Scout Picks

Scout Picks – Gameweek 16

For the third Gameweek running, we decide against a 3-4-3 formation and place our faith in a four-man backline as a result of some strong home fixtures. Everton, Chelsea and Norwich supply us with a couple of players apiece, whilst the main decision this week boiled down to which South American striker to leave on the sidelines:

John Ruddy gets the nod between the sticks for Norwich’s home game against Swansea. Aside from their hammering at Anfield, the Canaries have been relatively resilient in recent weeks and have picked up two clean sheets in the last three Gameweeks – given that the visitors have drawn blanks in three of their previous four road trips, a shut-out could well be on the cards for Chris Hughton’s side.

Everton’s Seamus Coleman has a plum home clash with Fulham at Goodison Park this weekend. Whilst Phil Jagielka has mainly relied on bonus points to bolster his appeal, the right-back’s marauding runs down the flank have already produced a couple of goals this term and helped him to the top of the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) defender standings. The most popular defender in the FPL game, with over 34% ownership, Coleman’s bandwagon has acquired over 68,000 new suitors already this week.

The visit of Crystal Palace affords John Terry the opportunity to rack up his fourth double-figure haul of the season. Despite a single clean sheet in the last 10 Gameweeks, the Chelsea skipper sits third in the FPL defender rankings thanks to his attacking threat and bonus potential – with Palace scoring just three times on the road this term, there’s never been a better time for the Blues to pick up another shut-out.

A home game with Stoke hands Curtis Davies a Scout Picks call-up. With seven home games under their belt, Hull have conceded just three goals in front of their own fans and, with their visitors scoring in only one of their last three league matches, the Tigers stopper looks a solid shout for another clean sheet. Davies has scored just once so far but has registered the same number of efforts inside the box as Terry – a clear sign of his attacking potential for Steve Bruce’s side.

Steven Caulker is another attack-minded centre-half to earn a start as Cardiff prepare for the visit of West Brom. Despite being the costliest option amongst the Bluebirds’ backline, the summer signing has justified his 5.1 price tag – with 12 bonus points and a couple of goals so far, Caulker has accumulated at least 24 points more than any of Malky Mackay’s other defenders.

Yes, he played the full 90 minutes in Chelsea’s midweek win over Steaua Bucharest, but we expect Eden Hazard to retain his starting berth for the visit of Palace tomorrow. Jose Mourinho may have slammed his attackers after last week’s loss at Stoke but, with four sets of double figures in his last eight league games, the Belgian is the one player surely immune from his manager’s criticism and far too crucial to omit from the XI as the Blues look to bounce back from their Britannia defeat.

Three goals in his last five fixtures earns Leroy Fer a place in this week’s Picks. Coming in at just 5.9 in FPL, the Dutchman has also accrued a pair of assists this term and, since making his debut in Gameweek 2, has played a part in five of the Canaries’ subsequent 12 strikes. Sunday’s visitors Swansea have conceded in each of their last four road trips and, with Chico suspended and Michel Vorm a doubt, have real concerns at the back.

Back from a one-match suspension, Ravel Morrison looks set to return to the West Ham XI for the visit of Sunderland. Given that the Black Cats have managed a single clean sheet on the road all season, Sam Allardyce’s side will be confident of a goal or two and, with Kevin Nolan banned, the former United youngster may be handed the most advanced central midfield role – boosting his chances of adding to a tally of three goals and a pair of assists so far.

Romelu Lukaku is nailed-on for Everton’s home game against Fulham. The Belgian has averaged 6.4 points per game since rolling up to Merseyside in Gameweek 5 and, over his five home appearances, has already racked up scores of 16 points and 13 points against Newcastle and Liverpool respectively. The Cottagers may have improved under Rene Meulensteen but they’ll have their work cut out to remedy a woeful away record of five defeats in six road trips tomorrow.

Wayne Rooney gets the nod as United roll up to Villa Park this weekend. Back after serving a one-match suspension, he’ll be looking for a fourth successive double-figure haul on his travels against a backline likely to be without skipper Ron Vlaar once again – Paul Lambert’s side have conceded twice in all but one of their last four. With Robin van Persie ruled out for a month earlier today, Rooney is set to take up spot-kick duties and a major share of corners and set-pieces in the Dutchman’s absence.

