[sbu_large_image] Scout Picks
27 December 2015 7081 comments
Paul Paul
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Less than 24 hours after Gameweek 18 came to its conclusion, we’re back in the Scout Picks saddle yet again. Arsenal’s home clash with Bournemouth holds the biggest appeal this time around as we back a trio of Gunners to bring in the points as they look to recover from yesterday’s shock loss at St Mary’s.

We’ve opted for Maarten Stekelenburg as Southampton make their way to Upton Park tomorrow. Having kept out Arsenal at St Mary’s, the Dutchman could be in line for further defensive returns, given that the injury-hit Hammers have scored once in the last four Gameweeks.

Palace’s Scott Dann looks a strong shout for points at both ends of the pitch at home to Swansea. The 5.6-priced centre-half has already scored three times this term and has registered four efforts inside the box in as many matches, whilst the Swans have netted just twice in five ahead of their Selhurst Park head-to-head.

West Brom’s Craig Dawson gets the nod for the visit of Newcastle. The Baggies right-back netted his second strike of the season against Liverpool recently and faces a Magpies attack that’s scored just five times on their travels this term.

We call upon Hector Bellerin as our final defender, with Arsenal desperate to atone for their St Mary’s mauling. The right-back’s raids have already served up a pair of assists and he should be less prone to rotation than fellow full-back Nacho Monreal, if Arsene Wenger decides to shuffle his defensive pack for the Cherries’ visit.

Having suffered a rare blank at Southampton, Mesut Ozil has the chance to quickly make amends for his 50% owners at home to Bournemouth. With 15 assists already accrued, the German will fancy his chances of picking apart a backline that’s chalked up just one clean sheet on their travels.

We’re expecting goals at the King Power on Tuesday evening and draft in Riyad Mahrez as Leicester look to recover from their weekend loss at Liverpool. Although he’s tended to perform better on his travels, the Algerian has still managed four sets of double-figure at home, whilst the City defence has one shut-out in eight and is likely to be without Vincent Kompany yet again.

Kevin de Bruyne rolls up to the Foxes in fine form. The Belgian delivered his second 16-point haul in the last five Gameweeks against Sunderland on Saturday and with Tuesday’s match set to be an end-to-end affair, his security of minutes earns him the nod as our preferred City attacker.

Stoke’s in-form Marko Arnautovic takes the final slot in our four-man midfield. The Austrian – who bagged his sixth of the season in yesterday’s win over United – sits joint-top amongst midfielders for attempts on goal in the last four Gameweeks and now travels to Goodison Park, where Everton have kept just one clean sheet so far.

Olivier Giroud makes it a full house of Arsenal players for the Emirates match with Bournemouth. The Gunners have scored at least twice in all but one of their last six home encounters, and, having notched in seven of his last ten, the Frenchman has proven almost as consistent as team-mate Ozil over the previous couple of months.

Everton’s home form brings Romelu Lukaku into contention for the visit of Stoke. The Toffees are second only to City for goals scored in front of their own fans and with the big Belgian netting in each of the previous four at Goodison, he’s sure to pose Mark Hughes’ resilient rearguard problems aplenty tomorrow.

Harry Kane makes his way to Watford on the back of a 13-point haul against Norwich on Boxing Day. Although the Hornets have been mainly resilient at home, they have, nonetheless, conceded against top six sides such as Palace, Arsenal and United at Vicarage Road, whilst the Tottenham frontman’s record of five strikes in his last four road trips bodes well for his 31% ownership.

Alberto Moreno comes in for Liverpool’s trip to Sunderland. The left-back has earned four bonus points over his side’s last two clean sheets, and, in spite of a lack of attacking returns, he’s still produced four shots and ten key passes in the last four Gameweeks – more than any other backline option.

Rested for the weekend trip to Spurs, Wes Hoolahan is poised to earn a recall as Norwich host Villa at Carrow Road. The Republic of Ireland international scored in his previous home appearance and faces a defence that has conceded in every road trip since Gameweek 1.

With Graziano Pelle still injured, Shane Long is poised to keep his starting berth for Southampton’s trip to West Ham. Having bagged a brace against Arsenal, he’ll he hoping to take advantage of a Hammers backline that has concerns over both James Tomkins and Aaron Cresswell ahead of tomorrow’s Upton Park clash.

