Scout Squad

The Scout Squad – Gameweek 35

With Gameweek 34 still active and amid a busy midweek schedule, we take some time to look ahead to the next set of fixtures and the names in the frame for a place in this Friday’s Scout Picks.

This article aims to give a greater insight into the decision-making process behind our selection, as Mark, Paul and I list the 18 players we think have the best chance of success across the four positions, listed in rank order.

The discussions and disagreements that will take place behind the scenes are then showcased as each of us looks to back our players for a place in the Scout Picks, as well as our Spot the Differential articles.

Finally, we will also reveal the Community Champion who has been selected by our lottery to represent the community and be in with a chance of winning a £100 Amazon voucher.

Mark PaulJonty
GoalkeepersClaudio BravoWayne HennesseyWayne Hennessey
Wayne HennesseyClaudio BravoFraser Forster
Eldin JakupovicFraser ForsterKasper Schmeichel
DefendersDaley BlindEric BaillyEric Bailly
Mamadou SakhoMaya YoshidaCharlie Daniels
Erik PietersRobert HuthErik Pieters
Harry MaguireMamadou SakhoRobert Huth
Robert HuthErik PietersGael Clichy
MidfieldersJosh KingJosh KingJosh King
Marko ArnautovicDele AlliMarko Arnautovic
Alexis SanchezAlexis SanchezEden Hazard
Dele AlliLeroy SaneDele Alli
Eden HazardDusan TadicRobert Firmino
ForwardsHarry KaneHarry KaneHarry Kane
Christian BentekeChristian BentekeChristian Benteke
Jermain DefoeManolo GabbiadiniRomelu Lukaku
Romelu LukakuRomelu LukakuJamie Vardy
Diego CostaJamie VardyManolo Gabbiadini

Goalkeepers

With three votes and two top billings, from Paul and me, Wayne Hennessey (4.3) looks to have secured a starting berth ahead of Crystal Palace’s home match with Burnley.

The Clarets are one of the Premier League’s weakest attacking outfits on the road, scoring a mere 23 times across their 17 days out. The Eagles, meanwhile, have strengthened significantly at the back in recent weeks, keeping two clean sheets and conceding just seven times in their last six – only Manchester United, Manchester City and Spurs have shipped fewer goals over that period.

Claudio Bravo (5.0) may make a late surge for a place, with a nod from Paul and Mark placing the Manchester City stopper top of his list in anticipation of him retaining the number one jersey from Willy Cabellero. Given that the Chilean visits a Middlesbrough side that has mustered a mere 13 goals at home – an unwelcome Premier League record – he could reward their faith.

Continuing threat of rotation between the sticks means I’ve decided to swerve City and am instead joining Paul in backing Southampton’s 4%-owned Fraser Forster (5.0) to prevail at home to Hull City.

Away from the KCOM Stadium the Tigers have been unimpressive, failing to find the net in half of their last six road trips and scoring a solitary goal in the others. With six shut-outs at home, the Saints look more than capable of keeping Marco Silva’s troops at bay.

In sharp contrast, Mark believes that the 22.2%-owned Eldin Jakopovic (4.1) will be the more lucrative custodian at St Mary’s, despite Hull shipping 15 goals and keeping just one clean sheet over their last six away from home.

Kasper Schmeichel (4.9) is the final keeper to earn a mention, with a third spot from me as he travels to a West Brom side that have arguably started their summer holidays early after reaching 40 points and safety.

The Baggies have scored just three times in the last six, while the Foxes’ number one has clean sheets in two of his last four.

Defenders

Manchester United’s rearguard is being heavily backed, although we will need to keep a close eye on Jose Mourinho’s press conferences as rotation is likely given the Red Devils’ punishing April schedule, spanning the Premier League and the Europa League.

Paul and I feel that Eric Bailly (5.5) will once again earn a start, with injuries to Chris Smalling and Phil Jones making his spot among the most secure: the Ivorian has started all of his side’s last six.

Mark backs Daley Blind (5.2) to earn a starting berth on the back of an impressive performance against Burnley at the weekend in which the Dutchman earned two bonus points to add to his clean sheet.

As the only two defenders to earn universal support, Stoke City’s Erik Pieters (4.7) and Leicester City’s Robert Huth (4.9) are well placed to survive Friday’s shakedown.

