[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. NATSTER
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Guzan
    Baines - Naylor - Zabaleta (Yun, Moore)
    Sanchez - Downing - Yaya - Silva - Hazard
    Costa - Austin (Kane)

    1 FT .. What should I do ... attack or defence?

    A: Yaya -> Sterling
    B: Yun or Moore -> Hutton / Vlaar, then bench Naylor

    1. datamunkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      B

    2. sterling-silver
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      B or save. Depends on Yaya's availability. Not sure if it's been confirmed but if he was just we rested in the last game and plays, I'd fancy him to have similar point as sterling. If you've any money in the bank and really want sterling then upgrade downing?

      Who you captaining?

  2. AsAF23
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Need help pick 3 out of these lot to play
    Azpi, Hutton,baines, mangala,trippier

    1. In Bale We Trust
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Baines, Hutton, Mangala.

      1. datamunkey
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        This

        1. sterling-silver
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          Or this

    2. Curves in Alderweireld Plac…
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      first 3

  3. Spatburgunder
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    @doosra assistance with my 2 week punt if you'd be so kind.

    Bony austin(c) Kane

    Benching Kane (to play sterling) and bony> ?

    I'm looking at Barnes/ayoze at the mo. Cheers and HNY!

      1. Spatburgunder
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Ta , gives me my cheapest ever forward line of 16m. Ah well some fun before the wc

        1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          Indeed. 🙂 HNY!

          1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 16 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            PS. Carroll is worth looking at.

            1. John t penguin
              • 11 Years
              11 years, 3 months ago

              Fancy him to score big this week also

            2. John t penguin
              • 11 Years
              11 years, 3 months ago

              Gave you my humble sterling answer last page.
              Not in depth analysis but just opinion

          2. Spatburgunder
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            Ta ayoze it is switches nicely with Kane for two weeks before my wc

            1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 16 Years
              11 years, 3 months ago

              Jolly good.

  4. In Bale We Trust
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    If you could do Siggy to Mirallas would you? 2FTs and no other changes needed.

    1. Curves in Alderweireld Plac…
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      nope

    2. Keane There Dunne That
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Nope

      1. sterling-silver
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        No

  5. Curves in Alderweireld Plac…
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Guys what teams are most likely to keep a CS for this upcoming GW? thanks!

      1. Curves in Alderweireld Plac…
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        cheers! sorry about this but i dont know how to read odds 🙁

        1. Mulder
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          No worries mate, basically the lower the odds the more likely they are to keep a cleansheet. So Hull at 2,3 are less likely to keep a cleansheet than Villa at 1,5 for example.

    1. In Bale We Trust
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      City, Liverpool, Newcastle, Villa.

      1. Curves in Alderweireld Plac…
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Drats was hoping West Ham would be up there

        1. In Bale We Trust
          • 16 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          They are prob up there. I'm just going off the top of my head.

          1. Curves in Alderweireld Plac…
            • 11 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            oh ok. wanted to do Elliot > Adrian, have Panti but Whams next three fixtures look good, byy comparison, sunderlands are awful

  6. Keane There Dunne That
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Chambres ->
    A) Hutton
    B) trippier

    1. Curves in Alderweireld Plac…
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      huttonaldo 😎

    2. New Ghost
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      huttinho gaucho

      1. sterling-silver
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        A

    3. datamunkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      A all the way

    4. SomewhatPleasing
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      I did B this week.

      Seems to be against the flow.

  7. Laserface
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    9k

    1. Laserface
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      haha reply fail

  8. Runaway
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    who to bench: Kane or Eriksen ? Or somebody else?

    Guzan
    Zaba Colo Cress
    Sterling(C) Silva Sanchez Hazard
    Costa Austin(V)
    Gilks Eriksen Wisdom Yun

    1. Runaway
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      And Kane

      1. sterling-silver
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Toss a coin. Go with your gut

  9. rohan
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    That's me for the first week of 2015

    Adrian

    Ivan Vlaar Hutton

    Sanchez Yaya (C) Silva Downing Hazard

    Diego Costa Austin

    Have a great year ahead, folks 😀

    1. Laserface
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      You're playing both Diego and Costa ?

      1. rohan
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        That's the secret 😎

    2. sterling-silver
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Villa clean sheet and it could be a tasty gw total

  10. DIegoCosta19
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Is Silva getting rested..?

    1. New Ghost
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      I don't think he will, against their bogey team

    2. John t penguin
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      He is only just back

    3. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      not after the result v burnley

      I expect the first 11 with no nonsence resting.

