Open Controls
  29. Mr Blue
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    GW2 top scorers?
    Would anyone belive me if I said Cisse and Jelavic? 😯

    Open Controls
  30. Yaw
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    Aguero/Lukaku?

    Open Controls