Scout Picks
17 March 2017 812 comments
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After listing the players under consideration in Wednesday’s Scout Squad article, we now reveal who has earned a place in Gameweek 29’s Scout Picks.

A visit from a Burney side with just nine goals on their travels heralds a Picks return for Jordan Pickford (4.1), who came back into the Sunderland first XI in Gameweek 26 following a lengthy injury lay-off.
Even if the Clarets find the net, we’re confident of claiming save points, which the Black Cats’ stopper has earned in 15 of his 18 starts.

Another of our selection to offer multiple scoring methods is Scout Picks regular Seamus Coleman (6.0), who has delivered attacking or defensive returns in five straight home appearances.

We feel that the raiding right-back will again reward us against a visiting Hull City side that’s scored just two goals in their last ten away matches.

Having found the net a mere 19 times, Middlesbrough are comfortably the Premier League’s most impotent attacking unit – a damning statistic that ultimately contributed to manager Aitor Karanka’s dismissal. With such a meagre goal tally we are confident of a clean sheet for Antonio Valencia (5.7) when Manchester United drop by the Riverside Stadium on Sunday.

Should the Spaniard’s departure spark their lacklustre strikers into life, the Ecuadorian also offers the chance of attacking points – he has three assists in six and has supplied more successful crosses than any FPL defender.

With Spurs’ Danny Rose still sidelined though injury, we call upon his cut-price deputy Ben Davies (4.7) for a home encounter with Southampton.

As Mark pointed out in our Scout Squad article, a total of seven chances created over the last four Gameweeks, a tally matched only by Chris Brunt among defenders, suggests that the Welshman can couple defensive returns with attacking promise. The Spurs rearguard has shipped just seven goals at White Hart Lane, keeping nine shut-outs – the best home defensive record in the league.

With Harry Kane sidelined through injury and Zlatan Ibrahimovic banned for the next two league matches, the balance of power in FPL looks to be shifting towards the midfield and has seen us opt for a 3-5-2 formation.

Topping the bill in the centre of the park is Alexis Sanchez (11.5), who visits West Brom on Saturday lunchtime as the Premier League’s most potent away force, with 11 strikes and five assists on the road.

The Chilean looks primed to punish a Baggies side that already look on the beach, having reached 40 points and certain league safety; Tony Pulis’ troops have conceded nine times and earned a solitary shut out over their last six matches.

The absence of Kane means that the Spurs’ midfield will be required to step up, which has prompted us to double up on their assets for the Saints’ visit.

For goal potential, we have opted for Son Heung-Min(6.8), who bagged a hat-trick against Millwall in the FA Cup last weekend and may well be on penalty duties in the absence of Kane and long-term injury victim Erik Lamela.

The South Korean was also Tottenham’s best performer during Kane’s last absence, during Gameweeks 6 to 10, scoring twice and assisting another over that period. With just a 4.0% ownership he looks to be a strong differential.

Meanwhile, Christian Eriksen (8.6) hands us assist potential – the Dane has 13 to his name already and has delivered double-digits in five of his previous eight at the Lane.

Key players on either side of Bournemouth’s clash with Swansea at the Vitality Stadium take our final two midfield berths. For the Cherries, Josh King’s (5.6) run of eight goals in seven is impossible to ignore and has prompted more than 130,000 FPL managers to secure his services in light of last Saturday’s hat-trick against West Ham.

For the Swans, Gylfi Sigurdsson (7.7) also demands inclusion after serving up attacking points in eight of nine appearances under new manager Paul Clement.

Bearing in mind that the home side have conceded 15 times in their last six, and the visitors have shipped ten over the same period, goals look a certainty in this one.

With money saved through Son and King’s inclusion, we have enough to splash out on two of FPL’s most expensive strikers, Romelu Lukaku (10.3) and Sergio Aguero (12.7)

The Everton marksman tops our Captain Poll and has attracted more than 115,000 new FPL managers this week for good reason, having scored in each of his last five home clashes. He hosts a Hull defence that boasts the joint-worst away record this term, with 31 goals against on the road.

We are undaunted by speculation over the Belgian’s future due to contract wrangling after manager Ronald Koeman offered assurances that the striker’s first team place is secure.

Manchester City crashed out of the Champions League on Wednesday but we are confident their top scorer will bounce back from his disappointment when Liverpool drop by on Sunday.

We are particularly buoyed by his previous against the Merseysiders – the Argentine has scored in all four of his Premier League home encounters against the Reds.

