Scout Picks

Scout Picks – Gameweek 23

The Scout Picks returns to reveal which players from our midweek Squad article have made the cut.

There looks to be plenty of clean sheet potential this week, as well as value in midfield, so we’re rolling out a 4-4-2 formation with a pair of big-hitters leading the line.

In goal, that means a place for West Brom’s Ben Foster (4.4) as he prepares to welcome a Brighton side that last scored away from home in Gameweek 11’s 1-0 victory over Swansea City.

The former England stopper’s inclusion is further strengthened by save points in each of his last three matches and the fact that the Baggies and the Seagulls have both ‘enjoyed’ four 0-0 draws this season – more than any other teams.

Marcos Alonso (7.3) is a shoo-in after notching three goals, an assist, four clean sheets and six bonus points over his last six matches.

That run of form highlights how the Chelsea left wing-back is now arguably the complete Fantasy asset, while a visit from Leicester City boosts his stock further as no team has conceded more crosses (287) and chances (97) from the right side of defence than the Foxes.

The fact that Alonso scored 21 points from a brace of goals in a 3-0 win at Leicester last year doesn’t exactly harm his appeal either.

Another attacking defender to impress us is Tottenham’s Ben Davies (5.5), who should start with his left-back rival Danny Rose sidelined through injury.

His prospects of points at both ends of the pitch look strong as visitors Everton have the lowest shot tally (53) in the Premier League over their last six run-outs, while the Welshman has registered an impressive two goals and four assists in 14 starts.

He’s also created 33 chances thus far this season – more than any other defender.

Passed fit by Rafa Benitez earlier today, we’re backing Jamaal Lascelles as Newcastle welcome Swansea to St James’ Park.

The Magpies have upped their resilience in recent matches, claiming back-to-back shut-outs against Brighton and Stoke, while their visitors sit bottom for shots (75), efforts in the box (37) and attempts on target (21) away from home.

Newcastle defeated the south Wales outfit 1-0 at the Liberty back in Gameweek 4 – Lascelles was the standout performer that day, bagging a goal and maximum bonus for a season-high 15-point return.

We’ve handed places to Manchester United’s Phil Jones (5.7), who has secured more bonus points (13) than any of his team-mates, and Jesse Lingard (6.3), who has dominated his side’s attacking play in recent Gameweeks.

No defender has been signed by more managers than the 140,000+ who have gone for Jones this Gameweek. He’ll be looking to make it three straight clean sheets against a Potters attack that has hit just three goals in their last five away trips.

As for Lingard, since cementing a starting berth in Gameweek 14 he has mainly played in a number 10 role and has been involved in more than half (53%) of United’s league goals. His underlying statistics over that period also demand our attention – only Spurs striker Harry Kane has had more shots on target during that time frame.

With 412,000+ transfers in, Lingard is by some margin this week’s most popular player in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) market.

There is further value to be found in midfield from Watford winger Richarlison (6.4), who goes head-to-head at home with a Southampton side that has a solitary clean sheet over the previous 13 Gameweeks.

While he hasn’t found the net since Gameweek 13, three assists in his last six outings gives us cause for optimism, and his 55 shots in the box is the second highest figure among midfielders.

Leicester’s poor away form, conceding 18 and earning just one clean sheet, sees us double up on Chelsea assets.

As well as Alonso, we’ve gone for Eden Hazard (10.7).

Even though the Belgian has scored just one goal since Gameweek 15, his underlying statistics suggest further attacking returns are imminent – he’s had 10 close-range efforts over his last six league matches.

Marko Arnautovic (7.0) is back in contention after shrugging off a hamstring injury in time for West Ham’s trip to Huddersfield.

The Austrian has been instrumental in an upturn in fortunes for the Hammers since David Moyes took charge, producing five goals and an assist in his last six starts.

That form could well continue against a Terriers defence that rank joint-bottom for big chances conceded (12) over the last four Gameweeks.

Harry Kane (12.9) hosts an Everton outfit that has conceded more shots (81) than any side over their last quartet of matches.

The Spurs frontman has netted six times in that period and also ranks first for shots (24), efforts in the box (17) and attempts on target (10).

Kane’s home shot tally of 77 is unrivalled in the Premier League, prompting more than 200,000 FPL managers to buy him in this week.

