Fantasy A-League managers got their first taste of competitive action on the weekend with head-to-head leagues kicking off with a bang.
If 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.
Attack once again trumped defence in week three of the competition with 16 goals across the four matches including seven in the Melbourne derby alone.
Sydney FC marquee Marc Janko and Milos Dimitrijevic put up contenders for goal of the year with two absolute stunners in the Sky Blues’ 2-0 win over a struggling Brisbane Roar FC.
Wellington Phoenix striker Nathan Burns continued his hot start to the season with a brace against former club Newcastle Jets while Adelaide United ended Perth’s unbeaten start with a 2-0 win.
Again there are only four Hyundai A-League matches this weekend so managers will need to be vigilant with their selections this week – here’s The Scout’s form guide to keep you in the loop.
Star Man
Nathan Burns ($408,000) – The former Socceroo has been in scintillating form to start the season and he almost single-handedly tore apart Newcastle Jets in round three. He netted two goals and provided an assist to accrue an impressive 18 points for the round. With the Phoenix facing a weary and potentially understrength Victory side on Monday can you afford not to have him in your team?
Dud of the week
Jamie Young ($86,000) – The Roar shot-stopper has the unenviable task of being understudy to arguably the best Hyundai A-League gloveman Michael Theo – and he’s had unhappy start to the season. He’s conceded seven goals in the opening three rounds and was caught off his line for both of Sydney FC’s goals in round three. With Roar not in action this week, Young is one managers should look to trade in.
Coach Killer
Awer Mabil ($186,000)
The Young Socceroo netted a crucial goal off the bench for the Reds but the 19-year-old’s inexplicable miss from two yards made headlines around the world. Luckily for youngster it didn’t cost his side but his inconsistency is a concern for managers considering snapping him up.
Value Pick
Craig Goodwin ($264,000) – The 22-year-old made the move to his hometown club in the off-season and he has been on fire to start the 2014/15 campaign. The Fullback is clearly enjoying a fluid role assigned to him by Josep Gombau and he provided the crucial assist for the Reds’ second goal. Goodwin is the highest scoring defender this season and at just $264,000 – he’s a steal.
Pick of the week
Milos Dimitrijevic ($165,000) – The Serbian midfielder has started all three matches for Sydney FC this year and scored a stunner in the Sky Blues’ win over Brisbane Roar on Friday night. The hard-working midfielder is one of Graham Arnold’s favourites and his consistency will see him rack up a stack of points this season.
Scout’s XI
This weekend The Scout has been forced to shift from his preferred 3-4-3 formation to a more conservative 4-4-2 configuration. Brisbane Roar’s week off has seen goalkeeper Jamie Young demoted to the bench while Ante Covic has been dropped in favour of Danny Vukovic – who comes straight in between the sticks.
OUT – Ante Covic > IN – Danny Vukovic
Besart Berisha picked up a groin injury in the Westfield FFA Cup midweek so we’re not expecting him to play and thus he drops to the bench in favour of Glory midfielder Daniel De Silva. Melbourne City FC midfielder Erik Paartalu has been traded in for the more attack minded Fahid Ben Khalfallah from Victory.
OUT – Erik Paartalu > IN – Fahid Ben Khalfallah
Thomas Broich is out of action this week so The Scout has drafted in Sydney FC defender Alex Gersbach to the starting line-up to shore up the back four. We’re anticipating goals to be harder to come by in round four and expect the more balanced 4-4-2 formation to reap the rewards.
