[sbu_large_image] Scout Picks
14 March 2014 1263 comments
Paul Paul
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After last week’s schedule was hit hard by cup postponements, we return to normality with 10 fixtures to choose from. Everton and Southampton supply our starting XI with a couple of players apiece as they prepare for the visit of Cardiff and Norwich respectively, whilst Sunday’s encounter at Old Trafford gives us two of our three-man frontline:

We opt for Michel Vorm between the posts as Swansea welcome West Brom to the Liberty. In an injury-hit season, the Dutchman has conceded just once in his last five home appearances, and with the Baggies hammered by injuries to key players over the last few days, a shut-out for the Dutchman could well be on the cards.

Jose Fonte offers the chance of points at both ends of the pitch as Southampton entertain Norwich at St Mary’s. The centre-half has already scored three times this term and faces a Canaries side that have netted just three times in their last six road trips, whilst Fonte’s ability to serve up bonus points also falls in his favour – he’s delivered 18 to date, mirroring the combined tally of fellow Saints defenders Dejan Lovren and Luke Shaw.

A home game against Cardiff brings Seamus Coleman into consideration. Whilst many are opting for Leighton Baines, the left-back has yet to score from open play this season – a feat that Coleman has already managed on five occasions. Furthermore, the Toffees have conceded just once in their last three at Goodison, whilst Ole Gunner Solskjaer’s side have failed to find the net in any of their last three road trips.

Sunderland’s home clash with Palace brings Phil Bardsley into our three-man backline. The full-back has scored four times in all competitions since being recalled to the first-team by Gus Poyet and faces an Eagles side that have netted only once in their previous four road trips.

With Sergio Aguero ruled out yet again for City, Yaya Toure’s contribution will be vital for tomorrow’s testing trip to Hull. Given that the Tigers shipped four goals to Newcastle in their previous home match, the Ivorian’s owners will be optimistic of further points and, with Aguero’s absence also handing him spot-kicks as well as set-pieces, he could be set to extend the form which has seen him score or assist in 15 of City’s league matches already.

Adam Lallana’s Fantasy owners will be anticipating further returns for tomorrow’s home encounter with Norwich. The Canaries have conceded at least twice in each of their last four road trips and were battered 4-1 by Villa in their last away game – this bodes well for Lallana, who has already served up five double-figure hauls in front of his own fans this season.

Eden Hazard is impossible to overlook for Chelsea’s trip to Villa. Given that Paul Lambert’s side last managed a home clean sheet in November, the chances of keeping out the Blues looks slim – with four goals and a pair of assists in his previous five, Hazard’s form has been instrumental in helping Jose Mourinho’s side establish a seven-point advantage at the summit.

Sunday’s north London derby at the Lane earns Santi Cazorla a call-up. Tottenham have now shipped seven goals to Chelsea and Benfica in their last couple of matches, and with Michael Dawson ruled out due to a hamstring injury, the Gunners will be confident of picking up the points. Cazorla could be switched to a central role due to Mesut Ozil’s injury and his penchant for a long shot could come to the fore again as he looks to add to his tally of three goals in the last seven matches.

Goals in each of his last couple of league appearances suggest Wayne Rooney is finding his form again. Having recovered from injury, the United frontman took his time to return to full match fitness but, whilst Robin van Persie is starting to falter, the England international looks to be approaching his best once more and a home clash against Liverpool’s porous defence hands him the chance to extend his scoring streak.

We’re also backing Luis Suarez for Sunday’s Old Trafford encounter, with goals looking on the menu. United have already lost four times in front of their own fans this term and conceded twice to Fulham in their previous home match – David Moyes’ side will do well to keep the Uruguayan in check, as Suarez goes in search of his sixth double-figure away haul of the season.

Romelu Lukaku has been quick to make an impact since returning from injury, having scored in each of his two appearances in league and cup. With the big Belgian back in the fold, Everton look solid favourites to see off an ailing Cardiff side that has conceded an average of two goals per game since the arrival of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

We’re backing Ryan Shawcross to deliver as Stoke welcome West Ham to the Britannia. The Potters kept out Arsenal in their previous home encounter and face a Hammers side that has drawn blanks in two of their last three road trips. Shawcross’ threat in the box and ability to pick up bonus is also key to his inclusion.

Adam Johnson is more than a little unlucky to only make the bench. The Sunderland wide man has racked up six goals and a pair of assists in his last six league appearances and could well be set to prosper against a Palace side that have managed a single clean sheet on their travels under Tony Pulis.

Wilfried Bony warms the bench for Swansea’s clash with the injury-hit Baggies. Fully recovered from the illness that forced him off in the previous league match, the Ivorian will be hoping to continue the form that has harvested six goals in nine appearances since the turn of the year.

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  1. PINKFISH (SANCTIONED AND GA…
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 21 days ago

    Fii diddley dee
    A paupers life for mee
    Because because because because beeeeCauuuse...

    I'm getting Goouff as my Remy replacement and will have him for the double. Why?

