Scout Picks

Scout Picks – Gameweek 5

After a Gameweek that many will be happy to scrap from memory, we’re ready to go again. It’s a tricky one this week – with City hosting Arsenal and United travelling to Liverpool, we draft in just one player from the Manchester duo in our 4-4-2 formation. Let’s hope rest and rotation doesn’t bite quite so hard this time round again:

With a clean sheet in both his home games so far and three in the first four Gameweeks, Jussi Jaaskelainen gets the nod between the sticks. The West Ham stopper welcomes Sunderland to Upton Park tomorrow afternoon and with plenty of save points already registered, Jaaskelainen is afforded the chance to extend his lead at the top of the FPL keeper standings.

We’ve opted for the marauding Branislav Ivanovic at the back ahead of a home clash against Stoke. With two goals and three clean sheets under his belt already, the Chelsea right-back has been the top-scoring Fantasy defender to date – an average of nine FPL points per game sums up the Serbian’s current form.

Gareth McAuley is handed a place in the Scout Picks on the back of West Brom’s home form. It’s two games, two clean sheets for Steve Clarke’s side so far at the Hawthorns, with the Baggies maintaining the defensive home resolve that stood them in good stead in the latter part of last season. McAuley’s attacking threat has already produced a goal and assist for his Fantasy owners and with the Royals struggling for form, he could be set to prosper.

Leighton Baines earns a place in our thoughts with a trip to Swansea on Everton’s agenda. Having opened his scoring account last Monday against Newcastle, the left-back continued his strong start to the Fantasy season; despite a single clean sheet in the first four, Baines has still managed to return 26 FPL points thus far – summing up both his offensive potential and suitability to the EA SPORTS PPI scoring system. With spot-kicks and set-pieces firmly in his locker, he’s been drafted in by significant numbers of Fantasy managers ahead of tomorrow lunchtime’s early kick-off.

Jan Vertonghen is our final defender. We’re prepared to take a gamble here – no attacking returns or clean sheets after four matches is hardly cause for optimism but the Belgian is sure to come good as he settles into Andre Villas-Boas’ first XI. Spurs returned a midweek clean sheet in the Europa League clash against Lazio – finally, their summer signings are slowly starting to gel and Vertonghen’s eye for goal may help him pick up the points at both ends of the pitch against injury-hit QPR at the Lane this Sunday.

Runaway leader in the Captain Poll, Eden Hazard is a nailed-on pick. The Belgian has accrued 38% of the votes cast so far – a sign of the Fantasy faith in the Belgian as he squares up to Stoke at the Bridge. With three double figure returns in his first four appearances, his trickery is set to torment Tony Pulis’ Potters from start to finish as Chelsea look to bounce back from last weekend’s draw at QPR.

Kevin Nolan’s Upton Park heroics have already been crucial to West Ham’s cause. With Andy Carroll still injured, the Hammers skipper is set to carry the main goal threat to Sunderland side almost certain to be devoid of Carlos Cuellar at the back – a goal in each of his two home games highlights Nolan’s mid-price potential.

Having been rested for Newcastle’s Europa League exertions last night, Hatem Ben Arfa will be fit and raring to go for Sunday’s visit of Norwich. Similar to Nolan, the Frenchman has also notched in both his home matches and has been drafted in by huge number of Fantasy managers ahead of the Canaries showdown. With Papiss Cisse continuing to misfire and Demba Ba unsettled, Ben Arfa’s contribution could be the difference against a stubborn Norwich defence that has conceded just twice in the last three games.

There’s no way we can leave out Michu. Granted, he drew a blank last time round against Villa but four goals in the opening four Gameweeks highlights his form right now. Handed the home comforts of a Liberty clash against Everton, the Swansea man may be set to plunder the points again as Michael Laudrup’s joint-top scorers look to return to winning ways.

A trip to Liverpool is not the type of game Sir Alex Ferguson can afford to rest Robin Van Persie for. Dropped to the bench last time out with United’s Champions League match against Galatasaray in mind, the Dutchman looks nailed-on to start at Anfield. As always, our faith in Van Persie is unwavering ahead of Sunday lunchtime’s kick-off.

