[sbu_large_image] Scout Picks
7 February 2014 1656 comments
Paul Paul
Share:

This week’s Scout Picks are dominated by four teams with strong fixtures on their agendas. Sunderland, Southampton and Chelsea supply us with a couple of players apiece, whilst we opt for three of United’s assets ahead of Sunday afternoon’s home clash with struggling Fulham:

Vito Mannone welcomes Hull to the Stadium of Light this weekend. The Sunderland stopper has registered back-to-back clean sheets against Stoke and Newcastle and, with the visitors scoring just once in the last five Gameweeks, his chances of a third successive shut-out look strong.

Jose Fonte gets the nod for Southampton’s home clash with Stoke. Given that the Potters have scored once in their previous six road trips, Mauricio Pochettino’s side will be optimistic of a clean sheet and, with Dejan Lovren still sidelined, Fonte offers a greater goal threat and chance of bonus than any other available Saints defender.

We opt for Patrice Evra ahead of United’s home game against Fulham. The Cottagers have failed to score in any of their last three road trips, suggesting a clean sheet could be on the cards, whilst the left-back’s raids down the flank have already helped him claim a goal and three assists this season.

John Terry is our Chelsea defender of choice for tomorrow’s visit of under-strength Newcastle. Jose Mourinho’s side have now conceded just twice in eight Gameweeks and, with the Magpies devoid of the suspended Loic Remy up top, yet another shut-out looks on the menu. Terry’s penalty box menace and propensity for picking up bonus bodes well as he looks to chase down Seamus Coleman at the top of the Fantasy Premier League defender standings.

Three double-figure hauls in the last four Gameweeks is indicative of Adam Lallana’s current form. The Saints skipper has scored five of his seven strikes at St Mary’s and will fancy his chances of netting again, given that visitors Stoke have conceded in nine of the last 10 league fixtures.

United’s home clash with basement-dwellers Fulham brings Juan Mata into consideration. The Spaniard has made an instant impact at Old Trafford, providing an assist in each of his first two appearances and, with David Moyes’ side desperate to bounce back from last weeks’ loss at the Britannia, Mata’s creativity could wreak havoc against the Cottagers.

Eden Hazard sits third in this week’s Captain Poll ahead of Chelsea’s clash with Newcastle at the Bridge. With Fabricio Coloccini joined by Cheick Tiote on the sidelines this weekend, the Magpies backline looks there for the taking as the Belgian goes in search of a fifth set of double figures in front of his own fans.

Adam Johnson’s owners will be looking for further returns this weekend before the fixtures turn nasty for the Sunderland flier. Six goals and a pair of assists over the last four highlight his current form – visitors Hull haven’t registered a single shut-out on their travels this term, suggesting Johnson could be set to plunder the points as Gus Poyet plots to get one over former Black Cats boss Steve Bruce.

Having scored in each of his two appearances since returning from injury, Robin van Persie has shot to the top of this week’s Captain Poll ahead of United’s home game with Fulham. With Rene Meulensteen’s strugglers in free-fall after a morale-sapping FA Cup loss at the hands of Sheffield United, the Dutchman’s prospects of picking up the points look stronger than ever as he prepares to square up to a defence that have conceded more goals than any other side on the road.

Unlocking the Arsenal defence will no doubt give Luis Suarez a tough time but we cannot overlook the Liverpool forward for tomorrow’s encounter at Anfield. Brendan Rodgers’ side have scored two or more goals in all nine of the Uruguayan’s home appearances – Suarez has only failed to net in one of those fixtures and will be looking to atone for his blank at the Emirates back in Gameweek 10.

We’re keeping faith in Edin Dzeko for tomorrow’s trip to Norwich. Manuel Pellegrini confirmed earlier today the Bosnian has shrugged off an ankle knock and, with four goals and a pair of assists in his last six starts, he looks the man most likely to produce as City look to quickly recover from Monday’s home loss to Chelsea.

Palace’s home game with West Brom earns Joel Ward the nod. Tony Pulis’ side have now produced a clean sheet in five of their last seven at Selhurst Park, whilst Ward’s share of corner kicks boosts his prospects of attacking returns against Pepe Mel’s side.

Three goals in his last four league appearances highlights Kevin Mirallas’ current form. The Belgian’s versatility saw him moved to the role in “the hole” for Everton before injuries up top afforded him the lone forward spot – with a share of free-kick duties furthering his appeal, Mirallas could flourish at the Lane this Sunday against a Spurs side with just two clean sheets in eight since Tim Sherwood’s installation.

