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. Only a Hazard of time
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    50 points behind my ML leader. I'm going all out with a -16

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

      So, 66 points behind 😛

      1. Only a Hazard of time
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 25 days ago

        Worth a gamble, I've got nothing to lose 😀

    2. Lecky Legs FC
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      Not smart that I'm chasing by 74 including the -4 hit I took for Aguero > Defoe try to minimise it if you can.

      1. Only a Hazard of time
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 25 days ago

        I could probably reduce it to a -8:

        Kane --> Carroll
        Iwobi --> Hazard
        Dier --> Ogbonna

        Gives me

        Robles*
        Rojo* - Ogbonna* - PVA*
        Hazard* - Payet* - Milner* - Mahrez - Sanchez
        Carroll* - Defoe*

        With Kun benched

        1. Lecky Legs FC
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 25 days ago

          Yeah those 3 transfer are good can you do Ogbonna > Cresser by any chance?

          1. Only a Hazard of time
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            10 years, 25 days ago

            Only if I shipped out Mahrez or Milner instead of Iwobi for Hazard unfortunately

            1. Lecky Legs FC
              • 10 Years
              10 years, 25 days ago

              Ship out on Iwobi or Mahrez only have one game anyway.

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

    I have PVA and Cresswell.

    Any other DGW defender worth a hit? (for Dann)

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

      Smalling?

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

        CS prospects don't look so good

    2. Yank Revolution
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      Man U, maybe...

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

        Would've considered Rojo for attacking potential but he isn't nailed on

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

      Ivan?

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

        hmmm.

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

      Cheers guys

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

    Chasing, 18 points to my rival, is this madness?

    Clyne + Mahrez + Aguero -> Smalling + Hazard + Carroll (-8)

    He has Mahrez and Aguero.

    1. Only a Hazard of time
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      I can see Mahrez running riot against Everton

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

    Anyone benching Sanchez?

    1. super zlatan
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      Me

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

      I'm between him and Ozil.

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

        I'm doing it for Redmond.

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

          😯

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

            😛

  5. Zombie
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    Which move is the best (playing BB):

    a) Sturridge -> Carrol
    b) Aguero -> Carrol

    c) Sanchez -> Hazard

    d) a/b+c for -4

    Got following 8:
    Sanchez,Payet,Brady,Fabregas,Firmino
    Aguero,Sturridge,Payet

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

      *Aguero,Sturridge,Defoe

    2. ScottyMaz12
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      A from those

  6. ViperStripes
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    GTG?

    DDG (Robles)
    Cresswell, PVA, Rojo, (Simpson), (Bellerin)
    Hazard, Payet(VC), Firmino, Milner, (Sanchez)
    Carroll, Aguero, Defoe(TC)

  7. King Kohli
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    Play Sanchez or KDB?

    1. super zlatan
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      KDB

  8. Mainoo Magic
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    Yes or no to this move:

    Kun, pelle and milner>defoe carroll and hazard for -8

    my other mids are sanchez, mahrez and lingard and payet

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

      Yes. Is it possible to keep Milner and sell Lingard?

      1. Mainoo Magic
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 25 days ago

        Yes I could do that wasn't sure between the two, I'm fairly sure both wont play both games.

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

          Sell Lingard then

  9. kingozil-The Germans once a…
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    So with Aguero, Carroll, Defoe, Payet, Hazard, Townsend, Sunderland Defence, West Ham defence common

    Safe to say there is no way I beat them by 25 Points.

    Damn I thought they would leave out Kun. 🙁

    1. JoeJitzu +42
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      Yeah, doomed!
      Only thing is it's a double gameweek so better potential!

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

      BB this week?
      B definitely

  11. Torres76
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    Best front three?
    1. Kun
    2. Sturridge
    3. Ageuro
    4. Defoe
    5. Carroll

    Thanks

    1. Torres76
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      1. Kane

      My error..

