Scout Picks

Scout Picks – Gameweek 23

The Scout Picks returns to reveal which players from our midweek Squad article have made the cut.

There looks to be plenty of clean sheet potential this week, as well as value in midfield, so we’re rolling out a 4-4-2 formation with a pair of big-hitters leading the line.

In goal, that means a place for West Brom’s Ben Foster (4.4) as he prepares to welcome a Brighton side that last scored away from home in Gameweek 11’s 1-0 victory over Swansea City.

The former England stopper’s inclusion is further strengthened by save points in each of his last three matches and the fact that the Baggies and the Seagulls have both ‘enjoyed’ four 0-0 draws this season – more than any other teams.

Marcos Alonso (7.3) is a shoo-in after notching three goals, an assist, four clean sheets and six bonus points over his last six matches.

That run of form highlights how the Chelsea left wing-back is now arguably the complete Fantasy asset, while a visit from Leicester City boosts his stock further as no team has conceded more crosses (287) and chances (97) from the right side of defence than the Foxes.

The fact that Alonso scored 21 points from a brace of goals in a 3-0 win at Leicester last year doesn’t exactly harm his appeal either.

Another attacking defender to impress us is Tottenham’s Ben Davies (5.5), who should start with his left-back rival Danny Rose sidelined through injury.

His prospects of points at both ends of the pitch look strong as visitors Everton have the lowest shot tally (53) in the Premier League over their last six run-outs, while the Welshman has registered an impressive two goals and four assists in 14 starts.

He’s also created 33 chances thus far this season – more than any other defender.

Passed fit by Rafa Benitez earlier today, we’re backing Jamaal Lascelles as Newcastle welcome Swansea to St James’ Park.

The Magpies have upped their resilience in recent matches, claiming back-to-back shut-outs against Brighton and Stoke, while their visitors sit bottom for shots (75), efforts in the box (37) and attempts on target (21) away from home.

Newcastle defeated the south Wales outfit 1-0 at the Liberty back in Gameweek 4 – Lascelles was the standout performer that day, bagging a goal and maximum bonus for a season-high 15-point return.

We’ve handed places to Manchester United’s Phil Jones (5.7), who has secured more bonus points (13) than any of his team-mates, and Jesse Lingard (6.3), who has dominated his side’s attacking play in recent Gameweeks.

No defender has been signed by more managers than the 140,000+ who have gone for Jones this Gameweek. He’ll be looking to make it three straight clean sheets against a Potters attack that has hit just three goals in their last five away trips.

As for Lingard, since cementing a starting berth in Gameweek 14 he has mainly played in a number 10 role and has been involved in more than half (53%) of United’s league goals. His underlying statistics over that period also demand our attention – only Spurs striker Harry Kane has had more shots on target during that time frame.

With 412,000+ transfers in, Lingard is by some margin this week’s most popular player in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) market.

There is further value to be found in midfield from Watford winger Richarlison (6.4), who goes head-to-head at home with a Southampton side that has a solitary clean sheet over the previous 13 Gameweeks.

While he hasn’t found the net since Gameweek 13, three assists in his last six outings gives us cause for optimism, and his 55 shots in the box is the second highest figure among midfielders.

Leicester’s poor away form, conceding 18 and earning just one clean sheet, sees us double up on Chelsea assets.

As well as Alonso, we’ve gone for Eden Hazard (10.7).

Even though the Belgian has scored just one goal since Gameweek 15, his underlying statistics suggest further attacking returns are imminent – he’s had 10 close-range efforts over his last six league matches.

Marko Arnautovic (7.0) is back in contention after shrugging off a hamstring injury in time for West Ham’s trip to Huddersfield.

The Austrian has been instrumental in an upturn in fortunes for the Hammers since David Moyes took charge, producing five goals and an assist in his last six starts.

That form could well continue against a Terriers defence that rank joint-bottom for big chances conceded (12) over the last four Gameweeks.

Harry Kane (12.9) hosts an Everton outfit that has conceded more shots (81) than any side over their last quartet of matches.

