[sbu_large_image] Scout Picks
31 December 2014 1937 comments
Paul Paul
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With the New Year almost upon us, we roll out our selections ahead of tomorrowโ€™s Gameweek 20 fixtures. Liverpool, West Ham, Villa and City all supply us with a pair of players apiece as they look to take advantage of home comforts and get 2015 off to a flier.

With so much uncertainty surrounding the City backline due to recent rotation, weโ€™ve opted for the security provided by Joe Hart ahead of a home clash against Sunderland. Prior to their weekend capitulation against Burnley, City had conceded twice in six outings and with the Black Cats scoring just once on their last four road trips, Manuel Pellegriniโ€™s side look a likely source of defensive returns.

With Martin Skrtel suspended, we turn to fellow centre-half Mamadou Sakho for Liverpoolโ€™s home clash with Leicester. Weโ€™re uncertain enough over Alberto Morenoโ€™s pitch time so instead bring the Frenchman into our side โ€“ the Reds have three clean sheets in the previous six at Anfield, whilst their visitors have drawn blanks on six occasions away from home already.

West Ham full-back Aaron Cresswell earns a spot in our starting line-up as the Baggies make their way to Upton Park. Big Samโ€™s side have three shut-outs in the last five in front of their own fans, whilst West Brom have scored in just one of their last four road trips. With a goal and two assists under his belt already, the left-back offers the chance of points at both ends of the pitch.

Villaโ€™s home encounter with Palace brings Alan Hutton back onto the radar. The Scot has earned a goal, a clean sheets and three bonus points in his last two appearances at Villa Park and, at a price of 4.3, looks a bargain against an Eagles side with just one goal in their previous five away matches.

Weโ€™re keeping faith in Raheem Sterling as Liverpool face Leicester at Anfield. The youngster struck the woodwork twice and was unlucky not to get amongst the goals in Mondayโ€™s rout of Swansea and with their confidence on the up, Brendan Rodgersโ€™ side look clear favourites to dispose of a defence thatโ€™s conceded at least twice in five of their last six road trips.

Four goals and an assist in his last three matches ensures David Silva retains his spot in our four-man midfield. The overwhelming favourite in this weekโ€™s Captain Poll, the City playmaker looks poised to torment Sunderland from start to finish as the champions attempt to bounce back from their weekend blip against Burnley.

We turn to the Hammersโ€™ Stewart Downing for an enticing home encounter with West Brom. Prior to Arsenalโ€™s weekend visit, Big Samโ€™s side had dropped just two points in their previous seven at Upton Park and look poised to return to winning ways against the managerless midlands outfit. With a goal or assist in four of his last six, Downing will be instrumental to the hostsโ€™ chances.

Weโ€™re sticking our necks out for the final midfield position. Whilst a role in the centre is beneficial to Alexis Sanchezโ€™ cause as Arsenal travel to Southampton, weโ€™re expecting a hard-fought encounter โ€“ Ronald Koemanโ€™s side proved against Chelsea that they are no pushovers. Instead, Kevin Mirallas comes into contention as Everton make their way to Hull. Granted, the Toffees havenโ€™t been in the best form but the Belgianโ€™s strike at Newcastle on Sunday took his tally to three goals in his last six appearances โ€“ up against a Hull side with one goal and a single point in their last five at the KC, Mirallas could be key to earning the visitors a much-needed win.

We place our faith in Charlie Austin once again as QPR welcome Swansea to Loftus Road. The Rโ€™s top scorer suffered a rare home blank last time around but, having racked up five goals and two assists in the last four in front of his own fans, heโ€™ll be confident of breaching a defence that has one clean sheet (at Hull) in their last four on the road.

Having swept aside Spurs at the Bridge earlier this month, Chelsea will be confident of repeating the feat for tomorrowโ€™s re-match at White Hart Lane. It was a battle between Eden Hazard and Diego Costa for our affections but in the end, the Spain internationalโ€™s underlying stats persuaded us to take the plunge as Jose Mourinhoโ€™s men look to strengthen their grip on the summit.