The Foxes’ centre-back has strong clean sheet prospects at The Hawthorns given that West Brom’s aforementioned dip in motivation. In addition, the 2%-owned German offers the chance of points at the other end of the pitch with two goals and an assist in his last six.

“Robert Huth has already bagged two goals and an assist in seven appearances since Craig Shakespeare took charge of Leicester City. During that period, the Foxes’ centre-half leads all defenders for shots, efforts in the box and attempts on target ahead of a trip to West Brom. With the Baggies already looking like they are on the beach, the champions seem well-placed to benefit at the Hawthorns this Saturday” – Paul

If one of these two are dropped, it may well be the Potters’ left back. Although Stoke have kept six clean sheets at the bet365 Stadium this season, West Ham have been in good attacking form on the road, scoring nine times and only failing to find the net once in their last six away days.

With nominations from Paul and Mark, Mamadou Sakho (4.8) could take his place, particularly due to Burnley’s travel sickness this season. Maximum bonus points in three of his seven starts further strengthen his cause, but with Hennessey offering a cheaper alternative, I think he may struggle to oust his goalkeeping team-mate in our search for Eagles’ defensive coverage.

Instead, I’m backing Charlie Daniels (5.1) to deliver when Bournemouth visit a Sunderland side that has scored just twice since Gameweek 24. With five double-digit FPL hauls, four goals and three assists this season, he also offers attacking threat, particularly as the Black Cats have conceded ten times over their last six.

The disagreements over which of Hull and Southampton will prosper at St Mary’s continues in our defender selection, with Mark again supporting the Tigers with a vote for Harry Maguire (4.4). Meanwhile, Paul has handed a second placing to Maya Yoshida (4.4).

Maguire’s two goals in his last four certainly back Mark’s selection, although, with a goal over the same period, Paul also has reason to be optimistic his pick will survive the cut.

“I’m following my gut with the nomination of both Jakupovic and Maguire. I feel that end of season motivation will be a big factor at St Marys and, although the Hull defence has been fragile on the road, I have faith in Marco Silva and feel that they could well squeak a victory with a clean sheet. Maguire, with his substantial goal threat, also offers a viable plan B should the Tigers concede.”

Despite concerns around rotation, Manchester City’s trip to Middlesbrough looks too good to swerve, so I’ve offered up full-back Gael Clichy (5.2) as an option should we shun Bravo. The 1.4%-owned differential has started all the Sky Blues’ last seven league matches, earning three clean sheets and a bonus on two occasions.

Midfielders

Three top placings and ten goals in his last 11 starts make 16.3%-owned Josh King (6.1) a shoo-in for selection ahead of Bournemouth’s trip to Sunderland’s leaky defence.

Another budget-friendly midfielder that looks likely to earn a place is Stoke’s Marko Arnautovic (7.1), who gets second places from Mark and me and has scored three in his last four home matches. The 1.2%-owned Austrian collides with a Hammers back line that has shipped ten in their last six to offer up an enticing one-week punt for those looking to play their Wildcard in Gameweek 36.

Paul’s lack of faith in Hull continues into midfield, with a fifth place for Southampton’s penalty-taking midfielder Dusan Tadic (6.9), who has created the most chances this season among Claude Puel’s charges and has three goals and five assists across his 25 starts.

Fresh from squaring up to Paul over the credentials of the Tigers defence at St Mary’s, Mark is set to be embroiled in further tussles over our remaining midfield selections.

I’ll be taking on Mark and Paul over their sponsorship of Alexis Sanchez, who has a tough trip to a Spurs side that has only conceded eight times at White Hart Lane, a record in the Premier League this season.

The 24.7%-owned Chilean’s failure to register a double-digit FPL points return since Gameweek 25 adds to my argument that, for Gameweek 35 at least, he is not worth his hefty 11.5m price tag.

“My support for Sanchez remains unshakable. I am just concerned that we will turn our backs on the Gunners man at just the moment he snaps back into a points-earning groove. Of course, that’s always the risk with an asset of his stature and, keeping the faith could be folly given his price tag. But I’m backing him for a return against Leicester on Wednesday and, if that’s the case, we will definitely want him under serious consideration for the Picks, even against the robust Spurs defence.” – Mark

Eden Hazard’s (10.4) inclusion looks set to ensure the squabbles continue, with the Belgian backed by Mark and myself but shunned by Paul. With a third placing, I’m set to be the cheerleader in chief for the 31.2%-owned Belgian, who is in sensational form, scoring six and assisting a further three in his last ten starts.

