Scout Picks

Scout Picks – Gameweek 5

Ahead of this evening’s deadline, we take time to name the players from our midweek squad article who have earned a place in our Gameweek 5 Scout Picks.

With expensive assets from Spurs, Liverpool and the two Manchester clubs enjoying strong fixtures, we’ve been forced to ramp up our search for value.

This starts in goal with the selection of Newcastle United’s cut-price stopper Rob Elliot (4.1), who has a potentially favourable match-up of his own, hosting a Stoke City side that has managed a mere three penalty area efforts away from home this season.

He also offers us the chance of extra points should he keep the Potters at bay, after notching a bonus point in Newcastle’s 1-0 away victory against Swansea in Gameweek 3 on the back of just three saves.

We have deployed a 4-4-2 line up this week due to the array of keenly priced defenders with enticing home games, which gives us further opportunity to divert funds towards a premium attack.

Our most expensive rearguard pick is Ben Davies (5.7), who offers exceptional value as the Fantasy Premier League’s top points scorer. A visit from a Swansea City side with the worst record in terms of goal attempts, chances, close range efforts and shots on target gives us optimism for clean sheet points from the Welshman.

His 13 key passes – more than any defender and also more than any of his team-mates – and corner taking duties further strengthens his case for inclusion. With nearly 300,000+ new FPL owners, he is this week’s most popular player in the transfer market.

Brighton scored three goals against West Brom last weekend, but with the joint lowest tally of shots in the box this season, we are still far from convinced the Seagulls are enjoying an attacking renaissance.

This gives us hope of clean sheet points for Bournemouth’s Charlie Daniels (4.9) from the visit of Chris Hughton’s troops to the Vitality Stadium tonight. With Bournemouth’s only goal this season, and four successful strikes in 2016/17, he also offers us the prospect of returns at both ends of the pitch. Despite 285,000 FPL managers ditching him since the start of the season he still sits in an influential 12.9% of squads.

Manchester United’s Phil Jones (5.1) is another value defensive pick with strong shut-out potential. Everton are the visitors to Old Trafford on Sunday, and they currently languish, with Swansea City, at the foot of the shots on target table, with just seven accurate goal attempts.

In a Gameweek where sides involved in the midweek Champions League schedule may look to rotate, the 6.6%-owned Jones also offers us security of a start, having missed Tuesday’s encounter with Basel through suspension.

Another cheap starter is Trent Alexander-Arnold (4.5), who was rested for Liverpool’ midweek Champions League encounter with Sevilla and looks a shoo-in for selection when Burnley drop by Anfield.

Granted the Reds have conceded eight across his two league starts, but both of these were away, and Jurgen Klopp’s side have kept clean sheets in both of their Anfield league ties this season. However, with four goals in their two road trips, the Clarets will present a stern test for the 2.1%-owned full-back.

Like Davies, Alexander-Arnold boasts his share of set-pieces, another factor in our selection policy.

The failure of Sean Dyche’s troops to keep a clean sheet in those two away days, plus the absence of influential keeper Tom Heaton through injury, has prompted us to spend 9.1 of our 83m budget on Reds winger Mo Salah. The 30.7%-owned Egyptian has two goals and as many assists in his four matches, which is even more impressive considering he was a substitute in two of these appearances.

Dele Alli (9.5) is another of our selections who looks certain to start having missed his side’s Champions League midweek fixture through suspension. The Swans’ concession of 40 close range efforts, an unfortunate tally only Bournemouth can beat, gives us hope the English midfielder can add to his two goals scored.

On the road, David Silva (8.2) is emerging as Manchester City’s chief creator, making eight key passes – a league-high away tally that only Burnley’s Robbie Brady can match. He claims a place in our XI ahead of a trip to a Watford. Pep Guardiola’s side eased to a 5-0 victory on their previous visit.

Our final midfield place goes to West Ham’s Michail Antonio (7.5), who had three shots against Huddersfield Town on Monday and travels to a West Brom side that has shipped four in their last two matches. With a mere 0.7% ownership, he looks an intriguing, money-saving midfield differential for those looking to replace the injured Paul Pogba.

FPL’s two most expensive and in-form forwards, Harry Kane (12.4) and Romelu Lukaku (11.7), complete our line-up.

After his annual August drought, the Spurs talisman has been busy making up for lost time, scoring a brace against Everton last weekend and another two in the Champions League against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley. Those dire Swansea defensive statistics suggest more goals are coming for the England forward, who has been signed up by more than 179,000 FPL managers this week.

