Scout Picks
21 April 2017 2030 comments
J0E J0E
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The midweek Scout Squad article revealed our unease at overloading on assets from the three double Gameweek teams, amid concerns around rotation, lack of form and, in certain cases, testing fixtures to follow.

With that in mind, we can now reveal just how many Manchester United, Crystal Palace and Middlesbrough players survived the cut to clinch Scout Picks place.

Save, bonus and clean sheet points can make goalkeepers a lucrative source of profit in a double Gameweek. This has seen us turn to Crystal Palace’s Wayne Hennessey (4.3), who should be kept busy away to Liverpool and at home to Spurs. Over his last four, the Welshman earned five save points and takes on a pair of attacking sides that have fired off 140 goal attempts between them over the same time frame.

A pair of double Gameweek defenders make our backline trio, with Ben Gibson (5.0) earning a spot due to security of starts for a Middlesbrough side that travels to Bournemouth before hosting Sunderland.

While we believe Boro are likely to concede against the Cherries, we have pinpointed the Black Cats encounter as key for the centre-back – the Wearsiders’ two goals against West Ham last weekend were their first in the league since Gameweek 24. With six sets of bonus returns, the 11.2%-owned Gibson also offers a further route to a return.

Eric Bailly (5.4) is our Manchester United defender of choice.

Injuries to fellow centre-backs Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo mean that Jose Mourinho can ill-afford to rest the Ivorian. A total of 13 bonus points is more than any of his defensive team-mates, with clean sheets a very real possibility away to Burnley and Manchester City, considering the Red Devils have conceded just three times over their last six.

Goal threat and shut-out potential finds Chelsea’s Marcos Alonso (6.8) completing our rearguard selection. Back in training after recovering from illness, the top-scoring FPL defender has already racked up five goals and four assists ahead of Southampton’s midweek visit.

Just one double Gameweek pick, Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha (6.0), makes the cut among our midfield picks.

Five double-digit FPL points hauls this season look too good to ignore against a leaky Liverpool defence that has conceded in all but one of their last six at Anfield, with Jurgen Klopp’s also nursing some injury concerns. Spurs may just offer up further returns when they visit Selhurst Park, given that they have conceded five in their last six away days.

As mentioned, we believe that Bournemouth will breach the Boro backline, which has seen us opt for Cherries midfielder Josh King (6.0), who has five goals and an assist over his last six Gameweeks.

With money saved by nominating this cut-price pair, we have enough within our budget to splash out on FPL’s two most expensive midfielders Alexis Sanchez (11.5) and Eden Hazard (10.4).

Of this premium priced duo, the Chelsea schemer has the edge in terms of form over his last six starts, with four goals and an assist compared with Sanchez’ two strikes.

Both are set to host sides that have struggled for defensive returns on the road.

Hazard’s visitors Southampton have conceded five times in their last three outside of St Mary’s, while Sanchez – back in the goals at Middlesbrough on Monday – hosts a Leicester City side that have conceded at least twice in five of their last six away fixtures.

Similar to midfield, we’ve only opted for one double Gameweek asset up front.

Manchester United’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic would have made the cut but, after succumbing to injury in last night’s Europa League game, we have instead turned to the man who sits second in our newly-launched Captain Poll – Middlesbrough’s Alvaro Negredo (6.2).

The Spaniard has netted in each of his last two starts and offers a promising pair of matches, with the Cherries and Black Cats shipping a combined 21 goals over their last six.

With 93,000+ transfers in this week, Negredo’s ownership has soared to 13% and his kind price tag means we can fit in two premium-priced single-Gameweek strikers who are battling it out for this season’s Golden Boot.

Romelu Lukaku (10.5) looks primed to add to his 24 goals when he drops by the London Stadium to take on a West Ham defence that has shipped 13 in their last six.

The Everton forward’s record in head-to-heads with the Hammers is also difficult to ignore – he’s scored in each of his nine Everton appearances against West Ham.

Spurs’ Harry Kane (11.5) also earns a call-up as he travels to Crystal Palace in midweek – over their last four, no side has conceded more shots in the box than the Eagles’ 48.

Even though the Spurs talisman has failed to score in his last three road trips in the league, he has produced double figures in each of his last three starts and, fully motivated by the title and Golden Boot race, Kane presents a convincing case.

Two goals in as many appearances, plus a home tie with a Watford side that has shipped eight in their last four away trips, ensures that Hull City’s Harry Maguire (4.4) earns a place on our bench.