Instead, Paul will be hoping to convince us to back Manchester City winger Leroy Sane, who since breaking into the starting XI in Gameweek 22 has scored four times and earned two assists.

“I’m opting for the security of starts offered by Leroy Sane on the flank for Man City’s weekend trip to Middlesbrough. Named on the teamsheet in every match from Gameweek 22 onwards, the summer signing has scored or assisted in five of his six away appearances over that stretch and looks in line to profit once more against the doomed Teesside outfit” – Paul

Grapple fans will be pleased to see that the arguments are set to continue over Liverpool’s midfield assets, with Paul and Mark ignoring the Reds altogether, while I’m backing Roberto Firmino (8.7) to shine away to Watford next Monday. The Hornets’ concession of 23 goals at home this season and the 13.5%-owned Brazilian’s delivery of attacking returns in all but one of his last seven run-outs tip the scales in my favour.

At least there should be peace when we discuss the inclusion of Dele Alli for the North London derby. He enjoys universal backing and, with attacking returns in all of his last seven, looks assured of a start.

Forwards

The harmony around Spurs is also evident in our forward selections as Harry Kane earns top spot across the board. He has seven goals in his last five starts and faces an Arsenal defence that’s shipped ten goals and kept a solitary clean sheet over their previous six ahead of tonight’s home tie with Leicester. All of that makes the England hitman a certainty in this Friday’s Scout Picks.

Christian Benteke (7.3) looks another assured pick, with three second spots and an enticing home tie with a Burnley side that has conceded 33 times on the road. It is no wonder the 11.7%-owned Belgian is also a close second to Kane in this week’s Captain Poll, given he has scored five goals in as many matches.

There’s also universal support for the superb home form of Romelu Lukaku (10.5) when Chelsea drop by Goodison Park.

The Toffees’ talisman has racked up 16 goals in as many home starts, while his former club have failed to keep a clean sheet since Gameweek 22. We anticipate disappointment for the 17,000+ FPL managers who have shown him the door since Saturday.

However, the arguments start up again across our remaining selections, with myself and Paul supporting Jamie Vardy (9.9) while Mark has instead opted for Diego Costa (10.3).

The Blues striker’s brace last night against Southampton brought in a 16-point FPL haul. But as this was first double-digit return since Gameweek 14, Paul and I have decided to steer clear. Everton’s impressive record of seven clean sheets while conceding a mere 13 times in 17 Goodison Park league matches also weighs heavily against the 29.3%-owned Spaniard’s inclusion.

Paul and I favour Vardy’s combination of consistency and explosiveness – he has two double-digit FPL points returns in his last seven run-outs, and six goals over that time frame. Just one shut-out in their last six for his hosts, West Brom, is another statistic we will be using to convince Mark.

Paul and I gang up on Mark once again over our support for 3.5%-owned differential Manolo Gabbiadini (6.4). He earned an assist last night against Chelsea and scored four across his first quartet of matches for Southampton before injury sidelined him for three Gameweeks.

Meanwhile, Mark will be busy building a case for Sunderland’s Jermain Defoe (7.6) to earn a place when Bournemouth visit, even though the 17.9%-owned veteran striker has failed to score since Gameweek 24.

Community Champion

Representing the Community against the Scout Picks in Gameweek will be Kings of Lyon, who has two top 10,000 finishes across his seven previous seasons. Currently ranked at 14,282, he is on course for another high placing this campaign.

The community champion who has the best lead over the Scouts during 2016/17 will win a £100 Amazon voucher (currently we can only offer Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com vouchers).

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

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

1,281 Comments Post a Comment
  1. RubeRx
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    No Kun on any scout squad? 😯

    1. Hasselbaink Forever - Defoe…
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Surprising

    2. J0E
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      He was in my initial draft - but I just felt that his price tag was too hefty for what he has been offering. Given Lukaku's home form is better than Aguero's away form and Chelsea are very leaky at the moment I went for the Everton man in the end.

      Aguero is good - but still not sure he's nearly 13m worth of good.

  2. Sess!
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Not sure how to take the Silva news as a Sterling owner. Means Sterling should start on Thurs but if Silva back for Boro then surely Sterling place under threat again.

  3. NATSTER
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Forster for the rest of season ?

    Candidate is Pickford.

  4. b✪mber
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    I was joking...this place is too serious...

