Scout Picks
6 May 2016 2373 comments
Paul Paul
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Fantasy managers are treated to the final double Gameweek of 2015/16 before the curtain comes down on the season next Sunday. West Ham are the only side to supply us with a trio of assets, though a couple of home matches persuades us to double up on Sunderland and Liverpool as we hedge our bets on Jurgen Klopp’s team sheet.

David de Gea is our preferred stopper as United travel to Norwich and West Ham on the back of four clean sheets in six. The Carrow Road fixtures is far likelier to reap reward, given that Alex Neil’s men have failed to score in their previous three, whilst the Spaniard can be expected to pick up the save points on Tuesday as Louis van Gaal’s side attempt to keep the rampant Hammers at bay.

Sunderland’s recent run of three clean sheets in five affords Big Sam a degree of confidence as he plots a course for survival ahead of visits from Chelsea and Everton. With five goals to his name so far, Patrick van Aanholt has fired more attempts on goal than any defender this season and remains the Black Cats likeliest source of points at both ends of the pitch.

Aaron Cresswell comes in for West Ham’s pair of home matches against Swansea and United. Whilst last week’s 3-0 win over West Brom harvested a first clean sheet in seven, the former Ipswich man has also chipped in with a goal and assist over the previous four and his delivery from the left will ensure Andy Carroll is supplied with plenty of crosses in and around the box.

We’re banking on Dejan Lovren as the likeliest defensive starter for Liverpool’s double Gameweek – despite Jurgen Klopp’s penchant for rotation, the Croatian has been named in the first XI each of the last three league fixtures. At 4.8, he hosts a Watford side with four goals in their last eight road trips this weekend, before the Reds face their final Anfield fixture of the season against deposed champions Chelsea.

Leader of this week’s Captain Poll, Dimitri Payet is nailed-on in our four-man midfield for the Hammers’ final two fixtures at Upton Park. Considering that the Frenchman faces a Swansea side with one away clean sheet all season and a United backline with just one shut-out in five road trips, he looks in line to maintain the consistent form that’s served up a goal or assist in seven of his last ten.

Three goals in two appearances since returning from injury catapults Eden Hazard into this week’s Scout Picks. As evidenced by his second-half sub showing against Spurs, the Belgian seems to have rediscovered his spark as the Blues head to Sunderland and Liverpool. Granted, there’s a chance his minutes could be managed over the two matches but judging by Monday’s display, snapping him up could be well worth the risk.

A trip to whipping boys Villa offers Andros Townsend the chance to help keep Newcastle out of the drop zone. The winger bagged the winner against Palace last week and has three goals and two assists in six now – as we’ve seen time and again in recent weeks, Villa’s defence have been more than obliging to opponents as they tumble into the Championship.

We’re willing to take a gamble on the versatile Roberto Firmino’s minutes for Liverpool’s home encounters against Watford and Chelsea. Able to play in a central support role or lead the line as a “false nine”, the summer signing started four of the last five league matches under Jurgen Klopp (compared to Philippe Coutinho’s two starts) and his dazzling display in last night’s 3-0 win over Villarreal suggests he has a point to prove after being omitted from Brazil’s Copa America squad.

Despite starting just three of his side’s last six, Andy Carroll has still found the net on six occasions. The in-form Hammers’ frontman has posed weekend visitors Swansea plenty of problems in the past and with Francesco Guidolin mulling over a rest for Ashley Williams, his aerial threat could bring in the points again. Carroll also looks vital against United on Tuesday in a match that could be decisive in West Ham’s bid for the European spots.

Sunderland’s chances of survival may well rest on the shoulders of Jermain Defoe. After bagging his fourteenth of the season, courtesy of a late leveler at Stoke last week, the Black Cats’ top scorer will fancy his chances against a couple of porous defences – Chelsea have one clean sheet in 11, whilst Everton have kept out their opponents once in ten league outings.

We’re keeping faith in Sergio Aguero for City’s crucial encounter with Arsenal. A win over the Gunners will allow Manuel Pellegrini’s to leapfrog their visitors into third spot with one match remaining and, given that it’s the Chilean’s final home match in charge, he’ll be desperate to go out in style.

Norwich home encounters with United and Watford bring Russell Martin onto the bench. With Timm Klose out for the season, their three-goal skipper looks the likeliest source of points at both ends of the pitch as Alex Neil attempts to drag the Canaries to safety.

We’re backing Nathan Redmond to make an impact in those Carrow Road clashes. Back in the first-team against Arsenal last week, the winger fired four attempts in the 1-0 loss and his eye for goal could reignite an attack that have failed to scored in their previous three.

Having taken a chance on Roberto Firmino, we’re going to overlook Daniel Sturridge and instead plump for Diego Costa’s security of starts. When on the pitch, the Spain international has played a part in 52% of the Blues’ goals under Guus Hiddink – if he can remain on the right side of the referee, a 5% ownership suggests he’s shaping up to be a decent differential.

The Community Champions

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.

