Scout Picks

Scout Picks – Gameweek 17

We tackle rotation fears head on this afternoon and reveal the players from yesterday’s Scout Squad article who have earned a Scout Picks berth ahead of tonight’s 6.45pm deadline.

As this is the second of three Gameweeks within a packed ten-day period, we have looked to select as many sure starters as possible.

That begins in goal, with Manchester United’s David De Gea (5.8) getting the nod.

The Spaniard has started every league match this season and looks ideal for an enticing home clash with Bournemouth.

The Cherries have failed to find the net in half of their eight road trips, but should De Gea’s goal line be breached, he also offers us potential points having notched 14 save points and earned bonus on four occasions.

Manchester City’s Nicolas Otamendi (6.0) is another who is unlikely to be rested with fellow centre-backs John Stones and Vincent Kompany sidelined.

The Argentine’s ability to earn points at both ends of the pitch is another driver for his selection. He tops the defender scoring table with four goals and travels to a Swansea City side that has scored a league-low five goals at home.

Since the weekend, when he scored the winner at Old Trafford, more than 161,000 FPL managers have acquired Otamendi’s services.

Doubts over the fitness of Burnley defenders Ben Mee and Matt Lowton means that Sean Dyche can ill afford to rest his top FPL asset Stephen Ward (5.2), who has a goal, assist and nine bonus returns this campaign. No side have conceded fewer goals at home than the Clarets’ (three).

Chelsea centre-back Andreas Christensen (5.5) has started the last six league matches and has also looked immune to rotation to this point. We are banking on him to make the starting XI for the Blues trip to Huddersfield.

The Terriers are the joint third worst side for shots at home (79), and it is worth noting that Christensen has looked a threat at set-pieces, mustering five shots, all from close range, over his previous six outings.

Jurgen Klopp rested a raft of players for Sunday’s Merseyside derby, which has offered us some clues as to who may start at home to West Brom on Wednesday.

Although full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold (4.2) has been used only sporadically this season, having been benched against Everton, and with recent starts against Southampton and Brighton, he looks poised to get the nod at right-back against the Baggies.

He also offers considerable assist potential. In his Gameweek 15 away clash with the Seagulls he racked up more successful passes in the final third (20) and more crosses (four) than any of his team-mates and has created 11 chances in just five appearances.

Another Red to earn a Scout Picks spot after being benched at the weekend is Philippe Coutinho (9.0), who has been in exceptional form, scoring two and assisting a further four in his last three league starts.

With 11.1% ownership, he also looks a shrewd captaincy pick for those seeking a dramatic rise up the rankings.

Mohamed Salah (9.9) joins the Brazilian in a Liverpool midfield double-up.

The Egyptian was substituted after 66 minutes against Everton suggesting that he will again start on Wednesday evening. Even so, Salah would have been difficult to ignore given that he is leading the Golden Boot race with 13 goals and has racked up seven double-digit hauls.

Antonio Conte’s revelation that striker Alvaro Morata will miss tonight’s clash at the John Smith’s Stadium should lock in a start for Eden Hazard (10.9) – possibly even as a false nine. After the Blues’ loss to West Ham last time out, Conte will be less inclined to rest the Belgian, who has scored three and picked up two assists in his previous trio of road trips.

David Silva (8.1) has started all but one league outing for Manchester City this season. Add in goals in back-to-back matches and a league-high eight assists, and the playmaker makes the cut in our midfield.

Harry Kane (12.9) is now a “lock in” for the Scout Picks. He’s started every league encounter when fit and scored his fifth brace of the season, against Stoke City at Wembley, at the weekend. He now faces a Brighton side on a woeful run of defensive form, having shipped ten goals in the last five Gameweeks.

After his weekend heroics, the Spurs striker sits at the summit of our Captain Poll and is the most popular transfer target this week, with more than 172,000 new owners.

We have just enough left in our 84m budget to opt for in-form Southampton striker Charlie Austin (6.2), who hosts a Leicester side that has just one clean sheet and shipped 13 goals on their travels. Over his last three starts, the forward – who has picked up more than 119,000 new managers this week – has netted four times.

Everton are looking far more resilient under new boss Sam Allardyce, earning a clean sheet against Huddersfield and restricting Liverpool to just a single goal.

For their trip to Newcastle we have handed a bench place to Jonjoe Kenny (4.3), who looks set to continue to deputise for the injured Seamus Coleman at right back.

Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha (6.9) also claims a sub role at home to a Watford side that have conceded an average of two goals per game over their last five away fixtures.

Handed a role up front, the Ivory Coast international has scored or assisted in all but one of the Eagles’ last five at Selhurst Park and looks set to profit against a Hornets defence hit by injury and suspension.

Another Everton asset to earn a bench spot is Dominic Calvert-Lewin (5.3), who became FPL’s best value forward with his fifth assist of the campaign against Liverpool.

We have high hopes of returns against a Magpies team which, along with Stoke, has conceded more goals (11) than any other side over the last four Gameweeks.

The 20-year-old is another popular transfer target, with more than 144,000 FPL managers securing his services this week.

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 Hordar, who has opted for 4-4-2 formation of: Pope; Alonso, Rose, Kolasinac, Bardsley; Martial, Willian, Coutinho, Sanchez; Aguero, Firmino.

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

1,860 Comments Post a Comment
  1. rdamjan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Anybody considering Rashford as Morata replacement?

    1. The Wanton Trader
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Done..
      Mane and Morata >
      Sanchez + Rashford

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

      I thought Giroud, but went Rooney

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

    Otamendi or Smalling ?

    1. NotsoSpursy
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      ...to buy

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

      Otamendi

    3. Hansel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Ota easily

    4. Fingerspitzengefühl
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Otamendi, not even close

    5. Kun Tozser
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Smalling I think

      1. Kun Tozser
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Ota can’t keep scoring

  3. ooooo
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Which one?
    A) Gray + Gomez/Mustafi(when fit)
    B) Gross + Gomez

  4. Lecky Legs FC
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Finalized my squad now GTG for the week lads?

    Pope
    Cahill Jones Mee Mariappa
    Hazard Ndidi Salah (VC) Sane
    Aguero Kane (C)

    Subs: Elliot,Crouch, Caroll & Dunk

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

      Could be very nice.
      Kun got to start, more doubtful about Sane as an owner.

      1. Lecky Legs FC
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks my gut says Kun will definitely start after being rested in the Derby, was debating getting rid of him for Mahrez but will wait till the weekend to make that change two good fixtures ahead for the foxes at home too.

  5. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Captain out of:
    A) Coutinho
    B) Hazard
    C) Morata
    D) Salah
    E) Firmino
    And a reason why
    Cheers

    1. ooooo
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      b play up front

      1. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Sure he will?

    2. Kun Tozser
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      A as you don’t have Kane

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

      C) 😀

  6. Gooner97
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Play Gross(tot), Simpso(sou) or McArthur(WAT)?

  7. Punty McPuntface
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Who is the best medium term morata replacement?

    I have only sterling for city covet if that means anything?!

    1. _figu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Firmino

  8. Siggy in the Middle
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Ramsey and Mbemba to Coutinho and Kenny for a -4?

    Already have Niasse, Mee and Morata so I think I'll need to take the hit

    1. Totally !rre!evant
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Looks good

  9. Salah’s Sonnet
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Absolutely torn on this decision for captain!

    A) Kane
    B) Salah
    C) Hazard

    Any help please lads!

    1. Pierce34
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      I'm going Salah out of the three. Let's say all 3 are in great form, I'd rather captain the one playing WBA at home.

      1. Ligdon
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Really ? Ahead of Brighton at home ?

        1. Pierce34
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          I think so, yes.

    2. kinghenry14
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      (c)ane

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

      Kane

    4. yakirh
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Me too, exact same problem
      - Hazard will get the most minutes, but Away game and no Morata.. might be tough

      Who will get more minutes? Salah or Kane? is there any chance they will be rested?

    5. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Cheers lads 🙂

  10. youzef
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Gross to Sterling /Silva or
    Daniels to Christensen
    using free transfer

  11. HD7
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Are there really owners of Alexis Sanchez who are doing fine this year?

    1. The Wanton Trader
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Not yet but it’s coming... 😉

  12. Margarido
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    All set on selling Daniels as i have no other pressing issues.
    The question is:

    A) Jones/Smalling (rotation risk)?
    B) Masuaku/Ogbona (too early)?
    C) Kenny (new SWA and then play Naughton in GW19)?

    0.5 ITB and 1 FT.

    Thoughts are welcomed?

    1. Guy Demel
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      make it a safe starter for the xmas period...

      1. Margarido
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        cheers Demel

  13. Donblaster
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Forster Elliot
    Alonso Kola Davies* Mariappa Daniels
    Salah Sterling* Ramsey** Richarlison RLC
    Kane Morata** Ayew

    lots of injuries and rotation risks so...