    1. Sess!
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Bummer

  5. BellyKlopp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    WC team gtg?
    Cech Pickford
    Stones Alonso Bailly Stephens Holgate
    Hazard Sane King Sanchez Eriksen
    Kane Bentekkers Gabbi

    1. Sess!
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Template but decent. Who does Benteke become after gw35?

      1. BellyKlopp
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        potentially rashford depending on game time, any recommendations?

        1. Sess!
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          Not in that price bracket. Would have said Gabbi but you already own him. Defoe could be a proper outside punt but I wouldn't bother personally. We are dross and won't have anything to play for.

    2. ***00tennis***
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Careful with sane-could be rotation

      FFS Twitter>> ''Pep on Aguero & Jesus:“Yeah,they can play together.Depends on the way we want to play.If you play without wingers-more narrow-they can play''

    3. Skid Vicious
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Benching nightmares on single gw's with all those 8 heavy hitters.

      Nice template. I like it.

  6. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Arnie Army!

    1. b✪mber
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      good punt I think... no army though 🙂

  7. BellyKlopp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    any1 else TCing Sanchez gw 36?

    1. Sess!
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      If I still had TC and BB that's where my TC would be going.

    2. b✪mber
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I'd guess only 95% of the people here. The other 5% have used their BB and will TC someone in 37. 37 looks better for the TC chip, but worse for the TC+BB combo imo.

      1. b✪mber
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        95% that still have the TC chip*

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

        yeh if i didnt have BB i would have probably gone hazard tc in 37

    3. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Yes probably

  8. anish10
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    What to do with this lot, WC still intact:

    1FT 1.6 ITB

    Think maybe Zaha out

    Pickford
    Alonso Davies Bailly
    Sanchez Alli Zaha King
    Aguero Lukaku Kane

    Grant--De Roon--Chambers--Holgate

    1. Sess!
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Nobody really appeals that you could trade Zaha out for, plus he has a nice fixture. I'd probably do Lukaku > Costa if you want Costa on your WC and beat the price rises.

    2. weaver93
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Kun - Gabby
      Zaha - Hazard..

      1. Sess!
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Kun has boro though. Could be a blood bath.

        1. weaver93
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          but Jesus is back...

          1. Sess!
            • 13 Years
            6 years, 11 months ago

            Aguero won't be just kicked out of team when aguero is firing, plus Jesus will need to build his fitness up so bench at best.

            1. Pieterke30
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 11 months ago

              Jesus might get 30 minutes tomorrow and start at the weekend

      2. anish10
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Wouldn't take Aguero out for Boro fixture

    3. Skid Vicious
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Maybe zaha to sané, but zaha has a nice next fixture.

  9. Jusagoras
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    How about Negredo + Siggy -> Benteke + King (-4) for just GW35, before WC?

    1. MTPockets
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Current 5th mid?

        1. Jusagoras
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          Suppose I ought to post the team:
          Heaton Jaku
          Walker Bailly Pieters Gibson Amat
          Sanchez Alli Coutinho Siggy T. Carroll
          Kane (c) Lukaku Negredo

          1FT, 1.0 ITB.

          1. MTPockets
              6 years, 11 months ago

              I probably would then yeah. But after games finished.

              1. Jusagoras
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 11 months ago

                Thanks

      • ceerus
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Rest of season
        Jakupovic+
        A)Pickford
        B)Boruc

        1. Chucky
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          pick

      • Team Cruel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Pogba (TC) ended in tears. No regrets though as I labelled it a bit of a luxury chip taking the circumstances into consideration. I was never going to use it on a SGW player (the irony), WC36 and BB37 so had to be someone this GW.

        1. Sess!
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          Could have used it on Benteke though.

          1. b✪mber
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 11 months ago

            yeah, rub it in 😀

          2. Team Cruel
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 11 months ago

            Maxed out on Palace players after the Arsenal game so couldn't get Benteke. He would definitely have been the prime candidate. In the end it was between Pogba and Blind, went with the attacker.

            1. Sess!
              • 13 Years
              6 years, 11 months ago

              Fair enough, well unless Sanchez goes nuts in gw36 no one will have gained that much from their TC this year.

              1. Team Cruel
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 8 Years
                6 years, 11 months ago

                Yup, if Kun had run riot in his DGW earlier in the season then I would have been pressured into WC35 and TC36. As it turned out I didn't want to WC two weeks before the BB.

