Scout Picks

Scout Picks – Gameweek 25

This evening we roll out Gameweek 24 of this season’s Scout Picks, where Mark, Jonty, a different member of the community and I 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, with the budget now sitting at 84.0 apiece for our starting line-ups.

The Community – Managed by Reedy

gw25picks Costel Pantilimon’s looming frame fills the goal. The Sunderland stopper has earned save points for seven successive Gameweeks, so in the unlikely event that managerless QPR still find a route to goal without the injured Charlie Austin, he’s still likely to bring in the points. Patrick van Aanholt’s attacking forays from left-back have earned him three league assists this season, and they’ve all come against teams in the bottom half of the table.

Arch rivals Spurs may have ended Arsenal’s three-match run of clean sheets but a visit from bottom-of-the-league-Leicester could be just what they need to get right back on track. Laurent Koscielny has been a stand-out performer at the back and Hector Bellerin gives me a chance to double up on their rearguard at a bargain basement price.
My third Gunner of choice, Mesut Ozil, has been impressive of late, too, and deserves inclusion. As does Chelsea’s Eden Hazard, whose trickery and pace will trouble Everton. His team-mate Oscar has also earned a place in my midfield. I’m not expecting the Toffees to put up too much of a fight and I’m hoping that the Brazilian can take full advantage.

Sadio Mane is quite simply in scintillating form. With three goals in three appearances before leaving for ACoN, he wasted no time getting another on his return to the first XI last weekend. There may be competition for places in that Saints midfield but his has to be the first name on the teamsheet.

We all know the Daniel Sturridge dance, which is set to become a familiar sight again after his return from injury. His inclusion here is, admittedly, a bit of a risk, but I think Sturridge will earn a start against Spurs tonight. He’s the kind of player that can grab a haul even if only afforded a cameo role and could be a very handy differential. There is just no way I can leave Harry Kane out and with attacking returns in all three Sunderland appearances, Jermaine Defoe completes my frontline.

Jonty

gw25picks Arsenal dominate my picks as they entertain a lacklustre and, in terms of managerial news, seemingly chaotic Leicester. Over the last six Gameweeks, the North London side has scored 13 times, meanwhile Leicester have the third worst away record in terms of goals conceded. As this is written ahead of some team sheets being announced before the deadline I’m hedging my bets and hoping Alexis Sanchez starts or at least scores as a substitute. Mesut Ozil, with three goals in his last three, is also hard to overlook as is Olivier Giroud, who I hope will escape rotation.

Elsewhere in attack, I’ve opted for Jermain Defoe and his ruthlessness in front of goal against a dire QPR side on the road. With two goals in three matches he looks a shoo-in to score against a side that has the Premier League’s worst away defence, with 27 goals conceded. Harry Kane has a habit of scoring in tough matches recently, as Chelsea and Arsenal fans will know – he looks impossible to drop from my picks on current form.

For Chelsea cover, I’ve opted for Branislav Ivanovic, who has three goals already this season, and Eden Hazard, who offers strong goal and assist potential. My final midfield slot goes to Southampton’s Sadio Mane, who had the most goal attempts in the Premier League during Gameweek 24.

In defence, I struggle to see how a Charlie Austin-less QPR will score against Sunderland, which propels Patrick van Aanholt into my thinking. Aston Villa’s struggles in front of goal hands Hull’s Alan McGregor a place between the posts. Finally, I see West Ham struggle to break down a resolute Southampton, which gives Nathaniel Clyne, who earned two bonus points in Gameweek 24, a defensive role.

Mark

gw25picks My picks are built around two fixtures, with Sunderland’s clash with QPR and Arsenal’s Emirates meeting with Leicester looking as close as you’re going to get for home-bankers.

I’ve recruited six players from those two matches in anticipation of wins, goals and points, with Alexis Sanchez and Olivier Giroud backed to tear into the Foxes rearguard, while I’ve opted for Per Mertesacker in the Gunners defence, purely because he appears to be the most secure option.

For Sunderland, I’ve doubled in defence with Costel Pantilimon and Patrick van Aanholt coming up against a limited QPR attack without the threat of Charlie Austin. Jermain Defoe will doubtless be in many squads going into the Gameweek and he makes my Picks off the back of returns in each of his three appearances so far.