A home clash with Crystal Palace brings Christian Benteke into contention. In spite of a blank against Sunderland last time out, heโ€™s still managed to serve up a goal and assist in his last three at Villa Park and if Paul Lambertโ€™s side are to grab a much-needed win, the big Belgian will surely play a part.

At 4.7, QPRโ€™s Steven Caulker offers a decent option for points at both ends of the pitch as Swansea come calling. Redknappโ€™s side have two clean sheets in their last three at home, whilst Caulker’s aerial presence in the box is sure to bother Ashley Williams and co. as the hosts look for a vital win.

Newcastleโ€™s home encounter with Burnley earns Moussa Sissoko a spot on the bench. The Magpies have won five of their last six at St Jamesโ€™ Park and with a goal or assist in three of the previous five in front of his own fans, the Frenchman looks a decent budget option against the Claretsโ€™ porous rearguard.

Andy Carrollโ€™s home form is too good to ignore for the Hammersโ€™ showdown with West Brom. The target man has served up three goals and an assist in his last three at Upton Park and is the form forward as the hosts look to heap further misery on their visitors.

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1,937 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. traffords
    11 years, 10 months ago

    Downing to Sterling worth -4? Rest is Sanchez, hazard, silva, & Boyd

    1. mgilbert86
      11 years, 10 months ago

      i'm possibly captaining downing, wouldn't lose him

    2. Black Knights
      11 years, 10 months ago

      No!

      1. traffords
        11 years, 10 months ago

        Thanks, have 2mil in the bank and it's burning a hole!

        Would you do anything else this week with this lot;

        Guzan
        AZ, Zab, Hutton
        Downing, Hazard, Silva, Sanchez
        Rooney, Austin, Bony

        Subs: Elliot/B Davies/Chambers/Boyd

        1. Black Knights
          11 years, 10 months ago

          That's strong mate, maybe a back up defender if someone is rotated, but may not be needed. If you have 2 FTs I'd use one to tidy up Chambers. If not, let it ride and you'll be able to spend the 2m better when you can swap 2 players.

  2. Curves in Alderweireld Plac…
    11 years, 10 months ago

    well page 14 was rather interesting....

    1. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
      11 years, 10 months ago

      Informative if nothing else.....

  3. Colonel Shoe ่‚ๆฑ 
    11 years, 10 months ago

    i know its a while ago but this redjnapp era team sheet still makes me lol ๐Ÿ˜‰

    http://www.whoateallthepies.tv/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/spursteamsheet1.png

    1. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      11 years, 10 months ago

      All it's missing is the paw print.

      1. Colonel Shoe ่‚ๆฑ 
        11 years, 10 months ago

        ๐Ÿ˜€ asooo erotic is just brilliant

    2. Robe Wan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      11 years, 10 months ago

      Good side tho!

  4. Cocky Spaniel Alves
    11 years, 10 months ago

    Bench Kane CHE or Terry tot? This will end in tears no doubt.

    1. Curves in Alderweireld Plac…
      11 years, 10 months ago

      Terry

    2. Dušan Citizen
      11 years, 10 months ago

      I am going with Cahill and Kane on the bench

    3. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      11 years, 10 months ago

      You know of course whichever you choose the other will attempt to sabotage it.

      1. Cocky Spaniel Alves
        11 years, 10 months ago

        Exactly

    4. SH1M1
      11 years, 10 months ago

      Terry, he will get sent off again @ WHL.

    5. Woy of the Wovers
      11 years, 10 months ago

      Bench Kane.

  5. Rhinos
    11 years, 10 months ago

    I know Everton therefore Baines have been poor but hull WEST BROM palace in next 4 makes me so tempted to bring him in.
    No major issues in my team and can reassess when wildcard (late as possible hopefully).
    Anyone wanna persuade me not to?

    1. mgilbert86
      11 years, 10 months ago

      i'm watching the hull game and may bring him in because he's now prob a differential

      1. Rhinos
        11 years, 10 months ago

        Gut says he gonna do well but that's the only positive ๐Ÿ™‚

    2. Black Knights
      11 years, 10 months ago

      Once you have him in, you can never take him out! Every game is worth holding onto him for. But yeah, with WC so close it's a possibility.

