Scout Picks

The Scout Picks – New for 2015/16

Having experimented with a new system for the Scout Picks last season, once again, we’re tweaking the setup for the forthcoming season – hopefully for the better.

We’re still giving you, the Fantasy Football Scout community, the opportunity to get involved and take on our lineup.

We have, however, decided to scrap the weekly vote which, at times, could sometimes result in spam comment posting and the occasional exploit.

Instead, we’re turning to a lottery to select a community member to select their picks in each Gameweek.

If you wish to submit a Scout Picks squad and be the community’s champion in the forthcoming Gameweek, you’ll need to submit your details via this form.

Twenty-four hours later we’ll announce the selected champion and he/she will then have until Thursday afternoon to submit their picks.

This will then go head-to-head with our squad, which will be selected using the old traditional method of argument and discussion behind the scenes – at which point I’ll put my foot down and pick Leighton Baines regardless. So there will only be one set of Scout Picks from us this season.

We’re also planning a couple of new articles, centred around the Scout Picks.

We’ll bring you a Provisional Scout Picks selection on Tuesday detailing our early thinking. This article will also be used to announce the community champion for that week.

We’re also planning a new ad-hoc article that will reveal some of the discussion and tension going on behind the scenes, as a way of letting you get a view of our own selection process and any particular dilemmas in a given Gameweek.

Then, on Friday, you’ll get the final Scout Picks from us and your champion.

We’re still offering a prize alongside this process. The community member who beats our picks by the biggest margin over the campaign will win a £100 Amazon Voucher and a place in our Contributors and Moderators League for the following season.

How Do I Get Involved?

Would-be community “Champions” must put themselves forward by submitting their details on the Scout Picks Champion Entry form.

We will create a community article on Monday each week to announce that applications are open and link to the form.

An applicant will be chosen at random the following day and announced in our Provisional Picks article.

The successful community “Champion” must supply their final Scout Picks XI to Jonty (jonty@fantasyfootballscout.co.uk) by 3pm on Thursday of that week. They have the option to tweak their Picks until 3pm on Friday.

Community Champions may seek the help and advice of others on the site once announced.

Should the community “Champion” fail to provide an initial or final Scout Pick selection, then an “Assistant Manager”, chosen by us, will gain control of the selection to represent the community for the Gameweek in question.

What do I need to do if I become the Community Champion?

You must select an Fantasy Premier League squad of 11 players in any valid FPL formation and using the regular FPL rules – eg: only three players per team permitted.

We will set a budget for your XI. Initially, this will be 82.5 and will increase as the season progresses and prices rise.

You may consult with the community in order to gain advice on building your Scout Picks for the Gameweek.

You do not need to submit any test to accompany your Picks but we may use a contribution should you wish to submit up to 200 words.

How Will the Scout Picks Be Scored?

We will total up the FPL points for both our Scout Picks and the community’s Picks.

No captain will be applied.

No chips will be applied.

Are there any other rules?

Yes there are. Plus, we reserve the right to make up some more along the way once we get started.

For now, we’re stipulating the following:

  • Community Champion Nominations must be registered users on Fantasy Football Scout and must not be under moderation at the time.
  • Scout Picks cannot be posted as a nomination on behalf of another user.
  • Nominees must be willing to supply a valid email address for contact throughout the selection process.
  • Any nominee or Champion voted by the community, who is later put under moderation, will not be considered for that Gameweek.
  • We reserve the right to change and overrule the selection of the chosen Community Champion at anytime.

We are now accepting applications for Gameweek 1 so head over to the entry form if you fancy getting your name in the hat.

You have until 2pm on Tuesday to get your application submitted.

Mark Mark created the beast. He's now looking to tame it.

2,355 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Hy liverpool
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    a) Lens mahrez
    or
    b) chadli sinclair

    1. AlissonWunderland
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      B

    2. antolol
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      B deffo 🙂

    • 10 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    When people say a "GW4 Wildcard"... what do they mean?

    A) Wildcard BEFORE GW4 to get Aguero before Watford at home?

    or

    B) Wildcard AFTER GW4 to capture the close of the transfer window and the long international break?

    I assumed the two happened in the same GW, but confused why everyone's so keen on GW4 now...

    1. bacary lasagna
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      A, fixtures

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      City vs Watford probably.