Lukaku’s four league goals in as many matches, plus a successful strike in the Champions League against Basel on Tuesday, make the 56.6%-owned Belgian a vital part of our Scout Picks. Also in his favour is that his former employers, Everton, visit Old Trafford having shipped five goals over the past two Gameweeks.

Now that Roy Hodgson has taken over from Frank de Boer, we are anticipating a back-to-basics approach at Crystal Palace for Southampton’s visit. Traditionally for the Eagles this has meant well-drilled set-pieces that home in on the presence of the 0.8%-owned defender Scott Dann (4.9), who just misses out on a place in our starting XI.

Dann has had more penalty area shots than any other defender and this week he also has the chance of defensive returns – the Saints have failed to score in three of their four matches.

Strong underlying statistics also earn Huddersfield midfielder Tom Ince (6.0) a mention. Even though he has yet to score this campaign, 14 goal attempts, half of which have been in the box, offer us hope he can reward his meagre 1.2% ownership.

Another with impressive numbers is Magpies striker Joselu (5.5). He scored against West Ham at home in Gameweek 3 and has fired off 12 goal attempts, three-quarters of which were on target. Stoke’s visit looks an ideal time for the 0.5%-owned Spaniard to once again bring the St James’ Park crowd to their feet.

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 Gregor, who has opted for a 4-3-3 line up of: Begovic; Walker, Trippier, Valencia, Mendy; Alli, Ritchie, Salah; Morata, Aguero, Rashford.

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

1,186 Comments Post a Comment
  1. SuperDan
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Rate my WC team (1-10):

    Elliot (Krul)
    Kola, Davies, Clark (Gamez, Hunemeier)
    Salah, Eriksen, Mhiki, Choupo (Carroll)
    Kane, Morata, Firmino
    .4 ITB

    1. Astronautovic
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      I am on wc too and mids + attack is the same as mine

    2. S.Kuqi
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      9 but who is Gamez?

      1. HNI
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        He led Azerbaijn to WC glory in under 10

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

        Games is NEW def, 4.0 but rotation risk

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

          *GAmez
          filthy auto-correct

    3. Astronautovic
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Just kola clark gamez we have different

    4. R.C
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Kola wont start apparently

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

      Real nice team, only 7.5 or 8 because of the potentially three non playing subs.

      Could you do Eriksen to Alli and then have £0.5 to upgrade Gamez

    6. Arc
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      8, strong starting XI, but a lack of bench option might hurt down the line.

    7. goonerdoz
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      8
      Agree with Mikeryko about the 3 non-playing subs.

  2. Gooner97
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Play Yoshida or Mbemba?

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

      Both may not start

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

      Tough one, Yoshi is battling it out with 3 other CBs now and Chancel is coming off an injury. Flip a coin!

  3. Big P
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Jesus, Lukaku or Firmino ----> Kane ??

    1. Kryten
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Firmino?

    2. S.Kuqi
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Firmino

    3. HNI
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      ANy other Spurs cover then hold
      if not decide depending on which of Salah/Mikhi/KDB you have
      better spread the load

    4. goonerdoz
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Too expensive strike-force if Firms --> Kane

    5. Hotdogs
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Firmino if you have the cssh

    6. The Dynamics
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      If you have to, I would choose Firmino

  4. R.C
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Convince me to pick Elliot over Tony Pulis' Foster

    I think being a contrarian here will be a differential for me this GW

    1. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Because the scouts told us to.

      Good enough for me 🙂

      1. R.C
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Scouts GW 4 XI was bonkers

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

      Save points and West ham over confident after 1st win

    3. Hotdogs
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Scout says Elliot, so to be a contrarian I think you actually need to go with Foster?

      1. R.C
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        I have Forster

        1. R.C
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 6 months ago

          Shit Foster*

    4. The Dynamics
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      I crunched the stats. They all suggest the Newcastle has a better chance of a clean sheet than West Brom. I'm picking Elliot.

  5. ROSSI_7
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Should we consider Doucoure as 4th mid ?

    1. Moss
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Nope.

    2. The Dynamics
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      His underlying stats don't suggest that his points returns are sustainable. So it would be sensible not to.

  6. S.Kuqi
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Sorry for spamming but. One last time!

    Lukaku ➡ Jesus

    Pull the trigger?