              2. b✪mber
                • 8 Years
                6 years, 11 months ago

                That moment when Sanchez ends with combined total of 3 points in GW36 will be priceless.

                Saying this feels weird since I'm one of those poor souls to embark on that journey.

                1. Pierce34
                  • 8 Years
                  6 years, 11 months ago

                  I'll be happy with just a goal or something, I should've triple captained Benteke.

                  1. Pierce34
                    • 8 Years
                    6 years, 11 months ago

                    Easy to say in hindsight of course, though my gut feeling was always that he was going to score at Anfield.

                    1. b✪mber
                      • 8 Years
                      6 years, 11 months ago

                      As long as you've put the C on him you're good.

                      1. Pierce34
                        • 8 Years
                        6 years, 11 months ago

                        I did, yeah - though I sold Costa for him so unless he scores vs. Spurs I've lost points!

        2. Chucky
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          lol

        3. Enzo the Baker
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          takes a brave man to admit it, you risked everything and lost .. nice try anyway

      • Chucky
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        So are we all ready for a Negredo(C) Haul? 😎

        1. Phil Dagger ⭐
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          my faith is so low atm that I would even take an assist from him and run away 😐

          1. Pieterke30
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 11 months ago

            That makes two of us

        2. Gooner Kebab
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          or tears

        3. Rolls-Royce
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          Yep. Bring it on!

        4. Sess!
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          0-0 wrote all over it. 1-1 at best.

          1. Phil Dagger ⭐
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 11 months ago

            *ruins evening

        5. Zikry
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          Gibson will outscore Negredo (C) tonight

        6. Magic Bean
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          Time for him to save my GW 😆

        7. Skid Vicious
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          Oh gawd he's my captain too
          I'm pooping it. Not expecting much from him.
          8 points will have to do.

      • Jigger & Pony
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Time for the Negredo show soon...

        1. Chucky
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          change your grav then,Negredo owners unite 😉

          1. Rasping Drive
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 11 months ago

            Having him in my team is bad enough; I don't want to advertise it as well.

            1. Debauchy
              • 11 Years
              6 years, 11 months ago

              lol, this

            2. Chucky
              • 10 Years
              6 years, 11 months ago

              this place will be full of Negredo gravs after his first half hattie 😉

              1. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
                • 8 Years
                6 years, 11 months ago

                Been on this all season

      • The Head-Ake
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        I DON'T HAVE BB. WC team :

        Jakupovic - Pickford
        Monreal - Stephens - Alonso - Holgate - Toby/Bailly
        Carroll - Sane - Sanchez - Hazard - Alli
        Costa - Kane - Anichebe

        Can still afford Jesus and Gabbi but am not convinced by them entirely. Thoughts on this team?

        1. Phil Dagger ⭐
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          7 th attacker is poor .

          1. The Head-Ake
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 11 months ago

            How should I change?

            1. Phil Dagger ⭐
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 11 months ago

              probably have to downgrade Costa to Gabbi And upgarde one of Carroll/Anichebe whoever you like.

              1. The Head-Ake
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 11 months ago

                Aww man. I dont wanna lose Costa

                1. The Head-Ake
                  • 7 Years
                  6 years, 11 months ago

                  I can't Haz and Sanchez and Alli at the same time like that

        2. My Name Is Pepu
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          Downgrade Alonso to David Luiz, Toby to Vertonghen. That let's you fund Tommy Carroll to Josh The King.

          1. My Name Is Pepu
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 11 months ago

            Further downgrade Alli to Eriksen (Eriksen will outscore Alli anyway from now till end of the season) if you're still falling some bucks short of Tommy to King.

          2. The Head-Ake
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 11 months ago

            I meant Vert for Toby and Alonso, I bought him at 6.4 so pretty much the same money for Luiz in the market.

      • Saïss Doesn't Mat…
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Would this be a good time to oust Lukaku?? No dgws and 2 away games incoming plus a home tie against Chelsea (not like they are defensive giants anymore but still a tough fixture). Lukaku >> gabiadinni would allow me townsend >>>ozil/walcott gw36

        1. Enzo the Baker
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          Would give both Lukaku and Gabbi 1 game more

        2. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          Yes imo.

        3. United10
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          do it

        4. Pinky Blinders
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          I think I need to see another week of Lukaku. If he turns up as crap at home against Chelsea, I would be more prone to make a switch.

      • Sess!
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        City players really are going to be a minefield for the run in aren't they.

