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. Dušan Citizen
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Good to go? On -4 🙁 Should I start Mahrez before Ramsey?

    Krul
    Cahill Clyne Moore
    Hazard Ramsey Sterling Siggy
    Costa Rooney (C) Naismith

    Bench:Foster Mahrez Ferdinand Naylor

    1. Dušan Citizen
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      2nd 1st post tonight 🙂

  2. Jimbo123
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    What are Arnautovic owners doing???

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

      Keeping this week, sadly. He has dropped 0.2 mill now, ffs.

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

      watching WWF

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

      Having a beer currently.

    4. ZakAFC_
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Watching Celebrity Big Brother

    5. Jimbo123
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      One useful comment and three extremely witty ones. That'll do I guess.

      Cheers chaps.

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

    which of your players would you like most to go riot this GW ?

    Mine is Dzeko, I think. Rooney just behind him in the line.

    1. Keep calm and hoof me the b…
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      That's 2/3 of my front line so I'm with you!

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

        +1

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

      Adebayor going nuts would be great.

  4. Blue Moon Rising
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    I'm in trouble.

    Costa, Dzeko and Jovetic up front.

    Jovetic > Naismith/Pelle?

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

      done to naismith myself.

  5. Pain in Diaz
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Arsenal v City score predictions? 2-1 for me.

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

      0-0

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

      2-2

      2 by Rambo & 2 by Dzeko...No Assists

      1. Mr Wizard
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Is Rambo even fit to start?

    3. Jimbo123
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      1-1

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

      6-0

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

      2-1

    6. Dušan Citizen
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      2-3

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

      2-2

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

      1-4

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

    Will Blackett play tomorrow ?

    1. Park the bus
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Not a chance IMO

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

        Who will play at the back?

    2. Mr Smith
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Hopefully not

  7. Liastro ⭐️
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Do we all think Costa is a starter tomorrow?

    1. Park the bus
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      I think yes. Remy or drogs to get game time midweek against schalke

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

      deffo.

      capt him too

  8. Park the bus
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Fabregas a decent captain shout this week? Due a goal. Him Rooney sterling or costa...

    Also Debuchy or Mutch 1st sub?

    1. The butts
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Fab is my capt

  9. Old Bull
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Ok, WC being played. Now that Wisdom looks to be less likely to get gameplay, can anyone recommend a 4m def please. Also, Fabo or Angel 2morro. Thanks.

    1. joinho
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Duff and Di Maria

      1. Old Bull
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Good shout and much appreciated but Duff is already in. Need someone else.

  10. Valar(Keith)
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    I'm swapping Hutton out for a Southampton defender.. thing is he is on course to rise tonight giving me a selling price of 4.1. Do i swap him for Clyne tonight(who is also set to rise) or wait till tomorrow and swap for Bertrand which would save me 0.2 in total. The problem is that Clyne may end up rising while hutton may end up surviving the rise scuppering my plans 🙂 .. what would you do?

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

      Clyne is the better option imo and appears more likely to rise than Hutton.

      1. Valar(Keith)
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        better not to gamble then and just do it tonight.. everyone in my ML has Clyne so it could be frustratin not owning him

    2. Deyanski
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Depends on who you want more (outside the money factor :P).
      I'd get Clyne

    3. Connor's Calling
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Hutton - > Clyne tonight and forget about it.

      Don't risk playing the rises given difficulty in predicting this year

      1. Valar(Keith)
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        cheers all.. this year a 0.1 difference seems as good as a 0.3 so was weighin up my options.. thanks. will just get clyne

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

    and chance of an opinion of schurrle?
    saves a lot of cash. if he can keep place, he'll be a no-brainer imo

    1. Park the bus
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Rotation will prob drive you mad tbh.

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

        wouldn't rotate. thinking he's almost a 1st teamer

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

    WC team. 4m keeper aside it hasn't changed since last week:

    Forster
    Clyne, Ivanovic, Bertrand
    Ramsey, Sterling, Chadli, Siggy
    Costa, Super Mario(c), Falcao

    McCarthy, Boyd, Moore, Hutton

    .1 in bank

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

      double Saints defence 😯

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

        Triple!

      2. Valar(Keith)
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        *triple

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

        *Triple

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

          😯 😯 😯

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

          Ballsy

      4. Woy of the Wovers
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Look again

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

      Lovely stuff.

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

      Is that triple Soton defense?? Falcao - nice one 😉

      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Check out Begovic/McCarthy rotation. Got the budget picks spot on. Chadli's worth a gamble and what a forward line! 😀

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

        He's got it right - Forster/McCarthy are better matched good/bad fixtures

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

        But that would spoil the triple up fun 😉

        I don't expect McCarthy to be starting so the plan is Forster every game then in GW13 transfer to err... Rob Green

    4. Valar(Keith)
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Brilliant..

    5. Reedy
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Great team. Good luck!

    6. Redhulkster
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      No fabregas is what hurts ;/

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

        I'm not a massive fan

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

      Thanks all

  13. applebonkers
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    kolo toure was wearing a green bib too btw. bench/sell lovren

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

      are sure he didn't just steal Mario's?

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

        Was this not on a different day, though ?!

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

    A, play center
    b, swap for Wilson

    thanks guys in advance.

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

      ?

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

      A, play cester
      b, swap with Wilson

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

      You mean start one of Chester and Wilson for this week? That's tough... Probably Wilson for me.

