634x258 Scout Picks
11 February 2014 2260 comments
Paul Paul
Share:

Fantasy managers can breathe a little easier this afternoon after the cancellation of the London Tube strike allows Liverpool’s trip to Craven Cottage to go ahead. No surprise to see us double up on Brendan Rodgers’ side, then, whilst Everton, Chelsea and City feature prominently in our starting line-up ahead of this evening’s deadline:

Adrian takes his place between the posts as West Ham prepare to host Norwich. The 4.4-priced stopper has now registered four clean sheets in the last five and, given that the Canaries have notched just three times in the last seven Gameweeks, another Hammers shut-out looks likely.

Back in the Everton starting line-up for Sunday’s trip to Tottenham, Seamus Coleman returns to the Scout Picks ahead of a home clash with Crystal Palace. Tony Pulis’ side have scored just once in their previous four away fixtures, whilst Coleman’s eye for goal has already seen him find the net five times this term.

With John Terry still sidelined due to a muscle problem, we opt for Branislav Ivanovic as Chelsea head to West Brom. The right-back has registered back-to-back double-figure returns and has picked up in attacking threat, whilst the Blues’ record of seven clean sheets in nine could well be extended against a Baggies side yet to win under new boss Pepe Mel.

We opt for Vincent Kompany for City’s Etihad encounter with Sunderland. Undoubtedly, Aleksandar Kolarov offers a greater upside than his skipper and, having been benched at the weekend, should return against the Black Cats but Kompany’s security of starts swayed our decision, whilst three goals in his last nine highlights the Belgian’s aerial threat in the opposition box.

Chelsea’s man of the moment Eden Hazard rolls up to the Hawthorns on the back of a hat-trick against Newcastle last weekend. With Billy Jones doubtful for the Baggies, the Belgian could be set to face Steven Reid on the flank this evening and, given his current form, further returns look on the menu as Hazard goes in search of an eighth double-figure haul of the season.

Everton’s home clash with Palace brings Kevin Mirallas into consideration. The Belgian has scored five of his six strikes at Goodison and has netted in each of the last two in front of his own fans – a potential move to the middle could be on the cards again after the Toffees drew a blank at Tottenham, whilst a share of set-pieces came to fruition against Villa in his previous appearance on Merseyside.

Free to feature against Sunderland after the FA decided against taking action over his Carrow Road altercation with Ricky van Wolfswinkel, Yaya Toure is our City midfielder of choice. Having scored or assisted in nine of his 11 Etihad appearances, the Ivorian has provided a source of consistency that is hard to ignore – not only is he on set-piece duties, Toure will be first in line for spot-kicks with Sergio Aguero still sidelined through injury.

Having bagged a brace in each of his last two appearances, Kevin Nolan gets the nod as West Ham prepare for the visit of Norwich. The absence of Andy Carroll didn’t quite have the detrimental effect many expected last weekend as the Hammers skipper struck twice against Villa – his penalty box menace could make the difference against a Canaries side that have conceded 26 goals in 12 away games to date.

Raheem Sterling gets the nod after Liverpool’s game at Fulham was given the go-ahead. A weekend brace against Arsenal sums up the youngster’s current form and, at a mere 5.5 in the Fantasy Premier League, looks superb value as Brendan Rodgers’ free-scoring side prepare to face a defence that has shipped more goals in front of their own fans than any other side in the Premier League.

Daniel Sturridge’s form caused much deliberation behind the scenes but we’ve opted for Luis Suarez as Liverpool prepare for a plum away clash at the Cottage. Ultimately, given Fulham’s dire defensive record, the Uruguayan’s armband appeal won the day – he’s racked up 10 sets of double figures to Sturridge’s two and has already produced 16 points against tomorrow’s opponents back in Gameweek 11.

Utilised as a sub in City’s goalless draw at Norwich, Edin Dzeko is expected to return to the starting line-up for the home encounter with Sunderland. With the Black Cats devoid of Wes Brown through suspension, the Bosnian will be looking to recapture the form that had seen him rack up four goals and a pair of assists in five appearances prior to City’s back-to-back blanks.

Geoff Cameron is drafted in as Stoke welcome Swansea to the Britannia. Whilst the Potters have been less than resilient in front of their own fans, their visitors’ recent away record – a single goal scored in four road trips – suggests a shut-out could be on the cards for Mark Hughes’ side.