        1. Bubz
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          Yep. They always are a minefield with Pep so will be even worse

        2. nevins84
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          Looks like it... Im going either Sane or Sterling and then just hope for the best..

          1. Vinyl78LP
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 11 months ago

            same here, need some City coverage and will get one of these two - Kun cost will drag the quality of the rest of the team down too much.

      • Enzo the Baker
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Any advice on who to bench this weekend ? No AoA

        Sanchez Hazard Alli King Zaha
        Kane Lukaku Benteke

        Currently thinking one of Zaha or Alli

        1. Pieterke30
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          Lukaku. Yes, it's at home, but he hasn't scored much vs top six teams this season.

          If not him, then Zaha or Sanchez (can see Spurs trashing Arsenal this time)

          1. Enzo the Baker
            • 10 Years
            6 years, 11 months ago

            Interesting thought re:Lukaku, will consider it. At least we've narrowed it down to 2-3 options, so that's good 🙂 maybe pressers will help

      • YoungPretender
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Bench 1;

        A) Rashford (SWA)
        B) Tadic (HUL)
        C) King (sun)
        D) Lukaku (CHE)

        1. Enzo the Baker
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          One of Tadic or Rashford for me. Maybe Rashford because Mourinho will probably put out a squad similar to the Burnley game

          1. YoungPretender
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 11 months ago

            Yeah was thinking this.

        2. the snazzy viking
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          Any other options? Can you play AoA? Otherwise B

          1. YoungPretender
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 11 months ago

            Haven't got AoA. I want to give Tadic a chance to repay my faith! Haha.

        3. Rains of Castamere
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          Rashford as he probably won't play more than 30 mins. His big games in the next week or so are the derby tomorrow and then Celta Vigo next Thurs.

      • Rains of Castamere
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        RMWCT if you don't mind...

        Forster------Pickford
        Koscielny----Alonso----Blind----Yoshida----B.Jones
        Sanchez----Hazard----Alli----Sane----King
        Kane----Gabbiadini----Anichebe

        0.9 ITB.

        Would leave me with 5 DGWs for GW36 and 14 for GW37. Also gives me three obvious benching options for the coming GWs.

        1. Enzo the Baker
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          Looks very strong, template but with good reason. Are you going to Bench Boost in DGW37 ? if so, would maybe upgrade B.Jones or Anichebe, maybe Kos -> Monreal, Blind -> ? can help finance that

          1. Rains of Castamere
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 11 months ago

            Thanks mate, not been on here much recently so wasn't sure if it would be template or not. Yep, I'll be using BB in 37.

            Will have a play around with those suggestions. Is there a chance Gibbs could play one of the games in 37 though?

        2. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          Double Sunderland is brutal, get Holgate for 37

      • HazardAGuess
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Follow-up to an earlier question. I can't afford Jesus to rise (lol), but fortunately he's nowhere near at the moment. Which option looks better?

        - - - A - - -
        GW35: DDG & Benteke
        GW36: DDG > Cech & Benteke > Jesus (or in GW37)

        - - - B - - -
        GW35: Cech & Benteke
        GW36: Benteke > Jesus (or in GW37)

        - - - C - - -
        GW35: Cech & Jesus (no need to transfer)

        1. b✪mber
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          I think it depends on your 2nd GK in 35 - I'd go Cech, but wouldn't play him in 35. Also jumping on the Jesus train right now feels a bit early. See what happens with Jesus tomorrow, than decide.

          1. HazardAGuess
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 11 months ago

            Yeah, I'm definitely not making a move before the next game.

            2nd keeper is Pickford. Chance of a DDG cleanie is surely fairly high vs. Swansea, but may be a luxury transfer.

            1. b✪mber
              • 8 Years
              6 years, 11 months ago

              As a Cech+Pickford owner myself, I think that that is the way.

              1. HazardAGuess
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 11 months ago

                Awesome, thanks!

              2. Skid Vicious
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                6 years, 11 months ago

                Same opinion here.
                Cech and Pick look good for the next fixtures

      • St. Joseph
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Eve vs che

        Would u guys rather have
        A) lukaku at home
        B) costa away

        1. HazardAGuess
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          I kinda fancy Lukaku against the Chelsea defence, but there's an equal chance that Chelsea completely hold them back.

          Having said that, as I have more faith in the Chelsea defence than Everton's, probably Costa?

          Honestly, I'd have them equally as likely to score... I know that doesn't help, sorry!

