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

    Hazard or Firmino?

    1. El-Kloppico
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      50/50

    2. n-doggg
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      Haz

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

      Haz

  2. Ings on the up
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    Either of these worth a hit?

    Hennessey --> De Gea

    Kane --> Martial / Carroll

    Leaning towards the De Gea move

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

      Not to sure about either. De Gea is away and United hasn't been keeping a lot of CS away. CP against Stoke, why not? If Hennessey won´t play though, go for it.
      I think United will score a few goals. No Fellaini might result in Herrera on the pitch and a more attacking style. Would consider Martial. (I have Martial and De Gea)

  3. LewanGOALski
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    Defoe or Sturridge?

    1. le flem
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      defoe

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

      Defoe

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

      Defoe

  4. El-Kloppico
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    DDG
    Rojo - Cresswell - PvA
    Alexis - Payet(tc) - Milner - Townsend
    Kun - Carroll - Deeney

    Bench: Cech - Mahrez - JEvans - Bellerin
    ITB: 2.5 (Already on -4pts)

    Am I ok, or should I get a Chelsea cover to replace Mahrez?

    1. LewanGOALski
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      play Mahrez over Sanchez IMO

      1. El-Kloppico
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 25 days ago

        ARS has more to play for and City's DEF are horrendous.
        Mahrez can well score or might just play for fun.

  5. le flem
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    is it me, or do man u assets seem to be horrendously under-considered round these parts?

    1. El-Kloppico
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      LvG said he'll rotate

  6. Mesh
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    Is Coutinho to Hazard worth -4?

    1. n-doggg
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      Yes

    2. The Gambler.
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      Hmmm its a tough one really. He will probably just play one game?

  7. n-doggg
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    A. Carroll
    B. Defoe

    1. LewanGOALski
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      A

  8. The Gambler.
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    Is anyone worth getting in for Lovren (4 pt hit)????

    Max'd out on MUFC and WHam players.

    1. n-doggg
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      Is he out?

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

    why is firmino on scout picks??

    will he start??

  10. estheblessed
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    Really need to catch someone who is 40pts ahead ... The 2 things I am not sure about are benching Aguero for Sturridge and Carrol or Payet as captain?

    G2G or should I take a -4 hit?

    DGD
    Simpson, PVA, Toby
    Hazard, Lingard, Townsend, Payet, Coutinho
    Carroll(c), Sturridge

    Aguero, Bellerin, Delane

    1. HUMAN TRIPOD
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      Would still play Aguero over Lingard. Payets probably more consistent but Carroll could go big

  11. S.Kuqi
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    There shouldn't be any gametime issues with Carroll right? Going to triple captain him and just want to be sure him being nailed to start.

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

      Think Sakho plays tomorrow and Carroll held back for the huge United game

    2. Mr Sarcastic
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      That is the question. Same plans but afraid how stupid will I feel if Payet outscores him 🙁

    3. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      I am reasonably sure that he will start.

      1. S.Kuqi
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 25 days ago

        both games?

        1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          10 years, 25 days ago

          Yep. Teams are starting to kick us up in the air ...

          1. S.Kuqi
            • 13 Years
            10 years, 25 days ago

            Thanks. I'll trust your word and triple captain him

          2. Mr Sarcastic
            • 15 Years
            10 years, 25 days ago

            But would you captain him or Payet?

  12. Rolls-Royce
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    Play one of Simpson (No Huth) or Bellerin (attacking threat?)

  13. French Gooner
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    Afternoon RMT plz gents

    DDG
    Cresswell Smalling Morgan
    Hazard Alexis Townsend Payet
    Defoe Caroll Kun
    GK Robles 1. Bellerin . 2.Simpson.3. Iwobi

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

    Last decision, who to Play?:

    A) Bellerin (mci)
    B) Fosu-Mensah (nor,whu)

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

      B

  15. HamezMace
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    Team look okay?

    Playing AOA

    Ddg
    Cresswell - Simpson
    Sanchez - hazard - Payet - Lanzini - Eriksen
    Kane - Defoe - martial

    Payet captain

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

      GTG.

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

        Cheers

  16. Danstoke82
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    Evening all.

    Kane & Iwobi > Defoe + Hazard -8?

