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. #Swish41
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Best non-DGW captain?

    1. marquinhos
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Kaku imo

      1. #Swish41
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Good shout!

    2. diesel001
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      King

      1. #Swish41
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Damn, also good shout..but Lukaku is probably best! My DGW of Zaha, Barragan and Bailly don't feel like captain material!

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

      Kane

    4. Pirlø's Pen
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Hazard

    5. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Kane or Lukaku the frontrunners

    6. kalmoffit
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Lukaku

    7. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      King from those playing at the weekend only

    8. Hairy Potter
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Lukaku

    9. #Swish41
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Thanks all. Lukaku probably the safe choice!

      1. ljuta zena
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Firmino

  2. ADucksBehind
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Fellow people with a WC, Triple Captain and a Bench Boost left. When are you planning on playing them?

    1. #Swish41
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      See a couple down. Reply fail for me

      1. ADucksBehind
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        I like that idea!

    2. semiconductor
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      For sure BB on gw37. Im not sure wether to play WC on gw35 or 36

    3. Rui
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      WC - GW35 (next week)
      TC - GW36
      BB - GW37

      ...is what I'm doing. Although TC on Aguero or Sanchez in GW37 is very tempting!

      1. ADucksBehind
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        I think I'll do that too. Triple captain Kane vs West Ham for a nice Friday night treat

    4. Vratislaviensis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      GW37 - BB
      GW38 - TC
      WC already taken 🙂

  3. denial
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Valencia to Bailly for free?

    1. La Roja
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Lol

      1. Jazz!
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Bailly will play both, Valencia 95% won't.

        1. Arctic monkeys
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Why 95%

      2. denial
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Genuinely don't know how to use FT!

        Heaton

        Alonso Maguire Valencia

        Zaha Alli De Roon Siggy

        Kun Luk Kane

        1. Champione
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Siggy > Liverpool mid /Özil

          1. Champione
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 1 month ago

            or Heaton > Hennessey/DDG

    2. Jazz!
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Yes.

    3. ViperStripes
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      If you still have WC yes, if you don't no.

    4. Pirlø's Pen
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Probably not, no.

  4. grapesland
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Pssst..

    Lukaku is named in the article picks while in the sidebar Benteke is instead..

    1. diesel001
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      dial-up?

    2. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      This was noted on the first page, not fixed by the editors yet.

      1. diesel001
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        It is. Lukaku on both the side bar and in the article.

        1. Nomar
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Good spot, sir.

  5. #Swish41
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    WC 36, BB 37 but no TCfor me. If I did, would WC 35, TC, 36, BB 37

    1. #Swish41
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Reply fail!

      1. Ibracadabra
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        The thing is I have CP and MANU assets I want to keep for 35 with some nice fixtures, and don't want to buy Arsenal assets for 35 (at TOT), but maybe I can utilize a -4 in 36 for the TC and BB in 37... it's tough.

        If I WC next week then I would keep Siggy this week vs buying Zaha for example, etc.

  6. The Tinkerman
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Captain?

    A) Negredo
    B) Benteke
    C) Zaha
    D) Kane

    1. Oven Glover
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      B

      1. The Tinkerman
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        3 goals in last 4, tough opposition too. But then Remy is back and Sam suggested he will get some minutes.

    2. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      D
      A
      B
      C

    3. Hairy Potter
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      B

    4. Pirlø's Pen
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Gut says B, what I, currently on too.

      1. The Tinkerman
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        I'm also on B for now, tempted to gamble on A though... Given the size of my hit this week.

    5. kalmoffit
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      A

  7. slamdunk
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Sterling to anyone worth a -4?

    Sanchez/siggy/alli/sterling/
    t.davies
    1.8m itb

    Many thanks

    1. korbendallas82
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Sterling, can keep him. United defencive problems gw34. City good fixture run after that, plus Dgw, 37. Plus he is a stable point picker.

  8. The Bandit
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Chelsea, Arsenal or Man City for 37/38? Arse have the advantage of a dgw 36 but City and chelsea better fixtures after 😕

    1. Rainer
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Alonso & Hazard.
      Gabriel (?) & Sanchez.
      Stones (?) & Sane.

    2. Football Weekender
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Chelsea look the pick of the bunch in my opinion, particularly if the league goes down to the wire. I can't wait to get Hazard in for those last three games!

    3. Syd.
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Too soon to answer that

      A lot will depend on what each team has to play for

    4. pundit of punts
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Get all 3 if you have WC.

    5. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      id only want 1 of sanchez/wally/ozil
      3 city, 2 che....
      depends on cash, im strapped guv

      1. The Bandit
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        I'm filthy rich, looking at Wally and Sanchez for 36 but would prefer Chelsea after, already own Alonso, Aguero, Sane

        1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          i hate you 😉

  9. Rainer
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    How are we set for tomorrow?

    Captain Negredo doesn't fill me with confidence...

    1. diesel001
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Negredo(c) - time to gamble IMO. Stuani could easily be the one who scores though.

    2. CloudSky
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Debating whether to join you by ditching Kun. Not confident in ditching, nor keeping.

      1. Nomar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Have a word with yourself, man!

        Don't be ditching Kun for Negredo.

      2. Rainer
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Only reason I got Negredo was cause I had Barnes.

        Wouldn't be shifting Kun, Kane, Kaku etc... for him.

        1. CloudSky
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Have all three but want to get in on some dgw action =) Jesus close too. 🙂

    3. liiusions
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      At least getting Negredo(c) in didn't cost you -8 😆

      1. Rainer
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        I hope he repays it for you in abundance!

    4. Captain Blanks
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      How about Negrredo TC?

      1. Rainer
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        I'd still be tempted by Sanchez in 36 if I still had it.

