After having two weeks to cut their teeth, managers will really be put to the test this weekend with the introduction of head-to-head competitions.
So if you haven’t already put pen to paper on your contract get on board the Fantasy A-League bandwagon by signing up here – and of course The Scout is always here to lend a helping hand.
Week two of the competition saw a record aggregate crowd flock to grounds around the country and weren’t they treated to some stunning football. Sydney FC recorded their biggest comeback in the derby, Perth Glory showed their opening round result was no fluke and that man David Villa was on scoresheet again.
Amazingly last season’s grand finalists sit bottom of the table without a point to their name and there was not a single clean-sheet in round two. With there being only four Hyundai A-League matches this weekend managers will have to be on their game more than ever – here’s The Scout’s form guide to lend a hand.
Star Man
Andy Keogh ($426,000) – Having scored the season’s first hat-trick, against the champions no less, the Glory frontman has rocketed in value and is the envy of managers across the league. The Irishman’s three goals netted him 13 points which was the highest score for the round and with his price only going up now could be the time to buy a proven goal scorer.
Dud of the week
Defenders – With every team in the Hyundai A-League finding the back of the net in round two defenders across the competition let their fantasy managers down. To combat the free-scoring start to the season The Scout is recommending playing just three at the back and being frugal with your spending so you’ve got some cash to attack!
Coach Killer
Nikola Petkovic ($191,000) – After the Sydney FC centre-back had his red card in the Westfield FFA Cup upheld the Serbian hardman has been rubbed out of the Sky Blues trip to Brisbane. While much has been made of the merits of the decision that’s two red cards in two matches for Graham Arnold’s defence – a real coach killer.
Value Pick
Henrique ($256,000) – The diminutive Brazilian scored a goal and created an assist to demand a starting berth in the Roar lineup. The champions will surely we looking to bounce back from two shock loses to start the season against a Sydney FC side facing a short turn around so look for Henrique to take full advantage.
Pick of the Week
Bruce Djite ($293,000) – The Reds talisman will be high on confidence following his mid-week brace in the Westfield FFA Cup to send his side to the last four. Many are touting Djite as the answer to the Socceroos goal scoring options up front and we’re expecting him to fire at home against the high-flying Perth Glory.
Scout’s XI
This weekend The Scout will once again be sticking with their 3-4-3 formation which has paid handsome dividends in the opening two rounds. We’re not expecting Besart Berisha to fire a blank two games in a row so Bes keeps the captain’s armband for what’s shaping as a goal-fest in the Melbourne Derby.
With there only being four matches this weekend The Scout has once again delved into the transfer market to ensure we’ll have a strong XI on the park.
OUT – Matt Acton > IN – Jamie Young
Roar goalkeeper Jamie Young appears to have secured the gloves in Michael Theo’s absence and comes straight into the starting side. After two straight defeats we’re expecting the champions to batter down the hatches and keep a clean sheet at home.
OUT – John Hutchinson > IN – Isaías Sánchez Cortés
With the Wanderers playing the first leg of their Asian Champions League final this weekend the Mariners match against Western Sydney has been rescheduled till later in the season. With Central Coast skipper John Hutchinson no chance of scoring any points he’s been traded for Isaias who looked lively in the Reds Tuesday night win.
Scout’s honour
– Head-to-head leagues start this weekend so get your friends signed up and into a league to ensure everyone will start on parity for the remainder of the season.
– The Wanderers and Mariners don’t play this weekend so make sure you utilise your subs bench and two permitted trades. The players will have two matches were they can score big points in a subsequent gameweek.
– With Sydney FC and Adelaide United facing each other in mid-week Westfield FFA Cup action coaches Graham Arnold and Josep Gombau could look to rest some of their starts so be careful naming them to lead your side.
– Make sure you check the Round 3 ins-and-outs on Thursday to ensure players in your squad have been named to play on the weekend.
Club Leagues
Show your true colours and join your clubs official fantasy league!
Simply search by using the codes below and see how you rank again your fellow supporters!
Adelaide United Official – WAANXHZK
Brisbane Roar Official – 2TJLAH2E
Central Coast Mariners Official – S5HZC32R
Melbourne City FC Official – 93E6L5FP
Melbourne Victory Official – 9MWFWTK7
Newcastle Jets Official – ZW2ZJ3H3
Perth Glory Official – VF36JUYV
Sydney FC Official – URWD9T2E
Wellington Phoenix Official – KRJR6RTL
Western Sydney Wanderers Official – PJKM935L
