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. Snooze ya lose
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Son or arnie?

    1. Ghost Gooner
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Arnie

    2. Margarido
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Arnie for the long run. Playing center forward, nailed. What´s no t to like?

      1. Collie01
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Plays for West Ham

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

      Both 😉

  2. JJeyy
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    opp in cup has alonso
    maguire to alonso -4
    play maguire

    1. Ghost Gooner
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      How is getting Alonso for a hit going to help? 😕

      1. Hulk Smash
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Because he's better than Maguire...

  3. Eh, just one more thing ...
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    So who is this week's points grenade?

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

      Zeegelaar

    2. Margarido
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Luke Shaw

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

      Rlc

    4. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      redmond

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

        Lol get away

      2. Reedy
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        More like a points feather duster

    5. Ambrosiana Inter
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Deeney

    6. Podge
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Kin Hattie incoming

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

        Doh kun

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

      Aguero

  4. istanbul05
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Thoughts on the below guys - Which one to replace Cout for a -4? Ideally £7m max, so I can bring in Kun next week.

    A) Coutinho to Arnautovic
    B) Coutinho to Ramsey

    Adrian,
    Otamendi, Jones, Mee,
    Salah, Coutinho, Sterling, Son, Lingard,
    Kane, Depoitre.

    Elliot, DCL, Kenny, Mbemba.

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

      Arnie. No doubt!

    2. Adams6
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Elliott over Adrian.
      Ramsey

      1. Pep Pig
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Elliot won't play silly

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

        Why do people think Elliot will play? I guess may as well start him and let auto sub work

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

      Cout downgrade Aguero next week

  5. Eh, just one more thing ...
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    .... and who is this week's soggy firework?

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

      Man United

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

      Maybe spurs

  6. Scotty B
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Tough one this....
    A Schindler
    B Duffy

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

      Duffy. Brighton 4 away CS and 7th in league for least conceded

  7. Greenbackbøøg…
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Who would you start Zanka (WHU) or Mee (cpl)?

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

      The one who plays for Dyche

  8. The Big Fella
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    If you weren't going to get Lingard, who would you get for Son in the 6-7m price range?

    1. Oven Glover
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Richarlison

      1. The Big Fella
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Nah! Neither he nor Watford are playing well

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

        27pts last 9. He's junk. Would rather Carillo Albrighton Ibe all cheaper

    2. JJO
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      I went for Lanzini
      Think he will get more points in next 3 for sure

      1. The Big Fella
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Got Arnie and don't want to double up on WHU attack but he is a good choice

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

      Richarlison or Ramsey if he is back

      1. The Big Fella
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Ramsey is a good shout actually now that Wilshere is out

    4. Margarido
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Arnie?

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

    best 4.8m defender to play?

    1. ViperStripes
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Which 5 have you got?

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

        currently have otemendi Alonso jones Kenny 3.9 want to replace Kenny dont think he starts regular

        1. ViperStripes
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          Play Ota, Alonso and Jones and save the FT.

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

            can't I play 442. kennys been playing but didn't play against Utd last week so though they might replace him for someone? I have 2ft anyway

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

              Gusse Kenny was rested for Fa CUp derby

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

                you think keep Kenny?

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

                  Well, i would keep.
                  Decent fixs after Spurs

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

                    you think he will play then?

  10. Snapes on a Plane
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Kenny + Eriksen > Alonso + Lingard (-4)?
    Yay or nay?

    Rest of the team:

    1 FT ; 0.3 ITB
    DDG
    Ota-Jones-Dunk
    Lingard-Arnie-Son-Salah-Eriksen
    Kane- Firmino

    ( Fabianski-Ogbonna-Quaner-Kenny)

    1. Snapes on a Plane
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Sterling-Arnie-Son-Salah-Eriksen *

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

      I'm in the same dilemma, but I'm going to save mine and then go Alonso and someone else for free next week

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

    Play
    A) Adrian away at Hud
    B) Fabianski away at New
    ??

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

      Have both and going with Adrian

    2. Scout
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      adrian

  12. Margarido
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Pretty set on the front 7, but pondering heavily on this on.
    My defensive line bellow:

    Otamendi - Christensen - Kenny - Naughton - Mbemba

    A) play Kenny (@TOT)
    B) Naughton for an £6.8m DEF (rules out Alonso or Azpi)
    C) Naughton and DCL for Alonso and Quaner (-4)

    Thoughts ?

    1. ViperStripes
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Play Ota, Christ and Mbemba, save the FT and get Alonso for free next week.

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

        Mbemba isn´t going to play...
        But i understand your point.

  13. barracuda
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    I have never done so BUT I may burn a transfer. Th reason is, I want to know about the transfers and then decide who I want longer term. Is anybody thinking the same?

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

      What's your team?

