[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. womf
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Play Siggy or Kane? thanks

    1. Jaffalicious! #SomosCubanos
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Tough one. Siggy probs

    2. Hurri Kane 42
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Siggy ...imo Kane is a punt against Chels defense

  2. gruffyboy
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Cheeky armband on Mr Sterling is mighty tempting...

    1. womf
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      do it

    2. Dušan Citizen
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      I'll give it to him

      1. gruffyboy
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Over Silva/Austin? I'm a Liverpool fan so trying to using head not heart…

        cheers

        1. Woy of the Wovers
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 2 months ago

          Austin

        2. Volley127
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 2 months ago

          I'm going for sterling captain, defo not a liverpool fan

          4/5 odds on anytime goalscorer. Silva or austin can't quite match that.

  3. deppman007
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Need some advice.

    2 Frees 4.4m in bank

    Heaton
    Baines Berty Hutton
    Sanchez Hazard Downing Yaya (c)
    Kane Austin Costa

    Gilks Chester Albrighton Yun

    Was thinking Albrighton - Sterling (c) but that would mean benching Kane and Im going to the game so it would be interesting to have him as a Spurs fan.

    Not gonna WC till Aguero is back so could be a good time to sort the defence out?

    1. gruffyboy
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      I think you're good to go - although you could do with a keeper upgrade maybe; Hart?

  4. Total Foot 5
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    play clark CRY of villa (SLIGHTLY INJURED, so maybe start him and if no play bert comes in)
    or
    Bertrand ARS

    1. Dušan Citizen
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      clark

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

      Clark. But monitor, If he's injured it either 90 or 0 right?

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

    Took a punt on Benteke for Villa's good fixtures coming up, dont feel good about it though 🙁 what say u?

    1. Gimli son of Gloin
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Could be a lot worse.. He'll score a few if they can keep 11 on the field

    2. Podge
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Me too not many other options

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

      Dreadful pick villa are horrendous going forward he has no one in midfield to put balls through will never understand the benteke pick even though he got a lot of goals 2 seasons back I just don't see him doing anything that significant this season unless villa strengthen in January

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

        i fel te same but like Podge said, not any better options that come with better fixtures

        1. MattysFantasyFooty
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 2 months ago

          I would rather play 2 up front than have benteke and strengthen else where

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

            i'm playing 2 lol, Austin and Benteke. Benching Kane and going with 5 mids - Haz, Fab, Sanchez, Downing, Silva

      2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        🙄 not a dreadful pick, he's been involved in 3 of the 4 goals villa have scored since he returned. Yes villa don't score many but he isn't really expensive and people needed an option when injuries were picked up

        1. MattysFantasyFooty
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 2 months ago

          True but he won't ever really be a strong captain choice as villa don't score enough in game to warrant that he seems quite expensive if the most he will get in a game Is a goal where you could get one of Kane or Austin and a have a heavy hitter striker and have a strong 5 mid

  6. Harvey Specter
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Can someone please help me? Is this team good to go or not?

    Fab
    Clichy - Baines - Caulker - Hutton
    Silva (C) - Yaya - Hazard - Sanchez
    Costa - Austin (VC)

    subs: GIlks, Kane, Wisdom, Ki

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

      i think ur good man

    2. IL Fantasista
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      I'd play Kane instead of a defender.

    3. Jaffalicious! #SomosCubanos
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Looks good for this week!

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

      Yep all good

  7. Jaffalicious! #SomosCubanos
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Repost.

    Thoughts appreciated intoxicated or not! 🙂

    A) bench Kane or Bony?
    B) captain?

    Panti
    Zaba Azpi Hutton
    Sanchez Fab Haz Yaya Silva
    Austin Kane

    Bony Moore Yun

    1. Dušan Citizen
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Kane..Sanchez?

      1. Jaffalicious! #SomosCubanos
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Dusan!! You don't like them? 🙂

        1. Jaffalicious! #SomosCubanos
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 2 months ago

          Confused myself sorry!

    2. Here's the manager
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Bony ... Silva?

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

      A Haz
      B Austin

      1. Jaffalicious! #SomosCubanos
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Bench Haz?!

      2. Woy of the Wovers
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Do not bench Hazard.

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

          Why not?

          His returns away aren't anything special, last gameweek was a bonus.

          1. Jaffalicious! #SomosCubanos
            • 11 Years
            11 years, 2 months ago

            He's on fire! !he should never be benched!

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

              Agree with the first part, but not the second. His away returns don't support your comment regarding never benching him.

              At home he is a good shout for the armband almost ignoring the opposition.

              I'm starting him this week, but my team wasn't the one posted above. With that line up I think benching Haz (if you have Fab) should be considered.

    4. Captain Shirokov
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Kane, Yaya

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

      You made a decision yet?

  8. Captain Shirokov
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Forster
    Terry, Zab, Clark
    Hazard, Yaya(c), Siggy, Sanchez, Downing
    Austin, Benteke

    Wisdom only sub.

    G2G?

    1. Davido989
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Not tempted by Haz captain?

      Looks good lad

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

      i see u sorted out your front line? you're good

    3. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      yeh stick dude

    4. Jaffalicious! #SomosCubanos
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Looks great. Nice caption choice. Thoughts above?

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

    Is Debuchy a good pick ?

