Scout Picks

Scout Picks – Gameweek 20

With the deadline for the final set of festive fixtures looming at 11.30 am tomorrow, we opt for a late night reveal for the Gameweek 20 Scout Picks.

Our latest search for value between the sticks has us acquire Middlesbrough’s Victor Valdes (4.5) ahead of Leicester City’s visit to the Riverside Stadium in Saturday’s early kick-off.

In their nine road trips, the Foxes have mustered an unimpressive eight goals, which immediately promotes the short-term stock of the Middlesbrough stopper.

In addition, Claudio Ranieri’s men have mustered 39 goal attempts from outside the box away from home – joint top for that metric. That gives us the added security that Boro keeper may just add save points to his Gameweek 20 tally.

Swansea City’s dreadful form ahead of their visit to Selhurst Park has prompted us to welcome Crystal Palace’s Scott Dann (5.2) into the fold.

Dann has recorded more close range efforts than any other defender this season and earned an assist from a set-piece when the two sides last met in the 5-4 goal-fest back in Gameweek 13.

The Swans have also scored just seven goals on the road, indication that we may even catch sight of the lesser-spotted Eagles clean sheet.

Hull City share a similarly dreadful away record to the Swans, which has put West Brom’s Chris Brunt (5.0) on our radar ahead of the Tigers’ visit to The Hawthorns.

Owned by just 1.9%, we’re backing Brunt for another start and a role on the flank. From open play or from dead-balls, Brunt’s assured delivery can promise attacking returns and, given that Mike Phelan’s side have scored just five goals in nine away games, Brunt is a candidate for double-digits.

Completing our three-man back line is Manchester United’s Phil Jones (4.9), who looks assured of a start away to West Ham United, given that he was rested at home to Middlesbrough in Gameweek 19.

Alexis Sanchez (11.9) is one of three premium picks squeezed into our 84 million budget, recruited ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Bournemouth.

The Chilean’s peerless record on the road is behind his selection.

With nine goals away from home, more than any other player, Sanchez is simply too strong an option to ignore. Eddie Howe’s men seem likely to be driven forward by their faithful, Arsene Wenger will therefore perhaps resort to “plan A” and deploy Sanchez back in the central striker role.

To help fund the Gunners man, we have joined more than 106,000 FPL managers who have drafted in West Brom’s Matt Phillips (5.6).

He scored his fourth goal and earned his seventh assist of the campaign, away to Southampton on Saturday.

Granted he played the full 90 minutes in that encounter, but we think his relentless form should ensure that Tony Pulis once again turns to the winger for the visit of Hull City.

Although Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha (5.8) departs for duty at the Africa Cup of Nations after Swansea’s visit, we feel that he represents a convincing option for this Gameweek.

The 12.3% owned winger has eight assists and three goals to his name and, while Zaha has blanked in his last four, it’s the Swans’ obliging backline that convinces us. The Welsh club have leaked 13 goals in their last four Gameweeks; 18 in their last six.

As with Phillips, we are hoping that form can trump the fatigue factor and ensure that Adam Lallana (7.6) earns a start for Liverpool at Sunderland.

The 23% owned midfielder has been sensational in recent matches, racking up his seventh assist with a sublime cross in Saturday’s win over Manchester City, adding to a season record that shows the same number of goals.

Our heavyweight attack features the re-introduction of Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero (12.8).

Despite marking his return from a four-match ban with a tepid blank against Liverpool on Saturday, we just couldn’t overlook his stronger prospects of returns when Burnley drop by the Etihad Stadium.

The Clarets have shipped 18 goals in eight matches away from home, while the Argentine has scored 10 in his 12 Gameweek starts. In addition, Aguero has already put Sean Dyche’s side to the sword once this season, claiming a brace in City’s trip to Turf Moor in Gameweek 13.

Consistency drives our selection of Zlatan Ibrahimovic (11.6), who has now delivered at least a goal or assist in all bar one of his last eight Gameweek starts.

With Jose Mourinho recently referring to Manchester United’s talisman as “undroppable” , we feel that Ibrahimovic can also offer us security of start in a Gameweek that could be littered with rest and rotation concerns.

Swansea’s aforementioned defensive record sees us double up on Palace assets and welcome aboard Christian Benteke (7.6) in the XI.