Stoke’s Charlie Adam is perhaps a little unlucky only to make the bench. The Potters midfielder has struck four times in his last four home matches and is up against a Swansea side that last managed an away clean sheet in Gameweek 5.

We hand Christian Benteke a spot on the bench as Villa roll up to Cardiff. With a goal or assist in four of his last five, the Belgian has been in strong form of late and faces a defence that has conceded at least twice in all but one of the last nine Gameweeks.

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

  1. Dougal McGuire
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Koscielny or AJ this week?

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

      AJ

      Open Controls
    2. FPLord
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      AJ

      Open Controls
    3. Deulo10
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      AJ

      Open Controls
    4. Ed
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Kosc

      Open Controls
    5. Assisting you all day
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Kos

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

      Thanks to you all. I had put AJ in but was waffling. Probably a lot more upside. I also have Mata, and hate putting my defenders vs my attackers.

      Open Controls
    7. Sess!
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      AJ

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

    Kick out AJ for a hit. Yay or Nay?

    Open Controls
    1. La Roja
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Nay way

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

        But but I want Nolan

        Honestly, you think AJ have any chances of giving any attacking returns? Old team and all that

        Open Controls
    2. jaco
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      nah not a hit

      Open Controls
    3. Rossamous
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      For Mirallas, yes

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

        So you prefer Mirallas over Nolan?

        Open Controls
        1. Sess!
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          Nolan is a terrible pick. Stay clear.

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

            He is surely on form, no?

            and when Carrol returns after a match, his chances shirley increases?

            Open Controls
    4. Sess!
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      I did AJ > Mirallas for a hit. It's a dodgy move but could pay off. It's only 4pts at end of the day.

      Open Controls
    5. Coaly
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      I was going to do AJ to Lallana for a hit but so far have resisted, sticking to my no hit policy it's served me well the last few weeks

      Open Controls
  3. FPLord
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Any move worth a hit? Have no City cover and a weak defence

    A. Evans, Eriksen> Olssen, Silva

    B. Evans, Mata > Ivanovic, Silva (double up with Azpi)

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

      Eriksen has a good fixture this week and Mata has been solid. Don't do it

      Open Controls
    2. G11gsy
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      No, just do the Evans transfer

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

    @Bubz

    Given you're in the same position as me, let me know what you decide on Evans v Ward

    I'm guessing you don't have Adrian if you're looking at Demel

    Open Controls
    1. Zep
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      I'm playing him over Fabio and Ward, just in case he makes it...

      I always fancy him for a goal from a corner, plus United usually up their game v Arsenal...

      Fabio first defender sub, then Ward...

      Open Controls
    2. Bubz
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      I'm still completely undecided. Keep changing my mind. Evans is dropping in price as well which isn't ideal. I think I'm swaying toward kicking Evans out.

      Open Controls
  5. BKR
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    No Spurs Coverage in SCOUT PICKS???

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

      spurs are poop

      Open Controls
    2. FPLord
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      too many other top table teams have strong home fixtures

      Open Controls
    3. MattysFantasyFooty
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      You don't need Sp*rs coverage I have only had 1 sp*rs player all season and that was Ade for one week when he scored 5pts

      Open Controls
      1. Assisting you all day
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        this

        Open Controls
    4. J0E
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Ade was our back up for Suarez if the Ful v Liv game was off.

      Open Controls
      1. BKR
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        I think Ade/Eric/Walker etc has a good chance to score in this GW. Spurs are good on road and Newcastle is not doing good at home ground.

        its true that, the consistency of Spurs is a big question mark!

        Open Controls
  6. gdog2244
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    GK:Mannone, Speroni
    DEF:Terry, Azpi, gabbidon, Collins, Coleman
    MID:Yaya, Zaha, Puncheon, Hazard, Lallana
    ATT:Suarez, Studge, Ade
    0.6 mil in bank

    What would u do with my FT after this GW?

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

      Save and wait for weekend cup results.

      Open Controls
  7. tm245
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Just read the question from Grounderz a few pages back about how Scout Pick are determined -- have the Scouts ever considered a bit of competition with the readers: Scouts can have their picks and readers can complete a poll to select squads. Could be a fin way to engage people.

    Open Controls
    1. tm245
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      *fun, or fine -- you choose.