    Because of the wonderful things he does. Raspberry

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    1. craggsy14
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 21 days ago

      haha good one

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  2. Torreslove
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 21 days ago

    lallana a good captain choice?

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    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 21 days ago

      Yes.

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      1. Torreslove
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 21 days ago

        thinking about handing the armband to him or AJ. who are you on?

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        1. Epic Fail
          • 15 Years
          12 years, 21 days ago

          Baines or Lukaku I think.

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    2. super zlatan
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 21 days ago

      Would rather cptn hazard

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      1. Epic Fail
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 21 days ago

        Me too, but it is a good option.

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    3. Saint Domingo
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 21 days ago

      Yep,nice differential too.

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    4. the axolotl
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 21 days ago

      yeah i like it

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  3. Andy1
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 21 days ago

    What sort of lead in your minileague would you be happy with at this point of the season?

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    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 21 days ago

      Depends on rank. I wouldn't be happy only being 1 point ahead if i were #1 in the world.

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    2. Demí
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 21 days ago

      70 points

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      1. Andy1
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 21 days ago

        Thanks demi

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    3. Phil_fox85
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 21 days ago

      I would be happy if I was leading, unfortunately my main rival is around 150 in the world. Clearly he has been cheating this season, no-one has a right to get their captain pick correct that consistently!!!

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  4. super zlatan
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 21 days ago

    Team for this gw. Thoughts?

    Boruc
    Coleman. Terry. Azpi
    Hazard. Yaya. Lallana. AJ
    Suarez. Sturridge. Lukaku

    Subs. Ward. Noone. Chester

    #daretozlatan

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    1. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 21 days ago

      Looks good

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  5. For Fuchs Sake
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 21 days ago

    Mata to Yaya no brainer right?

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    1. Jeremiah
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 21 days ago

      Yes.

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  6. Count of Monte Hristo
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 21 days ago

    (c)

    a) Lukaku

    b) Hazard

    c) Rooney

    d) RVP

    e) Yaya

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    1. super zlatan
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 21 days ago

      Tricky. Same dilemma. Either haz or lukaku for me

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    2. Jeremiah
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 21 days ago

      Haz.

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    3. nashi
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 21 days ago

      Lukaku

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  7. Jeremiah
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 21 days ago

    Brought Aguero & Distin last weekend.

    Now doing Aguero > Lukaku.

    Worth upgrading Distin > Baines with the cash left over? Would be doing the move next week.

    Cheers 🙂

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  8. nashi
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 21 days ago

    Aguero to:

    A Rooney
    B Sturridge

    Got Lukaku & Suarez.

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    1. super zlatan
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 21 days ago

      B

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  9. Chu Young Ping Pong
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 21 days ago

    Anyone going for Dzeko or Ox?.

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    1. pundit of punts
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 21 days ago

      Ox is tempting me. But gametime is a concern. Gnabry and Rosicky lurking.

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      1. Chu Young Ping Pong
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 21 days ago

        Ox Santi Rosicky/Pod

        Ox should be nailed on next 3 games

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    2. Yank Revolution
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 21 days ago

      Nope

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  10. FionnMac
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 21 days ago

    Which one would you bench out of -

    A. Oscar
    B. Snoddy
    C. Ward

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  11. the axolotl
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 21 days ago

    captain choice is wide open this week, going to be interesting. maybe it's the time for someone sneaky like lallana or cazorla, someone like that? anyone feeling lucky?

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    1. Torreslove
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 21 days ago

      lallana or AJ could come good

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    2. Pompel
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 21 days ago

      currently on Lukaku , but I consider Suarez, Lallana or Hazard equally good choices. Roll a dice

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  12. pundit of punts
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 21 days ago

    Who are the cool kids captaining?

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    1. Phil_fox85
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 21 days ago

      Probably RVP, they stopped taking this seriously after week 1 😉

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    2. super zlatan
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 21 days ago

      Lukaku

      Make or break

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      1. pundit of punts
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 21 days ago

        I just can't trust Lukaku. Burned too many times by him this season.

        Why not Suarez SZ? Will be charged up playing against United and maybe playing upfront like the southampton game with sterling benched.

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    3. Malcolm Tucker for England …
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 21 days ago

      Baines. Up against Fabio it'll be a Pardewing

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  13. Phil_fox85
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 21 days ago

    My wildcard team for the UFPL is proving a little trickier than I expected.

    How have others setup their lineup?

    I'm loath to post a RMT given the number of players involved. So how about people post their top value picks. I'm actually most interested in the fillers, the budget feels tight and it will be important to pick up players who are good value for money.

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    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 21 days ago

      All done.

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    2. Malcolm Tucker for England …
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 21 days ago

      My fillers are John, Livermore, Mcarthy, Kenwyne, Crouchy and Long.
      Got 3 Chelsea defenders and 2 Everton

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      1. Phil_fox85
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 21 days ago

        That's quite a long way from my team by the sounds of it. I currently have no Chelsea defenders due to budget constraints.