    3. Lingardium Leviosa.
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      I'm looking at WC before in time for GW 9 ( the second int'l break)

      Reserving enough in the kitty for a straight swap to Aguero

    4. Mílanista
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Wildcard after when they've f***** up and missed Aguero's haul against Watford.

        • 10 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        😆

  2. Lingardium Leviosa.
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    No wahy I can fit Sanchez into a team that already includes Sterling, Hazard and Aguero. All this while trying to maintain balance...

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Plenty will if they are all scoring well.

  3. Trigg ⭐️
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Think I'm gonna start with Bellerin.

    Only a small rotation risk I'd say.

    1. AlissonWunderland
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Mert? He has less of a rotation risk

      Bellerin - 20%
      Mert - 10%

      Mert gets baps

      1. Trigg ⭐️
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        I'd say he is first choice for the opening games. And he gets goals and assists. Could shoot up in price.

    2. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      He didn't have a great game against Chelsea, unfortunately. As an Arsenal fan, I'd prefer to see Bellerin play rather than Debuchy, personally.

  4. MooseKens
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    So, I've been busy and just realized that I have less than a week to put together my team.

    Is there a reason that everyone and their mother is so gun-ho about Rooney this season?

    1. Alan The Llama
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Gung-ho, a gun-ho is something quite different.

      Rooney is Utd's only respectable centre forward.

    2. Jimmers
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Playing up front (his best position) with little or no competition

  5. schlupptheweek
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Controversial comment warning!
    Oscar to go under everyones radar and get 13pts GW1 !

    1. mcsteely
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      It could happen! won't return as much over the whole season as other chelsea options though.

    2. AlissonWunderland
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Too controversial

  6. The Pep Revolution
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Which do you prefer, Pelle or Mane and why?

    1. antolol
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Pelle! Seems to be super-consistent when he's got high confidence, which his pre-season has given him!

      1. The Count of Monte Cristo
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        What was his return in pre-season?

        1. antolol
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          Think he's scored 6 Goals in 4 games (not 100% on this, its at least 5 in 3)

      2. The Pep Revolution
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Yeah he is my pick anyway.

  7. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Anyone know how many penaltys Tekkers have earned in PL?

    And a link to where I could find this stat would be awesome...

  8. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Adama Traore to Liverpool, do we think maybe Ibe could be sent out on loan to a prem club. Would be nice

    1. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Would that be a permanent deal for Adama or a loan move?

      1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        permanent I believe

        1. The Count of Monte Cristo
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          Hmmm, as a Barcelona fan, I'm hoping it's only temporary. Though he hasn't impressed as much as others such as Munir, I did enjoy watching him play in a few of the Copa Del Rey games in the earlier rounds.

    2. djenzio
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      really hope we sign him. brilliant player. I agree that Ibe could really benefit from a loan, if he can get 30 PL games under his belt he will be a really ready for next season

  9. mcsteely
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    I'm happy with my front 8. Any feedback on my backline?

    Schmeilchel, Butland
    Merte, Azip, Cedric, Huth Targett

    1. antolol
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Looks very solid to me! Targett ofc a temporary solution,but works 🙂

    2. conorbon
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      With the tinkerman in charge double Leicester is a risk imo but apart from that good to go.

    3. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Looks really good. Do you think Targett is more nailed on that Baker?

  10. antolol
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Ruddy Rudd
    Ivan Koscielny Cedric (Huth, O'Shea)
    Hazard Özil Milner Sterling (Fletcher)
    Rooney Pelle Wilson

    Thoughts appriciated 🙂

    1. mcsteely
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      I prefer hendo to Milner myself but other than that looks pretty good!

    2. Gargamel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      9.5/10, only one I really doubt is Milner

      1. antolol
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Suggestions on a swap? Chadli? Hendo? Cheers guys!

    3. Adds04
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Almost exactly the same as my team so I think it's great!

    4. GoRedz
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      it was exactly my team at some point this week.
      Like 50 % of the teams posted here I think 🙂

      it's good (now I went Kane instead of Rooney)

      1. antolol
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Yeah im torn between them too.. Thanks!

  11. U-jin King™
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Costa will troll everyone again and score a hatty

    1. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Most likely.

    2. Gooner Kebab
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      hope he does

  12. conorbon
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Hi All,

    Good to go?

    Courtois, Hennessey.
    Francis, Cedric, Chester, Cresswell, Koscienly.
    Ki, Lens, Milner, Ozil, Hazard.
    Deeney, Kane, Rooney.

