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

  1. Flynny
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    G2g?.....or anything worth a hit?

    Got cash to burn.....Thanks....

    Robles (darlow)
    Smalling pva Simpson (bellerin Gabriel)
    Hazard lanzini payet Sanchez (alli)
    Kun Defoe Carrol

    • 12 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    Anyone got the link to the baseline BAPS spreadsheet please?

    I get an error with my link. Thanks.

  2. Slam
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    Sanchez -> Hazard? -4
    Y/N

    1. Lallana_
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      No

    2. Pochecinno
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      No

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 16 Years
        10 years, 25 days ago

        Y

    3. Slam
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      Cheers

    4. Freshy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      I cant do it

  3. Slam
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    Do we think Clyne and Milner can play both games?

    1. The Nuttmxn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      No.

    2. FC nelo
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      Yes. But I have no idea. Think Milner can play since he was rested last(?) week. Same with Clyne and then they can both rest in 38. But who knows really? 🙂

  4. Jonny HOW SON?
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    Best option lads?

    A) Brady
    B) Redmond
    C) Firmino
    D) Townsend
    E) Other

    1. Kudo Warrior
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      Firm

    2. HiTaChi
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      a and d if possible

    3. Wheresmewinkelgone
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      Nathan will get us some points Jonny 🙂

      1. Jonny HOW SON?
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 25 days ago

        Hope so!
        I think I'll bring in him or Brady

        1. Wheresmewinkelgone
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 25 days ago

          Nathan could have had a couple of goals against the Arse, I think Alex will play him in a free role & I have high hopes. He's in my team. COYY !!

  5. camarozz
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    Firmino + Sturridge OUT
    payet (c) + Carroll IN for a -4?

    Figure my rival will take a hit at least. So...

    Sakko to pvA?

    25 ahead and taking a -8.

    Rival has TC and hazard which I'm very afraid off tbh.

    1. Freshy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      Wouldnt ship Firmino

    2. Jimbo123
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      Just do Payet

    3. FC nelo
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      No. I mean, WH top 4? I would guess not. But I would like Payet though. Payet for Firmino and Sahko to Cresswell/Ivanovic maybe? Get some Chelsea coverage.

  6. Alisson WondHaaland
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    Defoe to Carroll?

    1. Jimbo123
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      God no

      1. Alisson WondHaaland
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 25 days ago

        why

  7. Steirish
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    Best double game week keeper apart from DDG?

    1. Meinhoff
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      West Ham second keeper

      1. FC nelo
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 25 days ago

        This. CS against Swansea.
        Maybe Chelsea keeper if Bego or Cour will play both.
        Dont see any other CS.

    2. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      Adrian or Norwich's

      1. Team Cruel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 25 days ago

        Sorry didn't realise Adrian was injured

  8. Jimjam
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    Start Mahrez or Sanchez?

    1. Kudo Warrior
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      Sanchez

    2. Lallana_
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      Not Milner, maybe Clyne

    3. FC nelo
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      Mahrez

  9. BT31 - WE ARE ALL TINKERMEN…
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    OUT: Fuchs Mahrez
    IN: Cresswell Townsend

    Worth -4?

    1. Viper
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      Don't like the Mahrez move

    2. FC nelo
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      Fuchs to Cress, yes. Mahrez to Townie, no.

  10. Lallana_
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    Bottomed. Is this good to go? Got 1FT left. Could do Bellerin>Lovren.

    BENCH BOOST

    Gomes / De Gea
    PvA / Smalling / Cresswell / Olsson Bellerin
    Lanzini / Hazard / Payet (C) / Firmino / Sanchez
    Lukaku / Sturridge (v) / Defoe

    1. Pompel
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      Looks good , but would ship Lukaku for Deeney

    2. FC nelo
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      GTG, not to sure about Payet C though. Hazard/Lukaku/Defoe for me out of those. Lukaku must show some form to nail hos spot this summer. Expect a couple of goals.

  11. Viper
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    At the end of the day, we're all gonna be made look fools at the end of this gwk by the likes of KDB, Aguero, Kane etc. etc.

    Just like last time.

    Anyway, Kane & KDB -> Hazard & Carroll -4? 🙂

    1. FC nelo
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      KdB to Haz is enough for me.

  12. TMadeSA
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    DDG (Schmiechel)
    Bellerin Smalling Moreno (VVD Oxford)
    Payet(TC) Milner Townsend Sanchez (Alli)
    Carroll Aguero Sturridge

    G2G? OR worth a -4 hit

    a. Strurridge/Sanchez for Martial/Hazard
    b. Strurridge/Sanchez for Defoe/Hazard
    c. any suggestions.

  13. Kudo Warrior
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    What's the likelihood of these two playing both games?

    Utd's Valencia

    Studge?

    1. GK
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      Smalling and DDG only

  14. Pochecinno
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    Play Ozil or Sanchez?

    Cheers

    1. Lyonnais
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      Sanchez

    2. Jimbo123
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      Sanchez

    3. Pochecinno
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      Cheers fellas

  15. Lyonnais
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    Robles
    Smalling, van Aanholt, Simpson
    Payet (TC), Firmino, Townsend, Hazard
    Agüero, Defoe, Carroll

    Darlow | Sanchez, Bellerin, Gabriel

    G2G? Or play Bellerin over Simpson?

    1. Pochecinno
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      G2G. Simpson over Bellerin

      1. Lyonnais
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 25 days ago

        thanks!

    2. Jimbo123
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      I have a feeling Leicester may be in party mood and concede, but think you've got it right.

      1. Lyonnais
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 25 days ago

        thanks!