The Community Champion

Having scrapped the weekly vote idea from last season, we now operate a lottery system to pick our weekly candidates. The community member who beats our picks by the biggest margin over the campaign will win a £100 Amazon Voucher and a place in our Contributors and Moderators League for the following season.

Gameweek 18’s community champion Saint Slaven lost out to the Scouts by 46 points to 58. Red Devil leads the race to claim the £100 Amazon voucher, having beaten us by 25 points in Gameweek 17.

There is now a break in the selection of community champions due to the fast turnaround of matches. We will resume the search for a community champion to take on the Scout Picks ahead of Gameweek 21.

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

  1. twoplustwo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Mahrez to start?

    1. twoplustwo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Feels like a huge game for them and vardy flagging

    2. JabbaWookiee
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Yes. Surely

    3. iveseenitall
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Don't see why he'd leave out his best player in their most important game so far

    4. Nickofoz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Yep. Will probably be rested for BOU

  2. le flem
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    erm, 1, if i'm pressed,

    can you not make 1 transfer elsewhere to free aguero money?

  3. DickieRay the Dullard
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Myhill (Gomes)
    Moreno Wollscheid Bellerin (Sagna)(Francis)
    Barkley KDB Ozil Mahrez Alli
    Ighalo Lukaku (Vardy)

    2FT

    A. Barkley --> Ramsey
    B. Sagna --> Ward
    C. Lukaku —> Kane
    D. Vardy —> Kane
    E. something else

    1. JabbaWookiee
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      B

      1. DickieRay the Dullard
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers!

  4. iveseenitall
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Dier likely to play tomorrow or am i safer going with toby?
    Wanting to leave spare cash for aguero

    1. DaddyPig
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      They will both start for sure!

  5. The Mandalorian
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Many teams will be tired after boxing day and I expect alot of low scoring games and an increase of clean sheets. This GW last year was a non event for most teams.

    1. Woeisme
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Why? will the defenders not also be tired?

    2. Bøwstring The Carp
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Said the same earlier though I reckon United v Chelsea and Leicester v City will have goals in it

  6. internal error
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    There was a film on tv yesterday called Under the Skin. Scarlett Johannsen was naked in it from the start so i thought id record it and watch it another time. Watching it now. Possibly the weirdest film ive ever seen. No idea what is going on

    1. Slice of ham
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Keep us updated

      1. internal error
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        She hasnt got naked since the start. Disappointed. Im 45 mins in. No clue what is happening

        1. Slice of ham
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 2 months ago

          Sounds awful

        2. Gnu
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          10 years, 2 months ago

          She keeps her undies btw. 🙂

    2. Pariße
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      True. I liked it though.

    3. Gnu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      All filmed in Scotland, many of the scenes people didn't know they were being filmed.
      Danny Leigh (FM2015) said it would be an era defining movie - high praise and yes, very weird.

      1. internal error
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        As in some of the guys who get in her van didnt know ?

        1. Gnu
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          10 years, 2 months ago

          No, doh!
          A lot of the broader city & rural scenes, an effort to try and view everyday life as seen by an Alien.... allegedly.

    4. Harper_
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Haha I've seen it, first film I watched when I was at University actually.

      1. Harper_
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        It's a good movie though.

        1. internal error
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 2 months ago

          The bit when this naked guy sinks and then weirdness. I cant even describe what i saw

    5. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Doosra was right onanism is rife on this site

  7. andy85wsm
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Doesn't get much more boring than Westwood to Alli, benching Alli and rolling other transfer...

    1. Evs
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Good trade, but I take your point 🙂

      1. andy85wsm
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Already lost 0.3m on that waste of space 🙂

    2. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Alli is now your fifth midfielder? Check out you you high roller

      1. andy85wsm
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Potentially. I really have no idea what trades to make so almost making one for the sake of it and then thinking about it again next week...

        Myhill
        Smalling - Bertrand - Clyne

        could do alright this week

    3. JabbaWookiee
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Needs must my friend

    4. HVT
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Done all that last week but with Ramsey (5th mud)

    5. John Nerdelbaum
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      does that hinder the move for kun?

      1. andy85wsm
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Well it takes another 1m out of the bank 🙂

    6. Hibbo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Dont fancy Stanislas?

      Cheapest gravy going and he's not a bad player either.

      1. andy85wsm
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah have looked at him actually. Considering I don't like a headache of who to play I might just get him and bench every week

        1. Hibbo
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 2 months ago

          You never know when you'll want the extra bankroll.