The 9.2% owned Belgian will be hoping to join Spurs’ Harry Kane, West Brom’s Salomon Rondon and Middlesbrough’s Alvaro Negredo to become the fourth striker in succession to earn a double-digit points haul when receiving a visit from the Swans.

Speaking of Rondon (6.7), he claims a spot on our bench with Hull’s unenviable away record the key factor.

The striker was rested to the bench at Southampton on Saturday, but we expect him to start against the Tigers; five of the Venezuelan’s seven goals have arrived at The Hawthorns.

Middlesbrough’s Gaston Ramirez (5.3) claims our midfield bench role and is another player who will feel will outperform his price point in Gameweek 20.

The Uruguayan schemer, who has two goals and a pair of assists so far, looks a certain starter against Leicester City, given that he was only used from the bench against Manchester United in Gameweek 19.

Watford’s current cast of injuries and form that has seen them score just twice in their last four outings, has us turn to Stoke City’s Erik Pieters as our reserve defender.

The Dutchman is expected to take up the role of wing-back against the Hornets and, with Walter Mazzarri’s side nursing a list of casualties on their right-flank, he may even get some joy as the Potters look to build on an encouraging display at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

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.

The Gameweek 19 champion Game of Throw Ins opted for a 3-4-3 line up of: Heaton; Azpilicueta, Holgate, A Valencia; Sigurdsson, Alli, Hazard, Lallana; Aguero, Lukaku, Carroll.

Ahead of Sunday’s games, the Scouts were trailing Game of Throw Ins 16 to 25.

Due to the tight turnaround of games the community champion contest is taking a break for this round of fixtures and will resume again for Gameweek 21.

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

4,857 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Legomane
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Heaton (mci)
    Valencia (whu) Alonso (tot) Pieters (WAT)
    Mane (sun) Sanchez (bou) Eriksen (CHE) Philips (HUL)
    Origi (sun) Kane (CHE) Ibrahimovic (whu)

    Pickford** de Roon (LEI) Smith (ARS) Collins**

    1FT 1.9 ITB.

    A. Kane > Aguero(c)

    B. Origi > Rondon / Benteke

    C. Pickford > Valdes

    D. Collins > ?

    1. Weasel51
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      A

    2. Reggie Nainggolan
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      A

      Followed by Collins for Ake next GW?

  2. Mishon
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    What a crap week, 50 points and lost in the second cup round by 1 point: dropped Kane for Costa, kept Carroll even though I had Gray "locked in" and did not transfer Sterling out for Phillips (had a first half WC). Speaking of Sterling, should I keep him at home to Burnley or drop for Phillips?

  3. andymck
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Anyone considering holding off on Lallana and just getting Coutinho a week later?

    1. Adds04
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      That's exactly what I'm thinking, I have mane for this week and will do the swap just after

    2. Dave Boozle
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Both are essential IMO.

    3. leocarter27
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Me

  4. MartialMatas
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Any suggestions?
    I was thinking of getting Pogba or Mkhitaryan in

    Heaton
    Alonso Jones Holebas
    Sanchez Hazard Eriksen Siggy
    Ibra Costa Rondon

    Pickford Pieters de Roon Amat

    1FT 0.6m in the bank

    1. Footballfriend
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Hazard > Mkhi then use profits to go siggy > Ali or couth

  5. FF Dirtbag
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Considering:
    Cedric and siggy -> ake(or a 4.6 mill defender) and lallana (-4)

    Thoughts?

    1. FF Dirtbag
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Who's the best 4.6 mill defender or under??

      1. Team Cruel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Ake

      2. Dave Boozle
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Can you stretch to 4.7 for Stones?

    2. Differentiator
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Who's to say Lallana even plays tomorrow?

      1. FF Dirtbag
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        One of the best players on that team at the moment.klopp rates him. Think he will defo play.

        1. Differentiator
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          Question of him needing a rest rather than quality

          1. Moose™
            • 12 Years
            7 years, 10 months ago

            Zlatan for (C) Differentiator?

            1. Differentiator
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 10 months ago

              Sadly yes lol

              1. Moose™
                • 12 Years
                7 years, 10 months ago

                Dont fancy Kane up against Chelsea?

                1. Differentiator
                  • 8 Years
                  7 years, 10 months ago

                  Not as much

  6. Dr Dream
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Do we think Eriksen plays the next match against Chelsea?...i'm certain Alli will...but will Eriksen ?