Elsewhere, I’ve tied up City with Sergio Aguero and Chelsea with Eden Hazard. I’ve not compromised here: Aguero’s dry run has got to end at some point and with City desperately hunting three points, I anticipate it will be at the Britannia. Hazard’s a shoo-in for the Stamford Bridge meeting with Everton –particularly with Diego Costa out of the frame and uncertainty surrounding Chelsea’s other midfield starters.

Sadio Mane’s selection needs no justification – his run of four goals in his last four starts explains that. Marouane Fellaini certainly does require some qualifying, however: I point to Van Gaal’s post-match comments following the Belgian’s contribution at West Ham, here. For me, Fellaini starts against Burnley and he may even be thrust up in attack. He’s my towering differential.

The final spot in my back three goes to Joleon Lescott – a bit of a gamble given the recent rotation in Tony Pulis’ rearguard, plus I’m not totally convinced that the Baggies have bought into their manager’s ethos just yet. This is a tentative clean sheet, then, but I still feel that the Swans lack penetration and a goal threat and that’s enough for me to back a West Brom shut-out.

Paul

gw25picks I’m worried that Arsene Wenger might rotate in defence this evening, so have played it safe by selecting David Ospina for Arsenal’s clash with Leicester. Branislav Ivanovic has attacking returns in four of his last five and faces an Everton side with one goal in their last three. I’ve opted for Patrick van Aanholt over Costel Pantilimon as Sunderland cover at home to QPR, with the Dutchman producing a double-figure return in his last home match. Having chalked up the same number of clean sheets as Chelsea, Southampton look a strong shout at home to injury-hit West Ham and Jose Fonte’s threat in the box has been unlucky not to bring home any goals so far.

In midfield, I’m willing to back my gut feeling that Alexis Sanchez will start this evening as Arsene Wenger looks to immediately bounce back from the North London derby defeat at Spurs. Eden Hazard, Philippe Coutinho and Sadio Mane complete my four, with the latter looking excellent value at just 6.5. I’d initially gone for Raheem Sterling but with reports suggesting he could be sidelined tonight, I’ll turn to his in-form team-mate instead. Coutinho – who has produced returns in each of his last four home matches – is expected to recover from a knock and hosts a Spurs defence with a single clean sheet in their last ten road trips.

Up top, Olivier Giroud’s five goals and two assists in seven appearances highlights his improved form since recovering from injury. Jermain Defoe looks vital to Sunderland’s chances of breaching a QPR backline that’s conceded at least twice in each of their last five away fixtures, whilst Harry Kane has shown repeatedly that he has the form to trump any fixture as Spurs face a Liverpool backline that’s racked up four straight shut-outs.

The Scores So Far

With a strong showing in a defence that included Swansea’s Kyle Naughton, I gained a Gameweek 24 Scout Picks score of 55, leaving Jonty’s score of 46, Mark’s tally of 43 and The Community’s 41 in the shade. In the overall standings, Mark continues to lead with a score of 1260, following by myself on 1242, Jonty with 1239 and the Community on 1151.

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1,507 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Old Schoolᴼˢ “disa…
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Coys

  2. Chris_White
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    This weeks top scorer isn't included. Shame.

    1. Delhidynamo
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      wally?

      1. Chris_White
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Bingo.

        1. Delhidynamo
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          we just jinxed it though lol

          1. Chris_White
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 8 months ago

            True. 😀

    2. Ser Football 42
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Fabregas?

    3. HurriKane
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      ADM or Falcao ?

    4. TuttiFrutti
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      sturridge!!!

  3. Rupert The Horse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Just wait on Sterling, he is ruled out according to SKY sources, these could be the same sources that reported Pearson had been sacked.