Our first bench spot goes to Crystal Palace’s Jeffrey Schlupp (4.7). Sam Allardyce’s side have chalked up back-to-back shutouts and host a Watford outfit that have notched just 12 times on the road this term. Schlupp is set to start with Patrick van Aanholt sidelined and his pairing with Wilfried Zaha down the left could be a key factor: the Hornets have shipped more chances from the right-side of defence than any other side over the last four Gameweeks.

Leicester City’s failure to keep a clean sheet since Gameweek 20 earns a bench role to West Ham’s Michail Antonio (6.9), who has nine goals and seven assists this season. While Jermain Defoe (7.7) completes our reserves. He squares up to a Burnley outfit that has conceded 30 times and only managed a solitary shut-out on the road. The veteran may have only delivered attacking returns in one of his last six league outings but his output will be vital if the Black Cats are to prevail. He’s scored or assisted ten of their 14 home goals and six of the last eight home and away.

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 29 champion is aa33 who has opted for a 3-4-3 line up of: De Gea; Valencia, Cahill, Alderweireld; Mkhitaryan, Alli, Son, Barkley; Aguero, A.Carroll, Vardy.

812 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Legomane
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Posted this earlier, hope may be of interest....
    Lots of chat regarding Coutinho's excellent record v City, not a lot about the other main pretenders this week :

    goals / assists / matches / average attacking returns per match

    (3) (1) (2) (2.0) Dele Alli v SOU
    (5) (1) (6) (1.0) Coutinho v MCI
    (3) (3) (7) (0.9) Eriksen v SOU
    (3) (1) (5) (0.8) Mane v MCI
    (1) (2) (4) (0.8) Vardy v WHU
    (3) (0) (5) (0.6) King v SWA
    (2) (0) (5) (0.4) Sanchez v WBA
    (4) (2) (15) (0.4) Aguero v LIV
    (1) (0) (5) (0.2) Costa v STK

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 17 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Cheers Legomané. There was me thinking this site is now page after page of people asking questions and half the time not even responding. I find this stuff interesting and potentially useful.

    2. MTPockets
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Are either of the Alli matches exc Kane?

      1. MTPockets
        9 years, 4 months ago

        * 2 goals were in gw18 (with Kane & Son playing - both scored). Not sure about other.

    3. Twisted Saltergater
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 17 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Aguero worries me the most. I've not heard anyone mention him. Maybe most have got rid now.

      1. Jersey
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        if Pelligrini were still their manager, he would be my (c) for sure this week.

      2. Ryssel
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        I held onto him... Although probably wouldn't have if kane was fit. Opted to bring alli in fir Phillips.... But if anybody is making me nervous it is Vardy. I think he could be 's huge differential during the run in.

    4. Ryssel
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Thanks, great little stats pack... Now let's see Alli deliver big time 🙂

  2. pug_chops
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Alli or Ericksen for rest of season?

    1. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Alli

    2. 1569Tippins
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Alli - bigger goal threat

      1. pug_chops
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        OK thanks

    3. Jersey
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Alli

  3. THFC4LIFE
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Best 2 keepers from now til end of the season keeping in mind dgw's?

    1. nkhoughton
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Forster Pickford

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 17 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        just replied to your bottom of the page post

  4. Ravager
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Foster (Jaku)
    Alonso Walker Funes Fernandez (Nyom)
    Mane Siggy Antonio (Stanislas, Allen)
    Aguero Llorente Lukaku

    1 FT 4.7 ITB

    A) Stanislas + Allen > King + Alli
    B) Aguero + Stanislas > Sanchez + Costa

    B leaves me with little room to get in Spurs assets....

  5. Webbinho
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Tempted by Valencia, but could Jose revert to 3 at the back like he did in Europa with Blind and Young wing backs?

    1. Deeney-is-a-god
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Even if he did he would still use valencia. Man is a machine and Jose called him the worlds best RB.

  6. camarozz
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Ok guys
    Really wanted Sanchez this wk but would mean a -8 if I do it now. So how about....
    Ibra «» Costa
    Nyom «» Davies -4 this wk and play 434

    Kun «» gabbiadini
    Capoue «» Sanchez nxt wk -4

    1. McQueen
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      4 attackers, nice. 😉

    2. McQueen
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Just Costa this week.

  7. F4L
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    My man, my Son, welcome to my FPL team. May your stay be ever prosperous in nature

    1. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Hahaha captain?

      1. F4L
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        my balls aint that big 😛

  8. Garfield1001
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Wanting a Brunt replacement - looks to be Valencia. However is there is a risk he is tested given his recent gametime?

    1. Webbinho
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      My concern also (just posted above) Could Young play there?