    3. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      11 years, 10 months ago

      With Mirallas taking a lot of his set pieces, his appeal isn't what it was.

      1. Rhinos
        11 years, 10 months ago

        Due a penalty ๐Ÿ™‚

    4. Captain Beefheart
      11 years, 10 months ago

      In normal circumstances I would not have Baines far to expensive and overrated but giving his fixtures and possibly getting a midfield slot probably worth a punt, maybe am to harsh on him being an everton fan.

    5. Nomar
      11 years, 10 months ago

      2 teams with new managers in that list.

      Martinez is slowly turning Everton into Wigan. Not a good thing.

      1. Rhinos
        11 years, 10 months ago

        Good points but I'm not seeing a much better alternative over Jan (need to ditch my failed Kolarov punt)

    6. datamunkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      11 years, 10 months ago

      Just brought him in this week, Ivan > Baines ๐Ÿ™‚

      1. Rhinos
        11 years, 10 months ago

        Looks like I'm not alone, phew ๐Ÿ™‚

  6. GarethJohn
    11 years, 10 months ago

    Hey gents how's my team setup looking for this GW?
    I've put Eriksen on the bench - any suggestions I aslo have 1FT and .7 in the bank

    Fabinski

    Zabaleta,n.taylor,caulker

    Hazard,sanchez,silva,downing

    Austin,sakho,Rooney.

    Bench : Panti , Eriksen , wisdom , skertel

    1. Curves in Alderweireld Plac…
      11 years, 10 months ago

      Skrtel for Caulker

      1. GarethJohn
        11 years, 10 months ago

        Skertel is suspended for this GW

  7. Doar1986
    11 years, 10 months ago

    Walcott to start ?...

    1. THE Wild Rover
      11 years, 10 months ago

      Good chance I reckon

    2. Game...Blouses
      11 years, 10 months ago

      Between him and Podolski. He will surely feature

  8. SH1M1
    11 years, 10 months ago

    best defender to get till feb? not including, Baines/Azpi

    1. Curves in Alderweireld Plac…
      11 years, 10 months ago

      Cresswell?

      1. SH1M1
        11 years, 10 months ago

        are you the same guy who said that on totalfpl ๐Ÿ˜› cheeky

        1. Curves in Alderweireld Plac…
          11 years, 10 months ago

          haha no man, i took Adrian as my alternate to Panti because of Whams decent fixtures till Feb

  9. THE Wild Rover
    11 years, 10 months ago

    Most annoying posts

    op) Best mid for next few weeks?
    reply) X
    op) Already got him

    ๐Ÿ˜†

    1. Rhinos
      11 years, 10 months ago

      Hi I'm a random grav competing in a random cup with 2m others, I have player x he has player y, who wins?

    2. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      11 years, 10 months ago

      Bare with it Wild Rover.
      Have a good 2015, Fantasy foots and real life.

      1. THE Wild Rover
        11 years, 10 months ago

        Cheer mate, you too

    3. Back on the horse
      11 years, 10 months ago

      True. It's their loss though as they never get the answer they are looking for

  10. GK
    11 years, 10 months ago

    Anything worth a hit chaps? 2m burning a hole in my pocket -

    Guzan
    Zabaleta, Baines, Hutton
    Silva (c), Hazard, Alexis, Downing, Siggy
    Costa, Austin (vc)

    (Jakupovic)(Kane, Clyne, Wisdom).

    1. Curves in Alderweireld Plac…
      11 years, 10 months ago

      looks good

    2. jam
      11 years, 10 months ago

      Maybe upgrade the 2nd keeper so you're not doubling up on Villa def?

      1. GK
        11 years, 10 months ago

        Not sure that's worth a hit, unlikely as it would have sounded at the start of the season but I can see double Villa defence continue to deliver

        1. jam
          11 years, 10 months ago

          Oh yeah not for a hit. Soz

  11. Areid13
    11 years, 10 months ago

    lallana, sterling or cazorla?

  12. Malcolm Tucker for England …
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    11 years, 10 months ago

    Off now.
    gents, have a great new year.
    take it easy, don't forget to set the alarm for deadline minus thirty minutes.