      Open Controls
    2. J0E
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Its certainly worth considering something like that. One to ponder over the summer for us perhaps. I'm always keen on involving the community more in the various parts of the site.

      Open Controls
      1. tm245
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        Crowdsourcing/groupthink at its finest! Would have to control the voting/poll so no ballot stuffing occurs, though wouldn't want a community VS the Scouts mentality to emerge at all on the site.

        Open Controls
  8. FPL Daniel
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Still bothered by the question:

    To Azpi for a hit or not to Azpi. That will mean giving Burner the Almighty to prove his worth

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

      wait till team news. I think it will help you decide as burner might not start. Wait and see

      Open Controls
      1. SammoUK111
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        This. But in general, never take a hit for a defender

        Open Controls
        1. FPL Daniel
          • 16 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          Burner and Azpi will both start. I like having Azpi in my team especially as I am Che fan. Something will comes up in mean time and I won't be able to bring him in. I am worried about that

          Open Controls
          1. pokern1nja09
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 11 months ago

            I'm a cardiff fan, and most people are saying burner will be dropped for the new signing Juan cala. Burner has more awful lately

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

      I would get Azpi in I got him in for a hit last week and it worked out fine but I am also keeping him for the long haul until roughly Gameweek 31 when their fixtures get tougher

      Open Controls
  9. sinik
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    anyone else still tempted by a non-Suarez armband?

    Open Controls
    1. SammoUK111
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Toure for me

      Open Controls
      1. sinik
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        considering Sturridge or Hazard myself

        Open Controls
  10. Spatburgunder
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Am I right to play vlast over mert?

    Open Controls
    1. JT's Dog
        11 years, 11 months ago

        if playing scrabble yes, much points

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

          Ha damn auto correct! Meant vlaar.....

          Open Controls
    2. OPTA FPL
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      FPL winner every year has been always English?!? Any winner from outside England?

      Open Controls
      1. JT's Dog
          11 years, 11 months ago

          wasnt last year serbia or somewhere like that, spoke about being up a mountain on final match day

          Open Controls
          1. Mithrandir, the Grey Pilgri…
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 16 Years
            11 years, 11 months ago

            On Holiday I thought.

            Open Controls
        • jonnybhoy
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          Did you not just answer you question?

          Open Controls
      2. FPL Touches
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        Worried going into this GW without Sturridge or Yaya... 😥

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

          Got both 😉 #Casual

          Open Controls
      3. Thomass
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        Afternoon lads!

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

          Bye

          Open Controls
        2. JT's Dog
            11 years, 11 months ago

            thomass what pearls of wisdom will you bring us today?

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

              Don't know

              Open Controls
        3. FACUPARSE
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          @SOB

          Rooney was a one week punt, Evra (c) was a very poor choice. No confidence in Hazard?? Surely a Chelsea fan would have Hazard in their team?

          Open Controls
          1. Chris_Fàbregas #DOOS…
            • 15 Years
            11 years, 11 months ago

            You captained Evra? 😆

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

          who is the best option for a West Ham defender

          Open Controls
          1. G11gsy
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 11 months ago

            Demel/Reid

            Open Controls
          2. Bobby_Baggio
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 11 months ago

            demel

            Open Controls
        5. Your Mum Zohore
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          Time to take eriksen out?

          Open Controls
          1. The Bandit
            • 15 Years
            11 years, 11 months ago

            Lucky if that's your biggest problem with blanks coming up

            Open Controls
            1. Your Mum Zohore
              • 12 Years
              11 years, 11 months ago

              I'm only worried about his game time with Townsend pushing for a start...

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

          Sterling over sturridge in the picks, really?

          Open Controls
          1. Breadbin
            • 15 Years
            11 years, 11 months ago

            The "don't like to double" on the same position lark. Mid and striker is doubling, however they paint it.

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

            Yeah. Coleman over Baines too.

            Baines gonna hit the differential beans for me.

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

              You have baines? Spicy

              Open Controls
          3. beric
            • 13 Years
            11 years, 11 months ago

            Just because of price I take it?

            Surprised Mirrallas and Nolan beat studge and/or ade though

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

            Just thought that Sterling will not have a GW like that for the rest of the season doesn't make sense really one game wonder I think especially when he has God awful shooting

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

              I concur. You never know though, his stats have been good

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

                They have been good but he has been no where near as good as Sturridge of late

                Open Controls
        7. Hazardous Liege '76
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          Johnson to Nolan?!

