[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 tomorrow’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, we’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 Pellegrini’s side look a likely source of defensive returns.

With Martin Skrtel suspended, we turn to fellow centre-half Mamadou Sakho for Liverpool’s home clash with Leicester. We’re uncertain enough over Alberto Moreno’s pitch time so instead bring the Frenchman into our side – 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 Sam’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.

Villa’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.

We’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 Monday’s rout of Swansea and with their confidence on the up, Brendan Rodgers’ side look clear favourites to dispose of a defence that’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 week’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 Hammers’ Stewart Downing for an enticing home encounter with West Brom. Prior to Arsenal’s weekend visit, Big Sam’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 hosts’ chances.

We’re sticking our necks out for the final midfield position. Whilst a role in the centre is beneficial to Alexis Sanchez’ cause as Arsenal travel to Southampton, we’re expecting a hard-fought encounter – Ronald Koeman’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 haven’t been in the best form but the Belgian’s strike at Newcastle on Sunday took his tally to three goals in his last six appearances – 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 R’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, he’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 tomorrow’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 international’s underlying stats persuaded us to take the plunge as Jose Mourinho’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, he’s still managed to serve up a goal and assist in his last three at Villa Park and if Paul Lambert’s side are to grab a much-needed win, the big Belgian will surely play a part.

At 4.7, QPR’s Steven Caulker offers a decent option for points at both ends of the pitch as Swansea come calling. Redknapp’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.

Newcastle’s home encounter with Burnley earns Moussa Sissoko a spot on the bench. The Magpies have won five of their last six at St James’ 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 Clarets’ porous rearguard.

Andy Carroll’s home form is too good to ignore for the Hammers’ 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. alex_hills
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Will Zabaleta and Clichy play this week?

    1. Mulder
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Really hard to predict, I think Clichy will.

  2. DIegoCosta19
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Start Cresswell or Kane

    1. Mulder
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Cresswell

    2. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Kane

    3. 7923dos
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      always attack before defence

      1. bitterandstout
        11 years, 7 months ago

        not in this case..

    4. Villan
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Cresswell

    5. Top 210 Club
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      cresswell

    6. bitterandstout
      11 years, 7 months ago

      cresswell

  3. DIegoCosta19
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    What transfers would you do if this was your team..???? 1FT (don't mind a -4) £0.9m ITB

    Guzan
    Zab Hutton Azpi (Wisdom Chambers)
    Silva Yaya Hazard Alexis
    Austin Costa Kane

  4. JK - Cønt ⭐
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    I hearby name today

    Wild Card Eve

    1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      I don't see it catching on

  5. King Kohli
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Save Ft?

    Green Mannone
    Zabaleta Clyne Wisdom Hutton B.Davies
    Siggy Yaya Hazard Sanchez Silva
    Kane Austin Bony

    1 FT 1.4m left.

  6. Tmel
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Are those with Bony keeping for this last week or ditching now?

  7. DIegoCosta19
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    can we WC before the game..?

    1. Gazpilicueta
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      nah, i found this out the other day, we cannot

  8. GK
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 7 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)

  9. Gooner97
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    1FT and £1.0 ITB

    Heaton (Mannone)
    Wisdom Ivanovic Hutton (Clyne*, OShea)
    Hazard Sanchez Siggy Downing (Boyd)
    Rooney Costa Austin

    A) Ivanovic & Siggy => Sakho & Silva (-4)
    B) Boyd & Rooney => Silva & Kane (-4)
    C) Ivan to Zabaleta
    D) Save

    1. Lyonnais
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      B or D.

  10. Bubz
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    2 scout picks. All time low for me.

    1. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      100 Point GW incoming

    2. Somalion
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Should see you sail into the top 1k so 😉

  11. Marty McFly
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Best defender for 1 week punt for 4.9 or less.

    1. Bolivian Seaman
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Clark for villa. He can score, maybe s taylor too

      1. Marty McFly
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        You prefer those two over Hutton or Dummett? How about Kolo Toure?

        1. Bolivian Seaman
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          I guess so. Newc and villa have good chances of cleansheets. Hutton is good because hes good with bonuses

          1. Marty McFly
            • 13 Years
            11 years, 7 months ago

            Thanks

  12. Gazpilicueta
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Looking for a cheeky Rate my team, anyone got some thoughts to share?

    Hart, Foster

    Wisdom, Baines, Duff, Moore, Azpilicueta

    Hazard, Sanchez, Siggy, Jedinak(out), Marney

    Austin, Costa, Benteke

    2.8 in the bank 1 free transfer

    What do you guys think? Im thinking maybe 2 transfers to bring Silva in

    1. Marty McFly
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      I'd bring in Sterling over Silva myself.

      1. Gazpilicueta
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        hmm, i looked at him too, just a bit too much for a straight jedinak swap though

        1. Marty McFly
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          How were you going to get Silva in?

          1. Gazpilicueta
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 7 months ago

            Dont know, cant figure it out, thats why im here...

            1. Marty McFly
              • 13 Years
              11 years, 7 months ago

              The problem you have is there is no wiggle room in your defence with 3 budget players. Maybe do Jedinak > Henderson?

              1. Gazpilicueta
                • 12 Years
                11 years, 7 months ago

                Im thinking maybe take a hit to do Jedinak Sterling, and Azpilicueta (rotation risk) Clichy

                1. Marty McFly
                  • 13 Years
                  11 years, 7 months ago

                  Clichy is a rotation risk also. I'd bring in Hutton, Tripper or Dummett for a bit less so that you have some cash to upgrade your other defenders in Jan, if you're set on losing Azpil that is.