In addition to a shot at the £100 Amazon prize, FantasyBet are offering a chance for further prizes to Community Champions that are eligible to play their games. More details can be found here.

Red Devil leads the way after beating the Picks by 25 points in Gameweek 17.

Gameweek 36’s community champion Balders defeated the Scout Picks 54 to 45.

The Gameweek 36 Community Champion is King Ozil, who has selected the following team: Ruddy, Martin, Reid, Kone, Hazard, Payet, Redmond, Townsend, Defoe, Carroll, Aguero.

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

2,373 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. BB-8
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Repost. Pick any one

    A. Ivanovic
    B. Baines
    C. R Martin
    D. Moreno
    E. Simpson +4

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

      I'm going with Simpson

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

    Better Captain this week?

    A) Costa
    B) Defoe

    1. Lecky Legs FC
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      C)arroll 😉

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

      of those 2, DeFoe

  3. _Ninja_
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Need some help if possible

    A, Which keeper do i start?
    B. Any defender worth a hit for sakho? 3.7m in the bank

    Gomes Robles
    PVA Cresswell (TFM Bellerin Sakho)
    Hazard Sanchez Townsend Payet (Iwobi)
    Carroll Aguero Lukaku

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

      A. I think you go with Robles. Worst case is he doesn't play then you'll get Gomes.

      B. Ivan?

  4. ratski
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    I hate Dgw they make me do stupid things
    Currently leading ml by 30 points so no need to gamble but I feel safer with.

    Lingard, aguero and Simpson to smalling, Carroll and hazard! (-8)

    1. Transfer Window
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Remember you are up coz you took risks !
      Trust your instincts

  5. Toby Lerone
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    And captain defoe hazArd or carrol

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

      carroll

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

      Carroll

    3. Toby Lerone
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Cheers

  6. Lionel Ronaldo
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Play Milner (may not play both games) or risk playing Sanchez instead?

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

      Milner

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

      sanchez

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

      Sanchez

  7. Darbs
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    If you've got both Sturridge and Aguero which one would you get rid of this week (for Costa)?

    A) Sturridge
    B) Aguero

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

      Neither

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

      neither

  8. The Red Devil
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Umm,
    Pick one-

    A-Lanzini + Kane + Coutinho + KdB -> Noble + Carroll +hazard + payet

    B-Lanzini + Kane + KdB + Otamendi -> Hazard + Carroll + Payet + Cresswell

    C-Lanzini + Kane + Coutinho + KdB -> Hazard + Carroll + Payet + Townsend

    D- C + Otamendi -> Cresswell (-12)

    A, B, C are for -8

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

      B

  9. Scotty B
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Mignolet
    Kaboul Alderwereild Azpi
    Mahrez Sanchez Payet Lingard
    Lukaku Kane Aguero

    Subs:Ward Iwobi Bellerin Huth

    1 FT and 0.1 ITB

    Kane -->Carroll my best transfer?

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

      Or Defoe

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

    Pick one to buy:

    A) Carroll
    B) Defoe

    Pick one to bench:

    1) Sanchez
    2) Mahrez ?

    Cheers!

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

      B

      2

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

      A1

    3. bobby_bookah
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      a
      2

    4. Darbs
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      A1

    5. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      A2

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

    Here are my forwards...

    Sturridge Defoe Carroll

    Should I bench Sturridge? to play Sanchaz?

    Current Mids... Feb, Townsand, Payat, Hazard, Sanchaz...

    or get a new forward? like Deeney or Kun?

    Thanks Thanks.

    1. bobby_bookah
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I'd play the DGW players
      prob means bench for sanchez

  12. Whats the Mata?
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Ddg
    Simpson Pva Delaney
    Sanchez firmino payet lanzini
    Carroll defoe aguero
    Subs: robles alli bellerin gabriel

    A. Alli -> Hazard for -4 (bench sanchez)
    B. Delaney -> DGW defender (Russel Martin) for -4 (play sanchez bench Alli)......

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

      A

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

      a

  13. Alisson WondHaaland
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    KDB to Hazard
    Lanzini to Payet
    Deeney to Carroll for -8?

    1. bobby_bookah
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      1 and 3 look good
      2 if you're convinced Payet-4>Lansing

  14. The Polymath
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    A. PVA
    B. Cresswell

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

      A or B?

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

      b

  15. FPL Notebook (John)
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Winston Reid nailed?

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

      Very much so.

      1. FPL Notebook (John)
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers. I know surprisingly little about the West Ham backline. Why did he not play a run of games in Feb? Injury?

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

          Yes, he was injured.

  16. Alisson WondHaaland
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Coutinho -> Firmino?

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

      No

  17. Jam0sh
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    What would you do with this lot?

    DDG
    Simpson, Smalling, Bellerin
    Payet, Coutinho, Sanchez, Lanzini
    Aguero, Carroll, Kane

    Subs: Darlow, Gabriel, Delaney, Alli --- 1FT, 1.6 itb

    1. Alisson WondHaaland
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Kane needs to go

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

      DGW def maybe, looks alright on the whole
      Defoe an option not sure its worth 4pts though
      I'm dropping one of Kane or Kun but cannot decide which

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

    General consensus that Sturridge is barely gonna play the next two this week?

