This weekend’s FA Cup Quarter Finals leaves our options somewhat limited as Fantasy managers prepare for a Gameweek with just five scheduled fixtures taking place. Chelsea, United and Southampton help solve our selection dilemma with three players apiece, whilst Norwich’s strong home form also plays a part in finalising the Scout Picks squad:
Norwich’s superb defensive form at Carrow Road earns John Ruddy a call-up this weekend. Whilst the Canaries haven’t been the most resilient on the road, they’ll be looking to register a fifth successive shut-out in front of their own fans tomorrow afternoon – having kept out the likes of City and Spurs in recent home matches, they could be set to extend that record against a Potters side devoid of suspended playmaker Charlie Adam.
A home clash with Tottenham will hold little fear for John Terry tomorrow evening. Tim Sherwood’s side have scored more than a single goal in just one of their last six league games and could struggle to break down a rearguard that has conceded just four times in the last 12 Gameweeks. A clean sheet could be on the cards, then, whilst Terry’s threat in the opposition box and bonus-point propensity sees him sitting atop the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) defender standings.
We’re mainly backing Patrice Evra for his attacking potential, though five clean sheets in nine offers optimism for the left-back’s owners as United roll up to The Hawthorns. The Frenchman earned a 15-point haul in his previous league outing thanks to his raids down the flank, and with a goal and five assists accrued to date, he’s set to pose the Baggies plenty of problems.
Jose Fonte is drafted into our three-man defence as Southampton make their way to Palace. The big centre-half has already notched three times this term and has produced a clean sheet in two of his last three road trips – given that Palace have scored more than a single goal in just one of the last 12 Gameweeks, Mauricio Pochettino’s side could be set for another shut-out.
It’s been a reasonable start to Juan Mata’s Fantasy career at United. Three assists and four bonus points in five appearances has helped the Spaniard average just over five points per game under David Moyes – his creativity looks key for the champions tomorrow lunchtime as he squares up to a defence that have yet to register a shut-out under new manager Pepe Mel.
A trip to Crystal Palace affords Adam Lallana the chance to maintain his impressive consistency. The Southampton skipper has produced the points in eight of the last 12 Gameweeks and could be set to extend that record against an Eagles side that has now conceded in each of the previous four league matches.
Leader of this week’s Captain Poll, Eden Hazard is on the lookout for an eighth double-figure display of the season as Chelsea welcome Spurs to the Bridge. The Belgian is a far more explosive Fantasy option in front of his own fans – eight of his 12 goals have arrived at home, as have five of his seven 10+ points hauls – highlighting his potential as the Blues look for a win that win take them seven points clear at the top.
Back in training for Norwich after being forced off with a wrist injury at Villa last Sunday, Robert Snodgrass looks poised to return to the Canaries’ XI for the visit of Stoke. Prior to the clash against Paul Lambert’s side, the Scot had scored twice in three appearances and, as our members area attests to, he’s been finding far more time inside the box in recent matches. With the Potters managing a single clean sheet in 12, Snodgrass’ owners have reason for optimism this weekend.
He may be feeling a little frustrated by his team-mates but, when it comes to the domestic stage, Robin van Persie is still delivering. Whilst Wayne Rooney has netted once in the last five since returning from injury, the Dutchman’s consistency has seen him score in all but one of those fixtures, and with spot-kick duties boosting his points potential, he looks the main threat up front as United roll up to West Brom tomorrow.
We opt for Rickie Lambert as Southampton make their way to Selhurst Park. There’s no doubt that team-mate Jay Rodriguez is potentially as profitable an option for the showdown with Palace but, in the end, we were swayed by Lambert’s free-kick and spot-kick duties – two double-figure hauls in his last five road trips also indicate his away form.
Earlier in the week, Jose Mourinho revealed he reckons Samuel Eto’o is “the best to play at home” when discussing his Chelsea forwards. With that in mind, we’re opting for the Cameroon international for tomorrow’s Stamford Bridge clash with Spurs. With four goals, a pair of assists and eight bonus points in the last five in front of his own fans, Eto’o’s output certainly backs up his manager’s claims.
Steven Caulker is our bench defender as Cardiff entertain Fulham. Whilst the Welsh side have done little to suggest they’ll be able to keep out any opponent under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, their summer signing from Tottenham gets the nod for his aerial ability in the box as he goes in search of his third league goal of the season.
Given he was hauled off at half-time in the previous Gameweek, Tom Ince is something of a gamble this time around. Nonetheless, with Marouane Chamakh a doubt and Glen Murray unlikely to last the 90 minutes, we reckon the on-loan midfielder could be crucial for the Eagles – his home debut goal and assist against West Brom highlights Ince’s attacking potential.
Norwich forward Gary Hooper is our final bench-warmer. With Ricky van Wolfswinkel still uncertain to start, the former Glasgow Celtic man is likely to get the nod up top against Stoke – he’ll be hoping to replicate the form that saw him score in four successive home matches between Gameweeks 11-18.