          1. St. Joseph
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 11 months ago

            Good opinion i think

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

          All I can do is recall that 3-5 result a couple of seasons ago. I would probably say Costa as he has better fixtures going forward plus a double.

          1. St. Joseph
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 11 months ago

            Cheers

      • Rasping Drive
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        How did Saints look going forward last night? Mark doesn't sound convinced at all by their assets (or is this to try and put TM off the scent?). Gabbi worth a spot in our teams?

        1. Saïss Doesn't Mat…
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          Got yoshida and redmond, and in as much as yoshida has delivered immensely over the past month, redmond has been meh. just one return in the last 4 since wildcard....i'll still probably triple up as gabiadeeney is on my watchlist as well.

          1. Rasping Drive
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 11 months ago

            Thanks mate, much appreciated.

        2. tm370
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          Imo one defender, and Gab, makes sense. They have the capacity for clean sheets and for goals, as yesterday demonstrated. I'd be wary about the midfielders though.

          1. Rasping Drive
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 11 months ago

            I agree, I am looking at Stephens because of price and Gabbi up front. Cheers fella!

        3. Pinky Blinders
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          The scoreline looks awful, and their defense against the break was massively exposed by Chelsea's pace, but when I watched the game replay, I didn't think SOU looked that bad going forward. They were finding spaces, moving off the ball a lot, and looking for Gabbi. I'm giving Lukaku another week but could see a scenario where I bring in Gabbi ahead of the DGW 36 if they play well in GW35.

          1. Rasping Drive
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 11 months ago

            Thanks Caddi. Since I have no WC left (and am probably looking at around 16 pts in hits over the next 3 weeks), I will have to move for him this week.

            Like a few people, however, I am worried about his minutes. But if anything, he should be able to play all the games after his time on the sidelines, it's just whether Puell will give him the nod. Long really isn't all that, so I would imagine Austin might challenge him the most. Right, I've talked myself into it. Thanks everyone for your help.

      • boombaba
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Son nailed until end of season ?

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

          Not sure, they can go back to three at the back with all the defenders available.

      • United10
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Lukaku out for Gabbiadini, no brainer with 2 extra fixtures + extra funds to spend ?

        1. Skid Vicious
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          I took out benteke for gabbi and took a calculated punt on lukaku out for Vardy.

          Vardy has been so consistent

        2. Bubz
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          Im worried about Gabbi's minutes

      • tm245
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Is this United tomorrow?
        Carrick Fellaini
        Herrera + 2 of Lingard/Mkhi/Martial
        Rashford

        Rooney off the bench along with one of the midfielders?

        1. United10
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          most likely. Young will feature somewhere too

          1. tm245
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 11 months ago

            I always forget about him.

        2. Enzo the Baker
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          Yep, looks likely. I think Martial will be the one to miss out

          1. tm245
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 11 months ago

            As a Mkhi punter, I hope so.

      • Skid Vicious
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Than you Jonty nice work.

        Personally I fancy Vardy over Lukaku until the end of the season.
        Strangely I've never owned everyone's favourite midfield pick King. I've filled in that space in midfield with Sané for the dgw ahead with kind fixtures..

        All my chasers in ML have him
        I could live to regret it.

        1. J0E
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          Cheers. Yep me too re Vardy - he'll be replacing the Belgian on my wildcard - if not before.

      • Rolls-Royce
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        On 58 points hoping to reach my first triple digit score this season, with Kane, Alli, Sanchez, Benteke & Negredo(c) tonite.

        1. Rolls-Royce
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          4 goals from Alvaro should do it.

        2. Chucky
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          great score already.. Negredo and the boys will take you there.. 😀

          1. Rolls-Royce
            • 10 Years
            6 years, 11 months ago

            Here's hoping.

      • Cocky Spaniel Alves
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Afternoon all.

        What's the wildcard template for someone like me who plans to use it this week with a view to using TC in 36, BB in 37 (and AOA in 38)?

        Still hoping to salvage a horrible season by at least winning one of my less competitive money leagues.

        1. Pep says
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          No offemce but if your coming on here looking for someone to tell you what team you should get on your WC then you don't deserve to win a money league

          1. tm370
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 11 months ago

            Exactly. I understand wanting advice over an option or two, but what is the point in playing if you want someone else to give you a template?

            1. Cocky Spaniel Alves
              • 12 Years
              6 years, 11 months ago

              Lack of time? Laziness? Stupidity?