We have also handed a substitute’s role to Scout Picks regular Gylfi Sigurdsson (7.5), who has failed to deliver attacking returns over his last five.

With the Swans mired in the relegation zone, two points from safety, we are backing the Icelander to secure a much-needed win when Stoke City drop by. Over their last four road trips, Mark Hughes’ charges have shipped eight goals without reply, arguably making Saturday’s match a nervous watch for the 63,000+ FPL bosses who have shown Sigurdsson the door only this week.

Marcus Rashford (6.5), this week’s most popular player in the transfer market, with 172,000+ new FPL owners, completes our bench.

A surge in popularity follows a heightened security of starts due to Ibrahimovic’s injury. With two goals in as many league matches and the winning strike against Anderlecht last night, the 19-year-old offers far more than mere appearance points. A slight question mark over his pitch time against Burnley – given he played 120 minutes on Thursday night – has prevented us from adding him to our first XI.

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.

This week’s champion A Manager Has No Name has opted for a 3-4-3 formation of: Jakupovic; Gibson, Blind, Bailly; Hazard, Eriksen, Coutinho, Ozil; Negredo, Lukaku, Benteke.

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

  1. KUNingas
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 3 days ago

    Most nailed MID defender after Gibson? Chambers?

    1. Legomane
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      Yep, but tread carefully

    2. drughi
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      good question

  2. Tomlette Greggs
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 3 days ago

    Rashford likely to start both games?

    bit out of loop here. would appreciate thoughts.

    1. Dazzler365
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      Nobody knows for sure, 120 minutes has been talked about.

    2. Lizard Lips
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      General concensus is rest vs Burnley but I sense he probably starts with Zlatan out. Top 4 still very achievable and he's a kid he can't be that tired!

    3. Legomane
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      I'm in two minds. Actually coming round to thinking he could be the best Dgw (c) option..

  3. The 12th Man
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 3 days ago

    Crazy to go triple United defence?
    DeGea,Bailly,Valencia (already have)

    1. BRFC1883
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      I've done that.

    2. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      DDG failing out with Jose per Wild Rover... looking for a link

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

        Rubbish, just doesn't play Europa

    3. how now brown cow
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      Not crazy, but what do you think the derby score will be?

      1. The 12th Man
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 3 days ago

        Who knows. 1-1. 0-0.
        Looking more long term with no wild card.

    4. kalmoffit
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      Good move I'd say. Makes more sense than bringing in Rashford

  4. Lone Wolf FPL
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 3 days ago

    Jaku (Randolph)
    Alonso, Davies, Fernandez (Holgate, Evans)

    a) G2G
    b) Randolph > DDG -4 (bench Jaku)
    c) Evans > Bailly/Gibson -4 (bench Fernandez).

  5. Lawrø
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 3 days ago

    Who scores more? 😉

    A) Blind(bur, mci)

    B) Negredo(bou, SUN)

    1. GE
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      0-0 😉

    2. The 12th Man
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      7 each

    3. Dazzler365
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      Negredo

    4. how now brown cow
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      Not sure Negredo gets anything v bournemouth. I'd say 8 v 8

    5. Kryten
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      Negredo

    6. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      Has to be Negredo doesn't it Lawro? Must be something to your post...inside info?

    7. kalmoffit
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      A has more attacking threat.
      Joking, A though

    8. Lawrø
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      Interesting, not clear cut it seems

    9. Pirlø's Pen
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      B

    10. blizzle
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      Interesting seeing it put that way as I brought in Negredo already. But think Blind could easily go for 10, with two starts, a CS, and a couple of BAPS. Negredo with one goal in two for 8 points. I still think I like the potential for big points with Negredo over Blind.

  6. how now brown cow
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 3 days ago

    Currently on
    Jaku (Foster)
    Robertson Valencia Gibson (Davies Pieters)
    Alli Coutinho Siggy Zaha (Fletcher)
    Kun Lukaku Kane

    a) Foster to DDG for free
    b) Kun to Negredo (c) for free
    c) Kun, Foster to Negredo(c) DDG for -4
    c) Kun, Fletcher to Negredo(c) Sanchez for -4, play AOA and bench Robertson

    1. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      Rumor of DDG falling out with Jose

        1. how now brown cow
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 3 days ago

          That was 9 days ago

  7. Cheers Geoff
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 3 days ago

    Would you:

    A) Buy a United defender and Boro attacker

    B) Boro,defender and United attacker?

    Thanks

    1. Hibbo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      Good to see you Ruth.

      Wife made her transfers yet?

