Scout Picks

Scout Picks – Gameweek 12

It’s time to turn our attentions to Gameweek 12 of this season’s Scout Picks now, where every Friday, 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.

Similarly to the last few Gameweeks, we’ve kept the budgets at 83.5 apiece for our starting line-ups. Our Scout Picks starting XI is a little over that price this week, due to the individual selections, but we’ve balanced that out with some cheap options on the bench.

The Community – managed by Maillot Jaune

gw12picks Without a goal against in their last four league fixtures, Southampton’s Fraser Forster and Nathaniel Clyne double up in defence for Monday’s visit to Villa Park. Chelsea’s chances of a clean sheet look high and I’m hoping for bonus from Cesar Azpilicueta against West Brom at the Bridge. Goal-shy Burnley visit the Britannia with only two away goals all season, so I’m backing Geoff Cameron and Stoke to keep a clean sheet.

In midfield, we have Alexis Sánchez scoring goals for fun and mixing it with a creaking United defence, while Eden Hazard entertains the Baggies at the Bridge sitting on two double digits hauls so far this season. These two big hitters offer big potential and hopefully big points. Flanking that pair in a four-man midfield is Victor Moses at home to Burnley – he looks a good budget option with a goal and assist in his last two home appearances, whilst Stuart Downing’s goal threat of late earns his a place.

In attack, Charlie Austin comes up against a depleted Toon defence and sneaks in the back door to allow Diego Costa and Sergio Agüero to take their place in a formidable front line.

I would like to dedicate this to my friend and Fantasy Football rival John Dunn (FFScout username Sinpol1966) who sadly passed away earlier this year. RIP John.

Jonty

gw12picks With just two goals on the road this season, I can’t see Burnley providing much threat to Stoke, which propels Asmir Begovic into my thinking. For Chelsea’s easy home match with West Brom, I’ve gone for Cesar Azpilicueta, who with 23.2 Bonus Point System points per 90 minutes is the best bet for bonus points among their back four.

Daryl Janmaat has quietly established himself as one of the best attacking defenders and has notched an impressive 27 points in his last four appearances. He faces a QPR side that has no clean sheets on the road and has conceded 14 goals away from Loftus Road. Completing my backline is Ryan Bertrand, who makes perhaps a final appearance before Southampton’s fixtures stiffen. A clean sheet looks likely against a Villa side with the lowest goal attempt total in the Premier League so far.

Given that a number of midfielders have already served up the points against West Brom this season, picking a Chelsea contender looks a must for me. I have enough this week for Eden Hazard, who according to my Goals Imminent table, is among those due to find the net. Alexis Sanchez versus Manchester United’s patchwork quilt of a defence looks too good an opportunity to turn down, while Victor Moses is another must for me after notching up a goal or assist in his last three home games. I’ve really got it in for Burnley this week and am taking a punt on Jonathan Walters, who has two goals and an assist in the last four Gameweeks.

Up front Sergio Aguero and Diego Costa covers me for this week’s two standout captain choices. In-form Charlie Austin earns a place as I feel QPR can score against a Newcastle side without injured skipper Fabricio Coloccini.

Mark

gw12picks

With so many yellow flags fluttering, this is a Gameweek which lends itself to a few punts. I’ve not gone crazy, however, with Chelsea, in particular, lending a strong spine to this week’s Picks.

At the back, I’ve gone with the dependable Southampton defence at Villa in the form of Ryan Bertrand, while my firm favourite, Branislav Ivanovic is again included for his shut-out potential and attacking verve at home to West Brom. I’ll take a risk with City’s Gael Clichy for the final spot – his form is pretty miserable but I think he’ll start and I can see Manuel Pellegrini’s side edging out Swansea and earning a rare clean sheet. Stoke’s Amir Begovic takes the keeper’s jersey – I’m not so confident in Stoke but the Bosnian should be good for a few saves at the very least should Burnley play up at the Britannia.

In midfield the gamble is clear – Wilfried Zaha is a player I’m itching to pick in my own squad so I’ve opted for him here. With Yannick Bolasie potentially fatigued after international exertions, I think Neil Warnock will turn to Zaha to torment a troubled Liverpool backline. Elsewhere, the likes of Dusan Tadic and Alexis Sanchez pick themselves, while Victor Moses is another favourite of mine, although, in his case, he has the form and fixture to justify my madness.