              All valid reasons in my case.

        2. HazardAGuess
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          GOALKEEPERS:
          Cech / Pickford seems the best pair. Anything could happen, though.

          DEFENDERS:
          In an ideal world, one Chelsea, one Spurs and one Man City defender would be nice. In reality, they all could concede, but the above three cover some nice fixtures & DGWs. (I have Alonso, Vertonghen & Clichy, for now). To help fund this, and the front line, I'd have 1 or 2 of Yoshida/Stephens/Holgate. Nice'n'cheap. Other options for the run-in could be Maguire, a United defender likely to play (lol) etc.

          MIDFIELDERS:
          Sanchez & Hazard seem a no brainier. Some would argue that Ozil could 'cover' Sanchez, but I think given the fact you have the TC chip, it'd be wise to use it on Sanchez. (I am doing the same, probably). Alongside these I'd have Alli/Eriksen, maybe a City midfielder (Sané most nailed?); King looks great, even without a DGW. Cheaper 5th MID alternatives are Carrol/Romeu/Ward-Prowse/Albrighton (maybe not nailed) etc.

          FORWARDS:
          Having Kane is ideal. Having Gabbiadini could be nice for the DGWs, although there is concern about playing time. Jesus would be amazing if back in the fold. Other options are Costa (maybe), Lukaku (no DGW & some away fixtures, though) or Vardy (quieter, good shout). Anichebe and Niasse are decent enablers.

          1. Cocky Spaniel Alves
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 11 months ago

            You're my hero. Thank you, Sir!

            1. HazardAGuess
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 11 months ago

              No worries 🙂

      • Kings of Lyon ★
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Hi guys, Ill be representing the community this week. Any advice for my picks?

        1. Still Unsure
            6 years, 11 months ago

            Hull players could be nice differentials...

          • Rolls-Royce
            • 10 Years
            6 years, 11 months ago

            Consider Defoe, one of Martial/Mikhi, Vardy/Mahrez, Shaqiri..

            1. Rolls-Royce
              • 10 Years
              6 years, 11 months ago

              .. Kolarov, Afobe.

          • Rasping Drive
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 11 months ago

            Good luck KoL.
            How about:

            Hennessey
            Blind Pieters Kompany
            Hazard Firmino Arnie King Sane
            Kane Benteke

            No idea if this is within budget or not!

            1. Kings of Lyon ★
              • 13 Years
              6 years, 11 months ago

              Cheers ! Very similar to what I have

          • AA33
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 11 months ago

            Avoid Scout Pick players - the players who you think will make into the Scout Picks XI

          • VS10_
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 11 months ago

            Back one or two defences heavily and attacking differentials. Pretty much the only way to win by a big margin.

          • J0E
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 11 months ago

            The most successful champions are those that read this article, look for hints of who we are considering and avoid them like the plague.

            They also tend to take risks like doubling and even trebling up on defenders. Nail a clean sheet that the scouts aren't backing can be a 15 pt swing. Nail a couple of goal scorers that we haven't considered and that's your mega points gap achieved.

            1. Kings of Lyon ★
              • 13 Years
              6 years, 11 months ago

              Funnily enough, thats exactly what I done for my first draft 😉

        2. Still Unsure
            6 years, 11 months ago

            OK, pick this GW 36 WC apart for me and tell me how bad it is!?

            Heaton - Pickford
            Alonso - Clichy - Gabriel - Holgate - Stephens
            Sanchez - Hazard - Alli - King - JWP
            Kane - Costa - Gabbiadini

            0.6 ITB

            (I know Gabriel is a rotation risk...)

            1. The Head-Ake
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 11 months ago

              Not Clichy and Gabriel, not enough ITB? I have the same problem, hope one of the costly defs of Arsenal get injured

              1. Still Unsure
                  6 years, 11 months ago

                  Gabriel is a rotation risk as I've said, but I don't think Clichy is and City's fixtures are golden.

                  1. HazardAGuess
                    • 7 Years
                    6 years, 11 months ago

                    Although likely to play most games, I would still register Clichy as a bit of a risk (Pep be Peppin').

                    Having one of these two isn't that bad a shout, but having both could be a little troublesome. Mix the possibility that Stephens could also get rested for Céceres one match (however unlikely), you could be looking at 3 Defenders unavailable one week.

                    So yeah, 1 is probably alright but having 2 (at this stage) isn't the most ideal.