Scout Picks
12 May 2017 2058 comments
J0E J0E
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After listing the players under consideration in our midweek Scout Squad article, the time has come to reveal who has earned a place in this week’s Scout Picks.

With ten teams playing twice, our XI is dominated by double Gameweek assets, including those between the sticks.

Stoke City’s Lee Grant, Arsenal’s Petr Cech, Fraser Forster of Southampton and Manchester United’s David De Gea have all earned double-digit FPL scores during double shifts this season so we think it’s the turn of Willy Caballero (4.8) to join their ranks.

The Manchester City stopper’s clean sheet against Crystal Palace last weekend bodes well for returns when Leicester City and West Brom, in particular, travel to the Etihad – the Baggies have only found the net in one of their last six.

Already subject to a price hike this week and with 60,000+ new managers, the cut-price Argentine is currently FPL’s most popular goalkeeping transfer target. Security of starts is also in his favour, given that his rival for a starting berth, Claudio Bravo, has been ruled out for the season through injury.

We have found further savings with two more budget rearguard assets in our team, with Southampton’s 5.5% owned Maya Yoshida (4.5) surviving today’s shakedown.

As with City, the Saints also have strong clean sheet prospects away to already-relegated Middlesbrough and home to a Manchester United team with their minds firmly fixed on their Europa League final on May 24.

Another budget defender who has earned a place is Rob Holding (4.0), who has excelled in Arsenal’s three-man defence and sits in a mere 2.0% of teams.

Arsene Wenger’s latest update on the fitness of Laurent Koscielny, who only has a “small chance” of playing away to Stoke on Saturday, has helped in our selection of the former Bolton centre-back.

Holding’s two shut-outs against Manchester United and Southampton in Gameweek 36 earned three bonus points to further strengthen his cause.

We decided to double up on Arsenal defenders, with Nacho Monreal (5.9) offering a far greater security of starts. The 5.9%-owned Spaniard has started Arsenal’s last ten, picking up four clean sheets, as well as an assist and maximum bonus against Leicester in Gameweek 34.

Our four-man backline is completed by Tottenham’s Jan Vertonghen (5.8), who also takes on a Europa-focused Manchester United side, as well as facing a trip to Leicester. Given that the Foxes have found the net ten times in their last six, it is the Red Devils home clash where we are most confident of clean sheet returns for the 7.1%-owned Belgian.

The United match will be Spurs’ last at White Hart Lane which we think will give Mauricio Pochettinho’s troops added motivation – even if their Premier League title dreams are shattered by Chelsea securing top spot with a win at West Brom tonight.

The savings made by opting for a 4-3-3 line-up mean we can afford two of FPL’s most expensive and potentially explosive midfielders, Kevin De Bruyne (10.4) and Alexis Sanchez (11.6).

Of this premium pair, City’s schemer has the greater form, averaging 8.5 FPL points per match over his last four on the back of four assists and a goal. Little wonder, then, that De Bruyne is this week’s most popular midfield transfer target, acquired by over 95,000+ managers.

His Etihad opponents, West Brom and Leicester, have conceded seven times each over their last six to add to our confidence.

Arsenal’s top scorer may lack the same form, with two goals in eight, but he has far superior fixtures to merit his inclusion and a late surge into second place in our latest Captain Poll.

The 28.2%-owned Chilean travels to a Stoke side that has shipped eight in their last six, and then hosts a Sunderland team that has seen their net breached nine times over the same period.

When it comes to value in midfield, Bournemouth’s Josh King, who was initially priced at 5.5 and still only costs 6.2, is in a class of his own. He’s netted 15 times this campaign and a home tie against a Burnley outfit that has conceded 33 times on the road has ensured the Norwegian takes his place as one of only two single-Gameweek representatives in our XI.

The other is Romelu Lukaku (10.2), who has 16 goals at home and hosts a Watford side that has shipped 10 over their last four away trips. We are anticipating heartbreak for the 199,000+ FPL managers who have discarded him this week ahead of tonight’s Goodison Park clash.

