Scout Picks

Scout Picks – Gameweek 18

Forkfuls of sprouts and turkey stuffing are all very good and seasonal but let’s face it, Fantasy managers have greater feasts to consider at this time of year. With three Gameweeks on our plate over the next eight days before the small matter of a winter wildcard, planning and preparation replaces rest and relaxation as our festive plans kick into overdrive. Here’s who we have for you ahead of tomorrow’s deadline:

With three clean sheets in the last five Gameweeks, John Ruddy gets the nod between the sticks. The Norwich stopper welcomes Fulham to Carrow Road tomorrow afternoon and, with Dimitar Berbatov still a real doubt for the visitors, he could be poised for another shut-out against Rene Meulensteen’s strugglers.

Seamus Coleman is a nailed-on pick for Everton’s home clash with Sunderland. The Black Cats roll up to Goodison having failed to score in each of their last five road trips, whilst Coleman’s attacking potential has served up three goals in the last five Gameweeks – a tally greater than any other defender has managed all season.

Arsenal’s Per Mertesacker also offers the prospect of points at both ends of the pitch. The Gunners head to West Ham on the back of a sixth clean sheet in nine and, with their hosts drawing blanks in five of the last nine, Sam Allardyce doesn’t have his problems to seek right now. Mertesacker’s threat in the box has already produced two goals, whilst a tally of 12 bonus points has been beaten by only two other defenders thus far.

A home game with West Brom earns Kyle Walker a call-up. The Baggies have scored just a single goal in the last three and, with caretaker boss Keith Downing promising rotation, hopes of a home clean sheet look promising – with a share of set-pieces and corners, allied with his marauding runs down the right, the Tottenham right-back could pose the visitors problems aplenty in Tim Sherwood’s first home league match in charge.

Yaya Toure just edges out City team-mate David Silva for the home game against Liverpool. He may be labeled a “template” signing but the Ivorian’s consistency is simply too good to overlook here – he has scored or assisted in every appearance in front of his own fans this term and has set-pieces and, in the absence of Sergio Aguero, spot-kicks to further his points potential. Silva remains an outstanding option, however, particularly for those seeking that crucial differential.

Yohan Cabaye is another consistent midfield option. The Newcastle man has now scored or assisted in eight of the last 12 Gameweeks and was shifted into an advanced role behind Loic Remy away to Crystal Palace last weekend as Alan Pardew rolled out a 4-2-3-1. Up against a Stoke side that have shipped 10 goals in their last four on the road, Cabaye looks real value at just 6.5 for this Gameweek.

Having bagged a brace at the Etihad in his previous away appearance, we’re banking on Theo Walcott to produce as Arsenal look to return to winning ways at West Ham. Sam Allardyce’s side may have kept out the likes of Fulham and Sunderland in recent weeks but Chelsea, United and Liverpool have all put three or more past them over the last six, suggesting Walcott could be set for a prosperous Boxing Day afternoon.

We call upon Eden Hazard as Chelsea prepare for a home game with Swansea. The Belgian looks the one attacker immune to his manager’s rotational whims and, with four sets of double figures in his last nine, Hazard’s explosive potential is obvious against a backline that have mustered a single clean sheet in the last eight Gameweeks.

A trip to the Etihad will hold no fear for Luis Suarez. Some may be reluctant to hand him the armband but this season’s Fantasy phenomenon will be looking for a fifth straight set of double figures against a City side that have conceded twice to West Brom and Fulham and shipped three to Arsenal in the last four fixtures alone.

Alvaro Negredo also gets the nod for the City-Liverpool showdown. With Sergio Aguero injured, Manuel Pellegrini can ill-afford to do without the Spaniard as the hosts look for the win that would see them leapfrog the Merseysiders – Negredo has scored or assisted in each of his last seven home appearances and, with City averaging over four goals per game at the Etihad, Liverpool’s defensive record of two clean sheets in 14 bodes well for the hosts.

Wayne Rooney gets the nod as United make their way to Hull. One of only two sides to prevent Suarez from picking up the points over his 12 appearances, Steve Bruce’s side are no pushovers at the KC and have conceded just three times in front of their own supporters. Nonetheless, with three sets of double figures in his previous four road trips, Rooney’s form could prove the Tigers’ undoing.

Steven Caulker gets the nod for Cardiff’s home clash against injury-hit Southampton. Malky Mackay’s side have two clean sheets in the last four Gameweeks, whilst their visitors have notched just twice in their previous three road trips – with a couple of goals to his name already, the summer signing looks the best bet for points at both ends of the pitch.

Three goals and an assist in the last seven Gameweeks highlight Leroy Fer’s current form. The Norwich midfielder plays host to a Fulham side that have conceded four times in each of the last two and will be optimistic of further returns at Carrow Rod tomorrow.