Up front, there’s few risks taken. I’ve stuck with the big two captain choices in Sergio Aguero and Diego Costa: I’m leaning towards the latter when it comes to armband. Tottenham’s Harry Kane takes the final place in my line-up – I can see him retaining his start and I just feel that, when given minutes, he’ll conjure a goal for Spurs in a hard-fought encounter with Hull at the KC Stadium.

Paul

gw12picks

In goal, Asmir Begovic squares up to a Burnley side that have scored in just one of their five away trips this term. I’ve opted to double up on the Southampton rearguard away to Villa – the hosts have scored a single goal in the last seven and now face the league’s toughest defence. With that in mind, Ryan Bertrand is joined by Toby Alderweireld, whilst Cesar Azplicueta comes in for Chelsea’s home clash with West Brom.

In midfield, Eden Hazard is looking for a third successive double-figure home haul this weekend and Alexis Sanchez has the form to tear apart United’s patched-up defence.

I’ve taken the advice of his week’s Captain Sensible article for three of my picks. Stoke, Southampton and Spurs have created plenty of big chances and face three of the most vulnerable backlines for big chances conceded – have delved into the data, I’ve plumped for Victor Moses, Sadio Mane and Harry Kane in order to accommodate my two big-hitters in the centre of the park. This also allows me to throw cash into my two remaining spots up front, with Diego Costa and Sergio Aguero getting the call for their enticing home clashes.

The Scores So Far

Myself and The Community (managed by Toon_Army_HTL) grabbed 74 points apiece in Gameweek 11, just one more than Jonty, whilst Mark’s XI earned 65 points. This means that after 11 rounds of fixtures, Jonty leads the way on 683 points, followed by Mark (669), myself (665) and The Community, on 561 points.

Paul Is certain he won't make the same mistakes next season. Follow them on Twitter

2,083 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    If you had to choose between Baines and Ivanovic for the foreseeable who would you choose?

    1. Chris_White
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Ivanovic

    2. The Machine
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      baines

    3. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Baines

    4. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      prob ivanovic

      1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        depends on baines condition

    5. Demí
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Baines, as i would rather Azpi than Ivan

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        What makes you rather Azpi? Just the price difference or?

        1. Your Mum's Athletic
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          baps magnet maybe...

        2. Demí
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          Yep, and the fact he picks less cards and seems to attract more bonus

          1. Bubz
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            Think you have swayed me to stick with my current draft, which has Baines & Azpi. Was thinking of dropping Baines, getting Ivan over Azpi and upgrading the rest of defence...

    6. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Baines

    7. Hibbo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      You going we baines on WC?

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Currently trying to figure out whether to stick with him or not

    8. Zasa
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Baines when fit all day long, offers tenfold what Ivan offers.
      Like many have said here, Mou will look to tighten up over this period. Ivan's attack has diminished, he does not offer PK's, Set-pieces, or a decent goal threat compared to Baines IMO.

      I'd say JT offers more set-pieces threat then Ivan, he has shown it in Europe this whole month & in the Pool game.

      Baines for me Bubz

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Nice, cheers!

  2. Sadio
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Sakho -> Austin worth a -4?

    1. Zasa
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Rest of team Steve?

      1. Sadio
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Looking grim with injuries and a non-playing bench.

        Forster
        Baines Clyne Chambers
        Hazard Sanchez Downing Chadli
        Aguero Costa Sakho

        Felipe Luis Moore Albrighton

        1. AH 🙂
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          Good squad . Need to do future things like : Chambers -> naylor . forster -> Guzan . Luis --> azpi

        2. Zasa
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          Ah, then yes for sure Steve.
          You'll need that extra goal threat this week if Luis doesn't manage to make a cameo 😉

          Go for it 🙂

    2. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Considering the same. Got good fixturescoming as well. Boyd to come on if Sakho is out for me..

    3. Lord Flashheart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      No

  3. GK
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    My defence consists of Clyne and Wisdom (vs Chelsea) with Baines and Steven Taylor injured and Moore not likely to get much game time. I'd never usually take a hit for a defender but is there the case when I only have 2 defenders available and one of these is vs Chelsea?

    1. The Glory Hunters
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Yep, go for it.

      1. The Glory Hunters
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        What's your plan

  4. kirwy
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Guzan
    Azpilicueta, Alderweireld, Caulker
    Hazard, Di Maria, Siggy, Downing
    Aguero (C), Costa, Pelle

    Bench: Moore, Hutton, Obertan, McCarthy (GK)

    Good to go for GW12, gents? 😀

  5. JK - Cønt ⭐
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Jonty's picked 2 Stoke mids 😯

    1. SPorting
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      You make it sound like he should know better.

    2. The Machine
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      maybe he's a stoke fan deep inside

    3. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Have you seen Needlevor recently? No? Well I think I've made my point.