The Spurs frontman has netted six times in that period and also ranks first for shots (24), efforts in the box (17) and attempts on target (10).

Kane’s home shot tally of 77 is unrivalled in the Premier League, prompting more than 200,000 FPL managers to buy him in this week.

The Tottenham talisman has scored a brace in each of his last two league encounters against the Toffees, with the most recent arriving in Gameweek 4.

Romelu Lukaku returns to our line-up for Man United’s home encounter with Stoke.

A head knock sustained early on against Southampton in Gameweek 21 means that the big Belgian has played just 59 minutes in his side’s last three matches in all competitions.

Yet a second-half appearance against Derby in the FA Cup saw him deliver a goal and assist, suggesting he’s benefitted from that enforced, and long-overdue, rest.

Up against a Stoke defence that’s leaked more goals on the road (27) than any side, tomorrow’s Old Trafford match bodes well for Lukaku, whose total of 13 big chances at home is level with Kane.

Brighton centre-back Shane Duffy (4.5) takes a bench spot. He has four clean sheets in 11 away matches and looks long overdue a goal – only Alonso and Crystal Palace’s Scott Dann have had more close-range efforts among defenders this season.

With two goals and as many assists in his last four, Heung-min Son (8.1) is a little unlucky only to earn a spot among our subs for the visit of Everton.

The South Korean’s record at Wembley is particularly strong, having found the net in all but one of his last seven home outings.

Our final bench place goes to Bournemouth’s Callum Wilson (5.7) ahead of a visit from an injury-hit Arsenal rearguard that has conceded 16 goals on the road.

He looks the best third striker option on current form – over the last four Gameweeks, the Cherries frontman has scored twice and fired more shots than any other striker priced at 8.5 or below.

The Community Champion

The Community member who beats our picks by the biggest margin over the campaign will win a £100 Amazon Voucher and a place in our Contributors and Moderators League for the following season.

This week’s champion is Meppelfield, who has opted for a 3-5-2 formation of: Lloris; Azpilicueta, Vertonghen, Alonso; Pogba, Mata, Eriksen, Richarlison, Lanzini; Lacazette, Morata.

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

1,180 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Stupendous
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Gtg please?

    Lossl
    Alonso Otamendi Ogbonna
    Salah Sterling Silva Richarlison Gros
    Kane (c) Firmino

    Speroni DCL Holgate Mariappa

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      7 of them playing against each other

      Nailed on for 22 pointer GW

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

        Is it not 5 and it will be a score draw surely.

        1. La Roja
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          Lossl vs Ogbonna

          😉

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

            Which I'm hoping for a nil nil obviously and could be a possibility.

            Not ideal week but what am i to do? Spend 16? Waste a chip?

            Reckon it will be a good week regardless.

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

      Rich>Lingard

  2. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Kdb rising before deadline?

    1. Fantasy Gold
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Let me get on the blower to his missus and ask

    2. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Hope not, I want to get him in for next GW

  3. the Penman
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    The rule from this season is: if you feel uncomfortable captaining Kane, do it. If he’s the obvious choice, pick someone else.

    1. Fantasy Gold
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      So what is he this week 🙂

      1. Our Tiny Windows
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        The uncomfortable obvious choice.

  4. FPL Virgin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    This is tough. Bench one:

    A) Ogbonna (hud)
    B) Dunk (wba)
    C) Mee (cpl)

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      B

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

        Brighton have 4 away CS which is twice as much as Liverpool

    2. Fantasy Gold
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      A

    3. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Ooo that’s very tough, I’d personally go with Mee only because of Palaces good Home Form, but all are justifiable

    4. PL Ball
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      A

    5. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      C

    6. @FPLDIARYFPL
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      You have to play two of these? Euuh

  5. The Red Devil
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    DDG myhill
    Alonso Maguire ogbonna Duffy mbemba
    Sterling coutinho lanzini Arnie lingard
    Kane Aguero DCL

    1 FT, 0.0 ITB
    Save FT & start Duffy?
    Or
    coutinho to Pogba/Mahrez/Albrighton?
    Thanks!

    1. @FPL_liverbird (liverpoolfa…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      I think Coutinho to Mahrez could be a huge differential soon, maybe not this week.