The Toffees talisman forms part of an expensive three-man frontline that includes Harry Kane (11.7), who should still be motivated by a late charge for the Golden Boot regardless of Chelsea’s possible title wrap-up. With 21 strikes this season, the 19.9%-owned striker is currently just three behind Lukaku.

Given that only five of his goals have come on the road it is that White Hart Lane finale, against Manchester United, where we are most hopeful of returns.

However, as Leicester could be without Wes Morgan and possibly his central defensive partner Robert Huth due to injury, Kane’s visit to the King Power stadium could also prove fruitful.

Another forward that may benefit from the Foxes’ injury problems at the back is our captain poll leader Gabriel Jesus (8.9), who takes on Craig Shakespeare’s troops before the Baggies drop by next Tuesday.

The Manchester City striker’s four goals and two assists across seven matches suggest he will reward our faith. With a relatively modest 10.3% ownership, he looks a shrewd differential armband option for those chasing in their mini-leagues.

A trip to the Etihad following tonight’s visit from a title-charging Chelsea means we are not anticipating clean sheet returns for West Brom’s Craig Dawson (4.8). But with four goals this season, including a strike at Burnley last weekend, he is worth a bench role in our picks as Tony Pulis looks to utilise the 2.3%-owned defender’s threat at set-pieces for the Baggies’ tough pair of matches.

If, as expected, the Blues wrap up the title at The Hawthorns, our midfield substitute Cesc Fabregas (6.9) could be handed a start for the London side’s second fixture, at home to Watford. With 13 assists in just 11 starts, the Spanish creator looks primed for points should he be afforded more minutes. A mere 2.6% ownership makes him another potentially savvy differential option.

Our final substitute has motivation in abundance, even if he only has the single fixture. Swansea City desperately need to win at Sunderland to continue their fight to stay in the Premier League, so their 6.4%-owned Spanish striker Fernando Llorente (6.1) will need to maintain the fine recent form that has seen him score twice in his last three.

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.

Last week’s champion, Coleymc3, was beaten 80-55 by the Scouts.

This week’s champion, QPRUTD, has opted for a 3-4-3 line-up of: Cech; Alonso, Davies, Gibbs; Hazard, Sane, Son, Albrighton; Costa, Jesus, Kane.

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

  1. Lizard Lips
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Koscielney:
    (A) Keep
    (B) Holding
    (C) Monreal
    (D) Mustafi
    (E) Kompany

    Or
    (F) Hazard to KDB

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

      E

    2. Chucky
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      A

    3. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Yeah E or A

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

      E

    5. Lizard Lips
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Thanks chaps. Kompany is very tempting given his goal threat. Minutes are a slight concern.

    6. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      C. Monreal can score and if Kos comes back Mon stays and a healthy Kos increases Monreal's Cleanie chances

      1. Fpl Richie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Monreal hasn't scored all season has he?

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

          Not in the league, but he scored in the FA Cup semi

    7. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I definite would not keep him if you are bench boosting. Lose two cleanies and thus 12 points

  2. Gooner97
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    I'd really think to captain Sanchez but that match vs Stoke is not tempting me...

    1. Da Funk
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      What are your other options?

      1. Gooner97
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Kane, Jesus, Hazard and Sterling

        1. Miguel Sanchez
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          14 away goals this season for Sanchez

          1. Gooner97
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 1 month ago

            Yup, but we never played great at Stoke in the last year tbh

    2. Da Funk
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I'd say it's between him & Jesus then. As a Gooner has to be Alexis for you then!

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

      Sanchezzzzz!
      Kane has a tough second match and Jesus looked a little more of an enabler last week

  3. Delhidynamo
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    BB team (-8)
    Willy Pick
    Stephens Luiz Holding Gibbs Davies
    Sanchez Hazard Sane Eriksen King
    Jesus Kane Gabbi

    All good?

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

      Yes! Very!

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

    Who will get more points in GW37?