        Having Suarez, Sturridge, Hazard, Yaya and Silva doesn't leave much money for the rest!

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        1. Malcolm Tucker for England …
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          12 years, 21 days ago

          you can squeeze them in. I lost Studge but have the others.
          Bony frees up cash and back up defenders like John and Baker save another few 0.1's

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  14. GoonerByron
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 21 days ago

    Myself and the other 450 who bought Carroll in today are going to be very happy tomorrow! 😉

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    1. JT's Dog
        12 years, 21 days ago

        You would be better off with Lewis Carroll

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    2. FPL FREAK
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 21 days ago

      Lukaku or Rooney.....??? On WC....

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      1. Ikey Warrior
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 21 days ago

        Lukaku

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    3. junitrules
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 21 days ago

      Already have:

      Ivan - Coleman - M.Olsson - Bennett

      Who to replace Dawson with for the last spot?

      6.8m to spend

      A) kompany
      B) Terry
      C) evra
      D) Collins/demel
      E) bardsley
      F) azpi

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    4. Andy1
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 21 days ago

      Best budget midfielder?

      Delph
      Colback
      Ki
      Noone

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    5. Lizard Lips
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 21 days ago

      Preying Mirallas starts for Everton, sad times this!

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      1. JK - Cønt ⭐
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 21 days ago

        I hope he doesn't

        bad for Lukaku

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    6. Sacked in the Morning
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 21 days ago

      Play Ward (sun) - I have AJ

      Or

      Smalling (LIV) - have Studge and Suarez??

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    7. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 21 days ago

      is flanagan nailed on for dgw?

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      1. JK - Cønt ⭐
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 21 days ago

        should be, Enrique not fit, and I think BR has given up on Cisshoko

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    8. Crystal Pulis
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 21 days ago

      Was going through the team section on the FFS. What a great job Demi is doing?! Massive effort! Thank you Demi. Keep up the great work.

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      1. Demí
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 21 days ago

        Very kind of you to say

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    9. Lizard Lips
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 21 days ago

      The Chambers/Clyne lottery.

      Who starts chaps?

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    10. Somalion
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 21 days ago

      Oh I have that sinking feeling that I'll be owning Lukaku again.

      Can get Rooney instead but realistically another DGW in 34 for Lukaku while Roo has a blank is difficult to ignore.

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      1. JK - Cønt ⭐
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 21 days ago

        plus Rooney is on 8 yellows

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        1. Somalion
          • 16 Years
          12 years, 21 days ago

          That's a fair observation, always seems to avoid the ban though...

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      2. Lizard Lips
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 21 days ago

        No brainer. Has to be Lukaku. Come join us who have captained him and are bracing ourselves for the inevitable frustrating blank.

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        1. Somalion
          • 16 Years
          12 years, 21 days ago

          Oh I cannot be doing that now!!

          Suarez or Hazard maybe but never again for Romelu.

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    11. Mourinho The no1
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 21 days ago

      I have Evra

      Evra = Liverpool (H); DGW = West Ham (A) and Man City (H)
      Coleman = Cardiff (H); DGW = Swansea (H) and Newcastle (A)

      So, Evra ---> Coleman (Free)

      Yes or No???

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      1. Yank Revolution
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 21 days ago

        No

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      2. Phil_fox85
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 21 days ago

        Surely you could swap out a player with only one game in week 31 for someone with two instead?

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    12. FPL Daniel
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 21 days ago

      Too bad Kun got injured. I think we the ones decided to go without him were in advantage. Now with Remi and Kun out it is again boring

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      1. Scroobius Mac
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 21 days ago

        Not sure about the first part - could have easily gone either way and been season defining but certainly the latter is true.

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    13. Capt. Krypton
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 21 days ago

      Mannone (Gazzaniga)
      Baines Kompany Coleman (Clyne Collins)
      Yaya Gerrard Nolan A.Johnson (Colback)
      Suarez Sturridge Lukaku

      have money spare can make ammendments anywhere funds arent an issue and im on my wc so changes dont mean hits.

      Thoughts for next couple GW's? All help appreciated

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    14. Ikey Warrior
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 21 days ago

      Who to Captain?
      A) Rooney
      B) Hazard
      C) Suarez
      D) Sturridge
      E) Yaya
      F) Lallana
      G) Adam Johnson

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    15. Jeremiah
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 21 days ago

      Anyone giving Luis the armband?

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      1. Yank Revolution
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 21 days ago

        Definitely considering him, Sturridge or Haz.

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    16. Scroobius Mac
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 21 days ago

      Evening all. Tweaking the WC.
      A) Distin + Colback (or Ki) - 4-3-3 in the DGW and this week
      B) Sissoko + Ward - 3-4-3

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    17. craggsy14
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 21 days ago

      Thoughts on doubling City midfield, Yaya + Silva/Nasri?? Seen as Aguero is a no go...

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      1. Yank Revolution
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 21 days ago

        No need imo. Yaya is enuff.

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