Scout Picks

Scout Picks – Gameweek 4

It’s time for Gameweek 4 of this season’s Scout Picks, where every Friday, myself, Mark, Jonty and a different member of the Community pick an XI for the upcoming round of fixtures. Each week, our line-ups go head-to-head and over the course of the season we’ll be keeping a tally of the points as we go along.

Similar to the last two Gameweeks, we’ve kept the budgets at 83.5m apiece for our starting line-ups.

The Community – Managed by Arvination

“midshots With Leicester at home, Stoke’s Asmir Begovic looks well placed for a clean sheet as does Liverpool’s Alberto Moreno against Villa. The attack-minded Nathaniel Clyne and Branislav Ivanovic offer returns at both ends of the pitch.

Fixtures conspire to make Eden Hazard and Raheem Sterling automatic picks for me. Wilfried Zaha is in my selection after a fantastic performance in Gameweek 3 – he also has the potential as an out of position prospect when Crystal Palace entertain Burnley. Manchester United’s Angel Di Maria will be keen to impress on his home debut and could be set to prosper, especially if Luis Van Gaal opts for a 4-3-3 formation.

In attack Diego Costa started and scored a brace the last time he had an injury scare – I dare not leave him out even if he is still a doubt. Steven Naismith is the cheap forward that just keeps on giving, with three goals in as many appearances, and I expect him to continue his form against West Brom. With Daniel Sturridge doubtful, Mario Balotelli will be the main forward for Liverpool – he was unlucky not to score against Tottenham and I’m sure he’ll repay my faith.

Jonty

“midshots Stoke, Liverpool, Chelsea and Southampton all look primed for clean sheets this week. Asmir Begovic gives me a reliable route into the Stoke backline, while Dejan Lovren, Nathaniel Clyne and Branislav Ivanovic offer the dual prospect of attacking returns as well.

Eden Hazard looks to be the Chelsea midfielder of choice at home, with 10 goals of his 14 goals last season coming at Stamford Bridge. Raheem Sterling’s form is sensational but I’m looking for something different this week. He’ll be in all my rivals’ teams so I’m taking a gamble on old-stager and Liverpool penalty taker Steven Gerrard. Elsewhere my midfield is dominated by differentials, with Chadli and Kevin Mirallas’ underlying attacking statistics impressing me enough to include them.

I’m not falling for the old Diego Costa is injured ruse again. A doubt or not Chelsea’s in form frontman is in my team. Mario Balotelli looks certain to start in Daniel Sturridge’s absence and was another top attacking performer in Gameweek 3. Finally, another with impressive underlying statistics is Southampton frontman Graziano Pelle. He could be another vital differential as I look to haul myself from the foot of the Scout Picks.

Mark

“midshots The selection was pretty straightforward this week. Despite the stuttering start to the season, I really can’t see QPR spoiling the party for United at Old Trafford and I’m predicting a comfortable afternoon for Louis van Gaal – resulting in David De Gea and Wayne Rooney finding their way into my lineup.

With Diego Costa a shoo-in right now, the only real decision I had to make was to whether to back Mario Balotelli or look to Raheem Sterling to cover the Liverpool attack at home to Villa: I opted for the latter. The third striker spot goes to Southampton’s Graziano Pelle, then; he got off the mark at West Ham last time out and I reckon he’ll deliver again when the Magpies pay visit.

The midfield was interesting. Again, it was a close run thing between Eden Hazard and Cesc Fabregas and I’ve gone for the value offered by the Spaniard although I do expect Hazard to be a key factor in the top of the table clash with Swansea.

Elsewhere, I’m backing Wilfried Zaha to start and prove a match winner for Palace against Burnley and I just fancy Kevin Mirallas to come good for Everton at West Brom. The Toffees are shipping goals so I expect Roberto Martinez’ side to need a couple to get anything from their trip to the Hawthorns. If that’s the case, I can see Mirallas in the points.

Paul

“midshots I’ve loaded up on Chelsea for the home encounter with Swansea – all three of their in-form players, Branislav Ivanovic, Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa – are drafted in. Three Liverpool options also get the nod. Javier Manquillo seems set to benefit from injuries to Glen Johnson and Jon Flanagan at right-back, while I’ve also gone for Raheem Sterling and Mario Balotelli, with the latter looking key in the absence of Daniel Sturridge. Brendan Rodgers has confirmed Balotelli has been suffering from illness this week but will be fit for Saturday.

Elsewhere at the back, Marc Wilson (4.5) gives me a budget route into Stoke’s defence for the visit of Leicester, while Fraser Foster comes in for the Saints’ clash with Newcastle. I’m willing to roll the dice on Angel di Maria – with doubts over the United forward roles, he looks a safe option at home to QPR. For my final two selections, I’ve turned to the stats – Nacer Chadli’s five shots in the box is second for midfielders so far, while Graziano Pelle has produced eight attempts from close-range – second only to Costa.

The Scores So Far

It was a Gameweek 3 to forget for all of us after Sergio Aguero, Stevan Jovetic and Wayne Rooney all blanked. Four points separated all four teams – I scraped a win with just 41 points, while Mark and Jonty, with 40 and 39 points respectively, pipped The Community – as managed by Innsie – into fourth with 37 points.