          1. John Nerdelbaum
            • 13 Years
            10 years, 2 months ago

            this. i brought alli in last week and playing him but even with a downgrade or two in defence im short of a vardy > kun move after bourno

            1. Hibbo
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              10 years, 2 months ago

              Aye got to keep the 5th midfielder bench fodder and 5th defender 4.0, and 2nd gk. 😀

              1. John Nerdelbaum
                • 13 Years
                10 years, 2 months ago

                any 5th defender @ 4 is better than richards @ 4.4

                1. Hibbo
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 13 Years
                  10 years, 2 months ago

                  Indeed.

                  Simpson for me, Bennett is an option, Rangel perhaps, maybe this Smith of Bournemouth.

                  1. John Nerdelbaum
                    • 13 Years
                    10 years, 2 months ago

                    tempted by rangel if he has displaced naughton

                    just managed to ship williams before the monk sacking so that's a bit of trolling

                    really want ward or wolly for kolarov tho

                    1. Hibbo
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 13 Years
                      10 years, 2 months ago

                      I might go Alderweireld for Kolarov.

                      I'd like Ward in my team too though.

  8. D0GS B0110XS FC
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    really cant decide between ozil and aguero as capt

  9. Pariße
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Transfer to burn:

    A) Gosling > 4.7m

    B) Aké > 4.7m

    1. FPLogic
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      B

      1. Pariße
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Who would you personally get?

  10. Tmel
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Bench one of:

    Moreno (sun)
    Evans (NEW)
    Kolarov (lei)

    1. Evs
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Kolarov

    2. sully29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Kolarov

  11. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Non-Aguero owners: Will you still get Aguero regardless of tomorrows points?

    1. DickieRay the Dullard
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      No. He has to perform well before I buy.

    2. Les Bleus
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Only if my front three run out of gas. Otherwise probably not.

    3. Greenbackbøøg…
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Eh, maybe

    4. pokern1nja09
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      No, he's massively overrated and not worth the money. Take the Newcastle game away and he's been dreadful this season. Better value elsewhere.

  12. Areid13
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    if the scout has i good weak then so will i bc my team is very similar 🙂

    1. VS10_
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Don't get your hopes up. 😉

      1. Areid13
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        haha i haven't in a way i'm a bit worried as when i've looked at the scouts team he's not always done very well 🙁

        1. VS10_
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 2 months ago

          Hopefully they score well, i have 7 on the starting xi as well.

          1. Areid13
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 2 months ago

            good luck mate

  13. sully29
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Who to captain?

    A) Aguero
    B) Ramsey
    C) Ozil

    1. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      The one who takes the pens 🙂

    2. Les Bleus
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      A surely

    3. Areid13
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      who else do you have in mid and up front?

      1. sully29
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Ighalo, Lukaku, KDB, Mahrez

        1. Areid13
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 2 months ago

          kun if he'll actually play more than 50 mins

  14. Bøwstring The Carp
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Remember everyone

    - Remain calm; it's a marathon not a sprint
    - Remain patient; chips to be used, DGWs to be arranged
    - Remain optimistic; there's only about a 50 point gap between 100k and 10k, this can be clawed back in time

    1. andy85wsm
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      What's the gap between 975k and 10k?

      1. Bøwstring The Carp
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        150 points 😕

        With the right chips at the right time, you could still do well

    2. Slice of ham
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      But a lot of people come on here to moan. Now you're taking that away from them? 😆

      1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        The nerve!

    3. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I don't think my season is salvageable. 😉

      1. Harper_
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Umm... Wtf happened? 😆

        1. Wilshere Knowledge
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 2 months ago

          Cazorla (c)

          Campbell missed the easiest chance you'll ever see for an assist, and then Santi skied a penalty. That was the last straw! 😆

          1. Harper_
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            10 years, 2 months ago

            😆

  15. Dopey44
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Good moves? 2FT 5.6m
    Azp + Gosling ----> Kos + Ramsey

    Butland
    Toby Kos Moreno
    KDB Ozil Mahrez Barkley Ramsey
    Kane Lukaku

    McCarty Vardy Kolarov Huth

  16. Harper_
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    If Vardy scores this week oh how the tables will turn

    Everyone will be getting him at home to Bournemouth, including probably me..

    1. GreennRed
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Vardy? Scoring?

      😉

  17. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Crazy to bench Mahrez?

