Scout Picks

Scout Picks – Gameweek 19

With the Gameweek 19 deadline only a matter of hours away, we’re getting in early to reveal our latest batch of Scout Picks.

We put faith in Tom Heaton (4.9) for a Gameweek 18 home clash against Middlesbrough, and he repaid us with a nine-point Fantasy Premier League haul, including a maximum bonus return and a clean sheet.

With Sunderland visiting Turf Moor next, we see no reason for a change between the sticks. Another shut-out looks on the cards given that the Black Cats have scored just five goals in nine away trips. It is also worth noting that only Burnley themselves, and Middlesbrough, have mustered fewer goal attempts on the road than David Moyes’ troops.

We are also sticking with Manchester United’s Phil Jones (4.9), despite handing us just two FPL points when Sunderland dropped by Old Trafford in Gameweek 18. Next up for the 3.5% owned centre back is a promising home tie with ‘Boro, who, as we have already mentioned, are among the most shot-shy teams on the road.

Chelsea’s Marcos Alonso (6.4) makes the cut yet again. With a home tie against a Stoke City side that has scored nine goals in as many road trips, we believe he will earn his 11th clean sheet of the season and also offers the prospect of attacking returns. The Potters have shipped 15 away goals, while the 9.4% owned left wing-back has a goal and two assists so far this term.

We see a drab goalless encounter at St Mary’s when West Brom pay visit to Southampton, prompting us to pick a defender from each side.

For the Saints, Virgil Van Dijk (5.8) is another to make a return to the picks, given that the Baggies have only netted seven times on the road.

Meanwhile, the south coast side have scored just three goals in their last five home league matches, which boosts Chris Brunt’s (5.0) prospects of clean sheet returns.

Three of our Gameweek 18 midfield selections earn a recall with the fixture list once again shining brightly on them.

Alexis Sanchez (11.9) may have blanked against West Brom, but it was not for want of trying. The Chilean’s nine goal attempts was the highest tally of any player in Gameweek 18, giving us hope he will be able to breach Crystal Palace’s backline, in spite of the Eagles’ expected bus-based tactics under Sam Allardyce.

Chelsea schemer Eden Hazard (10.4) is also retained after getting back amongst the goals against Bournemouth in Gameweek 18.

With Stoke City arriving next, we are backing the 35.8% owned Belgian to once again deliver at the Bridge: he has scored seven of his nine league goals and notched all but one of his five double-digit returns on home turf.

Costa also appeals this week, given that he has only failed to score or assist on three occasions this term, but a 10.7 valuation sadly proved just too much for our 84 million budget.

The dismissal of Swansea boss Bob Bradley has convinced us to promote their dead-ball specialist Gylfi Sigurdsson (7.5) from last week’s bench to the first XI this time around.

During Bradley’s dire 11-match reign, the Welsh side won just two matches, but his departure could herald an upturn in fortunes for the 9.5% owned Icelander, who last delivered attacking returns in Gameweek 15. Visitors Bournemouth have managed just one clean sheet away from home and have conceded 19 goals on their travels.

The last of our Gameweek 18 picks to retain a starting berth is Zlatan Ibrahimovic (11.6), who handed us a 15-point FPL return with a goal and two assists against Sunderland.

Visitors ‘Boro are the next defence to attempt to stop the 42% owned Swedish juggernaut, who has scored an impressive eight goals in his last seven league starts. Aitor Karanka’s troops have conceded just ten in nine road trips but surely face a tough task repelling the in-form striker, who is bidding to become 2016’s top goalscorer in Europe’s top leagues.

Romelu Lukaku (9.4)’s goal against Leicester City in Gameweek 18 and this evening’s clash away to Hull have prompted a return to the picks for the Belgian.

Granted, that strike against the Foxes came from his only shot of the game, but against the porous Tigers defence, we envisage an upturn in output for the 26.6% owned Lukaku: no team has conceded more shots in the box than Mike Phelan’s side.

Another scorer in Gameweek 18 to catch our eye is West Ham’s 2.9% owned Andy Carroll (6.2), who racked up his second goal in five appearances against Swansea City. The big target man visits a Leicester City side that are without a clean sheet at the King Power since the beginning of October.