The Tottenham talisman has scored a brace in each of his last two league encounters against the Toffees, with the most recent arriving in Gameweek 4.

Romelu Lukaku returns to our line-up for Man United’s home encounter with Stoke.

A head knock sustained early on against Southampton in Gameweek 21 means that the big Belgian has played just 59 minutes in his side’s last three matches in all competitions.

Yet a second-half appearance against Derby in the FA Cup saw him deliver a goal and assist, suggesting he’s benefitted from that enforced, and long-overdue, rest.

Up against a Stoke defence that’s leaked more goals on the road (27) than any side, tomorrow’s Old Trafford match bodes well for Lukaku, whose total of 13 big chances at home is level with Kane.

Brighton centre-back Shane Duffy (4.5) takes a bench spot. He has four clean sheets in 11 away matches and looks long overdue a goal – only Alonso and Crystal Palace’s Scott Dann have had more close-range efforts among defenders this season.

With two goals and as many assists in his last four, Heung-min Son (8.1) is a little unlucky only to earn a spot among our subs for the visit of Everton.

The South Korean’s record at Wembley is particularly strong, having found the net in all but one of his last seven home outings.

Our final bench place goes to Bournemouth’s Callum Wilson (5.7) ahead of a visit from an injury-hit Arsenal rearguard that has conceded 16 goals on the road.

He looks the best third striker option on current form – over the last four Gameweeks, the Cherries frontman has scored twice and fired more shots than any other striker priced at 8.5 or below.

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.

This week’s champion is Meppelfield, who has opted for a 3-5-2 formation of: Lloris; Azpilicueta, Vertonghen, Alonso; Pogba, Mata, Eriksen, Richarlison, Lanzini; Lacazette, Morata.

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

1,180 Comments Post a Comment
  1. AdamJ91
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    If you had to drop 1 player, who would it be from;

    A) Mee (Cry - A)
    B) Depoitre (Whu - H)
    C) Dunk (Wba - A)

    1. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      B

    2. ryacoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      B

    3. GHB
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Mee if it's one week

    4. WE GO FOR IT
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      B

    5. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      B

    6. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      B probably doesn't start

    7. Dannyb
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Surely Depoitre starts with Quaner injured?

      1. Kiwivillan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Quaner is playing winger. Probably another winger replaces

  2. ryacoo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    A) Alli to Lingard (FT)
    B) Alli & Christ to Lingard & Alonso (-4)
    C) Save FT

    1. WE GO FOR IT
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      C

    2. @FPLDIARYFPL
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      A

  3. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Any team news summaries? Looking to finalise a few WC transfers

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Thx

  4. Cruz88
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Posting from bottom of last page:

    Start Cresswell against Huddersfield, or Otamendi against Liverpool?

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

      Cresswell perhaps.

    2. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Ota or both

  5. Hybrid.power
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Who you all captaining?

    1. Moves like Dejagah
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Kane

    2. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Hazard

    3. Chazz69
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Pogba

    4. acidicleo
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      lingard

    5. Hybrid.power
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Jaysus that's some mix

      1. Isco Disco
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        HurriKane

    6. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Kanegard

    7. @FPLDIARYFPL
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Lingard

      1. G-Whizz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        This

  6. Moves like Dejagah
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Chances of Morata being dropped/rested?

    1. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      25%

    2. acidicleo
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      0%

    3. WE GO FOR IT
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Very low

    4. Moves like Dejagah
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Cheers guys

    5. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Chances of continuing to score poorly 100%

  7. cjhewitt92
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Eriksen and DLC to Lukaku and Carroll worth it

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

      Will you play Carroll?
      The value seems to be in midfield.

  8. vova
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    A)Aguero/Kenny
    or
    B)Firmino/Alonso

    Have Sterling and Salah for Liverpool and Man City coverage.

    Cheers 🙂

    1. @FPLDIARYFPL
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Keep whoever you currently have and save transfer

  9. Ógie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    The Steel City derby which is getting underway shortly must be the tightest derby in English football and beyond.

    Sheffield United: 49
    Draw: 44
    Sheffield Wednesday: 48

    Not even much between overall goals in the league United 160 and Wednesday 155 and FA Cup United 14 and Wednesday 13.