    4. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      I'd hope he's picked Bojan as well for a one off...

  6. Tsssst
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    so cesc looks to be fit

    sakho > austin for the FT?

  7. Hibbo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Any further word of baines or downing?

  8. Klopp's Kids
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Got 0.0M ITB, 0FT.
    Worth taking a hit in case Downing or Baines don't play or rely on the bench?
    Could do Baines>Azpilicueta (-4)

    Guzan
    Clyne Baines (75%) Dummet
    Sanchez Di Maria Sigurdsson Downing (75%)
    Pelle Aguero (C) Costa (v)

    Bench: Gilks, Marney, Moore, Wisdom

    1. white lightning
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      That's exactly what I'm doing but for a -8.

  9. Gilberto.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    1FT and 1.2 ITB

    Krul
    Clyne, Duff, Hutton
    Tadic, Alexis, Di Maria, Downing
    Aguero, Costa, Welbeck

    Anything worth doing this week, tempted by Welbz to Austin this week, or could save and do it next week with Tadic to Siggy and then concentrate on upgrading defence. Any ideas?

    1. Gilberto.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Worth noting, Elliott, Naylor, Wisdom and Albrighton on my bench

    2. HurriKane
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Very similar team to me. Im thinking about keeping welbeck if he's fit. Im also planning to do welbeck eriksen --> austin siggy next gw

      1. Gilberto.
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah that's the thing, don't think we will hear anything more about his fitness until lineups! Hmm

        1. HurriKane
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          seen pics of him training nd surely he wouldnt wont to miss the chance to play against his former club plus giroud just came back from injury so dont think wenger will rush him against united. think best think is to keep him this week 🙂

          1. Gilberto.
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            I like your thinking, saw the pics and looked like he was involved as normal! Too early for Giroud to start, Sanogo? Haha. I guess the only thing is with me being an Arsenal fan having all my eggs in one basket! Think I'll stick for one more week. Cheers Panda

  10. Lord Flashheart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Play one

    Downing (eve)
    Siggy (mci)

    1. Chris_White
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      sig

    2. HurriKane
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      siggy

    3. Gilberto.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Siggy for me

    4. Lord Flashheart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Cheers

    5. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Sig. Is Downing even playing?

    6. Ser Football 42
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      siggy

  11. palalmas
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Any sources for Fabregas, Sakho or Baines on their injuries?

    Is they going to play?

  12. Fergiesarmy
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Lads who to start siggy or Zaha, naylor or Hutton ?

    1. Ser Football 42
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Siggy and Hutton

  13. Bolasie
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    1FT Any ideas?
    Szczesny (Hamer)
    Baines - Clyne - Moore (Duff, Wisdom)
    Hazard - ADM - Chadli - Siggy (Obertan)
    Costa - Aguero - Sakho

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Sakho to Austin if out?

      1. Bolasie
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah maybe. Want to get Walcott in for Chadli in the future

      2. Zasa
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Aye, best move right now.
        Best chance at securing some points w/ a higher ceiling than a defensive transfer

  14. Beatle
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Is Hazard worth .8 more than Fabregas?

    Cause that's what its going to cost me next week to upgrade 🙁

    1. The Machine
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      .8 less in the bank and 20 more points till jan

      or

      .8 itb and 20 points less till jan

      so easy

      1. Ice
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        What is this 20 points statement about?

      2. rozzo
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Hazard has scored 2 goals from open play in his last 40 games. He is the biggest myth this season by far.

        1. The Machine
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          so he is due

        2. the axolotl
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          really? doesn't seem true

      3. Beatle
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        ok but if holding onto Fab meant being able to get Azpi, but getting hazard meant buying Cresswell instead would you still go with Haz?

        I have costa btw

  15. Ser Football 42
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Will Kelly start for palace this GW?

  16. SAS
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    I need some advice please. Need to get baines and reduce Southampton

    The plan is to transfer out Forster this week for Heaton, then next week pelle and Wilson for baines and Austin. Good idea?