          Open Controls
          1. Sess!
            • 15 Years
            11 years, 11 months ago

            No. Nolan is such a poor player.

            Open Controls
        8. l'architetto
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          1)AJ>Yaya
          2)AJ>Nolan, Ade>Dzeko

          Open Controls
          1. G11gsy
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 11 months ago

            1

            Open Controls
        9. rvp786
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          Which move is more important??

          A) ozil >>> mirallas/nolan

          B) rooney >>>> sturridge

          C) rooney and ozil >>> studge and yaya

          Open Controls
          1. G11gsy
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 11 months ago

            C

            Open Controls
          2. Weasel Boy
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            11 years, 11 months ago

            B or C if u have 2 FTs

            Open Controls
        10. sinik
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          a little less than 4 hours until the lock right?

          Open Controls
          1. JT's Dog
              11 years, 11 months ago

              i have elvis in my head now

              Open Controls
              1. sinik
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 12 Years
                11 years, 11 months ago

                😀

                Open Controls
          2. Messiah Hazard
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 11 months ago

            I need one replacement for AJ, and scout picks has Yaya, Nolan and Miralles all in them... which one from these should I get?

            Open Controls
            1. JT's Dog
                11 years, 11 months ago

                all could work and all could fail,
                miralles will annoy you more than others but could also score a couple

                Open Controls
              • Coaly
                • 13 Years
                11 years, 11 months ago

                Yaya or Lallana

                Open Controls
            2. No Punt Intended
              • 11 Years
              11 years, 11 months ago

              Eriksen to Mirallas or save FT for next week?

              Open Controls
              1. G11gsy
                • 12 Years
                11 years, 11 months ago

                save

                Open Controls
            3. Thomass
              • 13 Years
              11 years, 11 months ago

              What shall I do?

              Boruc
              Coleman, Terry, Cahill,
              Lallana, Silva, Hazard, Cazorla
              Suarez(C), Sturridge, Adebayor
              Subs: Davis, Ward, Shelvey and Chester
              Got 1FT and .3 ITB

              Open Controls
              1. Mithrandir, the Grey Pilgri…
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 16 Years
                11 years, 11 months ago

                Hold. You have Ward ready if Terry is out.

                Open Controls
              2. Ellipsis
                • 12 Years
                11 years, 11 months ago

                Cazorla to Mata?

                Open Controls
              3. JT's Dog
                  11 years, 11 months ago

                  that team is lovely, leave it alone for this week

                  Open Controls
              4. The Chosen One...
                • 13 Years
                11 years, 11 months ago

                West Brom beaten Chelsea last 2 times at home 😯 Hazard (c) punt officially off

                Open Controls
                1. JT's Dog
                    11 years, 11 months ago

                    much different team now, on both sides of pitch.

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

                  Anyone not captaining Suarez out of interest?

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

                    Dzeko

                    Open Controls
                  2. sinik
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 12 Years
                    11 years, 11 months ago

                    considering Sturridge and Haz

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

                      Both 2 I'm considering too

                      Open Controls
                3. JMason57
                  • 12 Years
                  11 years, 11 months ago

                  Team looking good to go?

                  Boruc

                  Coleman, Kosc, Cahill,

                  Haz, Lallana, Ozil, Erik

                  Suarez, Studge, Negredo

                  0.1m itb.

                  Giving Ozil 1 last chance against MUN, but if he's poor again he's gone; who for though I can't decide.

                  Open Controls
                4. Reed_Rothchild
                  • 16 Years
                  11 years, 11 months ago

                  Would you take a hit to transfer Rooney for Dzeko?

                  Open Controls
                5. gers23
                  • 14 Years
                  11 years, 11 months ago

                  Giroud to Dzeko or Sturridge worth a hit?

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

                    Nah

                    Open Controls
                6. The Colonel
                  • 12 Years
                  11 years, 11 months ago

                  Pick one to start:

                  A) Kos
                  B) Olsson
                  C) Vlaar

                  Open Controls
                  1. el trompo
                    • 15 Years
                    11 years, 11 months ago

                    Olsson

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

                    Olsson

                    Open Controls