    4. Gimli son of Gloin
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Wouldn't rule it out .. Doubt it though.

  11. Gimli son of Gloin
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    A bit stumped this week, very few ideas.

    Heaton
    Baines - Terry - Zabaletta - Hutton
    Yaya - Sanchez - Hazard - Siggy
    Rooney - Austin

    (Foster - Dummet - Kane - Brady)

    I have 2 free transfers and .3 in the bank.
    Suppose it's a decent time to rid myself of Brady?

    1. Curves in Alderweireld Plac…
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      I would do yaya >silva, or Rooney > Costa, Rvp, pretty any forward right now thats points predictable, but thats just me

      1. Gimli son of Gloin
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        No chance I'm doing Yaya -> Silva.
        I'd get him in but I like my three expensive guys better, maybe next week.
        Yeah Rooney is an annoying one, could always get a haul but probably not the best option long term and no pens.

      2. datamunkey
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        no, keep Yaya to next week, go with your initial instinct, sort Brady...

    2. sterling-silver
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Baines & siggy > cresswell & sterling then sort Brady on the WC

  12. The Mighty One
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    My gut says to captain Sterling...but the landslide captain poll has me hesitant as I do own Silva too!

    1. Wolverine
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Go with your gut

      1. The Mighty One
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Cheers!

    2. Mata-Is-The-Juan
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      How many points d'you think a poor captain choice will cost you?

      1. The Mighty One
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Maximum of 10X2. I'm willing to risk it...both should run riot.

        1. Mata-Is-The-Juan
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          Good enough reasoning IMO.

          Go for it. I think I'll stick with my Lallana pick. Pure madness but should make tomorrow fun

          1. The Mighty One
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 16 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            Good luck MITJ! Lallana and Sterling are going to do well...I'm with ya. Happy New Year.

    3. Game...Blouses
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Sterling cap for me

  13. IL Fantasista
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Fancy people, would you do Marney-->Downing and bench Kane?

    Panti
    Azpi, Naylor, Dummet
    Haz, Sanchez, Silva(c), Yaya(v)
    RVP, Kane, Austin

    Myhill; Marney, Wisdom, Moore

    1. sterling-silver
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      For free yes

  14. Christina.
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Ok, let's guess who the most capped player(c) will be in the top 10K

    1. Silva
    2. Sterling
    3. Hazard

    1. Christina.
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      I don't own no 1 & 2.

      😕

      1. Gooner97
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Me too...

    2. Leaf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      I reckon Austin will get a few too

      1. Christina.
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Oh yes, him as well.

        At least I own him.

      2. datamunkey
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        this...

    3. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Costa, if last week is anything to go by.

    4. Wolverine
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      I think it will be silva...I'm on sterling

    5. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Yaya
      Sterling
      Silva
      Is my guess, based on absolutely nothing what-so-ever.

      1. Christina.
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Now I feel better.

        1. Christina.
          • 16 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          ...or not...

          1. In Like Flynn.
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 15 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            That's the spirit.

    6. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Oh dear! I thought you wanted three in order.

      1. Christina.
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        😕

    7. Jairzinho
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Captain poll so far, probably a decent indication.

      David Silva 35.77% (2,387 votes)


      Charlie Austin 10.4% (694 votes)


      Raheem Sterling 10.18% (679 votes)


      Wayne Rooney 7.58% (506 votes)


      Yaya Toure 6.74% (450 votes)


      Eden Hazard 5.25% (350 votes)


      Christian Benteke 4.33% (289 votes)


      Diego Costa 3.43% (229 votes)

      1. Christina.
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        I guess so, but as Doos said...up in top 10k I reckon Costa will be one of the top ones.