      1. Cheers Geoff
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 3 days ago

        Nah Eamonn is sick again

        1. Hibbo
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 3 days ago

          Who's Eamonn big dog?

      2. Dazzler365
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 3 days ago

        Does she have a good track record?

        1. Hibbo
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 3 days ago

          No comment.

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

      A

    3. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      A

    4. The 12th Man
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      I'm going A Negredo + triple United defence.

  8. Lizard Lips
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 3 days ago

    George Friend going to start matches or cameos??

  9. osceola31909
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 3 days ago

    Valencia to Bailly worth a -4 hit?

    1. BRFC1883
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      no way

    2. Gideons Rolling Another One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      No

    3. how now brown cow
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      no

    4. osceola31909
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      Thanks.

  10. jackhammer1
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 3 days ago

    Pickford (val

    1. jackhammer1
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      Pickford (valdes)
      Valencia gibson Holebas
      Alli Sanchez Erikson Zaha sane
      Kane Rashford

      A. Barnes to benteke -4
      B. Barnes to negredo -4
      C. Play sane
      D. Add Valdes to DDG to A or B for -8

  11. #Swish41
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 3 days ago

    Was all set for Kun > Ibra. Not sure now. Is Negredo, Rash or Benteke a better option than Kun?

    1. KUNingas
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      No

    2. Gideons Rolling Another One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      Debating it myself, and I'm not sure they are. Could be wrong of course!

    3. how now brown cow
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      I'm stuck on that too. I don't think so on its own. Wondering if the cash it frees up makes it worthwhile.

      Please give your opinion up a bit.

    4. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      Yes... to Negredo

    5. #Swish41
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      I'm going to hold, I imagine all will have similar returns and Aguero is easily the most explosive. Strengthen elsewhere myself (probably Zaha and Bailly in).

      Thanks all!

    6. Stinglikeabee
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      Think about Negredo but it would be a minus 8

  12. Unbowed Unbent N'Golo
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 3 days ago

    It's crazy how popular Negredo seems to have become

    1. Diva
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      Yep.

    2. Lone Wolf FPL
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      Bou + Sunderland in 1 GW. Love it.

      1. drughi
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 3 days ago

        Still 3 goals away in the last 8 and 7 goals at home in the last eight. Pretty bad record

        1. Lone Wolf FPL
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 3 days ago

          check how many goals did Spurs lost last games or think how nailed for 2x90mins Rashford is plus think who is on pens out of those 3.

    3. KUNingas
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      Discusting

    4. how now brown cow
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      Boro not renowned for attacking.

  13. Gideons Rolling Another One
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 3 days ago

    Can anyone help me out here: Who do I bench ?

    Hazard / Zaha / King / Alli / Eriksen
    Aguero / Kane / Lukaku

    All of there stats are good. The worst would probably be Hazard or Zaha ... But benching either one of them seems bonkers!

    Ahhhh ! Help please?

    1. Kryten
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      King but you have a lot of spurs so maybe eriksen

      1. Gideons Rolling Another One
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 3 days ago

        Hmm I'm trying to work out away to make sure King isn't on the bench. Have you not seen Eriksen is top for goal attempts in the last six? And high % of those were on target too?

      2. Gideons Rolling Another One
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 3 days ago

        Cheers for your thoughts of course though

  14. drughi
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 3 days ago

    Is chambers nailed on now that he is back ?

    1. Football Weekender
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      Consensus amongst Boro fans is he goes straight back into the team, but I guess we can't be certain of that.

      1. drughi
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 3 days ago

        aight, trying to find a differential to gibson

  15. Kryten
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 3 days ago

    Quick dgw and hit count?

    I am 4 dgw no hits

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

      4 - 1 hit

    2. Krafty Werks
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      5 for -8.

    3. Lumberjack
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      1 DGW 1FT. Seriously struggling over who to get in. Costa/ F Mori for ???

      1. Stinglikeabee
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 3 days ago

        Got to be Bailey or rashford

        1. Lumberjack
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 3 days ago

          Cheers. Bailly seems safest.

    4. slamdunk
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      4 and 0 hits

  16. Hibbo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 3 days ago

    Negredo.

    1. Diva
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      Puncheon.

    2. Dazzler365
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      Think he'll score more than siggy this week?

      1. Hibbo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 3 days ago

        Don't know tbh.

        Sold Siggy a while back it worked grand.

