Scout Picks
3 March 2017 747 comments
J0E J0E
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After announcing those under consideration for the Scout Picks in yesterday’s Squad article, it’s now time to reveal our final 14-man line-up, as we brace ourselves for the first double Gameweek of the season.

As the only two teams set to play twice, Manchester City and Stoke City assets understandably dominate the selection.

Although City arguably offer stronger prospects for clean sheets, with a trip to Sunderland and a home tie with the Potters, the threat of rotation continues to loom large across Pep Guardiola’s rearguard.

As a result, we have turned to the security of Potters’ keeper Lee Grant (4.4), who takes on Middlesbrough at the bet365 Stadium on Saturday, before next Wednesday’s Etihad clash.

The first of these ties is crucial to our hope of returns, given that the Teessiders have just one goal in their last six away matches. While with City scoring ten in their last two fixtures in all competitions, we will be relying on save points in Grant’s second tie; he has collected a point from saves in all but one of his last five Gameweeks.

Erik Pieters (4.6) is another Stoke player to offer a range of points potential, especially in the ‘Boro encounter. The Dutch defender has earned bonus points in three of his last four home ties, has two assists this season and collected clean sheet points on seven occasions. His budget price tag has also come in handy, allowing us to splash out on an expensive set of forwards and keep within our 84 million budget.

Our remaining two defender picks focus on single Gameweek assets that offer us home ties against fragile defences.

Manchester United’s Antonio Valencia (5.6), who has picked up either clean sheet or attacking returns in five of his last six league run outs, looks primed for points when Bournemouth drop by Old Trafford. The Cherries have conceded 30 goals away from the Vitality Stadium and last won a match in all competitions in December.

Despite being overshadowed by team-mate Gareth McAuley in recent weeks, we are sticking by West Brom’s Chris Brunt (5.1). McAuley has scored two goals in his last pair of fixtures, but Brunt is expected to retain a role on the Baggies’ right-flank, which promotes his potential to provide attacking points.

Given Manchester City’s strong recent goal scoring form, we have opted to treble up on their attacking assets. In midfield this means securing both in-form wide men – Raheem Sterling (7.9) and Leroy Sane (7.6).

Sterling tops City’s shots on target table over the last four Gameweeks and has scored six times in the league, however, it is arguably his assist potential that makes him an assured pick. He has assisted 11 times in the league and provided two more in City’s 5-1 FA Cup victory over Huddersfield Town.

Leroy Sane has been drafted in by more than 53,000 FPL managers this week but is still only found in 2% of squads. His goal and two assists in his last four Gameweek starts, plus a strike against the Terriers on Wednesday, suggests that the German could just be the best double Gameweek differential on offer.

This pair face a Black Cats defence that has conceded more shots in the box than any other side over the last four run outs, while Stoke’s concession of four goals at Spurs last weekend offers further hope of strong returns in their second match-up.

Form and fixture align perfectly for Swansea’s Gylfi Sigurdsson (7.6) this weekend, ensuring that he earns a midfield berth ahead of Burnley’s visit. The 14.2% owned Icelander has delivered attacking returns in six of his last seven league starts, while the Clarets have just a solitary shut-out in 12 road trips.

With four clean sheets over the last six Gameweeks, Everton will provide Spurs with a far sterner test that Sunday’s victims Stoke City when they visit White Hart Lane. Nevertheless, with five double-digit hauls in his last seven home matches, we have faith that playmaker Christian Eriksen (8.7) will again prosper.

Our final double Gameweek asset in our starting XI will come as no surprise.

Sergio Aguero (12.8) has blasted four goals in his last two matches in all competitions and collides with the ‘Boro and Stoke defences in confident mood.

Despite only earning one start in City’s last four league matches, due to competition from the now sidelined Gabriel Jesus, Aguero has still registered an impressive 10 goal attempts in that spell, underlining his potential over these two forthcoming fixtures.

An overwhelmingly strong armband option, Aguero also offers a potential Triple Captain solution. It therefore seemed inevitable that he would win out in our latest Captain Poll and rank as the top transfer target ahead of tomorrow’s deadline.

Bournemouth’s defensive woes on their travels books Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s (11.5) place in the Picks, having delivered attacking returns in eight of his last 10 Gameweeks. The United talisman heads into Saturday’s contest having scored six goals in cup competitions since his last league outing.

Southampton’s Manolo Gabbiadini (6.7) claims our final slot in attack. He’s notched five goals in his three matches since joining Southampton in all competitions and will now test a Watford back-line that’s earned only one clean sheet in their last six league outings.

