Scout Picks

Scout Picks – Gameweek 7

Our Friday continues with the announcement of those players who make the cut from our midweek Scout Squad article to earn a place in the Gameweek 7 Scout Picks.

Injury worries have forced us to rethink our original plans regarding Manchester United defensive cover for the visit of Crystal Palace to Old Trafford on Saturday.

With Jose Mourinho revealing that Scout Picks stalwart Phil Jones remains a major doubt, we have instead turned to the next cheapest assured starter among the Red Devils’ rearguard, David De Gea (5.6).

Given that the Eagles have yet to score this season and United have only conceded in one fixture, away to Stoke City in Gameweek 4, we are optimistic that the Spaniard will serve up another shutout.

For the third week in a row we have opted for a cost-effective four-man backline to free up cash for key premium striker targets.

This week’s defensive quartet features players with a price tag of less than 6.0 who all offer the possibility of points at both ends of the pitch.

No defender has created more chances than Spurs’ Ben Davies (5.7), who has also racked up two double-digit returns this season on the back of a pair of assists and a goal. A visit to a Huddersfield Town side that has conceded in two of their last three matches and only scored once over that period earns the Welsh wing-back his berth.

Second to Davies in terms of chance creation among defenders is West Ham’s Aaron Cresswell (5.0) who joins our XI for an enticing home clash with a Swansea side that has failed to find the net on four occasions this term.

Although Paul Clement’s troops have yet to concede on their travels, they have the second worst record in terms of conceding penalty area shots on the road. This further strengthens Cresswell’s case for inclusion, given that he is the top defender for both crosses and successful crosses since taking up a wing-back role in Gameweek 4.

Hector Bellerin (5.9) is currently Arsenal’s most creative defender, with seven key passes. His two bonus points earned from Monday’s home clash with West Brom also enhances his case for inclusion ahead of Brighton’s visit.

A very strong chance of a clean sheet also drives the Spaniard’s selection with the Seagulls without their only fit centre-forward Tomer Hemed; he sits out the first of a three-match ban.

West Brom’s Craig Dawson (5.0) takes our final defensive spot ahead of a visit from Watford. The Hornets may have scored six on the road but their hosts have been resilient at The Hawthorns, conceding only once in three fixtures and the fewest big chances in the league. With four successful strikes in each of his previous two campaigns, Dawson also offers us the outside chance of a goal.

Picks regular Mohamed Salah (9.2), who is the top-rated midfielder for goal attempts, close range efforts and shots on target, remains in our favour. The Liverpool winger – who has scored four goals already – drops by St James’ Park to take on a Newcastle United side that has conceded in two of their three home matches.

Dele Alli (9.5) is another goal scoring midfielder who looks impossible to omit, having recorded two goals and as many assists ahead of a trip to Huddersfield for Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off.

Ideally, we would have included Alexandre Lacazette (10.3) as our Arsenal attacking coverage for Brighton’s visit, as the Frenchman has scored four on home turf in the league.

But that lofty price is too much of a stretch for our 83 million budget, so we have instead opted for his midfield team-mate Aaron Ramsey (7.0). The Welshman has produced points in all three of his Emirates outings and has registered 13 shots, one more than his French colleague.

Stoke’s Eric Choupo-Moting (5.6) comes into our thinking as a budget option. Since cementing a starting berth in Gameweek 2 he has emerged as the top midfielder for aerial efforts on goal and hosts a Southampton side that has conceded more headers than any other team. Only Salah boasts more penalty area shots this season among midfielders.

Harry Kane’s (12.5) recent away form demands our attention, with the Spurs talisman scoring an incredible 19 times in his last nine road trips for club and country. Huddersfield may have kept four clean sheets this term, but they have yet to face the force of nature that is Kane.

Another shoo-in is Manchester United’s Romelu Lukaku (11.7) who sits at the summit of our Captain Poll ahead of Crystal Palace’s visit for good reason. The Eagles have given up an average of 17 shots away from home this season, while the Belgian marksman has scored nine times in all competitions since joining the Red Devils in the summer.

Our first bench spot is handed to Leicester defender Harry Maguire (5.1), who is one of the top five defenders in terms of earning baseline bonus points per minute. He travels to a Bournemouth side that has the second-worst goal attempt tally this campaign, with only Swansea mustering fewer efforts.

Liverpool’s dire defensive performances this season earn Newcastle’s set-piece specialist Matt Ritchie (6.0) a place on the bench ahead of the Reds’ visit on Sunday. We are confident he can add to his four assists as Jurgen Klopp’s troops have shipped ten on the road, the joint worst record along with West Ham.