    1. Black Knights
      11 years, 10 months ago

      You too mate, have a good one!

    2. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      11 years, 10 months ago

      You too MTfE.

    3. Colonel Shoe ่‚ๆฑ 
      11 years, 10 months ago

      ttfn

  13. Black Knights
    11 years, 10 months ago

    6 Scout Picks and was about to make it 7 with a FT. I'm in trouble. Even Mirallas?!

    1. Curves in Alderweireld Plac…
      11 years, 10 months ago

      lol, thought the same, didnt dare type it lest i anger the sensitives

  14. Granville
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    11 years, 10 months ago

    Is anyone playing their Jan wildcard immediately? If I did I wouldn't have a clue what to do.

    1. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      11 years, 10 months ago

      I've just taken a hit. GW24 would do nicely for me. 23 at a push.

    2. Dušan Citizen
      11 years, 10 months ago

      No. Waiting for Kun to be fit

    3. Rhinos
      11 years, 10 months ago

      I'd like to say no but I have a trigger finger almost as itch as Massimo Cellino

    4. Colonel Shoe ่‚ๆฑ 
      11 years, 10 months ago

      not yet

      are there any dgws on the horizon?

      1. In Like Flynn.
        • Has Moderation Rights
        11 years, 10 months ago

        After FA Cup 4th round Colonel. But which GW they will fall in is anyone's guess.
        Unless there are weather cancelled games as well.

        1. Colonel Shoe ่‚ๆฑ 
          11 years, 10 months ago

          cheers ilf

    5. Black Knights
      11 years, 10 months ago

      I'm even rolling over a FT this week. I can't see myself using 2 for a while, let alone throwing the WC into the ring!

    6. Fitzy.
      11 years, 10 months ago

      Plenty will, and not for any real reason, just because it's available.

      1. Granville
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        11 years, 10 months ago

        Loads of people spent their season WC this way.

    7. Areid13
      11 years, 10 months ago

      no

    8. Nomar
      11 years, 10 months ago

      Haven't even looked at it to be honest with you.

      Am saving my transfer this GW so no point in me wildcarding tomorrow.

      When does everyone reckon is the best GW to use it, then?

      1. Granville
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        11 years, 10 months ago

        GW23 looks best to me. There is City v Chelsea but also, United v Leicester, Arsenal v Villa

      2. Fitzy.
        11 years, 10 months ago

        GW23/24 I think Nomar, some nice fixture swings around then and Aguero should be fit etc...

    9. Bendy Busdriver
      11 years, 10 months ago

      i have 2 FT and not even using one...

  15. Areid13
    11 years, 10 months ago

    downing or mane

    1. Curves in Alderweireld Plac…
      11 years, 10 months ago

      Downing

    2. Game...Blouses
      11 years, 10 months ago

      Downing

  16. jam
    11 years, 10 months ago

    Downing or Sterling?!

    1. Areid13
      11 years, 10 months ago

      im buying both this week but out of them sterling

  17. Ayling Buyers Club
    11 years, 10 months ago

    Cresswell or Jenko?

    1. Curves in Alderweireld Plac…
      11 years, 10 months ago

      Cress

  18. Weasel Boy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    11 years, 10 months ago

    Play Bony or Siggs?

    1. Game...Blouses
      11 years, 10 months ago

      Siggs between the two. Bony's time might be compromised by Gomis

  19. amol
    11 years, 10 months ago

    Yaya to Sterling?

    1. Azerbaijan Shopping Centre
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      11 years, 10 months ago

      no

    2. Teror
      11 years, 10 months ago

      No, he'll be off to the ACON

  20. Teror
    11 years, 10 months ago

    Toure > llalana or sterling?

  21. Red Star Toro
    11 years, 10 months ago

    Since it's 15 min to deadline in Poland and I'm already drunk as fack - Happy New Year lads! Wish you all that's good for 2015, not only FPL wise!

  22. Bapilot747
    11 years, 10 months ago

    Will Joe Cole start tomorrow?

  23. Azerbaijan Shopping Centre
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    11 years, 10 months ago

    bench which one ?