This means that after three rounds of fixtures, I have 154 points, The Community has 145, Mark has 137 and Jonty has 136.

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2,836 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Pedram
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Wisdom or Duff ?

    1. Pav A Nice Day
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      duff, wisdom's place is under threat with Lescott back and gamboa

      1. nikobg
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        so is Duff's with Michael Keane

    2. Sunny 😎
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Duff

  2. gillih90
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Krul/Foster
    Ivanovic-Clyne-Lovren-Wisdom-Coloccini
    Ramsey-Sigurdsson-Sterling-Fabregas-Marney
    Sturridge-Costa-Naismith

    Already did my FT.

    0,4M in the bank.

    A) Panic wildcard
    B) Sturridge -> Balotelli
    C) Do nothing

    Any feedback much appreciated!

    1. How About Baked Beans?
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      B

  3. Zombie
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    okay seriously....why do we prefer PvA over Caulker around here this GW ???

    1. Pav A Nice Day
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Because Sunderland are a better team than QPR

      1. MJ6987
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        And Sunderland are at home.

    2. chrisjdgrady
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Why wouldnt we?

    3. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      If Caulker isn't scoring/assisting, he's an average pick.

  4. How About Baked Beans?
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Begovic

    Azpi PvA Clyne (Dummett N Taylor)

    Fab Lamela Sterling (C) Rambo Siggy

    Costa Rooney (Vaz te)

    Seriously considering ramsey to tadic for my 1 FT what do people think?

    1. KunBaYaya My Lord
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      No. Ramsey has proven to be pure gold. 21 points in 4th best mid right now. Not saying Tadic isn't a nice punt but imo not at the loss of Ramsey

      1. How About Baked Beans?
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        ye having looked at things ramsey himself said hell b okay for city and if not its Vaz te to the rescue!

  5. Sarri-ball
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Moreno or lovren?

    Is fiso near with price rises will Moreno go up 2night or can I sleep on it?

    1. Pav A Nice Day
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      barely anybody has risen in price in 2 weeks, doubt Moreno is under threat

    2. Get up ya bum
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Moreno

  6. Fin
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Captaining RVP, thinking outside the box 😉

    1. MJ6987
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Good choice.

    2. Get up ya bum
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Pelle for me. Thinking outside the room the box is in

      1. Fin
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Ooooooh, very nice!

    3. the axolotl
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      that's so far from the box it's not even funny.
      might just pay off tho

      1. Fin
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Getting Falcao in next week so it's a WC one week punt

        1. _Freddo
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          Same Fin although not captaining him, he's so low in ownership that I'm hoping we may get a nice green arrow if he puts them to the sword.

          He has a huge ego, Falcao going there and stealing his thunder as main man will drive him on.

          1. Fin
            • 11 Years
            10 years, 1 month ago

            I love your thinking 😉 making me feel good about the decision! I fancy a peno in the game too

            1. _Freddo
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 15 Years
              10 years, 1 month ago

              A standard 2 goals, 1 assist and 3 BPs would be lovely.

  7. Get up ya bum
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    In a game with no auto-subs, start Luis (SWA) or Gibbs (MCI)?

    1. Pav A Nice Day
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Gibbs

    2. chrisjdgrady
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      flip a coin

    3. Mílanista
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Luis could easily be 0 or 6, Gibbs is very likely to get 0-2.

      1. Get up ya bum
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Exactly 🙂 Think I'll have a punt on Luis this week.
        Thanks all

  8. Ludo
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Steven Naismith at over 30% ownership, not many saw that coming a few weeks ago!

    1. KunBaYaya My Lord
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      3 goals in 3 games will do that to any fantasy player

  9. KunBaYaya My Lord
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone see any changes needed?

    Bego
    Ivan, Yoshida, Dier
    Hazard, Stering C, Ramsey, Hendo
    Costa, Rooney, Naismith

    4.0 - Siggy, Colo, Wisdom.

    1. Mithrandir, the Grey Pilgri…
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Don't bench Siggy.

      But difficult to see who you drop there....

      1. KunBaYaya My Lord
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah don't like benching him but feel Liverpool could steam role Villa and Siggy is up against Chelsea away.

  10. GYM JUNKIE
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    DI MARIA
    BALOTELLI

    are they both rising tonight?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Possibly.

      1. GYM JUNKIE
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        cheers t

  11. Killitzer
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    My team has 2 reds and 2 yellows never mind a dodgy defence of:

    Terry, Caulker, Bruce, Debucy, Cameron(i)

    I've already brought in Sterling for Mata and thinking of:

    Cameron--> Wilson for -4

    yay or nay (and hope Bruce plays or Caulker is my only sub!)

  12. Wild Rover
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Can't wait for a page a minute in the morning. Night all 😀

    1. the axolotl
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      but you won't be anyways drunk in the morning

  13. Bakeyournoodle23
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Chambers, Coloccini, van Aanholt or Wilson? Best 4.5 Def Option?

