The Scout Squad – Gameweek 12

Rejoice! The return of our Fantasy Football Scout “selection committee” means that we’re finally done with international breaks and can concentrate on the important things in life once more.

Gameweek 12 serves up an unpredictable north London derby, but other than that it’s a weekend of promising fixtures for any number of Fantasy Premier League heavyweights.

To accommodate some of the chunkier attacking options, our Scouts have generally looked to scrimp and save in defence, with the likes of Phil Jones, Charlie Daniels and Alberto Moreno well backed, although Jonty’s liking for Cesar Azpilicueta could lead to a battle of wills come Friday.

But further up the field, Mo Salah, Romelu Lukaku and Harry Kane are in all our experts’ hearts and minds, while the more kindly-priced delights of Wilfried Zaha and Richarlison are also earning plenty of love.

We’ll be back later in the week to see which players make the grade and find a way into the latest Scout Picks, but in the meantime here’s a breakdown of the method behind the madness.

Peter says…

A striking conundrum is partially resolved thanks to some great budget options in defence this week, while there is only one change to my last midfield medley.

All of the traditional top six sides could be in the goals. Even the north London derby clash has only finished goalless once in the last ten years, while Kane’s exemplary scoring record in this fixture is well publicised.

I was all set to (ruefully) leave out Alvaro Morata in favour of Sergio Aguero but, whether or not the Argentine’s “fainting” story is being overplayed, he clearly represents an even greater rotation risk than usual.

I have also nominated Mohamed Salah, Harry Kane, Romelu Lukaku and the brightest of the Etihad stars in Leroy Sane. I don’t think these selections require further explanation, other than to mention that Salah is perhaps a genuine captaincy option as Liverpool welcome the Saints to Anfield.

Southampton, Swansea City, Newcastle and Huddersfield pose only a negligible threat on their travels with three goals each away from home this season.

My heavy investment further up the pitch is therefore funded by inexpensive defensive options from their respective hosts, namely Liverpool, Burnley, Manchester United and Bournemouth. Three of these happen to have the meanest home defences in the league.

As a sidenote, the only reason for the ranking of Alberto Moreno over Joe Gomez is the Spaniard’s slightly more encouraging attacking threat.

In midfield, I’m standing by Wilfried Zaha, who I believe can return points when Everton roll up to Selhurst Park. It was a bitter-sweet experience listening to Crystal Palace’s battle against Spurs with Wilfried Zaha nailed to my bench. He could, and should, have punished the “home side” on at least one occasion.

A pair of attacking double-ups from the less fashionable teams are also key.

Pascal Gross and Glenn Murray certainly have the form to do some damage as Brighton host Stoke City on Monday night, although I’m also open to the charms of Anthony Knockaert.

Elsewhere, I’m aware of Richarlison’s aversion to scoring big at Vicarage Road but feel that, with Troy Deeney suspended and West Ham still leaky at the back, the Brazilian and his team-mate Andre Gray could be another source of cheap points.

Jonty says…

I’m backing Manchester United to bounce back in style from their 1-0 away defeat to Chelsea last time out to give us goals and a clean sheet when Newcastle pay visit.

At the back, I’d like to see a Phil Jones and David De Gea double-up in the Picks given that Jose Mourinho’s side are yet to concede at Old Trafford.

Up front, Romelu Lukaku looks set to continue his ‘anti-troll’ status, of scoring well against lesser sides. He’s struck three goals on international duty, while the Magpies’ defence have conceded in all but one of their five road trips.

Kane is surely a shoo-in for a spot alongside the Belgian. He’s scored against the Gunners in each of his Premier League appearances against them (five).

Elsewhere, Murray earns my vote as our budget striker of choice, should we need to free up some cash. The Brighton marksman has four goals in his last three and collides with a Stoke defence at the Amex Stadium that has shipped 11 on the road.

If my Murray punt is rebuffed, I’ll back any of my colleagues who propose his team-mate Gross, given the German has a 7.2 points per match average in home matches.

There’s further value to be found in midfield, with Palace’s Zaha again a viable option, having scored in both his home matches since returning from injury.

My regular roundabout of rotation among Manchester City assets takes me to striker Gabriel Jesus and playmaker David Silva for their trip to Leicester City.

The Brazilian has started every league away match and there are also doubts surrounding the availability of Aguero – his main competition up front. Meanwhile, Silva looks to be another secure option; he’s started every Premier League match and enjoyed only a cameo role for Spain in Tuesday’s friendly with X.

I’m backing goals at the King Power Stadium and I’d also like to see the Foxes attack covered in the Picks XI. Over their last three meetings, Leicester and City have combined for 13 goals, with Claude’ Puel’s side currently with the edge after scoring eight to City’s five.

Inevitably, Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah is present and correct, but is only nominated in third spot. I just wonder if Anfield visitors Southampton will once again prove to be a bogey team for the Reds. Liverpool have failed to find the net in their last four encounters with the Saints.

Paul says…

Investment in the Man United defence is imperative at home to Newcastle, given that are the only side yet to concede in front of their own fans.

With doubts hovering over the fitness of Jones once again, though, I’ve elevated De Gea to top spot in the keepers’ selection and opted for the security of starts offered by Antonio Valencia. Who had a rest of the international break and surely looks poised to start against the Magpies.

Moreno earns a rare place in my plans thanks to Liverpool’s home defensive record – and no Reds player has produced more crosses than their raiding left-back ahead of Southampton’s visit.

Four of my midfielders: Salah, Zaha, Richarlison and Gross have very favourable home matches to help maintain their ascent. Gross has matched Romelu Lukaku for points per match at home, with 7.2 apiece.

I also reckon that Leroy Sane will retain his spot on the teamsheet for Man City’s trip to Leicester, particularly with concerns over Aguero’s availability.

Up top, Murray’s four goals in three look too good to ignore as my budget option at home to Stoke’s charitable defence. Josh King – if fit – also comes into consideration as Bournemouth embark on a very kind run of matches, starting at home to Huddersfield.

Mark says…

We’re being gifted some real value at the back at the moment, with Burnley and Brighton centre-backs screaming for attention, while Charlie Daniels and even Scott Dann look set to offer clean sheet potential and the promise of attacking returns.

That could enable us to select a top-heavy XI come Friday, with Kane and Lukaku certainties and Alvaro Morata also pushing for inclusion.

I think Chelsea’s visit to West Brom could be profitable given the lack of confidence and form in the Baggies camp. They will surely sit deep, which will invite pressure and crosses from deep seeking out the Spaniard. For that reason, I’m also pushing for Eden Hazard’s inclusion, although I’m likely to be his only vocal supporter come Friday’s cut.

The Belgian has shown promise in his recent starts and I don’t see West Brom having an answer to his trickery around the box. Cesc Fabregas could also be in profit at The Hawthorns, although it’s impossible to find a space for him in my selection, with Richarlison and Zaha making compelling cases for inclusion.

And I’ve still gone with Sterling over Sane. When both start, I just think Sterling’s goal threat is that little bit sharper. If Gabriel Jesus starts over Aguero at Leicester, I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s Sterling who is central and furthest forward.

The Community Champion

Representing the Community against the Scout Picks in Gameweek will be Dingo, who is in his eighth campaign, with last season’s 4,767 finish his best to date.

The community champion who has the best lead over the Scouts during 2017/18 will win a £100 Amazon voucher (currently we can only offer Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com vouchers).

Gameweek 11’s champion YMA was beaten 57-39 by the Scouts. The champion to beat remains Gregor, who achieved victory over the Scouts by a 33-point margin in Gameweek 5.