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

      Kun Caroll Defoe from this

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

      134

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

    Degea
    Simpson Kos Pva (Francis Gabriel)
    Hazard Sanchez Lanzini Payet Mahrez
    Kun Caroll Deeney
    Benchboosting this week,chasing ML by 50points.
    Please suggest some replacements for Kos and Francis (ML leader owns Cresswell and Smalling)

  13. AC Pilkington
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    Bench one...

    A) Sanchez

    B) Townsend

    C) Mahrez

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

      mahrez

    2. Mainoo Magic
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      Sanchez

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

    Repost : Darmian to who for a hit?

    A) Smalling
    B) Cress
    C) Save and play Bellerin

    Other defs : PvA Fuchs Gabriel Bellerin

  15. flippetyflop
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    Will Milner start both games this gw???

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

      Unlikely although could feature from bench Sunday

    2. JoeJitzu +42
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      I'm debating Milner or KdB to Hazard at the moment.....

    3. Funkyav
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      possibly but probably not

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

      Doubt it

  16. Tibbs
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    Play Mignolet or Robles?

    Any insight if Migs will get the Klopp or if Howard will get a game in the DGW?

  17. sully29
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    Smalling, PvA, XXX

    Who should my third defender be? Money no problem but can't be Cresswell...

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

      Moreno punt?

    2. Torres76
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      Lovren

  18. JoeJitzu +42
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    What in your opinion will be the 3 highest scoring midfielders this week?

    My guess.....
    Payet
    Hazard
    Fabregas

  19. Sif
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    KDB > Hazard worth a hit?

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

      If you cant get a full 11 without yeah

  20. Hammers Select
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    DeGea or Courtois.

    Already have Smalling.

    1. sully29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      De Gea probably.

    2. JoeJitzu +42
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      Courtois out of favour?!

  21. talalkoo
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    shal i replace rashford for defoe -4 points?

  22. Kent girl
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    Hello again.. Sorry another post.

    Help required please! Currently 3rd in my league 50 points off top.

    Currently have:

    Robles / DeGea
    Simpson / Bellerin / Sagna / Gabriel / Clyne
    Lanzini / Townsend / Milner / Sanchez / Mahrez
    Aguero / Kane/ Defoe

    My most recent thoughts are:

    A) Gabriel + Kane > Cresswell + Carroll for -4.
    (Will then do Carroll >Kane next week + an arsenal midfielder)
    B) Gabriel + Aguero + Lanzini > Cresswell + Carroll + Payet for -8.

    If A then what do you think about Milner > Barkley as he's got Sunderland and Norwich to play.

    I've also got TC left.. Who should be the chosen one? Defoe? Payet? Or maybe Sanchez next week v Villa?

    Thank you

  23. Laporte In A Storm
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    KDB or Sanchez > Hazard?

    1. Torres76
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      Kdb

    2. ScottyMaz12
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      KDB

  24. ScottyMaz12
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    Thoughts on the below?

    a) Alli > Fabregas (-4)
    b) Firmino > Hazard (-4)
    c) Do neither; play Mahrez & Sanchez

  25. Liastro ⭐️
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    Best 4.0m def?

  26. Jimmers
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    Bench Mahrez or Sanchez?

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

      Mahrez

    2. Tibbs
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      Mahrez, but get comfy behind the sofa

  27. nkhoughton
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    A) Play Sanchez 0 hits
    All others involve a hit
    B) Fabregas
    C) Carrol
    D) Defoe
    E) combination of B-D

  28. Bored Bear
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    Play Robles (lei, sun) or Darlow (avl) hmm?

    1. sully29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 25 days ago

      Might as well go with Robles I guess. In hope if not expectation.

  29. Colonel Klink
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    Would you play Bellerín (Mci) over Delaney (STO), for attacking potential?

  30. Haydenmoncrieff
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 25 days ago

    Robles (darlow)
    Cresswell, Tfm, Pva, Fuchs (Bellerin)
    Sanchez, payet (tc), hazard (vc) (iwobi), (Ali)
    Martial, Aguero, Carroll

    A) G2g
    B) Ali > Townsend
    C) Ali > Barkley
    D Ali > other mid 9.3 or less?