We’re turning to Everton’s budget option Mason Holgate to fill our defender slot on our bench. The 4.0 candidate earned a first start since Gameweek 3 at Leicester City and, as part of a three-man backline, helped the Toffees to just a fourth clean sheet of the campaign. He should retain a starting role against a Hull side with just nine goals from as many home matches.

Leicester’s concession of 19 headed goal attempts in their eight home matches has propelled West Ham’s 10.2% owned Michail Antonio (6.8) into our thinking. No player has scored more goals with their head than the winger’s tally of six.

Our faith in an upturn in Swansea City’s fortunes with the departure of Bradley, coupled with a lack of confidence in Bournemouth defenders away from home, reserves a place for Fernando Llorente (6.3) on our bench. The 5.9% owned striker has delivered attacking returns in all of his last three home appearances, racking up a total of 33 points over those fixtures.

The Community Champion

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. The current champion to beat is Boris Bodega, who achieved a 33-point margin of victory over us in Gameweek 15.

GWK 18’s champion Kryten was beaten by the Scouts 59-50.

This week’s lottery has selected Game of Throw Ins to represent the community. This is his seventh season, with 2015/16 finish of 24,193 his best yet. He has opted for a 3-4-3 line up of: Heaton; Azpilicueta, Holgate, A Valencia; Sigurdsson, Alli, Hazard, Lallana; Aguero, Lukaku, A Carroll.

J0E Podcaster and writer. Tweets stats and stuff via @FFScout_Joe Follow them on Twitter

938 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Whats the Huth
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Decided to play Walcott. Even though it's 90% likely he won't play.

    Happy enough with Capoue coming off the bench. And leaves me with 2 FT's for next Gameweek. Walcott might be fit then.

    Plus I only have 0.1ITB. So there's no players that appeals at 7.7m or less.
    Good luck all.

    Heaton.
    Alonso. Smith. Evans.
    Walcott. Sanchez. Siggy. Lallana.
    Benteke. Costa. Ibra.

    Pickford. Capoue. Holebas. Pieters

    1. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      100% he won't play you mean.

    2. Legomane
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Fingers crossed wally is back soon. Potential mane switch for me GW21

    3. FPL_Hazards
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Suppose if you wont lose that much on Wally. He's dropping again, 3 days in row

    4. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Leave as is if your happy with your plan.

  2. Venom Snake
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Any chance of Walcott dropping to 7.5 by GW20 deadline?

    1. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Possibly. Can see 7.6

      1. Venom Snake
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        A fit Walcott at 7.5 would work wonders for me

        1. BbBb
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          this ^^ - especially with Arsenal's fixtures

    2. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      He will fall ti 7.6 tonight but you would think most will have sold by then if they were going to

      1. Venom Snake
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        True but if he doesn't play then the casuals will most likely keep selling even if he was to be declared fit.

        Well I hope so anyway

  3. GreatCarragherReef
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Just looking at the potential for a double gameweek based wildcard.
    Last year they came later on, and although i did get a relative haul, triple captain on a certain donkey meant that it wasn't as effective as I (and many others on here) had wished.
    Would you agree that there's less potential this season for that wilcard tactic?
    Last season we had the euros and so the season finished a bit earlier, compacting the season and giving us double gameweeks- can we rely on them this year?
    I'm really considering activating my WC tonight, the points increase over the next 5-6 gameweeks could easily be greater than that gained in a double gameweek.
    Thoughts?

    1. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Depends if your squad requires it.
      I'm really happy with my squad, just need 2-3 transfer over next few weeks.
      If you need a squad overhaul then it's worth it.

    2. FPL_Hazards
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Not for me, unless current team had 5-6 injuries/suspensions.

      Imo you have to wait until after the Jan transfer window

    3. BbBb
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      There will def be dgw's, I'm holding for WC followed by Bench Boost in one of them. Got 168 points last year with that tactic

  4. For Fuchs Sake
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Can anyone help me please? Not got a clue what to do with my team, feel like I need an overhaul, especially in defence. 1FT and 0.8m ITB

    Thanks

    Pickford Grant
    Lovren Pieters Holebas Amat McAuley
    Siggy Sanchez Hazard Eriksen Capoue
    Ibra Defoe Benteke

    1. Ready Manager One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Think team is more decent that you think 😉

      Recommend Lovren/Hole to Jones/Ake. You can replace Pick with one of Foster/Heaton/Valdes/Randolph/Hennessey in the next gw to the extent funds permit.