    Watch this game if you can it will probably be better than most PL games this weekend.

  10. Chazz69
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    When is the transfer deadline guys ?

    1. WE GO FOR IT
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Just under 13 hours. 2pm UK time.

      1. Chazz69
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers

    2. F4L
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      31st Jan

  11. FFSbet.com
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    In doubt who to (C)

    A) Hazard
    B) Alonso
    C) Lingard

    1. Chazz69
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      A

    2. WE GO FOR IT
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Hazard is the safest option of those.

      1. Kiwivillan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        He scored 17pts total in the 6 weeks I owned him

        1. FFSbet.com
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          Time to pay us back,cheers 😉

        2. WE GO FOR IT
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          I still fancy him to get something against Leicester.

    3. Dannyb
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      B

  12. Where dahoud at
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Best 6.4 midfielder,

    1. WE GO FOR IT
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Jesse

      1. Where dahoud at
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        ????

        1. WE GO FOR IT
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          Lingard

          1. Where dahoud at
            • 6 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            Already have pogba

            1. WE GO FOR IT
              • 8 Years
              6 years, 2 months ago

              I would double up. If you don't fancy that, Gross.

              1. Where dahoud at
                • 6 Years
                6 years, 2 months ago

                Really????

            2. Kiwivillan
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 2 months ago

              Lingard is better and I would double up vs Stoke

            3. Brosstan
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 2 months ago

              That doesnt make Lingard any better or worse. Attacking coverage is a myth.

              1. Kiwivillan
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 9 Years
                6 years, 2 months ago

                Lingard plays attacking and is cheaper and Pogba plays deep so will score 2 2 3 before 12 like last 4 weeks. Lingard is much better fantasy option and has attacking stats like Salah since GW14

    2. Chazz69
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Gross

  13. F4L
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Shame Man City couldn't stay unbeaten for the season. Was always going to be a tall order though

  14. cheese XL
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Which 3 of these to play?

    A) Gomez
    B) Dunk
    C) Ogbonna
    D) Otamendi
    E) Gross

    Cheers

    1. WE GO FOR IT
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      B, C/D, E

    2. Chazz69
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      B C E

    3. The Royal Robin
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      B, C, E

  15. Blens
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Son to Lingard

    yay or nay

    (or other)

    1. F4L
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      nay

    2. Chazz69
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Any other Spurs Mid cover ?

      1. Blens
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        No - that will be it...although have Kane up top

    3. WE GO FOR IT
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Yay

    4. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      No Son has been awesome. Sell another mid

  16. The Royal Robin
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone else reckon Liverpool will beat City this weekend?

    1. Chazz69
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Coutinho gone, different team now, this won't happen

    2. WE GO FOR IT
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Less likely after the Coutinho transfer. Looks like a draw to me. 2-2/3-3.

    3. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      I do

    4. acidicleo
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      i think 0-0 or 1-1

    5. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      No chance. City win and keep CS

    6. G-Whizz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Nope going for 1-1

  17. Isco Disco
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Been wanting to do this transfer since last week but just not sure if it's the right move.
    Sane > Arnie for -4???
    Have Sterling and Ota for city cover. Feel like Sane won't start since he started last 4 games including the cup matches. Even if he starts he might be subbed off at 60 and give just 2 pts whereas Arnie could go big. What do you guys think?

    1. Chazz69
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Defo NO !

    2. WE GO FOR IT
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Not worth a hit. I would've done it for free though.

    3. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      What? You want Arnie in after injury and maybe not striker anymore. Weird

      1. Isco Disco
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Isn't he back in training? I feel Moyes prefers to play Arnie upfront that Carroll. Big Andy is a donkey!

        1. Kiwivillan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          Why did he play him in DGW then and giving glowing review after his 2 goals. Huddersfield will keep CS imo

    4. Isco Disco
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Cool...Thanks, guys! Appreciate your help. Guess I'll just stick with Sane this GW and hope he's on the scoresheet to be my differential.

  18. Drogba Legend
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Lloris
    Azpi - Ota - Jones - Masuaku
    Sterling - Eriksen - Salah - T. Carroll
    Kane - Morata

    Elliot - RLC - DCL - Hune

    1 FT / 1.5 ITB

    Save?