    1. Please Help I Don't Kn…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      No.

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

      I didn't have the transfer but would do it for a free. It's risky and maverick. You can always swith back good luck

      1. S.Kuqi
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        I have history of failing when trying to be maverick but spider sense tell me to get some ManC attack.

        1. Kryten
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 6 months ago

          Yeah if it was December and people were chasing more people would be doing it. It's high risk because of Lukaku ownership but at worst you 8 points worse of imo

    3. VS10_
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Have both but wouldn't say yes when I don't know the plans of what you can do with the money.

      1. S.Kuqi
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Allows me to have Kola and Ramsey for free next gw.

        1. VS10_
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 6 months ago

          That's decent. You know the risks with Lukaku.

    4. Ser Davos
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Everton dismal atm and Jesus on limited minutes.

      There will come a time to do this move, but not yet.

    5. HNI
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      DO NOT Mate
      After Mcity-Chelsea match do Lukaku to Jesus for city back to back home games
      Could you advice me who to pick from Kolasi/Mendy/Walker/Bellerin?

      1. S.Kuqi
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Mendy would be my choice this gw but Kola from next gw onwards

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

      No...

    7. goonerdoz
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      If you want to free up a bit of cash to spread the love in the rest of your team, do it! But you must have Kane if no kaku...

    8. The Dynamics
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      For a hit? Definitely no.
      For no hit? Probably wouldn't be a good idea.

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

    Can you please tell me if pogba's price will know be frozen until he's fit again thanks

    1. Legomané
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      No

    2. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      No

  8. Tabbara
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Play suttner or ward(burnley)
    Thx

    1. Arc
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Suttner

    2. The Dynamics
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Suttner over any burnley defender for these matches.

  9. Ripperdusks
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    I have a choice of

    A) Kaku, schindler, mhki and vardy - Jesus, hazard, Joselu and + 0.9 mill itb

    B) kaku, mhki and vardy - hazard Kane and Joselu + 0.4 mill itb

    C) Kaku vardy schindler - Kane Joselu and kolasinac + 1.2 mill itb

  10. Evasivo
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Help to bench two please guys!?

    a) Daniels
    b) Kola
    c) Suttner
    d) Lowe
    e) Bertrand

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

      c and d

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

        this

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

      Suttner & Lowe

    3. Evasivo
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Thanks all 🙂

    4. The Dynamics
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      C and D

  11. SADIO SANÉ
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Article before Everton played Spurs (after Holgate's U21 injury) - 'There was also no word on Mason Holgate who suffered an ankle ailment but should be in line to play.' Could it be that he just hadn't fully recovered for that game and that he is first choice, ahead of Martina?

    1. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Both are crap tbh.

      1. SADIO SANÉ
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        could well be right, not sure I want to judge them just yet, fixtures couldn't have been much worse - although last night wasn't ideal obviously

  12. Chepe Santacruz
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Bertrand/Abraham to Naughton/Jesus worth a -8?

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

      nope

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

      No naughtons playin totenham so you'll need at least 12 pints from Jesus

    3. Hotdogs
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Nope

  13. It’s a Knockaert
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    A: Kane and Chalobah
    B: Firmino and Miki

    1. Arc
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      B, but try to find another way for Kane.

      1. It’s a Knockaert
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Willian and Kane over pogba and Lukaku?

    2. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Kane and Fellaini!

      1. It’s a Knockaert
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Can't do that unfortunately

  14. Gooner97
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    JRod to:

    A) Joselu
    B) Bony
    C) Keep

    1. HNI
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      I had him and WCed...Just hide behind couch and upgrade to jesus soon

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

      A maybe

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

      Keep.

      WHU & WAT in next three for him. Possibility of returns I would say.

    4. Jomica
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      A

  15. rvp786
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    elliot krul

    davies jones simpson naughton hunemeir

    alli mikhy salah rlc carroll

    firminho kane c lukaku

    thoughts??

    1. Astronautovic
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Strong one
      Good team

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

      Alli over eriksen?

    3. goonerdoz
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      solid team, only slight concern could be no man city cover

    4. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      4th defender isn't strong enough for 433
      4th midfielder isn't strong enough for 343

  16. Obi wan Ginobili
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Now that Mbemba is fit again and available for selection, do you think he's gonna hold down that LB spot until Dummet gets back? Or is Gamez in contention to start since he played well last week?