    Current team;

    Mignolet

    Cresswell Smalling PVA

    Mahrez Payet Sanchez Townsend

    Aguero Kane Carroll

    Subs; Robles Bellerin Fuchs Iwobi

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

      I did almost that- Kane and Lanzini to Haz and Carrol - i'd say go for it. Kane has burnt me in the last DGW, but I Back Saints to be a tough proposition

      1. Danstoke82
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 25 days ago

        Many thanks for the feedback.

        Been deliberating it all week. Agree about Saints. Stoke were lambs to the slaughter against Spurs. Saints much tighter at the back

  17. Inverjas
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    So scared to hit tripple captain, nobody is nailed =\

    1. The Gambler.
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      Payet is

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

        Don't have Payet - My TC options are / Lukaku - Mata - Defoe - Sturridge - Hazard - Lanzini - Coutinho, pick one

      2. Burger
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 25 days ago

        Nailed on for 4pts 😎

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

    Gomes
    Clyne, Krichhoff, xxx
    Hazard, Lanzini, Payet, xxx
    Martial, Aguero, Defoe

    Who would you bring in:
    A) PvA
    B) Martin
    C) Reid

    1) Redmond
    2) Brady
    3) Firmino

    I'm chasing a 50 point lead, that's why I'm considering double SUN def.
    Also if I bring in a NOR mid, I can afford Cresswell.

    1. HUMAN TRIPOD
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      Reid and Firmino for me. But depends what the person your chasing has

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

      Of those A and probably 2, although if you have funds for Firmino there must be better options to consider?

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

    Should I start Milner or Sanchez?

    1. n-doggg
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      Milner

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

      Milner

    3. celtoo
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      i have 6.8 to spend on a midfielder..need someone who will play both games.

      milner - noble - lanzini - redmond - an other?

      thanks.

  20. Darth_Newdar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    Think I've got it down to this:

    A) Simpson, Coutinho, Kane --> Cresswell, Hazard, Carroll
    B) Coutinho, Milner, Kane --> Firmino, Hazard, Carroll

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

    a) Dann (STK)
    b) Clichy (ARS)

  22. Coffee
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    Ruddy or Mannone?

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

      Mannone

  23. AccountAnt80
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    HELP!

    Cech/Robles
    Smalling/Fuchs/Dann/Bellerin/VVD
    Mahrez/Firmino/Lennon/Lanzini/Sanchez
    Aguero/Kane/Defoe

    2.1 ITB. 1FT. Bench boost active.

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

    20pts behind.
    alexis, mahrez, payet, firmino, townsend
    martial kane carroll

    what transfer U recommend?
    A) mahrez -> hazard
    B) kane -> costa
    C) both
    D) something else

  25. Hargo
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    Robles, Hennessey
    Bellerin, Daniels, Cresswell, Alderweireld, Huth
    Iwobi, Khazri, Lanzini, Sanchez, Payet
    Kane, Lukaku, Aguero

    A. Huth to PvA (-4)
    B. Huth to PvA and Sanchez to Hazard (-8)
    C. Huth to Smalling and Kane to Defoe (-8)
    D. Other?

  26. DarrenWade
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    I got triple captain left and i am wondering when i can use it.
    Martial this week maybe?
    Give me ideas. Must be someone in same postion as me with triple captain

    1. Transfer Window
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      Carrol

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

      struggling to name mine too, was all set for sturridge until he played on Thursday, my 2 freebies I'm bringing in Haz & Carroll & think Carroll for the tc

    3. El-Kloppico
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      Big discussion over here about Payet or Carroll.
      Take a tour around, might help get you some ideas.

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

        I fancy Martial here to be honest.

    4. St. Joseph
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      I go martial
      Chasing 50 pts and looking for a really good differential

  27. The Red Devil
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    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

    Which letter?

  28. Unsuccessful
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    Anyone think it's worth Milner or Alexis to Hazard for a hit in a midfield also of Payet, Lanzini, Mahrez?

  29. Mr Sarcastic
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    Kane or Lukaku out for Carroll for a hit?

    1. Darth_Newdar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      Kane

    2. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      Lukaku.

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

      Lukaku

    4. HamezMace
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      Lukaku

  30. Transfer Window
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    Ozil --> Fabregas for a hit ? Y/N