    A) Rashford

    B) Anichebe

    1. Gooner97
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      B

    2. 32chickens
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      A

    3. My Name Is Pepu
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Easy, B

    4. Rover
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      B. Even with 2 blanks and a yellow card.
      Rashford limited to sub appearances at most

  5. Haz84
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Hazrad , Zaha , Gabriel ---- KDB , Fabregas , Mustafi
    for -4
    Yes or No ?

    1. Wimmer winner chicken dinne…
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      yes

  6. Darklord_bg
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Bottomed again.

    Hazard&Gabbi to Jesus&Sane for -4?
    Thanks.

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

      I think yes.

  7. KLOPPTOMANIA
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Bottomed.

    Please pick me a 4.5 defender.

    Have Holding, Yoshida, Stephens,

    3 Man City, 3 Ars, 3 Soton

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

      Holgate or kone

  8. wanderlei94
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    pls
    cabelero/pickford
    Belaouane/Montréal/stefens/davies/alonzo
    Haz/sanchez/sane/sterling/eriksen
    Kane/anichibe/gabbani

    I use Bench boost or tc for sanchez??

  9. The Yorkshire Pirlo
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    HOLDING OR GIBBS? ARGHHHH

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

      G

  10. sminkypinky
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Hola!
    Too risky?

    Gabriel, Haz, Gabbi -> Kompany, Fab, Jesus -4?

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

      Anyone? Hit to take Haz out...?

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

        nah you will regret it

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

          Damn chucky! Not what i wanted to hear...

  11. Prison Mike
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Best move this week ? (Have Cech & Cabellero)

    A) Koscielny -> Monreal/Mustafi/Kompany

    B) Koscielny & Pedro -> Holding & Sane (-4)

    C) Save FT - Hope Koscielny plays

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

      A with Komp

      1. Prison Mike
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers

  12. Zlat-man
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    A) keep Hazard
    B) replace with kdb (as haz might be rested once league is won)

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

      Replace is chasing, stick if not, any help below? Cheers!

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

    Got to shift Gabriel for a hit and I am chasing, what do you think to these options;
    A: Cedric (already have double SOT)
    B: Dawson (poor fixtures but goal threat)
    C: Gibbs (tempting but assume not nailed)
    D: Smith (single GW but good chance of returns)
    As I am chasing I am really tempted by A and going for triple defensive minded Saints against a shot shy Boro and distracted United - crazy???

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

      Just crazy enough. Go big or go home!

    2. Zlat-man
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Why not holding?

    3. The Rock
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Bit too crazy for me.

      I'd go for Gibbs as i don't think Wenger will change his defense much after 2 clean sheets. Kos will probably come in for Holding and that's it imo. Slight risk but you're chasing.

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

      I would go Gibbs out of those

  14. Davido989
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Best 5m defender differential, PVA?

    1. Gooner97
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Davies

    2. 32chickens
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Young rags defender.....

  15. Da Funk
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Level on points in my mini-league.
    He will BB this week, I have triple captain.

    Do I play it safe and TC Jesus or put it on KDB who he doesn't own?

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

      KDB

  16. Sid07
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    BB active and have 2fts
    1) blind + holgate to Ben Davies + holding
    2) gabbidani + blind to anchiebe + monreal
    3) king + blind to albrigton + monreal

  17. The Rock
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Cabarello, Pickford
    Alonso, Yoshida, Gabriel, Blind, Holgate
    Hazard, Sanchez, Sane, Kine, JWP
    Kane, Costa, Gabbi

    2 FT and 0 in the bank. How does the below 4 point hit look?

    Kane > Jesus
    Gabriel > Monreal
    Blind > Kompany

    1. The Welsh Xavi
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Latter 2 moves look good but not sure about getting rid of Kane... any other way of raising the funds?

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

      Kane in, Haz out to fund moves?

      1. The Rock
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Could take an 8 point hit on:

        Gabbi > Jesus
        Gabriel > Gibbs
        Blind > Kompany
        Hazard > Fabregas

  18. The Welsh Xavi
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Cech, Caballero

    Alonso, Monreal, Vertonghen, Stephens, Holgate

    Sanchez, Alli, Hazard, Sane, king

    Kane, jesus, Barnes

    £0.0 ITB

    A) Hazard + Sane -> KDB + Fabregas for a -4?
    B) Save FT
    C) Any other ideas?