    1. WE GO FOR IT
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      RLC/TC to Gross maybe?

  19. Boss Hogg
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Is Alonso worth a four point hit over Christiansen?

    i.e. I can sign Chris without a hit, or Alonso with a hit. But which one?

    1. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      yes, Alonso is almost playing as a striker he in the oppostion half so often

    2. acidicleo
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      yes..or wait for 2 FT till next week...may not be essential v leicester..

    3. WE GO FOR IT
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Get Alonso over Christensen for sure. He is the 2nd furthest player on the field on average for Chelsea.
      If you can wait, do it for free next week.

  20. THFC4LIFE
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    The more I think about it the more I want to captain Lingard.....

    1. Boss Hogg
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Captain Lingard is a good name for a pirate.

      Gaaaaarrrr, Captain Jesse Lingaaaaaard.

    2. acidicleo
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      go for it..afterall its stoke and he plays no:10 role..

    3. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      But then I think what if harry explodes....

      1. acidicleo
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        think of the huge green arrow if its the other way round..i think its worth a gamble as we can hope big sam wud park a double decker..
        and having kane in team would limit damage..

    4. Pieterke30
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      I am captaining him

    5. G-Whizz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      I am... Which may suggest you shouldn't 😆

  21. WE ARE RANGERS
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    On a WC
    Where can I improve?

    Adrian
    Robertson Christensen Stones Alonso
    Maheaz Salah Srerling KDB Lingard
    Kane

    Periera Duffy Wilson Awey

    1. Coaly
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      I would WC that team

    2. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Robertson isn't nailed. Downgrade Mahrez>Albrighton downgrade KDB and get Aguero instead

    3. FFSbet.com
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Like it,maybe 2 changes Robertson out and KDB > Hazard.

  22. acidicleo
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Is GW28 the next blankweek?
    Which are the likely teams blanking?

    1. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      yes, Man City vs Arsenal will be a blank and Chelsea vs Man Utd will be only if Chelsea get to the league cup final

  23. Garfield1001
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Lanzini to Lingard to free? Thanks

  24. hazzlehoff
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    had to wc due to too many injuries. thoughts?

    foster
    alonso davies clark
    salah sane lingard ritchie
    aguero kane(c) wilson

    b: elliot duffy mariappa carroll

    unsure of having either sane/sterling/eriksen? gone for sane atm...

    1. Dannyb
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Sterling all day long.

  25. Lee8686
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Would you play DCL or GroB this week??

    Any transfers I should be looking at or GTG?

    1FT 0.0 ITB

    Adrian
    Vertonghan, Alonso, Otamendi
    Sterling, Son, Lingard, GroB, Arnie
    Kane(c) Aguero

    Pickford, Masuaku, Mee, DCL

    1. LÖrKingMuch
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      GTG imho

  26. Lrf
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Start Kabasele or Dunk? Watfor with the home fixt, but can't seem to keep a cs and Dunk is good on the bps..

  27. Scholsey
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    arnautovic or Gross?

    1. Lee8686
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Arnautovic 100%

    2. acidicleo
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      arnie esp if carrol is not fit..

  28. el polako
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Is it worth taking -4 hit to make 0.2 profit ?

    1. Holding Matip
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Points>Value all day long so no

    2. HashAttack
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      0.2 can help you get a player who will get you more that 4 extra points
      Selling Richarlison for profit and jumping onto Lingard would have worth it in bucket loads

      Flip it over, never hold an out of form player just because you have made a profit

    3. el polako
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Thanks

  29. LewanGOALski
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Would you change anything?

    Pope
    Alonso - Christensen - Otamendi - Jones
    Salah - Sterling - Lingard - Arnie
    Kane (c) - Morata

    Elliot - RLC - DCL - Ogbonna

    1. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      No -looks good

    2. acidicleo
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      very good team..
      only consideration for me wud be ota v ogbonna..

      1. Kiwivillan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Never bench premium defenders

  30. Holding Matip
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone else scared of (K)ane because we could be treated to another Big Sam master class?

    Thinking of going Hazard, Leicester will defo concede?

    1. Lee8686
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Naa...I'm sticking Kane as captain every week now....every week I go for others he gets a brace....I'm looking at others so.... brace incoming