This week’s Scout Picks are dominated by four teams with strong fixtures on their agendas. Sunderland, Southampton and Chelsea supply us with a couple of players apiece, whilst we opt for three of United’s assets ahead of Sunday afternoon’s home clash with struggling Fulham:
Vito Mannone welcomes Hull to the Stadium of Light this weekend. The Sunderland stopper has registered back-to-back clean sheets against Stoke and Newcastle and, with the visitors scoring just once in the last five Gameweeks, his chances of a third successive shut-out look strong.
Jose Fonte gets the nod for Southampton’s home clash with Stoke. Given that the Potters have scored once in their previous six road trips, Mauricio Pochettino’s side will be optimistic of a clean sheet and, with Dejan Lovren still sidelined, Fonte offers a greater goal threat and chance of bonus than any other available Saints defender.
We opt for Patrice Evra ahead of United’s home game against Fulham. The Cottagers have failed to score in any of their last three road trips, suggesting a clean sheet could be on the cards, whilst the left-back’s raids down the flank have already helped him claim a goal and three assists this season.
John Terry is our Chelsea defender of choice for tomorrow’s visit of under-strength Newcastle. Jose Mourinho’s side have now conceded just twice in eight Gameweeks and, with the Magpies devoid of the suspended Loic Remy up top, yet another shut-out looks on the menu. Terry’s penalty box menace and propensity for picking up bonus bodes well as he looks to chase down Seamus Coleman at the top of the Fantasy Premier League defender standings.
Three double-figure hauls in the last four Gameweeks is indicative of Adam Lallana’s current form. The Saints skipper has scored five of his seven strikes at St Mary’s and will fancy his chances of netting again, given that visitors Stoke have conceded in nine of the last 10 league fixtures.
United’s home clash with basement-dwellers Fulham brings Juan Mata into consideration. The Spaniard has made an instant impact at Old Trafford, providing an assist in each of his first two appearances and, with David Moyes’ side desperate to bounce back from last weeks’ loss at the Britannia, Mata’s creativity could wreak havoc against the Cottagers.
Eden Hazard sits third in this week’s Captain Poll ahead of Chelsea’s clash with Newcastle at the Bridge. With Fabricio Coloccini joined by Cheick Tiote on the sidelines this weekend, the Magpies backline looks there for the taking as the Belgian goes in search of a fifth set of double figures in front of his own fans.
Adam Johnson’s owners will be looking for further returns this weekend before the fixtures turn nasty for the Sunderland flier. Six goals and a pair of assists over the last four highlight his current form – visitors Hull haven’t registered a single shut-out on their travels this term, suggesting Johnson could be set to plunder the points as Gus Poyet plots to get one over former Black Cats boss Steve Bruce.
Having scored in each of his two appearances since returning from injury, Robin van Persie has shot to the top of this week’s Captain Poll ahead of United’s home game with Fulham. With Rene Meulensteen’s strugglers in free-fall after a morale-sapping FA Cup loss at the hands of Sheffield United, the Dutchman’s prospects of picking up the points look stronger than ever as he prepares to square up to a defence that have conceded more goals than any other side on the road.
Unlocking the Arsenal defence will no doubt give Luis Suarez a tough time but we cannot overlook the Liverpool forward for tomorrow’s encounter at Anfield. Brendan Rodgers’ side have scored two or more goals in all nine of the Uruguayan’s home appearances – Suarez has only failed to net in one of those fixtures and will be looking to atone for his blank at the Emirates back in Gameweek 10.
We’re keeping faith in Edin Dzeko for tomorrow’s trip to Norwich. Manuel Pellegrini confirmed earlier today the Bosnian has shrugged off an ankle knock and, with four goals and a pair of assists in his last six starts, he looks the man most likely to produce as City look to quickly recover from Monday’s home loss to Chelsea.
Palace’s home game with West Brom earns Joel Ward the nod. Tony Pulis’ side have now produced a clean sheet in five of their last seven at Selhurst Park, whilst Ward’s share of corner kicks boosts his prospects of attacking returns against Pepe Mel’s side.
Three goals in his last four league appearances highlights Kevin Mirallas’ current form. The Belgian’s versatility saw him moved to the role in “the hole” for Everton before injuries up top afforded him the lone forward spot – with a share of free-kick duties furthering his appeal, Mirallas could flourish at the Lane this Sunday against a Spurs side with just two clean sheets in eight since Tim Sherwood’s installation.
Southampton’s Jay Rodriguez grabs the final place in our squad. The 6.6-priced forward welcomes Stoke to St Mary’s having scored or assisted in each of the last three and looks in the mood to add to his 10-goal haul against the travel-sick Potters.
