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. Rossaldinho
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Still cannot make up my mind whether to take Oxlade out? Think he may play second game but don't have funds to upgrade so the only real option is Xhaka at 5.2m - is this a good move or should I stick with Ox and hope he plays 1 game??

    1. 32chickens
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Injured get rid

  2. ViperStripes
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    DGW keeper for 5.1 or less that's not from SOU or MCI. I already have Pickford.

    1. ChelseaGuy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Schmeichel

    2. JustPark
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Foster

  3. Rolls-Royce
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Hi.

    1. ChelseaGuy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Hello

    2. sminkypinky
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Yo!

  4. Lawrø
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Watford sure don't score many goals on the road... Chelsea don't concede much at home either...

    1. sminkypinky
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Alonso (c)?

      1. 32chickens
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Not as silly as it sounds

      2. The Rock
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        I'm really tempted.

        Probably end up playing safe with Sanchez but i might decide to risk it with Alonso Captain!

        1. sminkypinky
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          Could be the one!

      3. Lawrø
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        😉

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      They might against Chelsea reserves!

    3. Gnu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Hey Lawro,
      Pick your brain?
      Keep Huth or swap for Dawson.
      o itb.

      1. Lawrø
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Keep Huth all day long for me. You'd be banking on a Dawson goal! As Rollsroyce has said he's more likely to finish on negative points and I'd agree with that 😀

        1. Gnu
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          Cheers.....and Kone or is that a really daft question. 😆

          1. Lawrø
            • 13 Years
            8 years, 7 months ago

            😆

            1. Gnu
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 16 Years
              8 years, 7 months ago

              Thought so... 😆

  5. Sess!
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    a) Hogate > Holding
    or
    b) Alli & Holgate > Fabregas/Pedro & Kompany (-4)

    1. Hurricane Gilbert
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Can you do B with Sterling/Sané instead?

      1. Sess!
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        No too many city. I could do sane & holding or just sane?

  6. sminkypinky
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Wow! Pretty useless asking anything today!

    1. 32chickens
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Whirrrrrrr

      1. sminkypinky
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Type one question, wait for reply, two pages forward with no replies.

  7. MANGE TOUT RODNEY
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    My benchwarmers this week had better deliver!

    Cech; Kane; Hazard; Alonso

    1. sminkypinky
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Crap bench that!

  8. rnrd
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Can somebody translate Wenger here?
    "He’s got a small chance. He was not far. He practised on Tuesday but it was risky to play him at Southampton".

    I just don't understand

    The guy was not far on Tuesday (meaning he could have potentially play) and now he has a small chance against stoke?

    It sounds like his chances have decreased inbetween Wednesday and today?!

    1. GENERATION X
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Personally I'm not risking him..

    2. potatoace
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Quite.
      I whiff a bit of bs.
      He's probably almost there.

    3. Lizard Lips
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Not getting Monreal last week may haunt my season it's that close. Now my decision with Kos may be even more crucial.

  9. The Overthinker
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Best keeper below 4.4?
    Or shall i keep jaku!

  10. Liastro ⭐️
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Gabriel + Costa -> Monreal + Jesus for free?

    Yay or nay?

    1. sminkypinky
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Yay

    2. potatoace
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Yes

    3. Duffy Dunk
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      yay all the way

  11. vectorman
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Monreal for Bailly and Holding for Gabriel -8 good moves yeah?. Also have Stones, and 4.9ITB if I do the previous moves. Worth another hit or stick

    Caballero Pickford
    Bailly Gabriel Stones Stephens Yoshi
    Erik Alli King Haz Sanchez
    Kane Jesus Gabbi

    1. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Keep Bailly.

      1. 32chickens
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        This

    2. vectorman
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Not going to be Smalling and Jones? Jose has said he'll rotate

      1. DAN DARE
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Has also said Bailly will play the pl games

  12. ChelseaB123
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    A) Kosc > Holding
    Huth > Cahill (4pt hit)

    B) Kosc > Monreal

    Or shall I just stick?

    1. Duffy Dunk
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      B

      1. ChelseaB123
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Good enough for me, thanks!

  13. maxxxus
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Hi guys got money to spend on midfield

    Best mid for 5.3 m for this GW ?