      I would save, gives you options and team isn't that weak. Play duffy over DCL

      1. Ibracadabra
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Have to sell Coutinho now.

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

      I'd captain Coutinho if I had him

  6. @FPL_liverbird (liverpoolfa…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    GTG or a -4

    Fabianski
    Jones,Otamendi,Alonso,Dunk
    Salah,Son,Eriksen,Arnautovic,Sterling
    Kane

    elliot,ogbonna,depoitre,dcl

    -4 would be to get lingard in for a tottenham mid, what do you think?

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

    Best def for 4.5?

  8. PL Ball
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Lloris
    Christensen, Mee, Otamendi (Dunk, Oggy)
    Lingard, Arnie, Salah, Sterling (RLC)
    Firmino, Kane, Morata

    2FTs. 0 ITB.

    Any changes required? GTG? Would appreciate any thoughts on this team

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

      Morata 22pts last 9

      1. PL Ball
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Fixtures are great. Keeping the faith

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

          Overpriced overrated, well was overrated. No double figure haul since GW6. Form over fixtures

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

    GW 23 team... G2G?

    De Gea
    Vert Ota Ogbona Alonso
    Sterling Arnie Alli Salah Lindgard
    Kane(C)

    Subs: Elliot, Mbemba,DCL, Crouch

  10. vova
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Hey guys, decided to play my WC. A bit early but I needed to change something up.

    Pope Elliot
    Jones Schindler Ogbonna Kenny Dunk
    Salah Eriksen Sterling Lingard Carroll
    Kane Aguero Ayew

    0.2 ITB
    WC activated

    Any changes I should make?

    Thanks

    1. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      No Alonso?

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

        I guess I can fit him in by taking Aguero out for Firmino.

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

    G2g? Saving my FT this week.

    Hennessy
    Christensen, Zanka, Lascelles
    Sterling, Son, Salah, Arnautovic, Richarlison
    Kane, Firmino

    (Speroni, Rooney, Masuaku, Ward)

  12. FPL Virgin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Answer this question: would you be surprised if Kane blanks at Wembley?

    If the answer is no, which it will be, then why are you captaining him?

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

      Im not.

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

      No.

      Wouldn't be surprised if he scores 3+ either.

      1. Wild Rover
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        This

    3. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Who’s your captain Virg?

    4. Fantasy Gold
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      So if you ever have doubt, don’t captain him?

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

      I have no one else

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

      Are you benching him? 😉

    7. Rik Waller
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      there's not one player this week that'd surprise me if they blanked tbh

    8. Ibracadabra
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      No better alternative in my side. Would consider Hazard if I owned him OR Lukaku IF he was on penalties/free kicks, but I don't own Hazard and think Mata is on penalties / Pogba free kicks so going with Harry.

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

      Won't be surprised if he blanks; won't be surprised if he scores a brace.

  13. THFC4LIFE
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    For the last time, I still can’t decide who to play. Help a man out please.

    A. Masuaku
    B. Albrighton
    C. Ayew

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

      Masuaku probably

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

      I'd side with A tbh

  14. Dazzrb
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    G2G? On a wildcard..

    De Gea
    Otamendi Alonso Mee Ogbonna
    Salah Sterling Arnie Lingard
    Kane Kun

    Elliot Kelly Carroll Crouch

    Thanks in advance

    1. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      11 looks great, bench is a rad week with the blank in gw28 coming up

      1. THFC4LIFE
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Tad*

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

      Looks good

  15. Garfield1001
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Any news on Loftus cheek?

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

      Trained, was 50/50 for the FA Cup, could play, but still a doubt.

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

    Start 1...(third times the charm)...

    A) Wilson
    B) Depoitre

    Start 1...

    1) Ota
    2) Ogbonna
    3) Mee

    Probably A1? Considering A2

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

      A1 for me.

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

        Cheers, the "safest" route I'd say. On the other hand, could see Ogbonna and Mee with cleanies.

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

          Agreed. We know Ota will probably concede but could still punish us if we bench him. Mee and Ogbonna is a tough one. Just hope FPL are with you on this one.