Southampton’s Jay Rodriguez grabs the final place in our squad. The 6.6-priced forward welcomes Stoke to St Mary’s having scored or assisted in each of the last three and looks in the mood to add to his 10-goal haul against the travel-sick Potters.

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

  1. Boz
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Mad to go Lallana(C) over Suarez, Hazard, Silva and Mata?

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

      No - he is proberbly a better option than Haz, Silva and Mata at the moment.

      Open Controls
    2. mr gruber
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      I think him and Mata and Hazard all v.good options.

      Open Controls
    3. Reeker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      I'd prefer Lallana over Mata and Silva I think

      Open Controls
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    I can't believe people are still asking WHO TO CAPTAIN THIS WEEK...

    ... have they not seen this excellent post, detailing all the best options?

    http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2014/02/07/scout-picks-gameweek-25-2/?hc_page=3#hc_comment_6744158

    😎

    😉

    Open Controls
    1. Zombie
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      and I thought people still had some humility left 😛

      Open Controls
  2. The Abyss
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    I for one would like to see a footballer take a crap on the pitch, like the good ol' days.

    Remember when Lineker shat himself while playing for England and had to do a sliding tackle to wipe his arse??

    Open Controls
    1. Woy of the Wovers
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      I don't think he's proud of that footage.

      Open Controls
  3. Caboose
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Which 2 to bench out of the following: Kos, Nastasic, Coleman, Yoshida, Ward? Or should I play 4 and bench Eriksen? Cheers guys!

    Open Controls
  4. Cilly Bonnolly
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Eight of the scout picks here! Cue a disastrous week. 😀

    Open Controls
  5. Jordan.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Manager of our bookies calls me the cincinatti kid ,don't know why or who he is ,anyway ive had £8 on rodriguez to score anytime tomorrow at 11/8 should shut him up.....

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

      Neither do I. The Cinicinatti Kid played poker.

      Open Controls
  6. Jimmys Burden
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Ozil out for 1) xxx or 2) save transfer?

    I only habe Silva and Hazard in bis price range

    Open Controls
    1. Maxi_Mawoofingtons
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Oscar, Chelsea could let rip on Newcastle.... I would also say mata, but they have Arsenal coming up, then they skip a match too....

      Open Controls
    2. John Nerdelbaum
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Lallana or Mirallas.

      Open Controls
  7. MB10
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Start Mertesaker or Coleman?

    Open Controls
    1. Zombie
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Coleman

      Open Controls
    2. Elwood
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Coleman

      Open Controls
    3. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Mert, scored at Man City plus will have Suarez in his back pocket again.

      Open Controls
  8. Trigg ⭐️
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Going without City cover tomorrow should be fun 😐

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

      Worked a charm last week 🙂 fingers crossed old son.

      Open Controls
      1. Trigg ⭐️
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Norwich are fairly solid at home. I can't see anyone getting big, big points. Then I can get Dzeko in for those 2 tasty looking home games.

        Open Controls
    2. Zombie
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      I am going in with Kolarov coevrage 😎

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

        I expect Clichy to start

        Open Controls
        1. Zombie
          • 13 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          Not very optimus, are you now ?

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

            😀

            Open Controls
    3. Jimbo123
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      This why I'm tempted by Giroud to Dzeko for a hit....

      Open Controls
    4. Woy of the Wovers
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      You play with fire - or have a different concept of fun.

      Open Controls
      1. Trigg ⭐️
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        I take calculated risks 😉

        Open Controls
    5. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Yaya is all you will ever need 🙂

      Open Controls
  9. Maxi_Mawoofingtons
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    if you had to choose

    Captain Hazard or Benteke for this week, Hazard hasn't scored in the last 3 but home fixture looks good

    Open Controls
    1. Trigg ⭐️
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Chelsea don't seem to hammer teams, that's my only concern about captaining a Chelsea player.

      Open Controls
    2. Elwood
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Hazard.

      WHU will hold Villa.

      Open Controls
    3. Maxi_Mawoofingtons
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Both good points, think I will just play it safe after all. Dzeko captain

      Open Controls
  10. NobodyF*cksWithTheJesus
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Hi guys, advice needed please!

    I have Wilshere (doubt) and Chester (out) in my team some money in the bank and a free transfer. I'm fairly happy with team other than injury probs at the mo. Do I,

    A) Spunk all my cash on swapping Chester for Cahill, giving a defence of Cahill, Sagna, Coleman, Shaw, Ward?

    B) Upgrade Wilshere to Lallana. A probable points boost but this would mean I'd have Shaw, Lallana and J-Rod all in.

    C) Wilshere > Johnson. Is his form going to last??

    D) Hang on to the free transfer and spend the cash when I got a real plan

    Help appreciated!