    1. the axolotl
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      will likely start the 2nd one and may gets mins in the first one. could start both but doubt it

  19. Alisson WondHaaland
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    I have Defoe Deeney and Lukaku, is any worth swapping for Carroll?

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

      Yes

    2. FPL Notebook (John)
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I don't think so, no. Maybe Deeney, but all could score well

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

      Lukaku

  20. Danstoke82
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Hi all team GTG? Currently -8.

    Mignolet
    Cresswell Smalling PVA
    Mahrez Payet Hazard Townsend
    Aguero Defoe Carroll

    Subs: Robles, Sanchez, Fuchs, Bellerin.

    £3.3ITB

  21. Lecky Legs FC
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    In chasing by 73 pts how's my squad looking?


    Gomes
    PVA-Bellerin-Daniels
    Mahrez-Sanchez-Coutinho-Payet
    Carroll(TC)-Aguero-Deeney

    Subs:Lamela,Gabriel,Huth,Hennessy

    Worth taking -4 hit on Kun or Mahrez out for a DGW player like Defoe or Noble?

    1. bobby_bookah
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      if its just about the chase look for a differential or 2 on oppo

  22. pax888
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    A) Ivanovic & Fabregas
    Or
    B) Russell Martin & Hazard

    1. Alisson WondHaaland
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      b

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

      b

  23. alifzuhdi
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Why is ffs picks 2 liverpool player? Liverpool will have 4 games in 11 days right?

    I think lovren will play on chelsea game with skrtel & lucas as CB for watford game. Firmino also might be rested & play for chelsea game. Do you guys agree?

    1. Back on the horse
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I honestly have no idea what he will do. I expect rotation though

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

      On Firmino yes, the other bit no

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

      Benteke will play vs watford as well. Liv are playing very good, but to mich rotation.

  24. Back on the horse
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Hi, BBing this week. 1 FT any changes you'd make to this?

    Not sure about Moreno and Firmino minutes or Kane

    de Gea - Gomes
    Cresswell - Smalling - PvA - Moreno - Azpi
    Sanchez - Mahrez - Payet - Hazard - Firmino
    Defoe - Kane - Carroll
    1FT 0.6m

    can afford:
    Firmino to Cesc or Pedro
    Kane to Costa

    1. Alisson WondHaaland
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Save the Ft till last week

      1. Back on the horse
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        sensible advice 🙂

    2. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Well, it's a very nice team ...

      1. Back on the horse
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        ...but no cathcart. He's going to bloody score now, isn't he? 🙂

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

          I do hope so!!! 😆

          1. Back on the horse
            • 15 Years
            10 years, 2 months ago

            have read the pressers but I'm not confident on Firmino playing both games. would you ship him?

            1. Back on the horse
              • 15 Years
              10 years, 2 months ago

              *haven't

  25. Hammers Select
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Make or break tomorrow.

    Who we all triple captaining?

    Hazard or Payet?

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

      Probably Payet

    2. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Neither. I don't own, and don't want, Hazard.

    3. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Carroll

  26. Captain Blanks
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Kane should be in the scout picks ahead of Aguero. Discuss

    1. Rolls-Royce
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Agree 100%

    2. Back on the horse
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      but b-but no dembele...

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

        That you Jonty? Didn't know mods were allowed second accounts

  27. JK - Cønt ⭐
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    9 picks and Smalling over DDG

    *runs to nearest cliff edge*

    1. FPL Emu
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      The scout picks have done pretty well lately tbf

    2. Back on the horse
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      careful- there are some lemmings on here that will follow you!

  28. FPL Emu
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    In a money league, really want to try to catch the 37 point gap to the winner. Care to help?

    A) Özil -> Hazard + Mitrovic -> Defoe (-8)

    B) Özil -> Hazard + Mitrovic -> Deeney (-8)

    C) Mitrovic -> Defoe or Deeney (-4)

    D) Nothing, play Sanchez and Özil and have them for Villa at home next

    Opponent does not have Özil. He does have Defoe.

    1. Alisson WondHaaland
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      if you have nothing to lose, go for the riskiest option, avoid as many players that 1st has

  29. Frank Black
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Who's the better option? Valencia or Rojo? Valencia has scored two assists in the last three games but i'm concerned about Darmian.

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

      As an outright pick Valencia. LVG's comments would worry me though

    2. Uncle John from Jamaica
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Both a poor choice due to uncertainty and you wouldn't pick either if it meant 90 mins only.

      1. Frank Black
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Actually yes, i've picked Rojo before and it went well.

  30. _Gunner
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Which is better?

    A- Fabregas + Cresswell
    B- Hazard + Reid

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

      Comfortably A imo