Joe Allen takes a bench role as arguably the best budget midfield double Gameweek option. The 11% owned Welshman’s 5.1 price tag could come in handy for those struggling to find the spare change for Aguero. With six goals and three assists in the league, this “enabler” also has the potential to offer added returns across Stoke’s two matches.

Swansea assets claim our final two bench places ahead of Burnley’s visit.

Just six goals on the road for Sean Dyche’s troops offers enticing shut-out potential for centre-back Alfie Mawson (4.6), whose two goals in his last four matches further add to his appeal.

Fernando Llorente (6.3) also gets a substitute’s role, having already found the net eight times this season. The Spaniard has been drafted in by more than 56,000 FPL managers since the weekend.

The Community Champion

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.

The current champion to beat is Boris Bodega, who achieved a 33 point margin of victory over us in Gameweek 15.

The Gameweek 25 champion is Holmes who has opted for a 4-5-1 line up of: Caballero; Martins Indi, M.Olsson, Bertrand, Walker; Hazard, De Bruyne, Mane, Silva, Arnautovic; Costa.

J0E Podcaster and writer. Tweets stats and stuff via @FFScout_Joe Follow them on Twitter

747 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. John wick
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    The stage is perfectly set for him to deliver
    1.injury to jesus
    2. Brace in 2 games bac 2 back
    3. Double gw with sun and stoke
    4. Pep is happy so no rotation risk wil start and play upto 70 mins
    5, nacho is not in a form to start..
    6. Boro has the worst offensive stats this season so he will start against stoke..

    1. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Pep can't be trusted.

      1. George Sillett
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Too true.

      2. John wick
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Forgot number
        7. He is trying to make partnership of SAS..Sane Aguero Sterling
        Just the way with Jesus sane and sterling....I can trust on pep

    2. FPL Emu
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      7. FA cup quarter a couple of days after Stoke, and then a very important CL match right after that
      8. Boro's offensive stats have nothing to do with this
      9. Nacho just scored

      1. John wick
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Boro cant score away from home so he can rest and if needed can come at half....
        For nacho it just clipped his studs u can see the reply of the goal

    3. diesel001
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      It is Sunderland not 'Boro. But seems too perfect?

      1. John wick
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Yes...but they are playing boro at home in QF fa cup after stoke

        1. L S P
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          which is the most likely match for Kun to be rested ahead of CL second leg.

        2. umerlfc
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          It's boro away

  2. FPL Emu
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    My ML leader is 100 points ahead and has Aguero, but his team is worse than mine, I have my wildcard and BB left, and he's (in all humility) a worse player.

    Do I sell Ibra for Aguero for a hit and captain Aguero?

    1. The Curse of Falcao
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      i'd TC Aguero just incase he does and makes that lead bigger.

      1. FPL Emu
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        How sure do you feel on Aguero starting both though? Obviously very relevant, as Sanchez and Ibra -definitely- will later in the season

        1. The Curse of Falcao
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          About 95% sure he will start both City are hardly guaranteed top 4 at the moment, league point are vital.imagine the scenes if Pep didn't make top 4...

    2. L S P
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      have you already used your free? I'd do Lukaku+Someone->Kun+Someone and keep Ibra.

      I mean - that's what I did.

  3. Everyday im Schneiderlin
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Good to go ?
    Grant
    pieters mcauley yoshida
    Siggy snodgrass sanchez hazard
    kane aguero (c) ibra

    Jaku mori davies holgate

  4. royals forever
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Lost on last page

    Help is needed please

    Best GW28 sub 4.5MF out of

    King
    Carroll

    Any ideas would be welcomed

    1. MTPockets
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Carroll (assume not the bou king).

    2. Loker Joker
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Bottomed! Thanks in advance! (: GTG??
      Heaton
      Alonso / Coleman / Pieters
      Mane / Siggy / Sterling (VC) / Silva
      Aguero (C) / Lukaku / Carroll

      (Pickford, Nyom, Clayton, Amat)

      Coleman/Alonso deserves a start ahead of Nyom??

      1. eoan
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        I might play Nyom over Coleman

      2. @fpl_phenom
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        how many hits??? great team

        1. Loker Joker
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          Sadly -8 which includes taking phillips out...

    3. CABAYE4
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Assuming Arsenal beat Lincoln in the FA Cup (and so can't have a DGW 34), do we have any idea when their second DGW is likely to be? (outside GW37)

      Just thinking about possible Alexis TC slots...