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

      B

      C) AJ will not hold his form when you look at this fixtures over the next 4.

      Open Controls
    2. Pompel
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      cahill, or any othe chelsea defender, will get clean 5 sheets the next 6 GWs

      Open Controls
    3. mr gruber
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      I think this is an easy one. B
      C looks a bit dodgy after this week.

      Open Controls
    4. Trigg ⭐️
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Look at AJs fixtures after this week!

      Open Controls
    5. sara oxyzoglu
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      B)

      Open Controls
    6. NobodyF*cksWithTheJesus
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      thanks guys. AJ was always the weakest option. I'm leaning towrds Cahill atm I think

      Open Controls
  11. Stupendous
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    100pts???

    Mannone
    Terry. Bards. Kola
    Mata. Haz(v) Aj. Lallana
    Rvp(c) Sturridge. Suarez

    Open Controls
    1. Trigg ⭐️
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Who knows!!

      You could get 100, you could get 18.

      Open Controls
    2. SUPERMAN
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      64

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

    Sturridge > Dzeko.

    Thing is it leaves me like 5m in the bank. That too much to have in my pocket?

    Open Controls
    1. Jimbo123
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Ignore the money in the bank. Pick the best men for the job.

      Open Controls
  13. Revival
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Mata captain, who with me?

    Open Controls
    1. malbekh
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      I'm in, always have been

      Open Controls
    2. jam
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Very tempted. So tough to break the Suarez routine...

      Open Controls
    3. Essan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      you'll not be the only one 🙂

      Open Controls
  14. Jacketts Potatoes
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    For tomorrow pick 3 of

    Ward, azpi, mert, sagna

    Obviously arsenal players are a concern against liverpool

    Open Controls
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      first three

      Open Controls
    1. Walsh
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Drop Mert.

      Open Controls
    2. SGTMacaroni
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Drop Sagna

      Open Controls
    3. Jacketts Potatoes
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      At the mo I've got ward, azpi and mert pencilled in.

      Open Controls
    4. John Nerdelbaum
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      First 3.

      Open Controls
  15. SGTMacaroni
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Simple transfer or Chester -> Cahill for free this week?, leaves me with no injuries

    Open Controls
    1. Woy of the Wovers
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Decent. Depends on other 13

      Open Controls
      1. SGTMacaroni
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Boruc
        Kosh Coleman Ward (Chester Turner)
        Silva Hazard Lallana Mata (Jedinak)
        Suarez Giroud Adebayor

        Open Controls
        1. Walsh
          • 12 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          Good transfer.

          Open Controls
    2. Optimus.
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Very nice

      Open Controls
    3. Walsh
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Sounds like that will give you a benching problem each week at defense not knowing the rest of your team.

      Open Controls
  16. Bezz82
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    I have a front 8 of

    Mata Lallana Hazard Johnson Mirallas

    Neg Bony Suarez

    Finding it so had to decide who to leave on the bench?

    I have Maralles on the bench as they are away to Tott... But if he plays up top could be costly.... Is Bony the one I should leave on the bench?

    Open Controls
    1. Bezz82
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      *hard

      Open Controls
    2. Animals & Scandals
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Maybe Bony, yes.
      Bony or Mirallas.

      Open Controls
    3. SGTMacaroni
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Id probably bench Mirallas too, but it could cost you

      Open Controls
  17. Doar1986
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Guys, I currently have

    Schezney

    Ward Clyne. Dawson. Bardsley Chester

    Oscar. Mata. Januzaj. Cazorla. Colback

    Suarez. Ade. RVP

    any thoughts on a change this week ?
    Was going to do Ade > dzecko but unsure now on his game time, but I have no man city cover against Norwich

    Open Controls
  18. vova
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Hi guys, should I make any changes to this team?

    Boruc Mannone
    Mertesacker Clyne Olsson Ward Chester
    Hazard Mata Lallana Eriksen Ki
    Suarez Negredo Sturridge

    1 FT
    2.8 in the bank

    Cheers

    Open Controls
  19. Ronny17
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Sturridge > Dzeko

    Y or N ?

    Open Controls
    1. sara oxyzoglu
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      😯

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

        I need to know aswell. Is it that obvious a sway to yes or no?

        Open Controls
        1. sara oxyzoglu
          • 12 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          NOOOOOOOOOO

          Open Controls
    2. Efan Ekoku Pops
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      N. Sturridge will play and is in top form. Dzeko might not start.