  5. as33
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    any chance jagielka for tonight lineup?

  6. shirtless
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Just scanned through my ML. Lots of people with Costa on their bench, and only one or two have made any transfers. This Friday deadline could really catch a few out and could be a good time to make some ground up. Just hope I can get XI out and build on last week's turnaround... 🙂

    1. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      how can you see their teams for this GW already?

      1. FPL_Hazards
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        He's looking at last weeks scores and hoping people dont change

      2. shirtless
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Click on their team name and have a look at if they've made gameweek transfers. You can't see this week's team but a lot had Costa as second sub from last week so some might forget to change it in time for 7pm deadline!

    2. FPL_Hazards
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      As admin I email my whole league after each GW, that way they wont forget!

      1. the dom 1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        im pretty sure that they know that Costa will be back this GW lol

  7. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    gtg?
    Foster
    Alonso,Jones,Ake
    Sanchez,Hazard,Mkitaryan,Siggy
    Costa(c)Ibrahimovic,Origi

    Jakopovic,DeRoon,Chambers,Amat

    0FT 0.2m itb

    1. Viprin
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      All set,good luck with the Mkhi punt

    2. Winston.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Team value?

      1. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        TV 105.3m
        SV 103.4m

    3. Parm
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Nice team.

      1. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks

    4. Ready Manager One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Fab team!

  8. NestorC
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Who will score more this week? Thanks

    A) Kane
    B) Costa

    1. Winston.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      B

  9. BbBb
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Anyone got the link for the gargatron on steroids site that someone created here please?
    This it's something like anelwa but can't seem to find it

      1. FPL_Hazards
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        I presume its a play on "a new planet"

      2. BbBb
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        great, thanks very much 🙂

    1. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      https://www.gargatron.com/

  10. M00N
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Think I'm going to combat Kobra with my own Giroud, Ibra and Ledley line up. I'm calling it G.I Joe.

    1. Over Midwicket
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Cringe

      1. M00N
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        You prefer Mkhitaryan, Aguero, Sanchez, Kane?

    2. Speédy
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      i am gonna go ibra,kaku,benteke with a strong midfield

  11. Simon69
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Thoughts on how I should use my FT? Replace Walcott or start McAuley? .1 ITB.. Cheers!

    Heaton

    Jones, Alonso, Cedric

    Sanchez, Walcott, Mane, Sigurdsson

    Zlatan, Costa, Carroll

    Subs: Pickford, Capoue, McAuley, Amat

    1. Tomlette Greggs
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      save, and can easily start McAuley this gameweek

      1. Simon69
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Much appreciated!

  12. Daywalker
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Heaton - Pickford
    Holebas - Barragan - Jones - Amat - McAuley
    Sigurdsson - Hazard - Sanchez - Lallana - Capoue
    Ibrahimovic - Kane - Carrol

    0.3 ITB, 2 free transfers.

    I really don't know what to do. Don't care about Pickford-injury, can do with playing Heaton every week. Will leave Kane alone for Watford-game. Suggestions?

  13. Tomlette Greggs
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Which combination would you prefer going ahead:

    A) Mkhitaryan + van Dijk

    B) Lallana + Azpilicueta (Chelsea DEF double-up)

    1. Venom Snake
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      A

    2. BbBb
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      A

    3. Winston.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      A

      1. Tomlette Greggs
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        thanks all.

    4. The Big Fella
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      B - a Chelsea defender pretty much guarantees 6 points every game. I am struggling to find money to get another in. If I find it, I am doing it. Azpilicueta loves BPS too

  14. Winston.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    For longer term...which one?
    A. Pieters
    B. Jones
    Alonso, Cedric, Holebas other playing defenders.
    Thanks.