    1. Breadbin
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Taylor of Swansea too, after this week.

      1. JK - Cønt ⭐
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        This

        also Shackell at Burnley.

  14. Sting
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Lovren or Moreno?

    1. MJ6987
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Lovren

    2. Sarri-ball
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      I think I'm going Moreno

      Even tho been planning lovren all day.

    3. Mull
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      I've got the same decision. Think it'll be heavily dependent on luck who does the best but at the moment I'm leaning towards Moreno because he's probably going to get a few price rises.

      1. Sarri-ball
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Yep my main reason. Moreno rising in ownership will get rises.

        Lovren got 800k owners already and dropping

  15. The Orienteer - find me in …
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Dzeko then for me.Will he play?

    1. gravless
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      probably

      90% imo

  16. Super-Hans
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Do we think Rafael will start this gw? Any news?

    1. gravless
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      he's available

      whether he plays is a different kettle of fish

      1. Super-Hans
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Guess we won't know until an hour before kick off, unfortunately...

    2. ireland123
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Dont think so.. no news but i guess with two wingers out he could start.

  17. ireland123
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Who to bench this week out of my midfielders?
    Fab/ADM/Sterling/Siggy/Zaha

    1. Jomica
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Might have to be Siggy based on fixtures

  18. Shinigami
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Lovren or Moreno guys?

  19. Pav A Nice Day
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Is Ramsey definitely out? If so, who's the best alternative?

    Already have Hazard, Sterling and can't have Fabregas

    1. GYM JUNKIE
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      50% he could start

    2. Mílanista
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      He's expected to play.

      1. Big_Andy_GAWA
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        He has just been on Twitter with a comment which would lead you to believe that he will play...

  20. Snellejanus
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    This is my defence:

    Begovic (McCarthy)
    Dier, Baines, Moreno (Clyne, Wisdom)

    I'm unsure about Dier though. Have 0.3 left in the bank that I could use for a slight upgrade.

    What are his chances of playing this weekend? Any shouts for similarly priced players that could be a better pick than him in the long run anyway?

    1. Jomica
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Play clyne

  21. GYM JUNKIE
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    chances of BEN DAVIES starting ?

    1. gravless
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      lol

    2. Breadbin
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      SLIM to NONE.

  22. Onana Whatsmyname
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    RVP Captain.....boom

    Plum home tie against poor defensive side and new super striker in the squad to rev him up.

    Hatrick incoming

    1. GYM JUNKIE
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      if only it was this easy

  23. mgrea
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Mata & Dzeko - >

    A. Di Maria & Pelle

    B. Tadic & Balo

    1. GYM JUNKIE
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      A

      1. mgrea
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks

  24. Doar1986
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Guys please help, this is my team, have I got to wildcard

    Krul / foster

    Debuchy jones Hutton wisdom Dummett

    Mata Ramsey hazard Siggy. El Ahmadi

    Rooney. Costa. Jovetic

    Thinking of jones to Ivan then I have 6.9m this week for a striker then WC next week

  25. JK - Cønt ⭐
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Moore really starting to look like the 4.0 defender to have

    Duff likely to lose his place to Keane, Wisdom at risk when WBA get all defenders back (plus he's 4.1 if on wc)

    Hutton has terrible fixtures

    Leicester's defensive stats have been poor so far but they've had awful fixtures, and lost both their first choice centre mids (both ex-United trainees btw) They are close to a comeback, the fixtures are easing and they have signed Cambiasso and Simspon who have to be an improvement on King and De Laet

    1. GYM JUNKIE
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      awful fixtures with manutd next

      1. JK - Cønt ⭐
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        have you seen Villa's

        Leicester's are poor for a couple of weeks yet but I think he's the best bet as he's nailed

        Hutton has

        liv, ARS che, MCI, eve, qpr, TOT

        one decent game in the next 7

    2. The Orienteer - find me in …
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      De Laet is class imo fwiw.

    3. Big_Andy_GAWA
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Danny Simpson ?! If so, remember his good form for a few weeks with Newcastle and he then demanded 90K per week. What a joke. Ignore me if it ain't him... 😉

  26. ralfb
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Shall I keep Moreno or get Evans.? Ta

    1. Breadbin
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      I got both, but Moreno the better option. Better team.

      1. JK - Cønt ⭐
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        and less of a troll

  27. claretdownunder
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Gerrard or Balotelli for the long term?

  28. Steirish
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Will Ramsey be fit to start?

    1. GYM JUNKIE
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      yes

    2. MJ6987
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      I think so.

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

      Yeah.

  29. MJ6987
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Two of my three transfers so far this season have been used (wasted?) switching my "third striker". Hope I have landed on a decent one finally!

    1. Olivier Bernards watch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Who you gone for?

      1. MJ6987
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Welbeck.

        Not convinced the merry-go-round has finished yet!

        1. Olivier Bernards watch
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          Ha, I'm in a similar position. Currently on ade

  30. Pav A Nice Day
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Rooney for Balotelli anyone? Also then considering putting the armband on him?

    1. Olivier Bernards watch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Did cross my mind...