Sergio Aguero is our final forward, as Luis Suarez is handed a rare day off from our selections. A home game against Arsenal is far from easy but Aguero has already racked up four sets of double figures in seven Etihad appearances, averaging 9.7 points per game in front of his own fans. If City are to grab the win which would reduce the gap between them the Gunners to just three points, the Argentine looks the man most likely to do the damage.

Mike Williamson’s budget appeal sees him make the bench as Newcastle prepare for the visit of Southampton. Coming in at a mere 4.4 in FPL, the centre-half has now started each of the last nine league matches for the Magpies – given that the Saints have scored just five times on their travels this term, Alan Pardew’s side will be confident of picking up a fourth clean sheet in seven attempts.

Ross Barkley is the third Everton player to make this week’s Picks squad. With James McCarthy suspended, the teenager’s chances of being rested for the visit of Fulham look slim, whilst the emergence of Gerard Deulofeu as a wide option is enough to dent our faith in Kevin Mirallas. As the Toffees go from strength to strength under Roberto Martinez, the 5.1 priced Barkley will be hoping to add to his tally of two goals and a couple of assists in 12 starts so far.

Newcastle’s Loic Remy is unluckily knocked to the bench for a St James’ Park clash against Southampton. With the visitors still hit hard by injuries, the Frenchman’s owners will be looking for further returns from a player who has scored or assisted in five of his six appearances in front of the Tyneside faithful.

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1,173 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Squires FC
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Mcgregor
    Shawcross Coleman shaw
    Coutinho Ramsey oscar(c) hazard
    Suarez negredo lukaku

    Subs
    Marshall Morrison Johnson baker

    Is captaining oscar to big a risk?! Seems like a potentially awesome differential to me. Feedback would be appreciated. Cheers

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    1. FishFingers
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      I'd be thinking oscar too if I bring him in for Gerrard. Nice difference if he is playing in the hole.

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  2. Moe Gani
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    RMT please
    Howard (mcG)
    Davies terry evans
    Fer brunt morrison hazard
    Aguero suarez rooney(C)

    Bench: ramsey debuchy vlaar
    In bank 2.7m because I did RVP 2 Rooney.
    Captain rooney, hazard or aguero ??

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  3. thunder_mike
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    I am mad to get Howard and Jags for Mig and Evra for -4 and go in with.

    Howard
    Coleman Jag Burner McAuley (Williams)
    Haz Ramsey Lallana (De guzman Jan)
    Kun Aguero Rooney (c)

    I just see Everton getting quite a few cleanies over the next 7 or 8 GWs

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    1. JK-R9
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Decent team, I'm with you on the Everton CS.

      Morrison, Ramsey, Hazard, Oviedo

      Lukaku (c), Suarez, Auguero

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      1. thunder_mike
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        That is decent team too, I am thinking I might need an Everton attacking option too and Oviedo is a good cheapo, couldn't have my three Everton defs though 🙁

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        1. JK-R9
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 3 months ago

          I want Rooney but it was him or Lukaku. Brought in Oviedo (cheap and with the fixtures Everton have coming up - despite being a full back I'm hoping he'll get me some points!)

          Let's see how this weekend pans out!

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  4. Forzancfc
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    So much red in my team!! Thoughts for my 2FT??

    Ming

    Ward - B.turner - Collins

    R. Morrison - Ozil - Ramsey - brady

    Rooney - Suarez - aguero

    Boruc - Chico - Clyne - Gerrard

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    1. BeachBadger
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Get rid of Gerrard first.

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  5. Pedram
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Chester or Williamson ?

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

    Who would you bring in for Gerrard?

    1. Silva (Seems to be logical?)
    2. Y. Toure (Not too sure)
    3. Oscar (already have Hazard)
    4. Fer (Norwich...)
    5. Shelvey (shit fixtures)
    Or anyone else?

    Teams looks like:
    Howard
    Coleman Mertesacker McAuley Chester Gabbi
    Hazard Ramsey Gerrard Oviedo JWP
    Aguero Rooney Suarez

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    1. BeachBadger
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      SIlva I reckon is the best option

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  7. TokyoRed 東京赤
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    How does this look? Lots of big guns with bad fixtures...