Our final substitute is Andy Carroll (5.9). The Hammers switch to a wing-back system should supply him with plenty of crosses against Paul Clement’s side. But it’s Carroll’s record against the Swans that really appeals – in eight Premier League outings against the Welsh club, Carroll has scored five goals and assisted three more.

The 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.

This week’s champion is Ringwraith, who has opted for a 3-4-3 line up of: Hart; Kolasinac, Alonso, Monreal; Eriksen, Mkhitaryan, Sigurdsson, Redmond; Calvert-Lewin, Lukaku, Lacazette.

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

1,795 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Garfield1001
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Is there any truth in Jones potentially being Ok?

    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Potentially.

    2. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      He wouldn't be pictured at team hotel with bag in hand if he was injured so quite likely he will play

  2. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    If only I could be sure of who starts as striker for Saints this week?

    Could be mint.

    1. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      They create nothing tho!

      1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        They do actually and are playing a bunch of crocked old ladies this week.

  3. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Ogbonna or simpson ? Any other 4.5 defence suggestions is welcome

    1. FPL ZB
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Would he start tomorrow on the -100 or reset?

  4. FPL ZB
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Can you have a double fall!? Aguero on -200!!

    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Max of 0.1

      1. FPL ZB
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Would he start tomorrow on the -100 or reset?

        1. Epic Fail
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Gets reset. The transfers are lost.

        2. Fred54
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Reset.

  5. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Doctor Jones, Jones,
    Calling Doctor Jones
    Doctor Jones, Doctor Jones,
    Get up now
    Wake up now

    1. KingNidge
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      What a tune 🙂

  6. Bald Eagle
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Who to get for Mendy up to 6.4M for next few GWs, already own Bavies and Kola?

    A Bellerin
    B Monreal
    C Cresswell
    D Cedric
    E Anyone else?

    Thanks all.

    1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      A Southampton defender looks a good shout for GW8-11

      1. Bald Eagle
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks mate. Appreciate the tip.

  7. Wild Rover
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Wouldn't be the first time Mourinho said Jones was out in the game before International break then started him

    1. R.C
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      So he wont play for England even if he starts against Palace?

    2. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      True that

    3. Chenku╰☆╮
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      he wont start imo.. keep hoping.

  8. Garfield1001
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Play Lowe or transfer Jones out for a -4 (Bellerin or Kola)

    Probably wildcarding next week.

    Opinions appreciated

    1. LeicesterA
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Play Lowe. Unless the get attacking returns, best you can do is break even.

  9. gawa11
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    I have Jones and 1 ft, c Clarke on the bench, transfer or keep the transfer for the IB?

    1. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Jones may be fine.
      Keep

    2. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Jones will start I reckon but be withdrawn with Alice early cs to avoid International duty 😉

      1. Wild Rover
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Alice? 😀

        *a nice

      2. Chenku╰☆╮
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        he wont start.. lets bet.. loser stays logged off for a day.

  10. FPL Pillars
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Captain whom:

    A)Kane
    B)Laca
    C)Lukaku

    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Just go with the poll.

      1. FPL Pillars
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Was going RLC (c) but he's injured 🙁

    2. golden skulltula 69
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I'm with Lukaku

  11. LeicesterA
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Anyone with Watford knowledge able to say how likely Marriappa is to start?

    1. R.C
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      They have 4 CBs to choose from

      But Marriappa may start cause others may lack form/fitness/no game time in previous GWs

      Not 100% sure

    2. GHB
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      He after performance last week.

      Britos back but I think Marriapa should keep place this week

  12. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    How many games are folks planning to watch this weekend? I think I might target all 6 - Spurs, Manutd, Chelsea Saturday, Arsenal, Burnley, Liverpool Sunday. Have at least 1 player in all 6 televised games, good times! (Or more likely - bad times)

    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I'll probably give the Everton game a miss.

  13. jurgenklopp.8
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Ddg
    Monreal Hegazi Cedric
    Alli brady choupo mhki
    Kane (C) Jesus firmino

    Elliot - carroll - TAA - rosenoir £2.1 itb, 1ft

    tempted by brady > ramsey or firmino > laca??

    Also, would you wildcard this team over the international break? rank is 3.2 mil...

  14. # Young Gun SEAMUS #
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    which is best option for this week

    1.laca and ramsey
    2.laca and bellerin
    3.laca and bailly
    4.laca and tripper ( already have davies )..

    1. Begbie.
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      2.

    2. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      2 or 3

  15. Kingtekkerz
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Is it worth holding on to Jones now with his possibility of playing?

    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      If he might play, yeah.

