Fantasy managers have a rare advantage this evening. With the team sheets announced prior to the 7.30pm deadline, last-minute tinkering looks on the cards for many – the starting line-ups at Anfield and Old Trafford will be of particular interest around these parts for those wielding wildcards, no doubt. With deadlines of our own to adhere to, though, our Scout Picks are rolled out early as we double up on Chelsea, Arsenal and in-form Sunderland and take a punt on a brand new Red Devil:
We opt for Julian Speroni between the sticks as Palace prepare for the visit of Hull this evening. Tony Pulis’ side have three clean sheets in their last five at Selhurst Park and could barely ask for a better chance to register another shut-out – the goal-shy Tigers have scored just twice in their last five road trips.
Chelsea’s home clash with West Ham brings John Terry into defence. With two goals conceded in their last six, Jose Mourinho’s side have strengthened considerably at the back over the last few matches, whilst Terry’s aerial threat in the Hammers’ box may see him add to his current two-goal tally in the opening 22 Gameweeks.
Phil Bardsley offers the best chance of points at both ends of the pitch as Sunderland entertain Stoke at the Stadium of Light. The full-back has scored four times in all competitions since returning to the Black Cats first-team back in mid-October and, with the Potters notching just once in their last five road trips, a clean sheets could also be on the cards.
A trip to Southampton isn’t enough to dissuade us from calling up Per Mertesacker. With the hosts hampered by injury worries and suspensions up front, Arsenal’s chances of picking an eleventh clean sheet of the season look promising, whilst Mertesacker’s towering presence in the Saints penalty box could well benefit from the loss of Dejan Lovren in the heart of the hosts’ defence.
Arsenal’s form player Santi Cazorla earns a rare Scout Picks appearance for the trip to Southampton. A brace against Fulham in the previous league match was followed by a goal at home to Coventry in the cup and, whilst Mesut Ozil and Olivier Giroud continue to toil as attacking options, the little Spaniard looks more vital than ever for the league leaders.
Four goals and a pair of assists in his last couple of appearances make Adam Johnson an obvious option for our four-man midfield. A role on the right of the Sunderland front three has finally helped the 6.6-priced winger flourish under Gus Poyet and with visitors Stoke boasting the second worst defensive away record of any side, Johnson could be set to plunder the points once again.
Chelsea’s home encounter with West Ham affords Eden Hazard another chance to earn attacking returns. The Belgian is on the lookout for a sixth double figure points haul of the season and, with three goals and an assist in the last five, is in the midst of his most consistent run of form ahead of Wednesday’s clash with Sam Allardyce’s side.
We were all set to draft in Yohan Cabaye but the call of PSG proved too persuasive as the Frenchman prepares to swap Tyneside for Paris. Instead, we change tack and hand Juan Mata the chance to impress on his debut for United as David Moyes looks to bounce back from the previous Gameweek’s defeat at Chelsea. Granted, there’s a risk he may not start, but we have enough faith in a player who produced 11 goals and 18 assists in his final full season at the Bridge to feel confident over his inclusion.
Luis Suarez is the runaway captaincy favourite yet again this week as Liverpool prepare to welcome neighbours Everton to Anfield. The Toffees may have been beaten just once on the road but, with doubts over three of their first-choice back-four, Roberto Martinez’ side will do well to keep the Uruguayan in check. Suarez has scored in all but one of his eight home appearances this term and is gunning for his tenth double-figure haul in just 18 league matches this evening.
Fully recovered from a calf complaint, Sergio Aguero gets the nod as City roll up to White Hart Lane. The Argentine needed just 28 minutes off the bench in the previous Gameweek to rack up a goal and assist and, with a hat-trick in the weekend cup win over Watford, he’s been quick to rediscover top form. With Alvaro Negredo struggling for returns on the road, Manuel Pellegrini will be leaning heavily on Aguero to fire his side to victory and hand Tim Sherwood his first league defeat in charge of the north London outfit.
The visit of Fulham affords Wilfried Bony the chance to maintain his eye-catching form. Swansea’s summer signing seems to have finally settled at the Liberty and, with six goals in his last five games across all competitions since the turn of the year, the Ivorian has been subject to increased investment as he squares up to a side that have conceded more goals on their travels than any other.
Ron Vlaar warms the bench for Villa’s home game with West Brom. All six of his side’s clean sheets have arrived with their skipper in the starting XI and, with the Baggies managing a single win on the road all season, Paul Lambert’s side will be optimistic of keeping out their midlands rivals with the talismanic Dutchman amongst the back-four.
A goal in each of his last two home games highlights Jason Puncheon’s current form. As last week’s KPI analysis article for members highlighted, the winger’s recent form is much improved and, with travel-sick Hull set to pay visit, he’ll be optimistic of finding the net at Selhurst Park once again.
With uncertainty over Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie’s starting roles after both recovered from recent injuries, we opt for Danny Welbeck for United’s clash with Cardiff. Having notched six goals in the last six, his form gives David Moyes the option of easing his star forwards back into the fold.