  13. BOOM XHAKALACA
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    1 FT, ditch Baines or Yaya?

    1. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Neither

      1. BOOM XHAKALACA
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        1 last game for Yaya then.

  14. Villan
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Play...

    A) Hutton

    B) Siggy

    1. Gazpilicueta
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      tricky, i think i would go for.....

      Siggy, but who are you playing instead of hutton?

      1. Villan
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        Baines, Zaba and Azpi

    2. Robe Wan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Siggy by miles

      1. Villan
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        By miles??

        Siggy isn't as productive away and Swansea are in poor form

        Villa are defending well. Hutton is in the scout picks (and Caulker too against Siggy) meaning surely Hutton is more likely to score points?

  15. DV8R
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Cresswell at 5.5m worth it? Too much for a West Ham defender?

    Thinking of doing Chambo -> Cresswell for free

    1. Dr Dream
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Yep, it is ...but...you don't have to keep him so 5.5 is fine for three weeks or so...

  16. Jafooli
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Any predictions for 2015?

    I reckon I'll get an FFS ban at some point.

    1. stilicho
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Abuse reports. Lots of abuse reports.

      1. This is definitely not a police state.

      2. Jafooli
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        😛 ^^^

      3. stilicho
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        A little moderation joke there. 'Tis the season.

      4. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        😆 All hail Stilicho and his glorious New regime 😉

      5. Somalion
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        😆 😆 That is terrific!

    2. John t penguin
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Shelvey will go rest of season without another card

      1. Rafa is a Geordie
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        Unlikely, his birthdays in February 😉

    3. Robe Wan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      London housing market collapses

      Yemen has a regime change

      Clinton vs Bush for the White House again

      1. Jafooli
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        That last one, Hilary vs Jeb, that would be a farce....

  17. Squeaky Bum Time
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Any update on Jagielka starting?

    My back 5 of Clyne(injured), Jags(injured), Clichy(rotation), Duff(injured), Wisdom(WBA), is about as horrendous as it gets.

    Only have 1ft. Suggestions welcomed.

    1. Ginkapo FPL
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Pulis is joining WBA, theres a positive for you

      1. Squeaky Bum Time
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        Very true. Doubt he can sort out their defense by tomorrow though. I also have Foster in goal. Gone from 4.5k to 30k in a couple of GWs.

    2. SomewhatPleasing
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Hmmm, that doesn't make the best reading.

      Have a look at Duff > Trippier.

      I got him in for Chambers this week.

      Also have a read of the Puntmeisters thoughts on him for tomorrow.

      1. Squeaky Bum Time
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        Might look into that so. Cheers mate.

  18. For Fuchs Sake
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Any need to change anything or shall I save 2FTs to get Yaya out and one other next GW?
    https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/45786544/Screen%20Shot%202014-12-31%20at%2013.27.10.png

  19. Lyonnais
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Hart / Elliot
    Zabaleta, Azpilicueta, Hutton / Wisdom, Yun
    Sanchez, Hazard, Yaya (C), Sigurdsson, Downing
    Costa, Austin (VC) / Kane

    2 FT, 0.7 ITB

    A) Yaya ---> Silva (C)
    B) Yaya + Siggy ---> Silva (C) + Sterling
    C) Zabaleta ---> Cresswell/Jenkinson
    D) other idea ?

  20. KeepCalm
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Gota get my captain sht correct this time...

    A. Yaya (currently on him)
    B. Austin
    C. Costa
    D. Sanchez
    E. Benteke

  21. La Roja
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Feck me 30 min left for fireworks here 😯

  22. Captain Shirokov
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Get in Vlaar or Cresswell?

    1. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Clark

      1. Captain Shirokov
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        Why?

        1. JK - Cønt ⭐
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          big goal threat.

  23. alex_hills
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Worth taking the -4 hit for sterling?
    Or is Coutinho a better option?

  24. Boodey
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    I don't have Costa so I'm so afraid of him as he is my opponent's player
    I have Austin Beneteke Kane
    Good to go??
    or should I sacrifice sanchez and Beneteke with (-4) to get him with Sterling???

  25. DIegoCosta19
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    What transfers would you do if this was your team..??/?? 1FT (don't mind a -4) £0.9m ITB

    Guzan
    Zab Hutton Azpi (Wisdom Chambers)
    Silva Yaya Hazard Alexis
    Austin Costa Kane

  26. pundit of punts
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Who are you all captaining?

    1. Mulder
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Yaya

    2. New Ghost
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Benteke

      1. Christina.
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        SJ!

        Happy NY pal.

        1. New Ghost
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          happy new year to you, doc wife and the kids bud!

    3. Villan
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Sterling

    4. alex_hills
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Silva

    5. KeepCalm
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Yaya

    6. sweensa
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Sakho (west ham)

    7. 1966 was a great year for E…
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Yaya

  27. @Talk_Shite
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Any advice folks?

    Guzan (Mannone)

    Azpi, Wisdom, Zab (Clyne, Bartley)

    Sterling, Silva(c), Hazard, Downing (Sanchez)

    Barnes, Austin, Costa

    0ft / 0.8itb

    1. John t penguin
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Who you captaining this week

    2. SomewhatPleasing
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Thanks,

      Very useful for a noob like myself.

  28. Sweetpea
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Eriksen to Sterling?

    Yay or neigh

    1. Mulder
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Yup

  29. Lazydayz
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    I dunno who to bench, or should i play as is, what do you guys reckon?

    Heaton,
    Hutton, Azpi, S.Taylor
    Siggy, Sterling, Sanchez, Silva (c)
    Austin, Costa, Rooney

    Jakupovic, Downing, Bertrand, Wisdom.

    Happy new year to everyone! Hope it's fantastic!
    Cheers