    1. Dušan Citizen
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Arsenal doesn't have so nice fixtures

      1. Davido989
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        And they can't defend

    2. MattysFantasyFooty
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Could be a good pick as we might start getting a first 4 defence back which could get us on a run as arsenal have been shockingly bad at letting in silly goals

    3. Woy of the Wovers
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      In a few weeks....great pick.

  10. Laserface
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    I want to make a change .. What should that be ?

    Guzan
    Baines Azpi Naylor
    Hazard Sanchez Silva Downing
    Austin Costa Benteke

    Subs : Elliott Siggy Wisdom moore

    1Ft , 0.9 itb

  11. Here's the manager
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    I'm on the rum and I'd prob just about bench Bony. And (c) Silva

    1. Here's the manager
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Rum reply fail

  12. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Welbeck does not train. Sanchez may fill Welbeck hole up front

    http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/sport/football/premierleague/article4309687.ece

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      prob already been posted but good news

    2. Davido989
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Good stuff

      Cheers

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

      Ohhhhhhh, I've been on Austin all week.

      This is tempting though.

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

    Sakho or Moreno for next 4 GWs? Moreno nailed?

    1. Davido989
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Neither are nailed, but should be.

      I expect 1 CS in next 4

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

        Yeah, I know Liverpool are a terrible defensive option but I have FT to burn and sure over the next four I'll get something.

  14. Bobadoba
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    What's the crack with Moreno? Need a Chambers replacement.

    1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      he tempts ppl then disappoints em

      1. Jaffalicious! #SomosCubanos
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        So this!

      2. gruffyboy
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Agreed. I brought him in an hour ago though - it might just work out this time….

  15. CunkOnFPL
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    bench one:
    a. Baines
    b. Berty
    c. Dummett?

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

      Bert

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

    sorry 😳

    cash not an issue, but DDG or Adrian? loving the look of Whams next three fixtures and can get Adrian out on Jan WC.

    thanks!

    1. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Adrian for me given fixtures, expect some saves points at least

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

        cheers!

  17. borginho00742
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone else tempted by Cauthmetico Blanco up front up until Jan WC time?

  18. thunder_mike
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Need a hand.

    Bench Bony or Eriksen?

    1. Les Bleus
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Eriksen IMO.

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

      Erik

    3. Here's the manager
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      I've benched Bony - may not play full 90.
      I have Siggy tho

    4. thunder_mike
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Cheers, yeah hopefully Bony can get a couple against a poor QPR defence.

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

      I have same decision and benched bony at moment
      Can't see him putting in a big shift and risking injury before ACON
      Eriksen can always pull a free kick out the bag

  19. Les Bleus
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Last time Moreno scored against Tottenham, I transferred him in and he got me 5 points in 5 games. I ain't fallen for him again!

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

      haha exactly! never owned him and might never will for that reason

  20. CunkOnFPL
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Foster, Krul
    Baines, Berty, Dummett, Zaba, Duff
    Downing, Haz, Sanchez, Silva, King
    Austin, Costa, Kane

    a. Baines ➡ Hutton
    b. Save
    c. other?

    1FT, 1.4 ITB

  21. # Young Gun SEAMUS #
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    guzan

    azpi zaba saylor

    hazard siggy yaya silva sanchez

    bony austin

    bench - bojan wisdom vergini hamer

    money - 0.9 should i kick bojan for any punt but whom to bench then or take a good defender ??? any thoughts guys ???

  22. melvinmbabazi
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    RMT PLEASE 🙂

    Heaton
    Zabaleta-Ivanovic-Dummett
    Yaya-Sanchez-Downing-Hazard
    Rooney-Austin-Tekkers
    Bench-Myhill-Clyne-Boyd-Moore

    1FT 1.2 ITB
    Need to get rid of Moore but to who?

    1. Game of Stones
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Some good options: Hutton, Vlaar, N Taylor, Jenkinson

    2. Over Midwicket
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Hutton, easy.

  23. Forever In Our Shadow
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Hey all. Will Yaya be dropping tonight?

    1. borginho00742
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Yaya doesn't start the New Year with a drop

      1. Forever In Our Shadow
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Cool. Thanks. I am sure he will tomorrow though as everyone ships out because of the ACON.

    2. MattysFantasyFooty
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Nope you're good

  24. Sponge-worthy
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Yaya captain over Austin?

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

      i wouldnt... Silva yes but not yaya (not a big fan personally but its your team)

    2. MattysFantasyFooty
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      I am need a differential past 2 GW have been horrific now 12k OR

  25. Captain Beefheart
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Only got one reply to this query earlier so will try again, bench sigs QPR away or Pelle Arsenal home, thanks.

    1. Sponge-worthy
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Bench pelle

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

      Siggy, only just do

  26. baraka1670
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Who to play??
    A)Wisdom
    B)Chester

  27. Reacher
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Yaya & Boyd to Sterling & Downing?

    Yes or a waste??

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

      waste IMO

    2. Reacher
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Means Yaya leaving my team 1 week early

    3. Jaffalicious! #SomosCubanos
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Not this week IMO

      1. Reacher
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers Jaffa

  28. chrisdale98
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    get in sterling/lallana by any means necessary?

    1. Over Midwicket
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      That's an option. Albeit a dreadful one.

      1. Reacher
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Is your link dead or just your team!?

  29. Van Dal
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Kane on course to Be the next Rooney. Discuss.

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

      No. End of discussion.

    2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      if he produces top class performances for the next 5-6 seasons consistently then fine but not based on about 10 games

      1. Van Dal
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Hes already better at the same age no?

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

          Definitely not.

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

      Just another overrated english youngster

  30. nibby
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Who's cappin who?