    Unsure on Cresswell and as crazy as it sounds Hazard.

  13. modestjellyfish
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    My current team
    Ruddy- Butland
    Azpil- Mings-Oshea- Merte-Jenkinson
    Hazard-Chadli-Carzola-Henderson-Ritchie
    Sakho-Benteke-Rooney

    Now I think this is a solid team-
    My dilemma(s)-
    A) Doubling up on Hendo-Benteke
    B)Chadli
    C)Mings or Francis
    D) Dropping down Azpil>5m def and getting mane for Chadli
    E)O'shea

    Praise and suggestions welcome- HA

    1. antolol
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Looks solid to me! 3-5-2?
      A) Wouldnt do it, dont trust 2x Liverpool until they perform! Pelle instead imo
      B) I really like that pick!
      C) Mings new signing, guess hes nailed. Both seem attacking. Flip a coin imo.
      D) Nahhh, keep Azpi
      E) Im having the same problem. Coates or him imo

      1. modestjellyfish
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Formation would depend on who is playing. Planning to rotate, so Sakho will play some games as a 3.

  14. The Count of Monte Cristo
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Feels great to be back on here and looking forward to a new season! Spent the last hour or so creating a first draft at last so any input, however critical, would be much appreciated!

    Butland | Ruddy
    Azpilicueta | Mertesacker | Cédric | Huth | Baker
    Hazard | Özil | Sterling | Mané | Wanyama
    Rooney | Benteke | Wilson (+ 0.0m)

    Don't think I need to double up on So'ton midfield? Mané --> Hendo?

    1. conorbon
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      For a first draft that is good. Your not going to play Wanyama much so having Mane isnt a problem.

      1. The Count of Monte Cristo
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Cheers. Yes that is very true, though say I wanted to get Pellè in, may not be quite so straightforward.

    2. Kerz
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Great team! Rock solid in all departments. Wanyanma is a 5th mid, so you haven't actually doubled up since you'll never play him alongside Mane.

      1. The Count of Monte Cristo
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Thanks - very true. Should have realised that, really!

    3. antolol
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Big approval of this team! Only one that rises questionmarks here is how well Benteke will do in Liv 🙂

      1. The Count of Monte Cristo
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Yep, that may well be a gamble. I'll have to decide between something like Hendo + Pellè or Manè + Benteke I think.

        Cheers for the help.

    4. cheeky_ash
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Strong team...nice balance

  15. AndyZ
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    first go at it.. thoughts?

    Butland Ruddy
    Huth Alderweireld Coates Cedric Baker
    Hazard Sterling Mane Mahrez Wanyama
    Rooney Kane Benteke

    1. modestjellyfish
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Stay away from Baker and Wanyama IMO, can you look at mine a couple above

  16. mdm
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    RMT please:

    Courtois / 4.0
    Merte / Huth / Coates / Bassong / Saylor
    Hazard / Sterling / Walcott / Mane / Wanayama
    Rooney / Benteke / Sakho

    Thanks.

    1. AndyZ
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      I really like it. I think I will regret leaving Walcott out.

      I see lots of teams with Sakho.. can you tell me what the thinking is? Just the attractive price?

      1. o0Ash
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Sakho scored for like 7 games in a row until injury ruled him out; he's now fit again and the chances of that form at 6.5m...appealing.

  17. semiconductor
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    1. azpi and coates or shouldbi spkit to azpi and williams??

  18. o0Ash
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Current team:

    Guzan Ruddy
    Baines Azpi Merte Darmian Huth
    Hazard Walcott Sterling Walters Wanyama
    Benteke Lukaku Sakho

    My thoughts:

    Lukaku will play mostly top 10 sides for the opening weeks. Last season he only scored against:
    WBA, Palace, Villa (2), Burnley, West Ham (2), Hull and Newcastle.
    This makes him far less appealing now I've seen it...thoughts? Kane, at least, managed 5 against Chelsea and Arsenal.

    1. conorbon
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Kane over Lukaku all day long.

      1. o0Ash
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Where would you think of saving the 1.5m needed mate?

  19. Fernando Torres
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    A) Courtois + Toby + Tadic + Rudd
    B) Butland + Kaboul + Mane + Ruddy

    Thoughts guys?