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

        Hey mate, I need the cash and thinking of removing Son and perhaps DDG. I am thinking of bringing in Ramsey and maybe go 3 up front or I will wait for Walcott to Everton. I am fully aware of the GW28 and already preparing.

    2. Oven Glover
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      ?

    3. ViperStripes
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      I usually use a spare FT to make a bench fodder tweak (usually in Defence or GK), looking at upcoming fixtures and or to release funds for future transfers

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

        Could do that and perhaps strength my bench for the GW 28. (slow planning)

  14. Kingtekkerz
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Who to ditch to make space for Lingard?
    A) Son
    B) Sané
    C) Arnautovic

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

      none. son if you must

    2. Goalosaurus
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      B although i not before liverpool game

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

      B

  15. Scotty B
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Who to start?
    A Schindler
    B Duffy

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

        +1 😀

  16. Weasel Boy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Should I play Foster or Elliot this week?

    1. Oven Glover
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Foster

    2. Les Bleus
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Foster

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

      I've got both and I'm going Foster.

      Both games being 0-0 wouldn't surprise me though

    4. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Thanks all

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

    guyssssss

    a) eriksen
    b) sterrrling
    c) sane

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

      Probably sterling as he's in great form and may be looking to score against his old club.

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

    Only have 2 of the scout picks, green arrow incoming.

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

      Yup

  19. Zenith UK
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Ramsey back?

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

      Unflagged.

  20. Apollo Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Adrian
    Otamendi, Christensen, Ogbonna
    Hazard, Sterling, Salah, Arnie
    Kane, DCL, Morata

    Elliot, T. Carroll, Holgate, K. Long

    2FT, no idea what to do with any of them.

    1. Adams6
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      DCL to Quaner to give you cash for next week. DCL is no good now and Quaner will be fit next week.

  21. Messsiaah
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Salah is unflagged. Is he back from injury?

    1. Les Bleus
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      As of now, he’s ok to play according to Klopp

    2. Messsiaah
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Cheers

    3. COLLIN QUANER
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah. Klopp said he's fit to play

    4. Apollo Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Expected to be yes

    5. istanbul05
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      yes

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

      C material as every GW since August...

  22. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Who should I have as 1st sub?

    A...kenny

    B....dcl

    Thanks

  23. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Wenger so deluded. Thought Sanchez would stay and sign a new contract. How did that turn out?

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

      If I was an arsenal fan of despise wenger

    2. istanbul05
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Not sure he did think he would to be honest. Almost forced to say that to media/fans.

  24. Jota19
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Who would you choose?
    Lacazette vs Rooney.

    1. Zenith UK
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      I'm having the same issue. Leaning towards Laca (I already have Rooney in my team)

      1. Jota19
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks. I have Laca in my WC team now. he hasn't scored for a while, but Arsenal's fixtures are quite tempting. Roo is in form.

        1. Zenith UK
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          Roo was in form, pre last four gameweeks. Picked up one point a piece last two gameweeks. Didn't play the two before that so worried about him to be honest.

          I do want Laca in though. Been looking at Morata too. Both Arsenal and Chelsea's fixtures looking attractive.

    2. Toffeeman (A retired FPL ma…
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Not Shrek! Lacazette is a CF. Rooney is playing further back.

  25. SoccerBoi69
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    G2G2G2G2G2G?2G?

    Adrián
    Otamendi Alonso Jones
    Son Sterling Lingard Eriksen Salah(vc)
    Kane(c) Firmino

    Pickford Dunk Ogbonna Quaner

    1. Jota19
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Seems rather heavy on TOT?

      1. SoccerBoi69
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Eriksen & Son > KDB & Mahrez next week...

  26. estheblessed
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    a) Elliot (Swansea H)
    b) Pickford (Spurs A)

    1. Jota19
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      A. Newcastle are defending well.

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

        Thanks. I was swaying with that

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

    What about this (WC)

    Adrian
    Azpi Davies Otamendi Alonso
    Mahrez Salah Sterling Lingard
    Kane Firminho

    Periera Goldson Carroll Ayew

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

      Get a playing sub keeper?

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

        Apart from that looks decent.

        Don't like firmino myself but has done well recently.

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

      Is there no way you can play 3-5-2?

      May be get Gross or someone cheap for the 5th.

      I also have Kane and Firmino... I would really like to get Lukaku or Kun now

    3. Dosh
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Get Lukaku for this week. Switch to Aguero next week.

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

    Is Ben Mee fit to play?

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

      Tweet said expected to play.

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

    Bring in Aguero or Lukaku

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

      Kun on current form

    2. Reedy
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Shan't

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

    After this GW against Stoke, does United's attack look prone to get much returns against Burnley and Spurs?
    I was leaning towards Pogba and Hazard in for Eriksen and Alli for a hit but Chelsea attack looks much better with LEI, Bri, Bou, Wat, and West brom. So maybe just Hazard in.

    Thoughts?

    thanks

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

      Lingard instead?