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. Reeker
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    What do you think lads, is Sterling gonna start?

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

      nah

    2. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Saw on BBC Sport now that Sterling will miss the match entirely due to foot-injury sustained in previous match.

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

      No

    4. The Gambler.
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Check at 7pm mate.

      BR said only yesterday that he is ok

    5. Phillips
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      We'll know before the deadline but it doesn't look optimistic.

      1. Reeker
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Kick off is later than the rest so I don't think we'll find out

        1. The Gambler.
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          Course we will. 7pm teams out

          1. Reeker
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 8 months ago

            Had it in my head that GW started at 7. Cooool beans

    6. The Blackadder
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Sterling to Mane it is then.

    7. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      just watching ssn

      they said he is out

      1. The Count of Monte Cristo
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        This, mate.

  2. CAMP NOU
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    I got 10.1 in the bank, any suggestion on which 2 midfielders i should get?

    Currently have Silva-Hazard-Sanchez

    Sofar i shortlisted Walters.. dono who else though >.

  3. tissae
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Chadli > Mane worth ?

  4. Prateik7m
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    have sturrige. change to giroud/van persie/defoe or keep studge?

  5. Phillips
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Start Zouma or PVA?

    I'd be doubling up with Terry so I'm playing PVA at the moment.

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

      PvA

  6. JoeJitzu +42
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Just wondering maybe the Mods could answer but how come Aguero is included in the Scout Picks when three out of four managers went for Harry Kane and only one for Aguero?

    Just wondering how it works, surely Defoe, Giroud and Kane were the most popular picks?!

    1. Wild Rover
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Mark went for Aguero and it's his site 😉

  7. Wild Rover
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Thanks for the replies gents, think I'm gonna stick. Or sell Silva. Or ADM 😆

    1. Irish Madridista ⭐
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      😆

    2. The Gambler.
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Sorted!

    3. Kings of Lyon ★
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      🙂 if he starts sell Silva if not keep both imo. At least thats what im doing

  8. camarozz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Yeah but someone said carzola might not start????

    1. Irish Madridista ⭐
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Basically nobody knows which 3 out of the following 4 will play, I would imagine they go in this order of likelihood to start, but it's just my gut feeling :

      Ozil
      Caz
      Walcott
      Sanchez

      1. 1zverGGademN
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Sanchez
        Ozil
        Walcott
        Cazorla
        Rosicky
        Chamberlain
        ..

    2. money face bandwagon
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Whoever tell u that is purely guessing like everyone else

  9. Frazek
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    FYI, new Prem 'live' broadcast rights announcement today at 5pm, right after stock market close...

    https://twitter.com/search?q=premier%20league%20rights&src=tyah

  10. ladsofbunch
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Remy starting for Chelsea?

  11. mdm
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Who to play:

    A. Walters (MCI)
    B. Puncheon (NEW)

    Thanks.

    1. 1zverGGademN
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Puncheon no doubt

    2. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Puncheon personally.

  12. HVT
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    A or B please:
    A-Bertie>Bellerin(ft)
    B-Berti/Adm>Clyne/Manè (-4)

    1. Irish Madridista ⭐
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      How about Berti>Clyne and then do the other one next week for free?

      1. Irish Madridista ⭐
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Wait, no, ignore that haha

        probably B tbh, I'm leaning towards taking out AdM for a hit myself.

      2. HVT
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        I would IM but short .2 (5.7 V 5.9)
        🙁

    2. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      A) just, imo.

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

        Think he starts D?

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

    (C)ap?

    1)Alexis
    2)Hazard
    3)Aguero

    I'm between 3 & 1 atm. but yesterday I hit Hazard's radio button on cap poll here :/

    1. Magpieman
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      If Alexis plays I think its certainly best option! 🙂 Arsenal should be all over poor Leicester...

      1. 1zverGGademN
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Cheers mate! 🙂

  14. Prateik7m
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    have sturrige. change to giroud/van persie/defoe or keep studge??

    1. 1zverGGademN
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      keep

  15. Wild Rover
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Funny that they reckon Sterling will miss the game because of the injury sustained in the last game but Rodgers has said he was fit since then 😕

    1. The Gambler.
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Dont beleive the stories

      I think it could yet be to do with his contract negotiations

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

        Manch Yoonited

        1. The Gambler.
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          Much more likely Chelsea

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

            Can't afford him. 😎

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

        Bbc reporting it is a bit of a worry

        1. Wild Rover
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          I'm sure he won't play, just not convinced of the reason

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

            Yep I agree

  16. Mull
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Is Fabregas likely to start?

    1. Kevin Twine
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Yeah.

      1. Mull
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks. Looks like I'll have to get rid of Di Maria to get Sanchez which doesn't feel right considering they're playing Burnley at home.

    2. tissae
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      yep, he should start, Mourinho comfirmed hes back.

    3. money face bandwagon
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Yes

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

      Yes

  17. The Count of Monte Cristo
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    As much as I want to ship ADM, none of the top 6/7 in my ML have him, so I see him as a differential…albeit a poor one 😛

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

      same here 😀
      He should score this game

    2. Black Knights
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Surely today is the day he does something for us?!

  18. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Pants
    Bellerin JT Fonte
    Haz Fab Özil AdM
    Giroud(c) Kun Kane

    Good to go?

    1. 1zverGGademN
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Not sure for the (c)... I'm between Sanchez(in your case it is Ozil) and Aguero to get more points

      1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        It's a tough one. The armband's been on all three today 🙂

  19. Ludo
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    What odds would you have got in August on here that Stewart Downing would have more points than any forward in the game at GW25...

    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      At least 25/1.

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

      Unquantifiable

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

    @ Doosra.
    I have to hit on a defender or risk having just 2 play like last week.
    Debucjy to:
    a. Bellerin.
    b. O'Shea.
    I can afford to go up to 6.5m though and also considering Jones.
    Will obviously wait for line ups.

    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Bellerin for me. The other is too short term. Don't like O'Shea.

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

        Thanks, and you snore.

        1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          🙂

  21. Elly88 > KTR (Kevin The …
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Which combination will score the most points this coming GW
    1. Ozil/Walcott or
    2. Giroud+Mane
    Thanks

  22. ADucksBehind
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Draft league. Want to drop Navas or Austin

    Anyone have any wild punts?

    Wilder the better as most people are owned!

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

      Gils. Coutinho. Perez. Cabella.

    2. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Carles Gil? Moussa Dembele?

  23. Overlordleo
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Start Puncheon or Clyne this week? RMT says Clyne, but it feels more sensible to start a midfielder (even thought his form)

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

    What an awesome band Travis are.

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

      Lol

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

        😮

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

      That's more controversial than anything Ronh ever posted.

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

    hows this attack?

    Gils, Ozil, Sanchez, Hazard, Fabregas
    Aguero, Giroud

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

      I like the Gils pick.

    2. Mull
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Too much Villa

  26. camarozz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    I hav kun,giroud, haz,carzola!!
    Can't decide who to (c)..
    Anyone tink kun will go crazy??¿????

  27. tissae
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Worth ?

    Chadli >Mane ??

  28. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    sterling not yet red flagged

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

      Its only SKY

    2. The Gambler.
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Do they normally go on rumours?

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

        Fleetwood Mac did!
        🙂

  29. ramezhp
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Which two do I bench? Clyne, Coloccini, Hutton

  30. conan_hn
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Please help guys???

    1FT:
    a. Chadli >>> Mane
    b. Berahino >>> Giroud / Defoe
    c. Both
    d. Save

    My front 8:
    Caz - Hazard - ADM - Downing - Chadli
    Aguero - Kane - Berahino

    Thanks