      1. Reggie Nainggolan
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Don't know yet. Most likely be outside the two designated dgw spots

        1. CABAYE4
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          Cheers

    4. For Fuchs Sake
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      How many more genuine TC opportunities do we think there will be this season?

      1. Sir Edo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        None. Gw34 blown away by FA Cup, gw37 bench boost time!

      2. Klopp For The Kopps 😆
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        2 or 3 decent options
        But not better option than Aguero this week

      3. CABAYE4
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Ibra or Costa/Hazard GW34

        Alexis and Ibra probably will have another at some point.

        1. For Fuchs Sake
          • 16 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          Thanks, so a good reason to not TC him this week?

    5. keeney
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      What's everyone that's putting the armband on Kun but not TC hoping he returns??

      Me personally no more than 3 goals and 3 bonus (under 20 points)

      1. @fpl_phenom
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        this is the time to TC for sure! I wasted mine on Ibra at the start of the season, was at a wedding the night before and did it, he got 1 point 🙁

        1. keeney
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          I'm holding of think everything is seeing the stars at the fist sight of a dgw

    6. The Curse of Falcao
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      RP.Need some help with this one lads

      Foster Jaku
      Alonso Maguire McAuley Chambers Amat
      Eriksen Alli Firmino Mirallas Capoue
      Ibra Lukaku Costa

      1FT £0.1 ITB

      a)Costa,Alli,Firm > Aguero,Sterling,Lallana -8
      b)Costa,Alli,Firm > Aguero,Yaya,Siggy -8
      c)something else??

      1. james555
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        A

    7. DaveVak
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      So bench one of:
      1. Coleman
      2. Alli
      3. Walker
      4. Lukaku

      At the moment it is Coleman, but really, he's probably the most in form player from this bunch

      1. Reggie Nainggolan
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Still Coleman

    8. ZakAFC_
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Grant
      Alonso Brunt Pieters
      Mane Siggy Sterling Phillips
      Aguero Lukaku Defoe

      Heaton Coleman De Roon Kingsley

      (-4), 3.6 ITB.

      De Roon > Sane for another hit?

      1. Reggie Nainggolan
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Tempting. Go for it imo. I'm in a similar position of eriksen to sterling (-8)

        Who did you transfer out for Aguero btw?

        1. ZakAFC_
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          Costa

    9. Ed
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Foster
      Coleman Pieters Alonso
      Sane Mane Eriksen Phillips
      Carroll Aguero Ibra

      -4 has got me that. Stick as it is without Sterling or Siggy?

      1. eoan
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        If you can do Phillips to Sterling, I think it would be worth it

    10. eoan
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      GTG? http://imgur.com/8xzYLUJ
      Dunno if I should start King or Friend and bench one of Baines and Coleman

      1. Klopp For The Kopps 😆
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Where is Sterling?

        1. eoan
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          Can't afford him, secretly hoping he gets rotated

    11. MagnetBPS
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Andy85wsm will live stream tonight?

      1. CloudSky
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Few posts below.

    12. Lawrø
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Aguero Top 10k effective ownership predictions? 😀

      That is %ownership + %captaincy + 2x%triple captaincy

      1. keeney
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        80+% ownership
        30%. Captain
        50% TC

        1. Lawrø
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          Wow 😯

        2. Sir Edo
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          I'm not even sure 40% of 10k managers having TC chip left.. Hebknut does not have it!

    13. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      If a warrant for someone is issued in Scotland and the subject of the warrant has absconded to England does the Scottish courts have to apply for that persons extradition under UK law?

      1. John Nerdelbaum
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        imagine there's a lot of law experts on here

        1. Lawrø
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          😆

      2. Numb
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Good point

      3. Ógie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        75% ownership
        TC used by as much as 50% of them
        About 30.8% have burnt there TC chip already in the top 10k

        1. Ógie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          Reply fail @Lawro

        2. Lawrø
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          That's far far higher than what I was expecting... not as much of a differential as expected!

      4. MTPockets
          9 years, 3 months ago

          Snodgrass extradition? Snowballing quickly.

        • stilicho
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          Easily done with routine home office application or somesuch

      5. andy85wsm
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Streaming in 5! - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgcit9UDlzY

      6. JÆKS ⭐
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Kane Costa Ibra Gabbiadini, it will be an absolute nighmare picking 1 out of those as an Aguero replacement.