    Thanks in advance!

    1. Disco Pat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      The Welsh Xavi
      I just sold eriksen and alli for kdb and cesc.
      Now leaves me with
      Sanchez king hazard cesc and kdb.
      I'd be thinking A in your case but what other midfielders have You? Be shame to lose hazard as I think he'll play both and do well in both.

  19. pedro-tacuara
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Hazard > Sané madness?

    1. Sᴄʜᴜ̈RRʟᴇ ⓝ
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Yes... eating your own faeces sort of crazy.

    2. 32chickens
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      No and spend those monies

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

      A move I want to make but I have Koscielney so feel I have to prioritise that.

  20. Connor's Calling
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    I'm surprised Gibbs isnt getting more attention over Holding...?

    Doesnt Wenger love him and they've kept 2 consec clean sheets with him in?

    Who's everyone gone for?

    1. VS10_
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      You could also argue that Holding has 4/4 wins since going 3 atb.

  21. AC Tomasso
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    best chelsea mid choice after Hazard?

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

      Pedro

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

      Alonso

    3. OptimusBlack
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      FAB

    4. 32chickens
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Fab

      1. AC Tomasso
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Now Kante's back, who would make way, Fab or Pedro?

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

          unfortunately fab...

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

          Both one game

  22. Vinyl78LP
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Looking forward to 7.00pm for that one player in tears because he was being a smart *rse and put big hitters on the bench but failed to activate BB.

  23. SBM
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Have i made a mistake by still have 3 SGW players after WC last week? Holgate, T.Carroll and King all have good fixtures and not sure I can see a better alternative.

    0.2 itb and 3 City, Arsenal & Chelsea already

    1. Disco Pat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      SBM
      I've 12 dgw with lukaku holgate and king and I'm ok with that. Last week dgw showed doesn't always mean big pts - gabbi got 4pts!!

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

        Yeah, other than King they are dirt cheap and I can't see any options that will get significantly more. Tom Carroll assist is gonna fly in to win me my ML!

        1. Disco Pat
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Go on Tom Carroll
          best of luck with your mini league this weekend.
          I'm looking to get to second in one and 9th in the other. Will be good finishes after a terrible start this year.

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

    Koscielny -> Holding mad? Still have AOA and could collect money so I could upgrade Anichebe for GW38

    1. Lizard Lips
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Not mad at all. Smart move if Kos is out. Would love to have firm info on Kos.

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

        Yep Im waiting same

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

      No brainer

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

        Joke

  25. OptimusBlack
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    If You Have Both Monreal & Yoshi ...Who Would Get ?
    With 4.3 M
    A- Holding
    B- Stephens

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

      I'm struggling with the same issue. Who's the more likely to get 2 clean sheets? probably A, just. Who's more likely to start both games B for sure

  26. FPL ElasticO
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    What chances are there that these player start both the matches???

    Kosc
    Hazard

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      25%
      85%

  27. JamieLauLFC
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Who to captain this week?

    a) Hazard
    b) KDB
    c) Kane
    d) Alonso
    e) Alli

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      D - carpe diem

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

      Kane out of those

    3. jiGGidyJ1
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      D

    4. Visionaries
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      With no Sanchez it has to be B

  28. Atimis
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Recon GTG?

    Pick Willy
    Alonso Monreal Yoshida Holgate Davies
    (c)Sanchez Hazard Eriksen King Sane
    Kane Jesus Gabbi

    Bench boost !!!

  29. ★Kuntheman★
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    You know what lads, I've had it on Jesus(c) all week. I feel like I'd be doing a disservice to myself if I switched it now. I'm sticking with it. Maybe Aguero will increase his chances.

    Wish me luck...

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

      Good luck, not a bad choice by any means.

      Captain choice is always 50% luck anyway.

  30. FPL Puppy
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Was just going to ask "Lukaku -> Jesus for free?" but then both are in the Scout Picks 😆

    Still a good move? Or just keep?