  17. That Was Easy!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Need a 4.5 defender punt for the week, as I don't want to play Kolasinac...best option?

    Also, I could bring in Fellaini instead of Chalobah, I'm warming up to that idea.

    1. Kryten
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Play kola could get assist imo

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

        this

      2. That Was Easy!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Arsenal have gotten smoked by Chelsea at the bridge for awhile, I think I'll go with TAA for his FK against Burnley's back up 🙂

        1. Arc
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 6 months ago

          Good shout, I was about to suggest that.

      3. badgerboy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        For 1 week? TAA.

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

      Simpson

    3. R.C
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Kiko

    4. goonerdoz
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      TAA

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

    Play:
    Maguire with chance of cleansheet against hud away
    Or
    Groß away vs bournemouth?

    1. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Tough one. Maguire has good chance of a clean sheet and could very well get attacking returns too.

      Groß had an amazing week can he repeat it this week? I don't think so.

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

      Gross

  19. Bushido
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Hopefully blind plays this weekend

  20. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Big week for Elliott.

    If he can do well, I might just 'do a Mark' and use the extra cash to fund a beefy wing back defence. Any others thinking the same?

    1. Ibracadabra
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      It's a risk - worth it on a wildcard when trying to maximize budget but would not spend a free transfer to downgrade a playing GK for a non playing GK to save 0.5m, transfers too valuable.

  21. Jay_
      6 years, 6 months ago

      I've brought Choupo Moting in as part of a -4 to fund Kane and currently have him benched, playing TFM and RLC ahead of him. Fancy Palace to kick start season and Newcastle solid.
      Still feels wrong though. Would you play Choupo over any of the Palace boys?

      1. Kryten
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah play choupo over Palace mids it's form over fixtures choice

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

        Play him over TFM imo

      3. Delhidynamo
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        I'd play him him over TFM easily.

      4. Jay_
          6 years, 6 months ago

          Thanks all

      5. gomez123
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        G2G on wc
        Eliott
        B Davies/Jones/Daniels
        Eriksen/Salah/D Silva/ RLC
        Kaku/Kane(c)/Vardy

        Pereira/Mee/Hunemeier/Cork/

        Nowt in Bank!!

      6. Atimis
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Salah Joselu or Firmino Ritchie?
        Or go crazy and choose Jesus/Morata up front however will have no Pool and limited funds for other upgrades?

        1. Kryten
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 6 months ago

          Firm and Richie imo

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

          Firmino & Ritchie

      7. Ripperdusks
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        I have a choice of

        A) Kaku, schindler, mhki and vardy - Jesus, hazard, Joselu and + 0.9 mill itb

        B) kaku, mhki and vardy - hazard Kane and Joselu + 0.4 mill itb

        C) Kaku vardy schindler - Kane Joselu and kolasinac + 1.2 mill itb

        Can someone please be kind enough to answer

      8. smix
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Elliot
        Bavies Jones Stephens
        Eriksen Salah Mkhi RLC
        Kane(c) Morata Firmino
        Foster Suttner Carroll Long

        GTG ? Taken a hit already

      9. DonTheSpecialOne
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        That third striker spot drives me insane. In my head it makes sense to drop Lukaku for Jesus but at the same time it feels silly.

        https://media.giphy.com/media/xThuWmKYZKsZJG7I1a/giphy.gif

        poor me.

      10. Dybala10
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Who's the next mediocre bandwagon here? Brady last GW, now Choupo-Moting.

        1. DonTheSpecialOne
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 6 months ago

          You won't find a budget mid at that price that will deliver goals and assists every week. Both seems like decent enablers when nailed.

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

          Fellani apparently.

      11. Big baller
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Kaku-Kane worth a hit?
        Team:
        Elli
        Jones-Davies-Mee
        Miki-Mooy-Eriksen-Salah
        Kaku-Morata-Firmino

      12. Jakarta
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Morata + DeGea to Kane+Elliot for a -8, or should I hide behind the sofa for one more week?

      13. osullg26
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        A) siggy
        B) eriksen
        C) silva
        D) salah
        E) vardy
        F) Ali

        I've 2 fts and will need three to get two of the above.

        Silva and salah will be rotated long term.

        Siggy and vardy have penalties and no rotation as well as best fixtures over next 8 or so gws (ignoring Everton vs. Man united)

        Eriksen is in the best team simply but has stiff fixtures from gw9 although Ali didn't play tonight which means less likely for rotation

        So which two?