    A) JWP
    B) Albrighton
    C) Matic
    D) ???

    Thanks

    1. Kun Tozser
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Have A and expecting 4 points

      1. Calibri
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Have A and expecting 2-4 points, but don't think there's a worthwhile alternative for a -4

    2. Visionaries
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      I think B for sure, was considering him myself

  14. Atimis
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    BB - GTG ??

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

    1. sminkypinky
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Very

  15. Kun Tozser
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Chasing 70....

    Captain :

    Kane
    Alonso
    David Silva

    1. 32chickens
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Alonso

    2. Amsterhammer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Kane. You need that higher points ceiling. I'm in the same boat if that helps.

  16. KLOPPTOMANIA
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    2FTs Just Gabriel and Huth out?

    Cech/Pickford
    Kompany Yoshida Stephens Huth Gabriel
    Eriksen Hazard king Sanchez Sane
    Gab Jesus Vardy

    1. sminkypinky
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Yes

  17. JustPark
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Just realise I can't have Cedric for 4.7. Any decent DGW defender for 4.7? Maxed out of City and Arsenal. Thinking of PJones or Trippier though they are unlikely to play both DGW37.
    Though, lads?

    1. ChelseaGuy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Kone maybe?

  18. potatoace
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Just remembering what happened to the last guy a captained in a DGW against STK and SUN.

    1. Fred54
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Good spot.

    2. the snazzy viking
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      They've swapped though. Stoke away and Sunderland home but I see what you mean

      1. potatoace
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Both effectively on the beach now though. Fingers crossed

    3. Sess!
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      What happened?

      1. Sess!
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Kun?

        1. potatoace
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          TC kun.

  19. smix
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Best captain ? KDB, Sanchez or Jesus ?

    1. Visionaries
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      My choice exactly, leaning towards KBD

  20. Fred54
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Was only meant to do the simple Hazard > KdB transfer, but one thing led to another and I ended up on -8.

    And I didn't even do Hazard > KdB either lol.

  21. Shack
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Chances of Gibbs playing both games?

  22. Fantasyamateur
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    What do make of these comments on Bailly?

    From Man Utds website: Mourinho on Bailly: "He has to play the remaining matches in the Premier League & give rest to some of the others"

    From Ben Dinnery: Juan Mata, Wayne Rooney, Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Martial, Michael Carrick and De Gea are all expected to start at WHL on Sunday.

    I have Bailly and not really sure about him myself..

    1. 32chickens
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Bailly being opportunely punished for being a plonk- and so he should be
      He will play

      1. Fantasyamateur
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Won´t Mourinho try to play his two defenders that he will be using in the final at some point as well? Would think f.ex Smalling and Blind would get at least two matches together if they are his preferred defenders.

  23. The Architect of Anarchy
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Are we considering anyone other than them?

    Jesus
    Hazard
    Sanchez

    1. smix
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      KDB

    2. drughi
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      as captain ? Kane surly in the mix

    3. Lizard Lips
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Sane

    4. Kun Tozser
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Silva

  24. FPL ElasticO
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    What about Kun, will he start ??? and Will this affect Jesus & KDB play time??

  25. GAMBIT
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Chance of Ake playing?
    Really don't want to take a hit getting rid of him

    1. arndff_
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      gw38 yes

  26. drughi
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Are people putting their good players on the bench so you can pretend BB was a success or the weak ones on the bench (anichebe,stephens,holgat etc)

  27. Hurricane Gilbert
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Alli & JWP to Sterling & Sané for a -8?

  28. Fred54
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Captain sensible article due?

  29. CAPTAIN CRESPO
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Leading all my leagues. Do I:

    A) Erikson > Sane (-4 hit)
    B) Hazard > KDB (-4 hit)
    C) Gabi & Erikson > Anichebe & KDB (-8 hit)
    D) No transfer

    Thanks

    1. CAPTAIN CRESPO
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      *Worried about Hazard and Erikson gametime

    2. ChelseaB123
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      D)
      don't see a need to change as you're leading

      1. CAPTAIN CRESPO
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks

  30. QPRUTD
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    I am definitely featuring on Rough with the smooth on the next scoutcast 🙁