    Bony, Downing, Caulker, Hutton or Dummett

    Please help

    1. Cluub
      11 years, 10 months ago

      Caulker

    2. Curves in Alderweireld Plac…
      11 years, 10 months ago

      Caulker. Simples

    3. Hibbo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      11 years, 10 months ago

      Dummett maybe.

      1. Azerbaijan Shopping Centre
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        11 years, 10 months ago

        i am thinking bony believe it or not

    4. Game...Blouses
      11 years, 10 months ago

      Caulker

  24. Wirtzle Gummidge
    11 years, 10 months ago

    Are those bringing in Sterling (The Liverpool player that had 0% goal involvment last GW) the same that said insisted Austin (C) was the only option last week?

    1. UnderstandablyDistraught
      11 years, 10 months ago

      Be afraid

      1. Curves in Alderweireld Plac…
        11 years, 10 months ago

        hardly ๐Ÿ™„ he's due a rest ๐Ÿ‘ฟ

        1. Black Knights
          11 years, 10 months ago

          He could probably rest in the FA Cup. I don't have him, I'm a bit worried about not owning him, but I don't think his rest will come tomoro.

        2. UnderstandablyDistraught
          11 years, 10 months ago

          be very afraid

    2. Rhinos
      11 years, 10 months ago

      Sterling has looked dangerous and Austin cap last week was a solid statistical move. Any move can fail

    3. Hibbo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      11 years, 10 months ago

      Austin captains a good a move this week as it was last.

      Best stats of any striker that's fit, at home, on pens.

    4. Captain Beefheart
      11 years, 10 months ago

      Hahahaha

  25. 2 goals 1 cup
    11 years, 10 months ago

    Somebody help! After the account picks I'm more confused than I was before...

    Bench 2....

    Baines (Hul)
    Cresswell (Wba)
    Hutton (cpl)
    Azpi (tot)

    Currently got Baines and Azpi on the bench but that feels seriously brave at best.

    1. 2 goals 1 cup
      11 years, 10 months ago

      *scout

  26. Babbals
    11 years, 10 months ago

    Benteke or Downing to start tomorrow? So lineup would be either 3-5-2 or 3-4-3

    Option 1
    Benteke, Austin, Costa
    Silva, Fabregas Siggy, Sanchez

    Option 2
    Austin, Costa
    Silva, fabregas, siggy, downing, Sanchez

    1. KANEGAROO
      11 years, 10 months ago

      The same problem with me, mate ๐Ÿ™‚

    2. Game...Blouses
      11 years, 10 months ago

      1) but play downing for Siggy

  27. KANEGAROO
    11 years, 10 months ago

    I wonder by which strategy to play 3-4-3 or 2-5-3, if so

    3-4-3 Case:
    Hutton - Zabaleta - Cresswell
    Hazard - Coutinho - Downing - Silva (c)
    Ayoze - RvP - Austin

    2-5-3 Case:
    Hutton - Zabaleta - Cresswell
    Hazard - Coutinho - Downing - Silva (c) - Sanchez
    Ayoze - Austin

    Or it would be better to swap some one?
    Thanks beforehand ๐Ÿ˜‰

    1. Reacher
      11 years, 10 months ago

      A

  28. Reacher
    11 years, 10 months ago

    Lads do i need to change anything

    De Gea,

    Azpil//JT//Clichy

    Yaya//Sanchez//Hazard//Silva

    Rooney//Austin//Kane

    subs....(Dummet//Boyd//Yun)

    Roo > DC
    Or
    Yaya & Boyd to sterling & Downing are 2 options

    Or just leave it?

    1. KANEGAROO
      11 years, 10 months ago

      Leave it

  29. Defcons are for Kinnear
    11 years, 10 months ago

    When can I play my January WC?

    1. Fitzy.
      11 years, 10 months ago

      Here you go mate, see if you can sort out this discussion from yesterday... ๐Ÿ˜‰

      http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2014/12/30/captain-sensible-gameweek-20/?hc_page=14#hc_comment_9345591

  30. jwaltz86
    11 years, 10 months ago

    Bench Alderweireld(arsenal) or Naylor(qpr)?

    1. Your Doing It Wrong
      11 years, 10 months ago

      Naylor