  10. ViperStripes
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    a) Bench Ibra, Play King
    b) Get one of Negredo or Rashford which could work spectacularly well or backfire

    1. Hairy Potter
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      A

    2. liiusions
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      B, Ibras gotta go eventually

    3. The Tinkerman
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      B, Ibra is probably out for season, might as well get rid in a DGW.

    4. Krafty Werks
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      B and captain your choice, Negredo for me.

  11. Espen8
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Any Rojo news?

    1. liiusions
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Not good from the sound of things

      1. Espen8
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        But how long? Considering Blind

    2. The Tinkerman
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I watched him get stretchered off then hobble very gingerly away from the press gang with a heavy limp after saying he is 'fine'. Seriously doubt he is. Got him in for -4 before the game though, so holding till next week in some vague hope he isn't out for the season.

  12. KUNingas
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Lanzini -> Townsend (-4) or save?
    Have Zaha and Lanzini would be on bench

  13. EL_FENOMENO
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Who should i play :
    a) Vertonghen (cry)
    b) Friend (bou SUN)

    Have Gibson as well.

    1. liiusions
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      B, live a little

    2. Hairy Potter
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Friend

    3. FPLtfs
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      b

  14. Hairy Potter
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Need to bench one of the below

    A) Schlupp
    B) Valencia
    C) Siggy

    Which one?

    1. liiusions
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      A, think he'll only start 1

    2. UnitedFan
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      A

    3. kalmoffit
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      A

    4. semiconductor
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      A i guess

    5. Hairy Potter
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Thanks

  15. liiusions
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Team for this week is:

    Jaku
    Gibson J.Ward Valencia
    Sanchez Alli Eriksen Zaha Townsend
    Kane Negredo(c)
    (Mannone Alonso Naughton A.Carroll)
    6m ITB
    Taken a -8 due to Ibra shinanigans, would you just pull the WC trigger or stick with the GW36 plan? Cheers

    1. ratski
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I was in the same boat and then thought what's the point of taking a -8, might as well use wc to setup your team best you can now and take a hit towards gw37 if you really had to

  16. Holy1
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    HI
    I NEED TO BENCH ONE
    .................
    ERIKSEN
    ALI
    COUTINHO
    VARDY
    SIGGI

    1. Rainer
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Nightmare but Vardy.

    2. Hairy Potter
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Siggy

    3. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Tough, but Vardy

    4. Pirlø's Pen
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Sigg

    5. kalmoffit
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      C

    6. Krafty Werks
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      50/50 Vardy/Siggy...toss a coin.

    7. Holy1
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Thanks guys

  17. MMN
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Walcott likely to start vs Leicester midweek?

    How many of the last 7 games do you reckon he'll start?

    1. Champione
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      5

      1. MMN
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Which do you expect him to miss out on?

  18. semiconductor
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Quick questions please.

    1. Bench siggy or de roon?
    2. Captain kane or negredo?

    1. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      de Roon
      Kane

    2. UnitedFan
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      de Roon
      Kane

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

      1. Bench De Roon
      2. Negredo (c)

    4. Hairy Potter
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Bench DR and captain Kane

    5. Krafty Werks
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      De Roon, Negredo.

    6. semiconductor
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I guess most are with benching de roon and captaining kane. Thank you everyone

    7. semiconductor
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Maybe the captain thing is still a debate

  19. Harper_
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone BBoosting?

    1. Captain Blanks
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Thinking about it. Might be a -8/12 though 🙁

  20. TeddiPonza
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Going to use my FT on Zlatan to captain Negredo.

    Which option is best:

    A. No other transfers and play Robertson
    B. Fletcher to Townsend (-4) and use AoA chip
    C. Baines to Bailly (-4)

    Thanks...

  21. Differentiator
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Grant + Brunt -> Guzan + Blind?

  22. For Fuchs Sake
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Origi to Negredo
    McAuley to Gibson
    Capoue to Zaha
    All for-4?

    Grant
    Pieters Holebas Valencia
    Eriksen Sanchez King Alli (c)
    Kaku Origi Kun

    Pickford Olsson McAuley Capoue

  23. jackhammer1
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Bottomed
    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

  24. Mattymo23
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Thoughts would be much appreciated.

    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

  25. Revival
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Damn it, been swayed towards getting in Negredo now

  26. KUNingas
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    A) Eriksen + Rashford/Negredo (-4)
    B) Lanzini + Kane

    Have Alli already

    1. Mesh
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Kane is essential for me

    2. UnitedFan
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      B

  27. Nomar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Earlier this week I thought Negredo was going to be a good DGW choice.

    Now I get the feeling it's going to end spectacularly. In tears!

  28. Kun Tozser
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone doing Ibra > Jesus?

  29. @fpl_phenom
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Am I missing anything glaring from this wc team?

    -------------DDG-----------------------
    GIBSON BAILLY Alonso
    ZAHA Sanchez Hazard Eriksen
    RASHFORD (C) BENTEKE Kane
    --------------------------------------------
    Pickford King Vertonghen Stephens

    GTG this week?

    Benteke and Zaha andgivson will become Gabbi and Sane and Yoshida for GW36/37

  30. Clifford☯
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Valencia ➡ Bailly for free.

    Yes or No ?

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

      No, Valencia could play both

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

        Also Citeh will score and BUR away is also tricky

        1. Clifford☯
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Cheers.

    2. @fpl_phenom
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      What?? Definitely do it, no way Valencia plays both after extra time last night