    1. Ian Davis
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Yes

    2. FF Dirtbag
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Eriksen will I think

    3. Differentiator
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Eriksen 1000% will. #Spursfan

    4. Jazz!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Not sure but he better

    5. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I smell a few hits

    6. Arctic monkeys
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Annoying that he played the last two games 90 minutes but I think he'll start and then get his rest after.

    7. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I wouldn't listen to anyone on here saying Eriksen is going to be rested unless they produce a very convincing quote from Poch . People on here do not have a clue when it comes to rotation .

  7. DameCorp
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Which is better for the next 6 weeks or so?

    Note: Have Costa and Phillps

    A) Aguero & Snodgrass/Stanislas
    B) Hazard & Negredo

    1. Mancunian
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      A with Snoddy

  8. Ian Davis
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Firmino > Sterling ?

    1. Differentiator
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Who's to say Sterling will play tomorrow.....? But by the looks of it, Firmino probably won't! Go for Pogba IMO. I'm going for Pogba and doubling with Ibra

      1. Ian Davis
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Lots of talk of Firmino being on the bench?

        1. Differentiator
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          Certainly what the Liverpool forums are guessing

          1. Ian Davis
            • 14 Years
            7 years, 10 months ago

            Ok, cheers mate

      2. Emp
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        why woulld firminho not play ive just wildcarded him in :/

    2. Mancunian
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I wouldn't do it especially not this week

  9. nadman89
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    have evans , brunt , phillips , ake , francis , stanislas , hennesey , zaha , benteke in my team is that crazy?

    3 crystal palace
    3 bournemouth
    3 west brom

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

      Double def on 2 teams that haven't been keeping a lot of CS seems dodgy

  10. Kiwivillan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Help appreciated. 2.8m itb

    A) Can>Lallana 0.0itb but Can could do ok
    B) Hazard>Lallana 5.3m itb for team improvement but no Chels att
    C) Hazard+Carroll>Phillips+Kun -4 0.7 itb
    D) Roll FT play the following

    Valdes
    Alonso Jones Ake
    Sanchez Hazard Eriksen Can
    Ibra Kane Carroll

    Pick Forshaw Holebas Amat

  11. Wild Rover
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Anyone think Holgate might be worth a punt? So cheap

    1. diesel001
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Yes - can't be worse than Amat (in fact points wise he isn't)

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Depends if you can cover him if it's a fail.

    3. Arctic monkeys
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Personally I don't.

    4. Dave Boozle
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      It's a punt but he's a cracking player. will only play if they play 352.

      1. A.T
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        This. And they'll only play 3 at the back against certain teams according to Koeman. That could change of course, if 3 at the back is obviously better.
        He used to do this at Southampton didn't he. Change the system from 4 to 3 when he was in a bad run.
        Too early to jump in I'd say.

        1. rivercityransom
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          logic says they would play 3 at the back when they want to focus on defense, eg. against good teams. in games where you'd want to play holgate, he'll be glued to the bench.

    5. A.T
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Not at this stage no. If he plays a run of games and they keep the same system then of course. It's unlikely though imo.

    6. Wild Rover
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Cheers all

  12. Mane
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Play Carrol or Allen this week?

    1. Mishon
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Allen, no doubt

  13. vinny240789
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Valdes and grant
    Defs - Alonso brunt pieters ake and klavan (cheap liverpool player)

    Mids - sanchez lallan alli de roon phillips

    Forwds - ibra costa afobe

    Gtg?
    Whom to bench?
    Any other changes i should make. Got zilch left in the bank.

    1. Aurora
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Like a lot, very similar to mine below!
      Perhaps afobe is the only concern.

      1. vinny240789
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        I know however bournemouth have decent fixtures coming ...and he was the best i could afford for how much i had left in the bank...unless u can suggest otherwise?

        1. Aurora
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          Could you not downgrade a defender like klavan or pieters (since you have Grant) and get in Gray?

          1. vinny240789
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 10 months ago

            I took off klavan for holgate...and instead of afobe i have the choice of gray or carroll. Thoughts?

          2. vinny240789
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 10 months ago

            What if i take out alonso and play rose?

    2. Knowledgeable meerkat
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Don't like klavan as a pick

      1. vinny240789
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        He was cheap..can leave him on bench ...any other suggestions?

  14. Aurora
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    How am I looking?

    Birthday game week for me- any changes needed?