    Howard (FUL)
    Mert (mci) Dawson (LIV) Burner (WBA)
    Coutinho (tot) Walcott (mci) Ramsey (mci) Redmond (SWA)
    Rooney (c)(avl) Aguero (ARS) Suarez (tot)

    Morrison (SUN) Vlaar (inj, MUN) Ward (che)

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    1. SamH123
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      probably not gonna be the best gameweek for you but that's how it goes
      another week you'll have all the good fixtures

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    2. BeachBadger
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      I might play Morrison over Ramsey

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  8. JayJ
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Evening all! This is the team:

    Marshall (Boruc)
    Terry, Coleman, McAuley (Clyne, Chico)
    Ramsey, Ozil, Hazard, Amalfitano (Brady)
    Suarez, Lukaku, Remy

    0.5 in the bank

    Is it time to drop Ramsey?

    Would think Brady, Amalfitano are the first 2 considerations but then who to bring in: Fer, Oviedo, Shelvey?

    Any help appreciated as always 🙂

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  9. Mac234523
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    I have a headach, been thinking about this all day long. Who should i cap? Aguero or Lukaku and why?

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  10. ejpt123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Midfield of Yaya, Ramsey, Sess, Whittingham and Brady.

    Brady > Ravel
    OR
    Whitts > Fer

    AND - who to start? (got aguero suarez and roon)

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  11. El Berbossa - \\\"El b…
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Just switched Ramsey to put Ravel in my lineup

    God help me if Ramsey creams it and Ravel blanks.

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  12. Harvey Specter
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    GJ and Giroud --> M.Olsson and Rooney?

    No hit. Yes or no?

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    1. Harvey Specter
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Or any other defender for 4.2?

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    2. El Berbossa - \\\"El b…
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Yes and Captain Rooney

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    3. BeachBadger
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Looks good

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  13. Tekmar08
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Need 3 of the 4 for the rest of the month; rooney, lukaku, aguero, suarez...

    Can't make this decision on my own, need help!!

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    1. BeachBadger
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Hmm its the Sheer class of Aguero and Suarez v the good form and fixtures of Rooney and Lukaku

      Can't see much in it. Suarez is a season keeper, and will be very expensive to bring in later I think so keep him.

      Lukaku is a lot cheaper than the others so that could free up cash for your mids

      Between Ageuro and Rooney I might want Rooney fro Utds fixtures and now that RVP is out, but I have Aguero at the mo and can't see me transferring him out and theres a tasty visit of Palace to the Etihad too.

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  14. rockingsam007
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Rate my team...
    Guzan
    Coleman Terry Distin Rosenier Baker
    Ozil Hazard Ramsey Colback Oveido
    Rooney Aguero Suarez

    Also help me to choose captain ...
    and who to bench...
    waiting for some good suggestions
    thnx in advance...

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  15. supta
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    howard
    coleman walker lovren
    hazard fer ozil januzaj
    lukaku (c) aguero suarez

    subs ramsay shaw moxey

    balance . 0.8 m

    wat u guys think?

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  16. Manishbravo
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    mignolet
    ivanovic, zabaleta, shawcross, jageilka
    hazarz, dyer, amalfitano
    lukaku, suarez, lambert/giroud(sell)

    sub: vorm, mertesacker, colback, cabaye

    any changes needed? and whom do i captain lukaku or suarez??
    any suggestion would be appreciated..!!

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  17. gsmiggle
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Hi everyone,

    My team is:

    Myhill (Begovic)
    Dawson, Coleman, Turner (Mertesacker, Clyne)
    Ramsey, YYT, Hazard, Morrison (JWP)
    Suarez (c), Lukaku, Aguero

    With 1.7 mill in the bank, what transfers should I make? Should I get rid of Clyne and double up on Everton def with Distin?
    Thanks

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  18. mitraark
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Is Evra going to play in the next 4 weeks? Fixtures are great for ManU, and even though they are not getting CS lately, Evra is a good attacking option .

    Any update on the injury ?

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  19. TonyVilliers
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    I've been brave/stupid/controversial by Transfering out Ozil for Hazard, and giving Lukaku the armband. So here goes...

    Mignolet
    Sakho Coloccini Distin
    Hazard Ramesy Lallana Nasri
    Remy Lukaku (C) Suarez

    Thoughts?

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  20. Richd
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    God I'm worried

    I have Cabaye, Shelvey, Brady and Morrison in midfield along with Ozil. Real risk of people not playing?

    -4 can get me Silva or Oscar for Brady... Advice needed x

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