  15. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Hey fellas
    What do you reckon to Pickford and walker to Heaton and brunt for a hit
    I've no other playing keeper and haven't enough to do a straight swap.
    Good idea?
    cheers

    1. AA33
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Good idea.

      1. DA Minnion (Former great)
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers

    2. FPL_Hazards
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Go for it

      1. DA Minnion (Former great)
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Think I will.

    3. Ready Manager One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Go for it!

  16. Venom Snake
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Can't wait for deadline so I can refresh my team and have a look at my GW20 setup 😎

    1. FPL_Hazards
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Yup and doing kane > costa too 🙂

  17. Jam0sh
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Has Chelsea presser been already?

  18. AA33
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Pickford to?

    A) Grant
    B) Randolph
    C) Mannone
    D) Hennessey

    Thanks in advance!

    1. DV8R
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Go Grant

    2. jam
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Think I'm doing Randy. Grant is on loan and it's not 100% yet
      http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/mark-hughes-sets-derby-d-day-deadline-over-lee-grant-move-to-stoke-city/story-30018745-detail/story.html
      Very tempted by Hennessey with Big Sam talking up the defence...

  19. Winks Club
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    So many are getting Siggy out and I was in the same boat. Just began to wonder are we underestimating his value? He has set pieces, penalties and a nice price tag - should we give him more time even though Swansea face some bad fixtures?

    1. Winston.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      At least two gameweeks

    2. BROOKLYN GOONER
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Even with all that, he's not setting the world alight, and Swans' gameweeks 21-26 are brutal. Will hold until then, except in a pinch.

  20. Tommyg
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    What time is deadline please?

    Also baines or a saints defender?

    1. AA33
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      19:00 GMT

      1. Tommyg
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Thank you.

    2. Too Mane Men
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Not convinced by Everton's defence but Ronald knows how to get them in shape. Saints more likely to out score them over the next 5 in my opinion.

    3. AA33
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Van Dijk is the best option. Then Baines.

  21. BLANKET DEFENCE
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    is holgate goinng to start a few games. What about Jagielka

    1. Winks Club
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Hard to tell. Holgate is more likely to get a strart though imo

  22. OptimusBlack
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Is Giroud a good option for next 2GWS ?

    YAAAAAY
    NO

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      could be yes

    2. Winston.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      yes

    3. BbBb
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      no

      1. OptimusBlack
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Thx Gonna get Him

  23. Dirty Harry
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Walker to Baines sound like a go-er?

    1. Tommyg
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Thinking the same thing. Looks decent doesn't it.

      1. Dirty Harry
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Yeah I'm just concerned are Everton going to be keeping cleans...

    2. Venom Snake
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Prefer VVD but Baines is a very decent punt

      1. Dirty Harry
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        VVD would be great but too pricey for my plans especially if Aguero is going to work his way into my team over the next few weeks.

    3. applebonkers
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Hell yeah, bank the money

      1. Dirty Harry
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        I can actually afford one drop for Walker and not affect his sell value, but damn Baines would be a nice addition. They have a great run from GW22 to GW29 with only a game against Spurs in that range.

  24. HVT
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Who would you prefer from next week on?
    Aguero/Phillips
    Hazard(or anyone lower)/Bentekke.

    1. Jinswick
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Aguero & Philips, although Benteke looks a great option from next week also. I'm planning to 3 of the 4 myself

  25. Maarrrr17
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Anichebe or Phillips?

    1. BbBb
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Phillips

  26. Too Mane Men
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Who needs Aguero and Costa when you can have the beast that is Fernando Llorente.

    1. Jam0sh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      I think I need

  27. JÆKS ⭐
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Carroll in the scout picks? Haven't watched the 2 latest WHU games but thought he was pretty crap in the one before that, did he improve a lot or?

    1. FPL_Hazards
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Pivotal to WHM imo

      1. JÆKS ⭐
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Just took a look at fixtures, don't like them though

    2. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      No
      He was lucky to get his late goal the scouts are Carroll fanboys he is a terrible pick once again

  28. CloudSky
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Will Wijnaldum start over Can again?

  29. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Is this the last GW for the 5 x YC tightrope?

    1. M00N
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Yep and Vertongen 4-1 up couldn't last 3 minutes longer could he?

      1. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Yup, gotta deal wi him also.

        So those on 4 x YC, picking up a YC in this GW coming won't be suspended?

  30. camarozz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Scout picks has Southampton,west Brom down as a dull draw.
    So nyom over Holebas then ??
    Can't decide.

    1. camarozz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Goalless draw more to the point