  4. Old Schoolᴼˢ “disa…
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    If sterling is out would you play

    PVA QPR or
    Moses MCI

    1. Gooner97
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      PVA

    2. A.T
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Pva

    3. Del Monte
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      PVA

    4. HurriKane
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Pva

    5. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      PVA
      Got Moses over Walters , what a Wally
      Clean sheet and attacking possibilities for PVA

  5. Chris_White
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Koeman says @SchneiderlinMo4 is a doubt for tomorrow's game. #saintsfc

    1. Somalion
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Huge loss if so.

      1. Chris_White
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Yup 🙁

  6. Jönny
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Hmmmm, my squad could really go either way for this week!

    Foster
    Clyne Terry Baird
    Sanchez Sterling Chadli Hazard
    Aguero Giroud Kane
    (Baines, Boyd, Trippier)

    Given doubts around Baird, I could end up playing Trippier if I don't make a defensive transfer, but wouldn't mind keeping Baines for next week.

    Because the blank is coming up and he seems to keep getting benched, I'm tempted to make Chadli out my transfer for this week, but I really can't make any decisions until line-ups, can I... what a conundrum!

    1. Not Irish
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      I've made no plans. Shooting from the hip once lineups are out.

      BANG BANG

  7. Gooner97
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    I like Mark's Fellaini pick.

    1. Bolivian Seaman
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      It's a very good punt, agree

      1. Gooner97
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Burnley conceded a lot of headers.

    2. A.T
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      It cracked me up too 😀

      1. Gooner97
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        My mate has Antonio Valencia, could be genius lol

  8. Konig Luther
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Kane on bench..

    1. A.T
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      😯

  9. Jonny HOW SON?
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    What's your take on this team?

    Foster, Myhill

    Azpi, Clyne, PvA, Wasil, Bellerin

    Hazard, Sanchez, Sterling, Puncheon, Walters

    Aguero, Kane, Defoe

    1. A.T
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Looks good apart from puncheon and Walters

  10. Not Irish
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Bale this summer, Sterling next.

    Who lacks pace?

    1. Breadbin
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Neither of them.

      1. Not Irish
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Or us. 😎

        1. Breadbin
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          No idea who you mean.

          1. Not Irish
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 8 months ago

            Manch Yoonited

  11. Bolivian Seaman
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Scout picks are out, now go and look after your wife 😉

  12. FinallyMario
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Terry EVE
    or
    Jones BURN

    Play Punch or take a -4 to bring in Mane?

  13. Tim Canterbury
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Panti AND PVA lol

    1. Chris_White
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Should have tripled up. No Austin, no party.

      1. JK - Cønt ⭐
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        They put Defoe in as the third Sunderland

        1. Chris_White
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          Fair enough

    2. HurriKane
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      P&P ftw

  14. Somalion
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Forwards of Falcao, RVP and Rooney and it's possible that Fellaini plays up top.

    I feel ill.

    1. Not Irish
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      I'm back to rooting against us.

      1. Wilshere Knowledge
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        You never fail to amuse. 😆

      2. Debauchy
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Me too - them

      3. Somalion
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        😆

  15. Mr. Grv
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Woooooohoooooooooo scout picks

  16. ZakAFC_
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Start Bellerin or PVA?
    Panti in Goal

    1. d1sable
      • Has Moderation Rights
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Bellerin but if he dosent start you will see the line up beforehand and can swap to PVA

    2. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      If Bellerin starts , then him

  17. _Gunner
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    according to the scout picks
    should i play Pants ahead of DDG ?

  18. Del Monte
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    G2G or take a hit?

    Pantilimon

    Bellerin Fonte Terry Van Aanholt

    (C) Walcott Mane (VC) Hazard

    Aguero Falcao Kane

    Bench: Foster Boyd Wisdom Sterling

  19. Shrimp On The Barb
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Best defender to bring in for 6.2? Have Fonte, Terry, PVA and Bellerin already.

    1. Boz
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Go cheap. Baird, Naughton, etc

  20. JK - Cønt ⭐
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Hoping to have 7 picks if I make my Mane move, plus Kos over Mert

  21. ViperStripes
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    I like teh Community inclusion of Sturridge - anyone dare Captain him?

    For me it's between Hazard (safe pick), Ozil - on form but points spread across Arsenal assets, Sturridge, differntial punt.

    1. Holmes
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Go for it 🙂

  22. Siva Mohan
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Southampton FC @SouthamptonFC

    Koeman says @SchneiderlinMo4 is a doubt for tomorrow's game.