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

        Unless you mean transfer Chester out for Wilson, I wouldn't do that.

  15. Fudgemeister
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Any opinions on my team for this GW - and especially on a possible choice of captain?

    Krul (Green)

    Chester Terry Pieters (Debuchy, Wisdom)

    Mirallas Siggy Eriksen Sterling (Albrighton)

    Rooney Costa Balotelli

    1. joinho
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Don't like Chester, I's captain Sterling

  16. Parm
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    My team is amazing(apart from the fact I have Phil Jones.)

    1. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Show her

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

        show her what?

        1. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          Shoe me her

      2. Parm
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        http://i.imgur.com/6iDlmO9.png

        I should be cheering on QPR this weekend 😉

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

          we have literally one difference in our front 7.

  17. Connor's Calling
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    evening chaps,

    a) Bring in PvA for Chambers or just play Hutton? [assume i shoudnt start Chambo?]

    b) Captain Sterling or Rooney

    ?

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

      I m captaining fab

      My pref order
      Fab
      Adm
      Sterling

      Bring in trippier for chambers if budget allows else..PVA is a goodbye but Sunderland concede a lot.

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

    Who to swap jones for. I have 5.8 available... Moreno? Clyne? Evans?

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

      Rafael

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

      Iv been between lovren/Moreno all day finally went with moreno

  19. Optimus.
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Is it just me who thinks Sterling is a better pick over Young?

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

      No, I also think this.

    2. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Just you

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

      I'd have Barkley over both of them right now. I've got a feeling he's gonna have a big week

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

      Young scored against Madrid!

      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Yes. 😉 Sterling -> Young(c) (-4) here

    5. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Yep. Obviously. 😆

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

    What's the most likely centre back pairing for Spurs gonna be? Is Kaboul still gonna start?

    1. Art Vandelay
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Fazio and Vert will be 1st choice IMO.

  21. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Play Caulker (mun) or Moore (sto)?

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

      Caulker

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

      Currently playing Caulker, no idea if I still will be in an hour

    3. Declan-
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Caulker

    4. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Leaning towards Caulker but United have been good at defending headed goal attempts, Rodwell goal excluded

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

        Check Leicester's overall defensive stats

  22. The butts
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    What's the best team combo

    1) TOBY ALDERWEIRELD, DI MARIA and NAISMITH

    Or

    2) COLOCCINI, BOYD and FALCAO,

    Guess it boils down to DI Maria or Falcao.... Can't decide

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

      😐

    2. Harry Ball Bag™⚽⚽…
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      A

  23. semiconductor
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    adebayor, cahill and colo OUT

    welback, ivan and clyne IN

    should I?? if its not too much to ask

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

      Worth it, do it.

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

        BREADBIN....I'm trying to thank you for ur reply but it failed so I had to post it.

  24. CelticBhoy1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Is Ramsey likely to play??

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

      I'm hoping he does

  25. Texas Pete
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Aguero, Balotelli or Falcao? (oh my!)

    Totally posted this two topics down. Think I need to stop letting it bend my brain and go to bed.

    1. The 12th Man
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      all 3?

      1. Texas Pete
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Would that I could.

  26. SAINTS
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Who is the most nailed on Spurs defender apart from Vert?

    1. Harry Ball Bag™⚽⚽…
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      The new guy

      1. Harry Ball Bag™⚽⚽…
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Fazio

  27. ★FLiPsKiLLz★
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Need advice on my WC Team please. Is it good to go?

    Krul
    Wilson, Clyne, Moreno
    Sigurdsson, Sterling (C), Di Maria, Fabregas
    Welbeck, DC, Agūero

    Elliot, King, Amat, Hutton

    Thanks a bunch!

    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      I will let other, more qualified people answer this.

    2. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      OK. Perhaps not.

      Are you SURE about Di Maria and Fábregas? Is that the best use of your funds?
      Liverpool defence?

      Bench???

      Great front line.

    3. Redhulkster
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Elliot to McCarthy (4.0)

      Hutton to duff ..villas fixtures are suicidal

      1. ★FLiPsKiLLz★
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Can you tell me why McCarthy? Is he gonna play? Is Green injured? Thoughr i'd put Elliot in case Krul gets injured then he will defo play as substitute.
        I agree with Hutton's fixture so will get Duff thanks

    1. ChildishFirmino&Lallana…
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      rooney or falcao?

  28. The Gambler.
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    How are the injuries looking?

    Foster Krul
    Jones* Debuchy Clyne Wisdom Hutton
    Ramsey* Hazard* Mata Siggy Marney
    Costa* Rooney Bojan

    FT used, would you take a hit for Jones or WC?

    1. Tiote on Peyote
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      You look fine. At least 2 of Haz, Costa and Ramsey will start - just take out Jones. Also, Bojan really needs to go.

  29. DV8R
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Hey guys... Help me out here.

    My team

    Krul
    Shawcross, Clyne, Chambers
    Mata, Ramsey, Siggy, Fabregas
    Jovetic, Rooney, Costa

    Subs: Mannone, Ward-Prowse, Moore, N. Taylor

    1) Mata -> Sterling for free and play Ward-Prowse
    2) Mata + Jovetic -> Sterling and Pelle for -4
    3) Jovetic -> Pelle for free
    4) Something else

    I have 1 FT and 0.3M in the bank... Any advice??

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

      2