  16. GK
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    Any reason why nobody is talking about Deeney? Looks to have the kindest fixtures, Liverpool likely to play the kids, he's on pens, cheap etc?

    1. KingNidge
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      He looks really weird

      1. Pochecinno
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 25 days ago

        Quasimodo

        1. KingNidge
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 25 days ago

          Quasimodo licking piss off a nettle

      2. GK
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 25 days ago

        It all makes sense now

    2. Arteta
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      They prefer Defoe.

      1. KingNidge
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 25 days ago

        This too

  17. Jimbo123
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    Who to triple captain?

    A.) Defoe (CHE,EVE)
    B.) Hazard (sun, liv)
    C.) Firmino/Sturridge (WAT, CHE)
    D.) Cresswell (SWA,MUN)
    E.) Lukaku (sun, liv)
    F.) Ozil (AVL next week)

    1. Pochecinno
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      A out of those

      1. HVT
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 25 days ago

        Hi Poch-any news on Rose?

        1. Arteta
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 25 days ago

          I'm not Poch, but here's what you're looking for: http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/first-team/match/team-news/spurs-v-saints-team-news-060516/

        2. Pochecinno
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 25 days ago

          He's fit. Though I would be concerned Davies might play.

          1. HVT
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 15 Years
            10 years, 25 days ago

            Thanks both, -4 to Lovern/Mollson/Martin?
            (Smalls/Pva/bell/Gabby-Gomes-3 Wham)

    2. HVT
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      F.)Caroll 🙂

      1. Jimbo123
        • 16 Years
        10 years, 25 days ago

        Don't fancy him to start both!

    3. Alisson WondHaaland
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      D.)

    4. HiTaChi
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      Sanchez against AVL

    5. BT31 - WE ARE ALL TINKERMEN…
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      Carroll

    6. FC nelo
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      B or E.

  18. Reeker
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    Kane, Alli, Delaney -> Carroll, Firmino/Hazard, PVA? -8? Will bench De Bruyne

  19. BrockLanders
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    Evening chaps

    Really considering triple captaining Carroll. Chasing by 40 odd points

    Any objections?

  20. dhamphiir
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    De Gea, Hennessey
    Smalling, Cresswell, PVA, Bellerin, Fuchs
    Milner, Mahrez, Sanchez, Payet, Alli
    Kane, Aguero, Defoe

    A. Alli --> Willian -4
    B. Alli + Kane --> Hazard + Caroll -8
    C. GTG?

    1. Alisson WondHaaland
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      B, ull get ur points back

  21. Alisson WondHaaland
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    Pick 2-------------------------
    Defoe to Carroll
    Lanzini to Payet
    KDB to Hazard
    Coleman to Smalling
    Defoe to Vardy
    ---------------------------------

    1. Puzzle
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      Strange options. Why sell Defoe? C looks good. Possibly B and D.

      1. Alisson WondHaaland
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 25 days ago

        Ok thanks what about Lukaku to Carroll

        1. Puzzle
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          10 years, 25 days ago

          That looks way better!

  22. Puzzle
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    Gabriel -> Martin (-4)?
    Will be playing Fuchs instead this GW if not.

    1. HVT
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      No

      1. Christina.
        • 16 Years
        10 years, 25 days ago

        who your TC hvt?

        1. HVT
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          10 years, 25 days ago

          Caroll (TC)
          Payet (v)
          My only concern is will he start both games?

          1. Christina.
            • 16 Years
            10 years, 25 days ago

            😕

            No idea.

            1. Christina.
              • 16 Years
              10 years, 25 days ago

              why Carroll btw? Safe option surely payet?

              1. HVT
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 15 Years
                10 years, 25 days ago

                Yea I may reverse,
                "
                Finally free from his injury worries, the 6.5-priced Carroll offers a tempting route into an attack that’s scored at least twice in each of their previous seven. The big Geordie has chipped in with six goals and an assist in the Hammers’ last six fixtures and looks a viable double-up option along with Payet."

                Payet lacks the goals big has delivered Fpl points in 7/10 games

      2. Puzzle
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 25 days ago

        Cheers.

  23. Lone Wolf FPL
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    2 big questions:
    1. Costa or Defoe and why
    2. PVA, Ivanovic or Smalling and why

    1. Gazj11
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      I can't decide between Costa & Defoe. I may bring in both for -4.

      Go for PVA

  24. cruzex
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    lukaku or costa?

    1. HiTaChi
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      costa due to hazard and fabregas forms surely will assist him

    2. Gazj11
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      Costa

  25. Mayo for Sam
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    Is Toby out this GW? Didn't hear anything about it

    1. Arteta
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      He's fit.

    2. Mayo for Sam
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      I'm glad u think he's good looking but will he play?

        1. Mayo for Sam
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 25 days ago

          Thanks pal 🙂

  26. bigmacs
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    My Team:
    Darlow (Robs)
    Smalling,Bellerin,Lovren (Fosu-Mensah,Delany)
    Sanchez,Haz,Coutinho,Payet (Iwobi)
    Carroll,Kun,Kane
    A) Kun -> Martial
    B) Kane -> Martial
    C) Kun -> Defoe
    D) Kane -> Defoe
    And who to TC?

  27. All about the galacticos
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    Is getting coutinho out for townsend for -4 crazy? Y/N

    1. TeddiPonza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      Yes

  28. Garlana
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    Will Ighalo get a goal or assist in the next 3 games?

  29. Mookty
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    Play Sanchez or Aguero this game week?

    1. TeddiPonza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      Aggie

    2. Pochecinno
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      Kun