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

      A1 looks good

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

      A2 but A1 good too

  17. james 101
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Gtg? Set up right?

    Pickford.
    Otamendi. Alonso. Mee.
    Salah. Sterling. KDB. Lingard(vc). Son.
    Kane(c). Firmino.

    (Elliot. Quaner. Ogbonna Long.)

    Thanks!!

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

      Like it.

      1. james 101
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks mate!

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

      Looks good but I see difficult decisions benching ogbonna and elliot good luck

      1. james 101
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks. Yes. Agreed.

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

      Solid team. Very nice

      1. james 101
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers!

  18. Fantasy Gold
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Looking forward to Captain Sensible article

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

      Lukaku!

      1. Fantasy Gold
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        🙂

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

      Aguero 😉

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

      Lingard!

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

      Me too, one of my favourite articles every week 🙂

  19. Garfield1001
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Play one:

    Elliott (SWA)
    Pope (cry)

    Opinions appreciated!

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

      Elliot

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

      Ellliooot

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

      Elliot

    4. Garfield1001
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Thanks guys

    5. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Pope

  20. Scholsey
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    This is going to be my WC team!

    Adrian Elliot
    Jones Otamendi Alonso Ogbonna Duffy
    Salah Sterling Lingard Arnautovic Son
    Kane Tosun Depoitre

    0.7 in the bank. Will use funds for Son > Mahrez transfer next week. Or should I use these funds to change Elliot>Matt Ryan , Depoitre > Calum Wilson and keep Son?

    Thanks in advance.

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

      Maybe save a wc its bit early I also think triple West ham might not be the best idea

  21. BAPPLIN
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    WC Team - GTG?

    Adrian
    Jones Alonso (c) Ota Ogbonna
    Salah Hazard Sterling Lingard Mahrez
    Tosun

    Foster Duffy Wilson Crouch

    £0.5 ITB

    Considering Vertonghen>Jones and/or Lascelles>Ogbonna

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

      maybe you need to upgrade your forwards! Not having Kane may hit you hard.

  22. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Naughty & Hazard > Alonso & Lingard for a hit?

    That's a no brainer right?

    1. Fantasy Gold
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Hazard out could easily backfire

  23. Wild Rover
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Planning Firmino to Aguero next week, would you take a hit to get Lukaku for Firmino for one week? I really fancy Lukaku to destroy Stoke and don’t see much for Firmino v City

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

      I wouldn't but if you think he scores 5 more than Firmino and you'd captain him, then go for it!

      1. Wild Rover
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers, it’s the Capt thing that worries me

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

      Jesus coming back from injury earlier than expected not putting you off?

      1. Wild Rover
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Not at all, he should get a few games before and he was first choice even before the Jesus injury

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

          I agree, just good to hear someone who isn't put off. Many seem to be writing him off.

  24. And nothing else Mata'…
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    A) Depoitre to Callum Wilson
    B) Dele to Pogba
    C) Save transfer

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

      Maybe save do next week

  25. james 101
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Play

    A. Elliot. SWA home
    B. Speroni. TOT away

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

      A

    2. Bald Eagle
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      A, B won’t play most likely so your problem solved.

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

        You meant Pickford I guess, he plays TOT, still A.

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

    Which one?

    A - Eriksen & Kenny +4
    B - Lingard & Alonso

    Cheers

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

      B

  27. dan_247
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone know what's wrong with Andy Carroll?

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

      Fitness problem apparently, probably won’t start.

      1. Rik Waller
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Nice, hopefully means Arnie OOP

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

          I feel this will be the case, let’s hope so.

  28. Garfield1001
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Elliott
    Alonso Jones Otamendi Ogbonna
    Salah Son Arnie Lingard
    Kane Aguero

    Pope RLC Mee Niasse

    GTG? Bench correct and order? Could play Mee over Ogbonna?

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

    Who to get?
    Schindler
    Zanka
    Lascelles
    Gomez
    Another 4.8 def but who?

  30. Feanor
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Start Zanka or Cresswell?