A run of four matches without a goal forces Romelu Lukaku onto the bench. The Everton forward will fancy his chances of breaking that unwanted streak, though – visitors Sunderland have Wes Brown banned and John O’Shea doubtful, suggesting the Belgian could be poised for a prosperous afternoon. If you own him, you keep him. Whisper it, some may even hand him the armband.

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1,343 Comments Post a Comment
  1. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    I hate that Manone is rising tonight. I want him next week. It was sooooooo close

    Is it worth -4 Mignolet out, Manone in...? Before the rise? Liv could concede 100 goals. Probably will do it soon for a hit too, so why not this week?

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    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      mannone might be good to get in at the minute.

      Pro's

      You get the price rises
      No more worries about replacing mignelot and worrying about price drops

      Cons
      Mignelot has decent fixtures after next 2
      -4 is risk

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      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Mig has great fixtures starting next week. The Car game was great for Mig and he conceded again. I will use the money. It is 1.4m. Means City mid next week.

        Hmmmm.....

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  2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    According to west ham fans Adrian looks likely to start again this weekend

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    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      They picking the team now?

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      1. Breadbin
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        According to West Ham fans, Big Sam came on the forum and started a poll. This was the result.

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

      Notes ,Wally (c) 😉

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  3. Big_Andy_GAWA
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Chances of Baines starting tomorrow?

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    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      He could/ should

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    2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      He will start I think

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

      Hope so, somebody who don't mind passing to Luklaku would be handy

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  4. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Totally miss her 🙁

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJT0Suanqhg

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

      Great track

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      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        I meant about the girl 🙁 She simply didn't understand the Fantasy Football concept and the beauty in it. Had no choice. Now miss her during the holidays 🙁

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  5. megatronaldinho
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    if today was christmas eve, today was christmas eve, then tomorrow was christmas day. neither of those eventualities came to pass. or they did. 24 hours too soon. but canned heat lyrics are timeless. left where i found em

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    1. Back on the horse
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      if frankie boyle is the mick jagger of comedy.....

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

    Fascinating Captaincy battle developing for tomorrow,
    We know every "casual" and his dog is going to captain Suarez,
    It's City away FFS
    I'm sure there's going to be a bigger score out there
    from another lower ownership big hitter
    Good luck in pinning the armband on him 🙂

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    1. megatronaldinho
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      casuals don't got dogs. they inadequately forthcoming in their affections

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  7. Whitman2013
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Hi guys which team is better and why? Please help so stuck. 🙁

    Krul
    Coleman baines terry Whittaker (ridge)
    Fer haz Ramsey (shelvey Morrison)
    Negredo Rooney lukaku

    Krul
    Coleman baines terry
    Get haz Ramsey jan
    Negredo Suarez lukaku?

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

      B for me. Purely because it has ol' Luis

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  8. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    New post

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    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      great , all i need it 🙁

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  9. King Henrik
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    ok so if welbeck starts tomorrow ... will rooney be playing in midfield again. like he was against villa away ?

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    1. Park the bus
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      FFS he wasn't playing in midfield. Just off the front, slightly deeper. This isn't FIFA ffs!!

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      1. King Henrik
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        wt dude chill out was just asking.

        wat happened mate did ur mrs no give you ur jam roll tonight ur a bit frustated lol

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  10. Total Foot 5 - romario 11
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    pik 1 pls thx

    1--ravel ARS
    2--williams che

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    1. Park the bus
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Ravel

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  11. Park the bus
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Will Nasri start tomorrow?

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  12. Sooda
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Hi all,

    Does anyone think it is worth doing

    Rooney, Ramsey out, Adebayor, Walcott in..

    Many thanks

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

      Thats with two FT's btw

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    2. boffster
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      So you are downgrading Rooney to upgrade Ramsey. Er, no.

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

        Yeah. Okay Im not doing it 😀 Thanks

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

        Ive also got Fonte in defence

        Another thought for me was Rooney, Fonte, Ramsey out/ Hooper, Baines, Walcott in.. for a hit

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

    Should I still capt Suarez?

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    1. check out your mind
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      nope

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

    I've got the usual suspects up front (Suarez, Rooney, Negredo). Who to captain?

    I'm liking Hazard for a cheeky diff. Thoughts?

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

      If theres anything Weve learnt its that form > fixture when picking captain. Suarez all the way

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  15. The Beta particle
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Random thought : suppose i have 3 united players and also baines , but in january transfer window united buys baines. Can I keep 4 united players or will something else happen??

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

    I really hope if Suarez scores big tonight that we don't get a flurry of people cursing 'bloody lucky casuals!' Let's stay classy FFS!

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    1. Bolt-on
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      I don't mind seeing that actually been reading it all week about yaya toure which is quite funny

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  17. FPL Blow-In
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Dzeko bandwagon

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