    1. Gooner Kebab
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      B

      1. Fernando Torres
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Thanks for feedback mate

  20. intek7
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Please rate my team

    Gk: Cech Hamer

    Def: Azpi Darmian Ward Cresswell Baker

    Mid: Hazard Walcott Ritchie Memphis Coquelin

    Fwd: Rooney Benteke Sakho

    1. Gooner Kebab
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Hamer is loaned out to a championship side. Find another 4.0.

      1. intek7
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        apart from Hamer, how is everything else looking?

    2. The_Socca_Philosopha
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      I like it, but get rid of Coquelin as he's a DM and yellow card magnet and won't get forward often. I'd go for Bentalab or Wanyama

  21. jam sandwich
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    a) Ruddy-Rudd w/ Lens as 4th mid
    b) Ruddy-Butland w/ Ritchie as 4th mid

    1. Lingardium Leviosa.
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      B

    2. The_Socca_Philosopha
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      B) atm, but A) if you're feeling gutsy as I'm taking a good hard look at Lens with the fixtures

      Cheers!

  22. Mull
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    I was just looking at the predicted line-ups for Newcastle against Southampton on Newcastle's forum and 80% of them have Steven Taylor starting alongside Mbemba and 100% of them had Haidara starting ahead of Dummett at left back. I know it's not totally accurate but they'll have a better idea than we do.

    1. Hibbo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Haidara seems a real favourite of McClarens so far.

    2. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Gonna stick with Saylor as my 4m defender then.

    3. Kerz
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Saylor is probably the best 4.0 at the moment. Targett will most likely play 2 games, 3 max (unlikely). If Saylor performs in the first week, and stays consistent he could nail down a place.

  23. thepuntmaster
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Here's my latest draft... any thoughts?

    Stekelenburg (Elliot)

    Azpi - Kolarov - Bellerin (Targett - Saylor)

    Haz - Walcott - Sterling - Zaha (Stanislas)

    Rooney - Costa - Jerome

    1. The_Socca_Philosopha
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Like the gutsy Kolarov pick, but that could end either really good or really bad. Targett and Stekelenburg are short term. Zaha is a risk as your 4th midfielder, Palace don't have very favorable fixtures to start. Jerome has been crap in the EPL before, so I'd stay away from him.
      Also, what's this member's H2H? 😉

      Cheers!

      1. thepuntmaster
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        I really fancy Zaha against norwich and villa and I've taken a fancy to Jerome.

        Email - toffeesXI@hotmail.co.uk and i'll send u the code 🙂

    2. d1sable
      • Has Moderation Rights
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Obviously a few punts.

      One thing i would say if Kolarov or Bellerin do get a rest at some point (i think they are both first choice) you potentially have no player off the bench to cover.

      1. thepuntmaster
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        good point - may look for someone more certain of starts

    3. maaaaloney
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      I like it a lot, but a little worried you don't have a nailed on bench defender for when Kolarov is benched. I understand you're trying to squeeze there though. Could be worth switching Jerome and Zaha to Wilson/Deeney and Hoolahan/Sinclair?

  24. Hibbo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    All the RMTs look the same 🙂

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      you sound suprised

      1. Hibbo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        They are giving me bit of a sore head if im being honest.

        1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
          • 13 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          It's only going to get sorer 🙂

          1. Mílanista
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            8 years, 9 months ago

            Need a separate article for them 24/7.

            1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
              • 13 Years
              8 years, 9 months ago

              they would still find themselves in here

              1. Mílanista
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 12 Years
                8 years, 9 months ago

                It would reduce them anyway.

          2. Hibbo
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            8 years, 9 months ago

            Im going to be seeing the words Ritchie / 4.5m mid in my sleep.

  25. Iceball
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Any strong feelings about 4.0 defender and 4.5 mid? (cant be 2 Southampton)
    Do you have better ideas than Saylor+Wanyama?

    1. Mílanista
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Nothing better, there are no decent options.

  26. SheBangsTheDrums
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Matthews nailed for Sunderland?

    1. 5678
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Nah, prob be Billy Jones at right back.

  27. Sergeant Garcia
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    I should be stuyding but all i do is tinkering about my team 🙁
    Hope it's Saturday soon...

  28. 5678
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Can anyone tell me the name of the Chrome extension that shows what fixtures your payers have in future game weeks?

    1. Ludo
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      No, but I would also very much like to find this again!

    2. o0Ash
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      I wish there was a "pick team for [GW] option" - in advance - so you could make up for forgetting or just to plan ahead and see it visually...

  29. Fernando Torres
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Is Kaboul nailed on?