        1. MTPockets
            9 years, 3 months ago

            It's FFS. Whoever scores the most tomorrow.

        2. L S P
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          Stanislas->Allen for a -4?

          Y/N?

          1. Reggie Nainggolan
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 3 months ago

            Most likely to break even points wise

        3. Atimis
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          Any conclusion on TC ?

          1. diesel001
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 3 months ago

            Aguero = Yes

          2. Fred54
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 3 months ago

            Awful use of Top Cat in the Halifax ads.

            1. Atimis
              • 9 Years
              9 years, 3 months ago

              Nice 1 😀

          3. George Sillett
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 3 months ago

            Just look up.

        4. Jacket Potato
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          Anyone know why Kane is flagged?

          1. stilicho
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 15 Years
            9 years, 3 months ago

            See the tweets

            1. Jacket Potato
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 3 months ago

              Cheers, looks positive!

              1. stilicho
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 15 Years
                9 years, 3 months ago

                Yea I reckon he'll be fine

        5. Jono295
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          For avoidance of doubt, Snodgrass' warrant is only able to be executed in Scotland. He can not be arrested in England and it is for a very minor offence so will likley get this sorted himself on Monday!!

          1. Fred54
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 3 months ago

            Trust WHU to sign a gangster running from the law.

          2. Pariße
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 3 months ago

            He drove a car in which someone held a baby instead of putting it on a baby chair, this is hardly something to be chased around for. 🙂

            1. @fpl_phenom
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 3 months ago

              is that what this is about?? few penalty points or something , hardly gonna be bunking with Adam Johnson or anything!

              1. Pariße
                • 11 Years
                9 years, 3 months ago

                Yes! I don't know why this is being discussed in court even.

          3. MTPockets
              9 years, 3 months ago

              Don't think that's correct.

          4. Tomas Brolin ate all Depays
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 3 months ago

            Aguero

            A) TC

            B) C

            1. Pariße
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 3 months ago

              B, as I'm leading my ML.

          5. FPL_Hazards
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 3 months ago

            Aguero capt vs triple capt

            To gain 20 points on those who have JUST captained him, Aguero will need to score at least 3 goals, 4 bonus and play 60+ minutes both games.

            Does this make TC less valuable this week?

            1. The Bandit
              • 15 Years
              9 years, 3 months ago

              This applies to any player.

            2. CloudSky
              • 9 Years
              9 years, 3 months ago

              But you gain 60 points on 70% of the other players.

          6. PvA
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 3 months ago

            Oiiiiiiiiii

          7. S.Agueroooooo
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 3 months ago

            Grant (jaku)
            Alonso walker brunt (FM, amat)
            Hazard, mane, eriksen, phillips (de roon)
            Aguero, defoe, lukaku

            A) haz, de roon > siggy, haz (bench phillips) -8
            B) defoe, de roon > llorente, siggy/ sterling -8
            C) other

          8. KUN+10
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 3 months ago

            Hey lads...your thoughts please:

            Play Baines (tot) or Yoshida (wat)?

            1. Fowler23
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 3 months ago

              Baines

          9. FPL Virgin
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 3 months ago

            How reckless is KDB (TC)?

            Could be a game changer if it comes off.

            1. FPL Emu
              • 15 Years
              9 years, 3 months ago

              I'd rather TC Sterling if you have him

            2. KUN+10
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 3 months ago

              Better off gambling on starboy Sterling

            3. @fpl_phenom
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 3 months ago

              very reckless but you will sky rocket if he lights it up... not many going for that one

            4. Pariße
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 3 months ago

              Hmm, I wouldn't personally. A sight of Guardiola should put you off of it.

            5. George Sillett
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 3 months ago

              It's highly tempting.

          10. FPL Emu
            • 15 Years
            9 years, 3 months ago

            Do you believe Aguero will start all four matches in the next 10 days?

            If not, the only matches he can be benched for is either Stoke at home in the PL or Middlesbrough away in the FA cup quarter.

            Now ask yourself: Which of those are more likely?

            1. CloudSky
              • 9 Years
              9 years, 3 months ago

              Boro the obvious choice.

            2. diesel001
              • 9 Years
              9 years, 3 months ago

              No. Benched against Boro. Play most of two games in the PL. Benched against Boro. Play against Monaco and Liverpool. Rest then play again.

          11. Fowler23
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 3 months ago

            Bench on please
            Valdes or Jaku
            Alonso Zaha or Phillips (I'm playing stones, Pieters and McAuley )