  15. Here's the manager
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Good evening.

    Guzan
    Terry Hutton Naylor
    Sanchez Siggy Downing (c) Hazard Eriksen
    Costa Austin
    (Bony Wisdom Clyne)

    0.6 itb 1ft

    Saving the transfer I think, looks ok?

    1. sterling-silver
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      I'd do Eriksen to sterling (c)

  16. Total Foot 5
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    happy new yr to all!

    1. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      You two too R&C. 🙂

  17. jaco
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Chambers to

    Cresswell
    Trippier
    United/liv def
    Other?

  18. Total Foot 5
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Yaya> is he starting, and if not sure, what % chance u reckon he wil, start or even play a good 60min?

    1. Mata-Is-The-Juan
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      He'll probably play all 90min should he start.

    2. In Bale We Trust
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      I think he'll start and prob play 90.

    3. Total Foot 5
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      tx

  19. Syd.
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    I've an urge to make a transfer but I don't need it

    1. Holy See
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      I'm a bit like that. But in 3 hours I'll be hammered and be convinced I need to make at least one transfer.

  20. Laserface
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    I don't understand all this bs about players not being rested when fixtures get crowded .. I've played 7 hours of football in the last 3 days and still raring to go ..

    1. IL Fantasista
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      But you're like young and stuff...

      1. Laserface
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        I'm 26

        1. IL Fantasista
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          But professional footbal intensity is beyond what you could imagine. No offense just making a case.

    2. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      But are you out clubbing most nights as well?

    3. White Wall
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Do you run 12km composed of multiple short sprints interspersed with continual jogging in a game?

      Thought not.

  21. DIegoCosta19
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Lallana vs Sterling

    1. Curves in Alderweireld Plac…
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Lolana

  22. Evs
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Benching Kane is only gonna end in tears 😥

    I got my hanky at the ready 🙂

    1. Somalion
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      No wonder you feel dirty 😉

      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        That's why I posted Dirty Dancing ... 😉

    2. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      No need to be that excited Evs.

    3. Spatburgunder
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      There's space behind my couch, and I have ale !

  23. Gooner97
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Best bet on Stoke United? 🙂

    1. Captain Shirokov
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      BTTS

    2. Bubz
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      I have bet on a utd win

  24. DIegoCosta19
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Yaya is definately playing, Right..?

    1. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      He says he's fit. It wouldn't make sense not to play him in his last game before ACON.

  25. Hibbo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Baines.

    1. Gooner97
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Beans

    2. Hibbo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Haul tomorrow.

      1. Gooner97
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Hull

  26. Dynamic Duos
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Kane to Carroll for -4, plus Hazard goes on bench, massive swings, due to the fact no one else will bench him and Carroll a differential.

    Worth it?

    1. DIegoCosta19
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      nonono

    2. Holy See
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      If it looks insane and sounds insane, then yip, probably worth it in this helter skelter wibbly wobbly world.

    3. Gimli son of Gloin
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Absolutely not. Play Hazard.

  27. Toonzie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Would you sell Downing for Sterling?

    1. DIegoCosta19
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      nope

    2. Mata-Is-The-Juan
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Nope.

  28. IL Fantasista
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Shameless repost

    Party people, would you do Marney-->Downing and bench Kane?

    Panti
    Azpi, Naylor, Dummet
    Haz, Sanchez, Silva(c), Yaya(v)
    RVP, Kane, Austin

    Myhill; Marney, Wisdom, Moore

    1. sterling-silver
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Yes

  29. Lallana_
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Last week with Yaya Toure. C'mon lad!

    1. Mata-Is-The-Juan
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      It's all about the guy in your grav tomorrow 😉

    2. Gooner97
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      0pts!

    3. Leaf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Very much this

  30. Keno
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    What we think here lads, am I GTG?

    Guzan
    Zab-Dummett-Azi
    Siggy-Downing-Silva(C)-Sanchez-Hazard
    Austin(VC)-Costa

    Bench Order- Kane, Naylor, Wisdom

    good?

    1. sterling-silver
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Yes