    2. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Yes

    3. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I highly recommend keeping

  16. the axolotl
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    if anyone's ever seen "escape to victory", it's pretty obvious you can soldier on with a broken rib, even with nazis boxing u in the gut. pele was well able!

    is kun a bit of a wuss?

  17. JurgenRodgers
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Just took a -8
    Mendy/Chalabah/Aguero out
    Cresswell/Ramsey/Morata in...
    Biggest hit iv took in a normal week but needs a must...onwards

  18. Lingardium Leviosa.
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Jesus >
    A) Vardy
    B) Laca

  19. Teror
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    One week punt, already have Kane:

    A. Alli

    B. Ramsey

    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Take a punt.

      1. Teror
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        I'm trying to. Please answer the question and I will be able to.

    2. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Alli

    3. Nascimento
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Alli

  20. @persecuted_by_mods
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Hoedt nailed for Southampton?

    • Boxwoods
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Hegazi, Cedric, Daniels: Bench one (and why).

      Currently thinking Ced (WBA home; Daniels attacking threat; Forster in goal)

      1. Balls of Steel
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Daniels

        1. Boxwoods
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          rationale?

    • jay01
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Aguero to Jesus or Laca? One will result in no coverage in the others team

      1. The Polymath
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Jesus, good fixtures compared to Laca and should be a shoe in now.

        1. *Reformed-Character*
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Laca has great fixtures ....

      2. Weasel Boy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Laca
        Don't see many goals in the Chelsea v City game.

    • For Fuchs Sake
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Mbemba or Naughton?

    • SALVA
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      What to do with this lot?

      Foster
      Naughton, Jones, Yoshida
      RLC, Salah, Silva, Alli
      Kane, Lukaku, Firmino

      1. The Count of Monte Cristo
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        How many FT's? Looks G2G tbh.

        1. SALVA
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Sorry 1FT and planning to.wC next week.

    • The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Admit it, the first thing you thought of when hearing of Aguero's crash was that your FPL forwards selection problem had become easier to sort out.

      1. @persecuted_by_mods
          6 years, 8 months ago

          It was the second thing after hoping he was ok

          1. Rik Waller
            • 6 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Haha you fibber

        • The Count of Monte Cristo
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Such is the world we live in 😀

        • Wild Rover
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Hardly, I owned him and had already taken a hit 🙄

        • Cok3y5murf
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          No, just wanted to read the whole story

      2. AF90
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Is Aguero -> Vardy stupid?

        Own Lukaku, can't afford Kane. Would open up possibility of getting Hazard as a differential GW8 rather than Morata.

        1. Spokey
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          I like it. Vardy has played trough pain before. Good fixtures also.

        2. jay01
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          I'd do kun to Morata

          1. AF90
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Yeah I took Morata out last week & that's the move I'll make if I don't do Vardy. It's the safe one.

        3. Delph & Safety
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Lacazette? I don’t think going to Vardy is a stupid move. I think I will go to lukaku as I already have aguero and Kane but I’m planning to wildcard GW8

          1. AF90
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Was planning Firmino -> Vardy this week so would have both, could always do Firmino -> Morata next week if I change my mind.

          2. AF90
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Don't fancy Lacazette, just personal preference. Already wildcarded too. Had a poor start so Vardy/Hazard differentials could help me catch up but also aware it could go very wrong!

            1. Delph & Safety
              • 6 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              Yeah I get what your saying, hazard and Vardy have very nice fixtures. Let’s hope hazard doesn’t do too well against City to push up those transfers in

      3. Spokey
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        What transfers do you recommend? Im thinking about Lowe to Martina or Chalobah to King.

        1FT, 0.2ITB

        Foster
        Alonso - Bellerin - Bavies
        Eriksen - Mhki - Gros - T.Carroll
        Kane - Lukaku - Vardy

        Bench: Elliot - Lowe - Mbemba - Chalobah

        1. Hardly Athletic
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Save transfer

      4. Sim Simma
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Kane, Lukaku or Morata as Captain ? Inclined to Captain one of Lukata due to TV schedule

        1. Epic Fail
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Go with the poll.

      5. El Matador
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        I'm scared of Harry Kane

        1. Epic Fail
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          And to think, that's his real face.

        2. Fred54
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          I wouldn't worry, brought him back.

          Owned him for 4 out of his 6 blanks.

        3. The Polymath
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Is that you Lossl?

      6. FDMS All Starz
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Have 2FTs, either sell Alonso for kolasinac or just roll on without making a transfer? if there are no problems elsewhere in your team?

        1. Epic Fail
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          There will be a transfer you can make. Post your team.

        2. Sims
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          i'd downgrade alonso, u will need the cash later