    1. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah. He's basically a striker and you never bench strikers

    2. JabbaWookiee
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Probably. Depends on other options

  18. Kevtheotter
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Quick one before the missus brings me shopping

    Butland
    Rose Evans Bellerin
    Marhez Ozil KDB Wijnaldum
    Kane Vardy Lukaku

    McCarthy Zouma Westwood Huth 2FT 5.5 ITB

    A)Winjaldum and Vardy --> Alli and Kun
    B)Winjaldum---> Ramsey
    C)Zouma and Vardy ---> Ward and Kun
    D)Something else?

    What you think guys?

    1. Jet5605
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I'd be inclined to only use up 1 FT as it's a higher risk GW rotation wise and your starting 11 ain't so bad

  19. Jet5605
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Is it worth selling Mane or Barkley in order to bring in Rambo?

    If so, which one?

    A - Mane > Rambo
    B - Barkley > Rambo

    1. DaddyPig
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      If save the transfer this week. Ramsey could easily blank.

  20. Rider on the Storm
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    What are the games with higher probability to be postponed?

    1. Colonel Klink
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Wait, what now?

    2. GreennRed
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      With the worst weather conditions speaking as a meteorologist......

  21. Greek Freak
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Got lost in last page - who do you think is the best replacement for Mata?

    Got Mahrez, KDB, Ozil and Ramsey, and 2m in the bank.

  22. Colonel Klink
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Vardy to Ighalo...idiocy? Have 2 ft, want to save one for holiday injuryfest.

    1. Colonel Klink
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Or Swansea Ayew to Alli....

      1. TokyoRed 東京赤
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        That's better than shifting Vardy to Igjalo imo

        1. Colonel Klink
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 2 months ago

          Cheers, thank you.

  23. Ayew Serious
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Remi Garde confident on Richards return for Norwich clash. Sanchez set to miss out due to a hamstring injury

  24. twoplustwo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Boost active with Mahrez, Johnson and Toby

    1. Colonel Klink
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Maybe cancel it and save for a DGW?

    2. OptimusBlack
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Good Luck.

    3. VS10_
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I wouldn't with Toby and Johnson playing tough away games.

    4. GuyIncognito
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Could be a disaster if a couple games are called off.

  25. Fernando Torres
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Kolarov to Kos for free
    Or
    Vardy to Ighalo
    Or
    Silva to Ramsey

  26. OptimusBlack
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    If you have Both of Ramsey & özil .. Would you get ?

    A- Bellerin

    B- Walcott

    C- Giroud

    1. Chris_White
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      C

    2. stojanovzr
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      A

    3. Harper_
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      A

    4. VS10_
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      A

  27. stojanovzr
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Benteke (c)?
    What do you think?

    1. andy85wsm
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Nah. Origi could start

      1. andy85wsm
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Oh wait he got injured.....Still a chance that Firmino starts upfront I suppose

        1. stojanovzr
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 2 months ago

          Yes maybe but i think it,s benteke time

      2. stojanovzr
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Origi is injured

  28. DrunkPhilosophy
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Butland McCarthy
    Bertrand Kolarov Francis Moreno Dawson
    KDB Silva Mahrez Ozil Westwood
    Kane Lukaku Vardy

    2 FT, 2.2 itb

    A) Kolarov --> Dier/Walker
    B) Vardy --> Giroud
    C) Both
    D) Other

  29. Pringle
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Two free transfers and will probably do McCarthy to Hennessey and bench Butland. Exciting times..

  30. Dr Dream
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Gonna be a strange old day at Old Trafford this week.

    The stage looks set for Mourinho's old team to beat United and see LVG out of a job to a chorus of "JOSE MOURINHO, JOSE MOURINHO" from both sets of supporters...and Jose get appointed as the new manager.

    Alternatively...If United do manage to win how the hell will LVG feel listening to those chants from both sets of fans.

    Like I said...gonna be s strange day.

    1. Hibbo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Football is funny.

      Chelsea fans turn on the players because they think the players didn't try a leg for José.

      Whereas at United the fans are the ones turning on LVG, but that seems to be OK.

      1. Dr Dream
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        If they lose and LVG listens to both sets of fans doing that I can see no way that he can stay as manager. Surely he has some pride to salvage.

        1. Hibbo
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 2 months ago

          Id agree.

          His position is already untenable, he should have went after Stoke.

          The soundbites he came out with were bizarre.

          How you going in UFPL? I made some costly loams which probably isn't the way to play the monthly game. It's been a learning curve.