    Grant
    Bellerin Jones Brunt
    Phillips Allí Sanchez Lallana
    Costa Ibrahimovic Benteke
    Subs* Alonso, Coquelin, Amat

    1. diesel001
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Looks good.

    2. George James
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I would play Alonso over jones.

      1. Aurora
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Hmmm, as a Man United fan, I would regret to bench Jones and see a clean sheet.

        1. alexmj
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          Being a fan is irrelevant. So am I but I'm benching at present

      2. dja81
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Alonso a doubt

    3. Knowledgeable meerkat
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      alonso over Jones for me

  15. George James
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    A) Kane + Hazard
    Or
    B) Aguero + Alli (-4)

    1. Differentiator
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      A

  16. The Royal Robin
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    WC, yay or nay?

    Foster > Grant
    Clyne > Brunt
    Koscielny > Ake
    Eriksen > Alli
    Defoe > Costa
    Capoue > de Roon
    Amat > Chambers
    Souaré > Jones

    1. Mishon
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Dont do it.

  17. pjomara
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Anyone tempted to buy Giroud?

    1. MidasBoys XI
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Yep just replaced Origi for Giroud

    2. Aurora
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Nope, when Ozil and Theo are back Giroud is a huge risk

      1. MidasBoys XI
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Maybe but maybe not. Giroud looks like he's fighting for his place and It's going to be hard to displace him after that brilliant goal.

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

      Actually just going to post am I over thinking it. Could do Carroll>Giroud FT and be done with it

  18. DF
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    I'm just popping out for a fag then I'll repost my question when I'm back. Just a little heads up in case it encourages some responses. See you in a minute.

  19. Gizzachance
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    play
    A friend
    B williams
    cheers

  20. vinny240789
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Valdes and grant
    Defs - Alonso brunt pieters ake and klavan (cheap liverpool player)

    Mids - sanchez lallan alli de roon phillips

    Forwds - ibra costa afobe

    Gtg? ???
    Whom to bench?
    Any other changes i should make. Got zilch left in the bank.

  21. MidasBoys XI
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    How nailed on is Gabriel to play tomorrow?
    If he's not nailed on which would you pick to replace him?
    A. Stones
    B. Zabaleta

  22. leocarter27
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Ibra or Sanchez for the armband?

    Swaying towards Ibra with 5 goals in his last 3 away games

  23. Ghost86
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Origi to Benteke -4 good move or hold for now?

    1. George James
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Hold

  24. SANTACLAUS
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Foster
    Bellerin,Valencia,Chambers
    Pogba,Sanchez,de roon,Hazard,Phillips
    Aguero,Ibra

    Sub: Valdes, Ake,Barnes,Love

    Just wildcarded and I feel freeeeeee

    1. diesel001
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      No Liverpool? Also Boro double up (why not Grant?). Love - Sunderland are terrible - why not Holgate?

      1. SANTACLAUS
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        All selected using the RMT tool in members area. Lets see how accurate it is.

  25. JabbaWookiee
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Best Origi replacement is Rondon right? Any reason he's likely to be benched again v Hull?

    1. Arctic monkeys
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      yes, robson kanu was good.

    2. BananaNose Maldonado
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      No chance. Rondon will play.

  26. FALCAO & MOU
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Anyone know anything about that Jesus kid? How much do you expect him to be priced at?

    1. Evans
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Don't know. But I expect he will be nailed on

      (I'll get my coat )

      1. FALCAO & MOU
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Don't run away now.

  27. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    god help me if alonso is injured, I have holebas coming off my bench

    1. Cevap
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      source about Alonso injured? or just rumour?

    2. Evans
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I have Amat ...suspended you say ....happy days

      1. rivercityransom
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        to shreds, you say?

  28. EDEN THE MAN
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Thoughts on Haz and Siggy to Pogba and Alli next week.

    With that spare money I could make an additional transfer of either.

    Lallana to Cout or Holebas to Baines

  29. Mishon
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Gents, a little help: looks like most sites have Sterling on the bench and he has been a very frustrating player. Should I drop him for Phillips?

    1. Aurora
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Sterling is a huge risk right now IMO

  30. Cevap
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    crazy comparison between tekkers and defoe. definitely did not think it was going to be the way it is. Defoe crazy involvement with his team's goals

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      he's basically the only good player they have

      1. Cevap
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        very true