  9. HugoBlack
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Play McAuley or Holebas?

  10. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Good to go? Saving 1 FT & 9.9 ITB for whoever does well this weekend & international breakery:

    Heaton
    Coleman, Alonso, Brunt
    Siggy, Mane, Coutinho, Alli
    Lukaku(c), Llorente, Barnes
    (Robinson, Robertson, Friend, Davies)

  11. Freshy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Currently ha Llorente first off the bench
    Agree?

    Jakupovic-(Foster)
    Coleman-Alonso-Brunt-(Kingsley-Holgate)
    Mané-Coutinho-Sigurdsson-Alli-King
    Lukaku-Costa-Llorente

    1. Freshy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      *have

    2. Epic Fail
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      I'd rather play King over Cout

    3. Johan Queef
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      AOA chip still available?

  12. New Post
  13. Feeling_blue
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Coutinho to Son or save?

  14. Mayo for Sam
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Any of these worth a hit?

    Mane Coutinho Antonio Siggy Sterling
    Costa Loriente Lukuka

    A Coutinho > Sanchez
    B Coutinho > Alli
    C Save

  15. Paramaribo
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Foster
    Alonso Coleman Brunt
    Hazard Mane Sigurdsson T.Carrol
    Lukaku Costa Aguero

    Subs: Jakupovic Fletcher Fernandez Robertson

    2.6 ITB, 0 FT
    I am considering Fletcher > Son for a hit.

    A) Yes
    B) No

  16. Weasel51
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    A) Coutinho >>> Alli
    B) Coutinho >>> Sanchez
    C) Coutinho + Llorente >>> Alli/Sanchez + Costa -4

  17. Rodgers's CHARACTER
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    how long danny rose injury?

    1. makaveli123
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Early April

    2. LukeyLuke777
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Expected back early April so may not be back on the field for a week or two after that.

  18. FPL Bielsa
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Is Cout to Sanchez worth a 4 point hit this week ?

  19. FFSbet.com
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Mane + Baines > Sanchez + Valencia (-4) ?

  20. FPL Puppy
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Sterling -> Alli (-4)?

    1. Oscarman
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Yes. Sterling bottles it against us every time. Someone hits him early and he's done.

  21. asy1mpo
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Scout Pick team here and on #FPL both have Aguero in team. Not sure myself with his fixtures. Liverpool this week (could be tricky depending which Liverpool team turn up), Arsenal and then Chelsea.

    I may stick with Lukaku and either Llorente or Carroll. Who would you pick? Llorente (who seems like is fit now) or Carroll (who plays Leicester - could be tired but are decent now).

    Playing 5 in midfield -

    Mane, Pedro, King and think getting in Sanchez and Son for Sigurdsson and Ericsson. Feel bad getting rid of Sigurdsson but think I need Sanchez in. Have to keep King with form and price. Already have Mane in - bit expensive but think could be worth having Liverpool coverage.

  22. Sotamendi84
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Me: lukaku eriksen caroll
    Him: llorente king aguero

    Who wins?

    1. Kevtheotter
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Him

    2. Oscarman
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      I'd say him, only because I've got his 3. Plus Lukaku.

  23. Kevtheotter
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Hey guys struggling with this one

    Foster
    Williams Brunt Walker
    Mane Eriksen Coutinho Snoddy*
    Llorente Lukaku Kun

    Jaku Pieters Capoue Amat 1FT 3.2 ITB

    A) Brunt --> Valencia
    B) Snoddy --> Mata/King
    C) Mane --> Sanchez
    D) Something else or maybe a hit?

    Cheers

    1. schultes warriors
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      would keep mane, westbrom tough nut to crack- city-pool will be goals bot defence like swiss cheese

  24. Oh Mane Mane
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Chances of Walker, Baines, Firmino and Snodgrass playing?

  25. asy1mpo
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Sigurdsson or Pedro?

    1. LukeyLuke777
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Siggy.

  26. schultes warriors
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    what u guys think: grant/brunt/davies/coleman/mane/king/alli/son/luka/carrol/aguero - bit worried mane...

  27. Mateja
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Should i Bailly -> Valencia? Or bailly will start?

  28. JoePavs
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    So the big question! Son or Alli ?

    1. azambadboy
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      110% Alli

  29. azambadboy
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    great line up for week 29
    Pickford
    Coleman,Alonso,Cahill,Azpi
    Alli,Eriksen,Barkley,King
    Defoe,Lukaku(C)
    (Jaku,Danials,Zaha,Carroll)

  30. Chucky
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Coutinho to Alli for -4?

    1. kazek
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      No. Coutinho plays well against the likes of Man City