Three goals and an assist in his opening four is enough to earn Jermain Defoe. With Emmanuel Adebayor ruled out of last night’s Europa League match with Lazio due to a hamstring problem, Defoe seems set to continue up front for Spurs as Andre Villas-Boas looks to engineer his first home victory as QPR roll up to the Lane.

Steven Taylor makes the bench as Newcastle welcome Norwich to the Sports Direct Arena. The Magpies will be buoyed by their comeback draw at Goodison last Monday and can be expected to take the game to a Norwich side that has scored just twice in the opening four Gameweeks under Chris Hughton. The chances of a home clean sheet look strong here.

James Morrison warms the Scout Picks bench for the second Gameweek in a row. The West Brom midfielder welcomes Reading to the Hawthorns and has already returned a goal and assist for his Fantasy owners – with eight goals conceded in their first three and without a clean sheet, the Royals defence could be there for the taking as Steve Clarke looks to rack up a third straight home win.

Watchlist candidate Rickie Lambert earns the final bench slot. Goals against City and United in the opening four are indicative of his ability to produce in the top-flight – Southampton are in dire need of a win at home to Villa and with spot-kick duties and a share of direct free-kicks in his locker, Lambert looks the man most likely to fire the Saints to victory.

Paul Is certain he won't make the same mistakes next season. Follow them on Twitter

1,766 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Gimli son of Gloin
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Ok, Jaask or Foster?
    Have Demel, no McCauley, assuming Foster yeah?

    Open Controls
    1. CarlosKillface
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      whats the rest of ur defence?

      Open Controls
    2. NATSTER
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Based on the given info, yes - Foster.

      Open Controls
  2. CarlosKillface
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    RMT me up yo?
    beg jask
    clyne (cuellar) baines davies (gorkass)
    corz (malony) hazard dyer nolan
    tez berb rvp.

    3.1m inth bank.
    should i take a hit to get gibbs(long term)? or is ther anythin else anyone can suggest? i feel its missing somthing but i cant put my finger on it (thats what she said)

    Open Controls
    1. CarlosKillface
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      dont know who to C aswel

      Open Controls
  3. Cak Juris
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Please advise:
    Clark or Lowton ??
    Will Clark still in starting XI if Richard Dunne recover his injury ??

    Open Controls
  4. Deicide
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Foster
    Federici

    Cuellar
    Demel
    Baines
    Ridgewell
    Clyne

    McClean
    Yaya Toure
    Hazard
    Michu
    Guthrie

    Tevez
    Berbatov
    Van Persie

    Who should I give the armband to? Tevez, Robin or Hazard?

    Also, i need suggestions

    I'll dump Lescott for Ridgwell (biggest priority)

    Now,

    who instead Cuellar and federici?

    Please, thanks in advance

    Open Controls
  5. I Love Lamp
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Jussi
    Clyne Rafael Ivanovic
    Hazard Dyer BenArfa Noble Santi
    RVP Tevez

    Federici Petric Hughes Clark

    Worth saving the transfer this week?

    Open Controls
    1. Samarth_A
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      One of the best team. You may want to get rid of Dyer as soon as possible.

      Open Controls
  6. Kobra
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Defence suggestons please.
    GK: Jaask, Foster
    Def: Demel, Reid, Gibbs, Baines, McAuley
    Which GK and three def to choose?

    Open Controls
    1. Hapless Hat-Tricks
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Foster
      Baines, McAuley, Reid

      Open Controls
  7. nazrijack
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    I have Hazard, RVP, BenArfa..who should i captain? learning towards HBA..

    Open Controls
    1. Ansontkc
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      hazard

      Open Controls
    2. NATSTER
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Believe your gut.. 🙂

      Open Controls
  8. Bang Bang 0-0
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    So, traditionally fulham is weak on the road.
    still jump to Berba's bandwagon?