    A) Ramsey & Alonso >> Coutino & Masuaku (-4)
    B) Ramsey, Morata & Alonso >> Hazard, Firmino & Masuaku (-8)
    C) something else?

    1. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      -8 is a bit overboard, just use your bench to field as much as possible. Probably even better to play with 10 men

  14. arndff_
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    G2G?

    DDG
    Naughton Mee Otamendi
    Salah Coutinho Hazard Richarlison
    Kane(C) Firmino Niasse

    Elliot RLC Long Daniels

    1. kinghenry14
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      g2g

    2. HD7
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Yep, hope Mee plays

      1. arndff_
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Long's on the bench. No worries.

        1. HD7
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          Did you take any hits?

  15. Salarrivederci
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Got some transfer plans for the next two weeks. How would this look?

    Courtois Adrian
    Otamendi, Monreal, Masuaku, Kenny, Mariappa
    Hazard, Salah, Sterling, Zaha, Richarlison
    Kane, Firmino, Calvert-Lewin

    Would play 3-5-2 with DCL coming on if any of my mid/attackers were to be rested.
    Masuaku, Kenny and Mariappa battling it out for the third starting spot.
    Adrian, Masuaku and Kane ready to earn me points in GW 22.

  16. dhamphiir
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Chance of Mee and Kiko starting?

    1. beetlejuice
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      50-50 both

  17. Siggy in the Middle
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    How long is Morata put for?

    1. Siggy in the Middle
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Out*

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

      Presumably only for the midweek clash, but who knows since he didn't only mention fatigue, but a possible back injury

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

    Your guys' thoughts on Daniels + Moreno --> Christensen + Kabasele for free?

    Any other viable options?

    Thanks!

  19. nadman89
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    daniels to

    A) smalling
    B)jones
    C)lindelof

    Can't decide

    1. cruzex
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      lindlof

    2. kinghenry14
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      i'd say b. surely a 100% fit jones will be nailed right?

      1. nadman89
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Have absolutely no idea lol

  20. kinghenry14
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    what to do with this lot? 2FT 0.1ITB

    pope elliot
    alonso mustafi* ward duffy hünemeier
    hazard salah sane richarlison rlc
    kane morata* niasse

    looking at mustafi to jones and i'm not sure on morata

    cheers

  21. Hansel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Bottomed: Daniels to Christensen worth a hit over the next two? Rest of defence is Mee, Long, Otamendi and Fernandez and Wilson first sub

    1. We Will Klopp you
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Yes imo

  22. balint84
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    daniels + abraham TO jones+calvert
    2ft spend. worth it?

    1. Hansel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      yes

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

      Yes but there are better options than Jones.

      1. balint84
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        in that price? who?

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

    I swear it's the last time I'm asking this:

    Pick one:

    A. Ramsey -> Coutinho/Mahrez (-4)
    B. Morata -> Lukaku/Kun (-4)
    C. Both (-8)

    Have RLC and Daniels coming from the bench. But I also have Kiko who is a doubt.

  24. Ohh1454
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Is smalling nailed ? Was thinking Mustafi to smalling
    Also would Simpson to kenny be worth a -4

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

    Just did a late change of armband from Salah to Kane
    It's Salah minutes that worry me more than Kane's ability to blank I think.

    1. Ligdon
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Kakus the man

  26. ZeBestee
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Daniels.》5.1m defender

    Have Ota Ward Christensen and Hunem

    Who is the best to bring in?

    1. _figu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Went Kabasele. Not loving it but need a nailed defender. Considering Gomez but he might not start.

  27. Yome
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Who is the direct remplacement for Ramsey at Arsenal? Wilshere or will Iwobi have more minutes?

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

      Wilshere.

  28. KJT123
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    I don't expect there to be many of us...but hands up if you have taken a -12? o/

    1. Yome
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      I have, I may make 2 more transfers, I am having a mere this season so I don’t care lol

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

      Nah I got dragged away from the PC at -8

  29. Mordor F.C.
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Repost
    Pope
    Otamendi, Alonso, Christensen, Mee (75%)
    Sterling, Salah, Richarlison, RLC
    Kane (C), Firminho

    Elliot, Morata, Tom C, Naugton

    Sterling and morata --> Haz + Calvert Lewin -4?

  30. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    klavan or tarkowski (already have lowton)