    Koeman says Emmanuel Mayuka will need an operation on his groin injury and is likely to be out for the rest of the season.

    Koeman confirms Filip Djuričić has his work permit and that, after training today, he will be in the squad for tomorrow's game.

    Koeman says @Mattytargett is out of tomorrow's game: "The risk is too high after what happened last Saturday."

  23. EatsOwls
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    I really dont see why I've continued with Zabaleta on my team. Who can I replace him for?

    Replace cheaper and strengthen elsewhere yes?

    1. Boz
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Clyne/Fonte if you don't have one atm. If so, then cheapie like PVA

    2. Bolivian Seaman
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Arsenal defender if you don't want 3 arsenal attackers

    3. FPL Wisdom
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      A southampton or sunderland defender

  24. Met Eish
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Punch to Mane for free?

    1. Chris_White
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Yeah

    2. Boz
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      yep

    3. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      yup, I will be doing that

    4. Met Eish
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      cheerfs all...done!

    5. HurriKane
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      NO

  25. Feed tha Sheep
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    If Sanchez is fit and Sterling is out is it better to do?
    A. Caz > Sanchez and bench Sterling and play Wisdom
    B. Keep caz (Get Sanchez next week) and do Sterling > 8.4 mid?

    1. Dr. Agabuse
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      too many arsenal for sterl-sachez i guess?

    2. Dr. Agabuse
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Gotta be B if Santi starts

      1. Dr. Agabuse
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Mane

        1. Feed tha Sheep
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          Ok cheers
          Basically it comes down to who gets more pts
          Caz and Mane or Sanchez and Wisdom??

  26. Rupert The Horse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Awful score in the picks for me on the weekend.

    1. J0E
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      We were all pretty close. Paul was the only one of us who nailed last week's picks.

  27. Kroos Kontrol
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Blimey, just seen Raheem's out. Who to take in? Money no issue. I can't get Sanchez as already 3 Arsenal (planned to do Caz --> Alexis but going to have to delay it :/)

    1. Chris_White
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Mane

      1. Kroos Kontrol
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Already have Puncheon and Boyd. Mane in would mean a very light MF / another wasted FT. That's the only thing stopping me.

    2. Feed tha Sheep
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      I'm in exactely same boat but thinking of benching Sterling and still getting Sanchez for caz?

  28. Chris_White
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    New signing Filip Djuričić has been granted his work permit & he will be included in the squad which takes on West Ham tomorrow #SaintsFC

    1. Not Irish
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Oh good the guy who had his loan terminated by Mainz.

      1. Chris_White
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Imagine if he started over Mane.

        1. Not Irish
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          Shocking signing. Koeman has lost the plot, not that he ever really had it in the transfer market.

  29. Holmes
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    8 picks 😯

    1. SW6
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Only 5 for me

    2. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Just 4 here.

      1. Holmes
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        As expected. Not many have Sturridge, Oscar and to some extent, Mane 🙂
        Have literally spoiled my team on WC 😀

    3. Gooner97
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Could be 6 picks + Kane

    4. Mr. Grv
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      7 😯

      1. Debauchy
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Scouts are on a roll though

    5. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      7 ( in effect ) hmmmmm

  30. Trigg ⭐️
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    2 FTs.

    I'm doing Ings to Defoe.

    Funded by ..

    A) Cesc to Walcott/Ozil
    B) Heaton to non-playing GK

    1. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      One of the 2 . Difficult not knowing rest of team

    2. Dr. Agabuse
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      B
      play Cesc
      save FT

      1. Dr. Agabuse
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        sorry, didn't read properly.
        A

        1. Dr. Agabuse
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          Ozil if he starts. (he's the one that's gonna keep his place)

        2. Trigg ⭐️
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          No probs, cheers - thats my thinking too.

      2. Trigg ⭐️
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        I wish I could, need to downgrade someone to get Defoe.

        1. Dr. Agabuse
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          most people have midfieldProblems. nothing there? Like no Sanchez..Ings could still score vs Sh*tUtd, you know?!

          1. Trigg ⭐️
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 8 months ago

            True ..

            But want JD for the long run.

            I just want Wally for the fun of it!