    Open Controls
    1. arisms
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      He will score a few even when playing away, but his next home match is vs Man City though.

      Open Controls
      1. Bang Bang 0-0
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        Actually I left some cash to buyback RVP/Torres, united's fixture sucks.. 😀

        Open Controls
  9. Ansontkc
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    who should i choose? 2 from ( nolan, morrison and dyer)

    Open Controls
    1. JAMJAM88
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Morrison (plays almost as a striker)/ Dyer (movements in the box always draw penalties)

      Open Controls
  10. manu4life
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    I have a quick question? Which is the better option Yaya or K. Nolan?

    Here's my team btw:

    J. Cesar
    W. Reid, C. Jenkinson, Buttner
    Michu, Cazorla, Kagawa, Yaya T.
    Tevez, RVP, E. Hazard (he's a forward in my league for some reason)

    Thoughts? I think its a pretty solid team assuming Buttner plays

    Open Controls
    1. arisms
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Is that the Yahoo! fantasy game?

      Open Controls
  11. arisms
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    I hope to achieve a decent score this week, seeing as most of my players will be playing at home.

    Foster
    A.Cole, Walker, Figueroa, Demel
    Hazard, Cazorla, Michu
    Tevez, RVP, Defoe

    Only RVP and Cazorla have away matches 🙂 Still, it could all go horribly wrong...

    Open Controls
    1. manu4life
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Yes, it is for Yahoo league. What do you think though? Yaya Toure or Kevin Nolan? Your team looks pretty solid as well. What do you think of mine?

      Open Controls
      1. fizzul89
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        Nolan is attacking midfielder that always created chances

        Open Controls
  12. NATSTER
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    El Capitán?

    A: Hazard

    Home vs Stoke. Top FFS poll. Probably most selected this week. He played 90 minutes on last Saturday and Wednesday. His team got nothing last Sat and he got 1 assist on midweek. His next match is today, Saturday. Some speculate that he could be rested and start from bench. Chelsea have next match on Tuesday but it's just a cup game and he won't be needed to play.

    B: H. Ben Arfa

    Home vs Norwich. 8th on FFS poll. He should be fully fresh as he and most of his first team players didn't play in Europa League game. Newcastle are expected to win with some margin over Norwich and HBA is expected to be highly involved. Anyway, he got nothing when his team scored 2 goals last week.

    Open Controls
    1. Bang Bang 0-0
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      I'll go with HBA
      stoke city even stronger this season..
      and, the chances HBA will start higher than hazard imo
      RVP's cameo last week burnt me... 😀

      Open Controls
  13.  ⓖⓐⓩⓩⓐ™
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Rate my team please

    Foster. (Jaaskelainen)

    Rafael. Demel. Baines (Hangeland) (Jenkinson)

    Hazard(c) Y Toure. Michu. Dyer. (Sterling)

    Van persie Tevez. Berbatov

    Open Controls
    1. NATSTER
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      From my memory, Jass and Foster are not rotating well.

      For this week, I think you are set and ready to go.

      Open Controls
      1. blue cheese
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        Foster and Jaaskelainen rotate extremely well actually. Not h/a, but in terms of fixture difficulty.

        Open Controls
        1. Bang Bang 0-0
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 6 months ago

          +1
          just like Foster + Begovic / Krul + Vorm last season..
          in GW 2, I'd jump to jussie+foster and upgrade my def

          Open Controls
      2.  ⓖⓐⓩⓩⓐ™
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers. yeh they rotate really well

        WEST BROM : RDG avl QPR MCI new SOT

        WEST HAM. : SUN qpr ARS SOT wig MCI

        Open Controls
    2. blue cheese
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      There's a new post btw, guys.

      Open Controls
  14. samlong1
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Jasskelienen
    Ivanovic terry baines
    Michu hazard yaya Ben arfa
    Defoe tevez ba
    I’ve got 1.6 in the bank, I know it’s not great but any changes?