    Team = 2ft, 0.2m in bank

    Forster
    Ivanovic, clyne, Wilson
    Downing, Siggy, di maria, fab
    Pelle, Costa, aguero

    Elliot, duff, cattermole, wisdom

    1. The Glory Hunters
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      I'd keep Forster this week.

  17. Lord Flashheart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    I have aguero, but feel punty and want to captain hazard - how stupid is it?

    1. Sadio
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      I'm considering the same. This could be the game.

    2. The Machine
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      on a scale of smalling to ferguson i'd say maybe jones

    3. SAS
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Aguero all the way

    4. Chris_White
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      It's not stupid, but risky. Hazard much more likely to blank. He could get between 2 and 20, Aguero pretty safe bet to get at least 6-7

  18. ronmadpirlo
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    FFS needs a resident physio to tell us about the relative likelihood of playing after different injuries. No idea who is more likely to play/start out of Downing, Sakho and Baines. Also would be good to know if certain injuries mean players either play or don't play while others could result in limited game time.

    1. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      You mean Facer?

      1. The Machine
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        what is a facer?

        1. ronmadpirlo
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          +1

        2. Ginkapo FPL
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          You know how to use google to

          http://lmgtfy.com/?q=acer

          1. ronmadpirlo
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            did google it, wouldn't need to if he was ever here

  19. Ginkapo FPL
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    NEW POST

    1. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Worth a shot, I'm bored of this one

  20. Fantasy Gold
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Anybody got the armband on somebody other than Costa/Kun?

    1. ronmadpirlo
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      did have it on sanchez but as he just got back from internationals it is on Kun

    2. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Alexis

      1. Demí
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        😆

        1. Wilshere Knowledge
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          That was my reaction when I looked at Man U's predicted line up. 😉

          1. Demí
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            Touché 🙂

  21. Parm
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Why doesn't Jonty just go the whole shebang and pick Bojan?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Limit of 3

      1. Parm
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Go away.

    2. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      He should have done.

  22. Willber
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Downgrade pelle to cisse, Austin, sakho, etc and use the cash to upgrade Clyne to baines. Or get rid of di Maria for chadli and upgrade Wilson.

    1. Willber
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Reply fail 🙁

    2. Ice
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Downgrade striker, there are more better cheaper striker options than cheap mid options. IMO

    3. Ice
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Haha I thought that you were asking a question! 🙂

      1. Willber
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Appreciate your advice anyway 😉

  23. Not Irish
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    What to do with this team?

    Forster Myhill

    Baines Bertrand Williams Dawson Dummett

    AdM Fabregas Ramsey Siggy Sidwell

    Costa Welbeck Vardy

    0 ITB 1 FT

    1. Parm
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      WC

      1. Not Irish
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Not an option.

        1. Parm
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          Deactivate your account?

          1. Not Irish
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            What would you do?

    2. The Machine
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      save transfer

    3. The Machine
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      your link shows a different team. you try to make like a funny?

      1. Not Irish
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        This a friend's team. Just looking for ideas. Obviously there's alot that needs addressing.

        1. The Machine
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          ok save transfer then

  24. Willber
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    downing or chadli?

    1. Hansel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Even id Downing would not be doubtful i would prefer Chadli. Now even more!

  25. Screaming Midget
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Reckon we'll know any more about Baines and Sakho by tomorrow's deadline?

    1. Demí
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Maybe Sakho, not Baines

  26. jam
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Loads of yellows among this lot & only one free transfer, nothing in bank 🙁
    Was hoping to ride it out this week and have a reshuffle next week (Pelle out and more Chelsea in, see if Fabs/Costa get a 5th etc)
    Think I need to act? Maybe Austin for Sakho? Ta

    Krul

    Chambers Baines Clyne (Duff, Wisdom)

    Di Maria Sanchez Fabregas Downing (Siggy)

    Aguero Sakho Pelle

  27. Manu5
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    If you had to keep one, would it be Bertrand or clyne @fter this week?

  28. Hansel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Would you do Fabs -> Hazard and next week Pelle + Di maria -> Austin/Sanchez + Sanchez or Fabs -> Oscar and ADM -> Sanchez now?

  29. MiguelAngel
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Guzan Eliot
    Chambers Clyne Baines Naylor Hutton
    Sanchez Tadic Cazorla Downing Albrighton
    Pelle Aguero Costa

    Time to WC?!

  30. oscardo
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    RMT

    Krul (foster)
    Clyne Azpi Chambers (Duff , Naylor)
    siggy downing Sanchez fabregas (marney)
    Pelle Costa(C) Aguero(vc)

    1.0 £ ITB

    Cheers 😀