        1. Dazzler365
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 3 days ago

          Solid 2 points. This is his testimonial for me. Can't decide

  17. Mattymo23
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 3 days ago

    A) Vertonghen to Chambers
    B) Bernardo to Chambers

    A) frees up a Spurs spot allowing me to get Son or Erikson in the future
    B) gets rid of a dead player

  18. klavan
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 3 days ago

    Who scores more:
    A) Kane+King
    B) Benteke + Alli

    1. klavan
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      this week ofc

    2. Champione
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      Flip a coin. B for dgw fun 😉

    3. semiconductor
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      Id say A

  19. Fernando Torres
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 3 days ago

    A) Walker + Ibra >>> Gibson/Bailly + Kane (-4)
    B) Ibra >>> Negredo (No hit)

    I will want to get rid of Negredo next week and will also want to get in Kane and Lose Walker... Thoughts guys. More Bs than A so far!!!

    1. Unbowed Unbent N'Golo
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      If you still have your wildcard A with Gibson. If you don't, A with Bailly.

  20. OptimusBlack
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 3 days ago

    Score prediction for Liverpool v.s Crystal Palace ?

    1. Kryten
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      2 2 Liverpool fan

    2. Dazzler365
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      3-1

    3. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      2-2

    4. drughi
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      2-2

    5. diesel001
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      2-1

    6. Krafty Werks
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      2-2

    7. DV8R
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      People are just gonna put the score that suits their fantasy teams lmao.... 3-3 ofc with Zaha hattie

    8. Champione
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      1-2. Typical Liverpool to fail when top 4 chances look very good

  21. Van der Faart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 3 days ago

    Llorente and Brunt to

    A) Negredo and Darmian

    B) Rashford and Chambers/Friend/Ayala

    1. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      I should say it's for free.

      1. Lumberjack
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 3 days ago

        B with Chambers

    2. slamdunk
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      B

    1. Pirlø's Pen
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      Fk sake, just brought him in for a hit

    2. Davido989
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      Originates from The S*n. Plus Romero plays in Europe. Although, yes it seems DDG and Mourinho don't see eye to eye. Many think he'll leave this summer. But that doesn't mean he won't play.

      1. Garlana
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 3 days ago

        Let's​ hope

    3. Ibracadabra
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      That is a week old, he played against Chelsea since that article was written...

      1. Garlana
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 3 days ago

        I looked for it based on another comment some pages back, it's all i could find on it, just hoped someone on here might put me at ease

      2. Stinglikeabee
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 3 days ago

        Yes, I was just about to say the same thing.

  22. TheRealDog
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 3 days ago

    Baines vs. King (-4)?

  23. Krafty Werks
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 3 days ago

    Bench one :

    A - Sanchez
    B - Zaha
    C - Eriksen
    D - Alli
    E - Coutinho
    F - Lukaku
    G - Benteke
    H - Negredo

    Thanks.

    1. Champione
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      C

  24. Proietti
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 3 days ago

    Unfortunately I transferred in Ibrahimovic earlier in the week.

    I could transfer him out for a -4pts hit, but do have other players who can play so slightly loathed to.

    Anyone else in the same boat and if so what are you doing?

    1. Unbowed Unbent N'Golo
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      Probably going to get rid for Rashford, but am also loathe to.

      1. Proietti
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 3 days ago

        Cool, thanks for the response.

    2. Football Weekender
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      I hold my hands up here - I did the same.

      Bombed Ibra straight out for Negredo for -4. The two games helps to mitigate the hit a bit.

      1. Proietti
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 3 days ago

        That's great, thanks for the response.

  25. Assisting the assister
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 3 days ago

    Help please! 1FT so what to do with it. Keeping Kun/Kak/Kane up front I think - not yet tempted by Tekkers...but the night is young..

    Bring in....
    A. Bailly
    B. Blind

    Take out....
    C. Valencia
    D. Robertson

  26. AYLD28
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 3 days ago

    Captain:

    Negredo or Benteke?

    1. Lizard Lips
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      Easy, Negredo.

    2. Pirlø's Pen
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      Tekkers

  27. Hibbo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 3 days ago

    Wayne Hennessey.

  28. ViperStripes
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 3 days ago

    I could just not get any of Negredo/Rashford or benteke and just bench Ibra and play King.

  29. Fernando Torres
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 3 days ago

    A) Walker + Negredo
    B) Bailly + Kane (-4)

    Have WC left and want Kane soon.

    1. Guvnor
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      B

    2. The 12th Man
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      B

    3. Cheltnamshire LaLaLa
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 days ago

      B - kane could easily be top scorer this week

      1. Hibbo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 3 days ago

        How you fixed this week?

      2. Fernando Torres
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 3 days ago

        Thanks guys, surprised by this