    Open Controls
    1. tommo-uk-
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Nice Team, but i wouldnt have too expensive defenders in Ivanovic & Terry.

      Downgrade 1 of them and give yourself enough money to upgrade 1 of your strikers. Tevez & Defoe a are potential rotation risks over the coming weeks when Aguero & Adebayor return.

      Open Controls
  15. stachman
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Nobody feels that Azpilicueta may be given a debut against Stoke at home? Ivanovic had been playing every game this season (including international team)... He has to be rested one day...

    Open Controls
    1. DROP IT LIKE IT'S HART
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      I don't think RDM will want to take chances against Stoke.

      Open Controls
  16. DROP IT LIKE IT'S HART
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    I am seriously considering Berbatov for GW5 captaincy,what do you think..tricky game week...have RvP,Tevez,Berbatov,Yaya T,carzola,Ben Arfa,Kagawa,

    Open Controls
    1. tommo-uk-
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      I think the captain choice is wide open this week. If Fulham turn it on and score a few, Berba is going to be involved in them surely.

      Hazard is most % but i can see Chelsea really struggling vs Stoke.......0-0, 1-0 i predict.

      I can see lots of goals in the LIV v UTD game and RVP could bag another double pointer imo.

      Open Controls
  17. Jim Carew
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Any thoughts on starting Kacaniklic over either Yaya or Cazorla, am I crazy?
    Tough game for both Man City and Arsenal and Kac is at Wigan with Berba looking good for goals....

    Open Controls
  18. bobbypires88
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    thinking of play Kacaniklic over Michu...bad idea?

    Open Controls
    1. boffster
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      yes

      Open Controls
  19. Hatem_Hazard
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    What do you guys think:

    Change Torres + Dyer to Defoe + Ben Arfa (and -4)

    Thanks!

    Open Controls
  20. josc87
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Bench Cazorla or Maloney?

    Really think Maloney could out score cazorla this week... But undecided - help!

    Open Controls
  21. Skipper
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Should i make a change or wait till next week for 2 transfers
    Vorm, (Cerny)
    Rafael, Vermaelen, Ivanovic, (McCartney), (Clyne)
    Bale, Yaya Toure, Dyer, Michu, Fellaini
    Tevez, Torres, Petric

    Open Controls
  22. bobbypires88
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Michu or Fellaini? Cos Jelavic is injured

    Open Controls
  23. fergalc90
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    baines assist, nice one

    Open Controls
  24. Flying Assassins
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Which team is better?
    (3-4-3) Foster
    Demel/Clyne Mertesacker Baines
    Michu Ben Arfa Y.Toure Hazard
    S.Fletcher V.Persie Tevez
    Or (3-5-2)
    Foster
    Hangeland Mertesacker Baines
    Routledge Michu Kagawa Hazard Y.Toure
    Tevez V. Persie
    Please reply, the first team would cost me 12 points though, do you think Kagawa will get better?

    Open Controls
  25. MikeTheYid
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Rate my team:
    Jass Schwartzer
    Reid Williams Santon Gunther Baines
    Pienaar Yaya Hazard Morrison Guthrie
    V.Persie Tevez Berba

    Who should I sell next, and who should i buy??

    Open Controls
  26. MichaelBear
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Hello,

    Sorry if this has already been covered but why didn't Harte make the reading squad yesterday?

    Thanks in advance

    Open Controls
  27. A.D.D
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Sorry lads, anyone got the link for the rise?

    Open Controls
  28. gerrard08
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    bego/jussi
    demel/baines/a.cole/wilson/gibbs
    santi/gerrard/fellaini/sterling/bale
    berba/lambert/aguero

    Open Controls
    1. Az
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      like it! Similar to mine with some punts thrown in 🙂

      Open Controls
  29. Az
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Wildcard played!

    Jussi (Begovic)

    A.Cole Baines Rafael (Clyne, Demel)

    Pienaar Michu Cazorla Nolan (Sterling)

    Berbatov Aguero RVP

    Lets do this 🙂 Want to be in the top 1k this year!

    Open Controls