      Open Controls
  20. Mickeylicious
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    I have no man city player. I am thinking of transfering out
    A) mirallas
    B) ericksen
    C) adebayor

    First to three wins

    Open Controls
    1. Jacketts Potatoes
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      B

      Open Controls
    2. Claret14
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      A

      Open Controls
      1. Claret14
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Sorry meant b

        Open Controls
    3. Bolasie
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      erik

      Open Controls
    4. John Nerdelbaum
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      B

      Open Controls
      1. Mickeylicious
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks! All of you guys agree...

        Open Controls
  21. bitterandstout
      12 years, 1 month ago

      anyone know if negredo is likely to play?

      Open Controls
      1. TheOneAndOnly
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        this ^^ ??

        Open Controls
    • Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      kiss your CS goodbye, i am gettin JT 😉

      Open Controls
      1. sara oxyzoglu
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        😀

        Open Controls
    • Animals & Scandals
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Play Boruc or Mannone?
      Oscar or Eriksen?

      Team ATM:
      Boruc
      Kolarov/Azpilicueta/Gabbidon
      Mata/Yaya/Lallana/Oscar
      Giroud/Sturridge/Suarez

      Subs: Mannone, Eriksen, Koscielny, Bruce

      Open Controls
    • Jimmys Burden
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Baines looks like he's deaddead weight

      Open Controls
      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Double figures incoming now.

        Open Controls
        1. Wirtzle Gummidge
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          I sold him to fee cash for RvP. I only wanted I'm for his set pieces, since Mirallas took that free kick and scored it, he is no longer worth the premium.

          Open Controls
          1. Wirtzle Gummidge
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            12 years, 1 month ago

            *him for

            Open Controls
    • Claret14
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      A) Cazola > Yaya

      B) Cazola > Silva

      C) save

      No other city coverage

      Open Controls
      1. Trigg ⭐️
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Santi has been my best player in recent weeks!

        Open Controls
      2. Colonel Shoe 肝池
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        C, but A if you must

        Open Controls
      3. Jacketts Potatoes
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        I'd save

        Open Controls
        1. Claret14
          • 15 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          Thanking you all!

          Open Controls
    • TheOneAndOnly
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Giroud>Negredo.. Yay or Nay? Only have Yaya from City

      Open Controls
      1. bitterandstout
          12 years, 1 month ago

          considering it meself. don't see Giroud doing the business, just unsure about negredo..

          Open Controls
      2. teddy.
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Right.
        A. Azpilicueta and Vlaar
        Or
        B. Cahill and Chambers?

        Open Controls
        1. Claret14
          • 15 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          Azi and chambers?

          Open Controls
          1. teddy.
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 16 Years
            12 years, 1 month ago

            Interesting! You favour Azpilicueta over Cahill? I might do too.

            Open Controls
        2. sara oxyzoglu
          • 12 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          B

          Open Controls
        3. John Nerdelbaum
          • 13 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          B I think, I would prefer Cahill over Azpi if I was choosing afresh

          Open Controls
          1. teddy.
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 16 Years
            12 years, 1 month ago

            I have a lot of time for Cahill, but Azpilicueta is cheaper. If I cut Chambers I have no Southampton investment. Villa seem to be getting their act together, but it feels wrong not having any Southampton coverage.

            Open Controls
        4. schwankez
          • 13 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          Vlaar out to 23 Feb with hamstring injury. Find another option, maybe Burner, Reid, Ward or Olsson with Cahill if you can afford it. More attacking threat with Cahill, but chance of rotation when Champions League back in! Depends on how long your looking at holding for??

          Open Controls
          1. teddy.
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 16 Years
            12 years, 1 month ago

            Cheers fella, but that's what necessitates the query - Vlaar and Chambers both injured, so who to hold onto? Think I'll go with Azpilicueta as I think he's more secure. Got Olsson, and also bringing in Ward and Reid alongside a Chelsea defender. Don't ask how big a hit I'm taking...

            Open Controls
            1. schwankez
              • 13 Years
              12 years, 1 month ago

              Azpi a good shout! How big a hit? I'm saving this week, first time for everything.....

              Open Controls
      3. I NEVER KNEE JERK
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        How is this looking

        Mannone

        Coleman Azpi Ward

        AJ Haz Mata (c) silva

        Saurez J Rod Dzeko

        Open Controls
        1. Claret14
          • 15 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          Pretty good me likey

          Open Controls
      4. Tom Player
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Guys do you think it's worth trying to fit Negredo or Demichelis into this, currently both occupying my bench?

        Mannone
        Ward Yoshida Cahill
        Mata Hazard Silva Ki Lallana
        Suarez Rodriguez

        Bench: Scez, Negredo, Demichelis, McNaughton

        Open Controls
        1. I NEVER KNEE JERK
          • 13 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          Negrado over ki definitely

          Open Controls