Scout Squad

The Scout Squad – Gameweek 12

Rejoice! The return of our Fantasy Football Scout “selection committee” means that we’re finally done with international breaks and can concentrate on the important things in life once more.

Gameweek 12 serves up an unpredictable north London derby, but other than that it’s a weekend of promising fixtures for any number of Fantasy Premier League heavyweights.

To accommodate some of the chunkier attacking options, our Scouts have generally looked to scrimp and save in defence, with the likes of Phil Jones, Charlie Daniels and Alberto Moreno well backed, although Jonty’s liking for Cesar Azpilicueta could lead to a battle of wills come Friday.

But further up the field, Mo Salah, Romelu Lukaku and Harry Kane are in all our experts’ hearts and minds, while the more kindly-priced delights of Wilfried Zaha and Richarlison are also earning plenty of love.

We’ll be back later in the week to see which players make the grade and find a way into the latest Scout Picks, but in the meantime here’s a breakdown of the method behind the madness.

PaulJontyMarkPeter
GoalkeepersDavid de GeaDavid de GeaNick PopeNick Pope
Nick PopeNick PopeSimon MignoletMat Ryan
Simon MignoletMat RyanAsmir BegovicAsmir Begovic
DefendersAntonio ValenciaPhil JonesPhil JonesAlberto Moreno
Alberto MorenoCesar AzpilicuetaCharlie DanielsAntonio Valencia
Scott DannCharlie DanielsAlberto MorenoCharlie Daniels
Charlie DanielsBen MeeBen MeeBen Mee
Ben MeeShane DuffyShane DuffyJoe Gomez
MidfieldersMohamed SalahDavid SilvaMohamed SalahMohamed Salah
Leroy SaneRiyad MahrezRaheem SterlingLeroy Sane
Wilfried ZahaMohamed SalahEden HazardWilfried Zaha
RicharlisonWilfried ZahaWilfried ZahaRicharlison
Pascal GrossPascal GrossRicharlisonPascal Gross
ForwardsHarry KaneRomelu LukakuHarry KaneRomelu Lukaku
Romelu LukakuHarry KaneRomelu LukakuHarry Kane
Alvaro MorataAlvaro MorataAlvaro MorataAlvaro Morata
Glenn MurrayGabriel JesusGabriel JesusGlenn Murray
Josh KingGlenn MurrayRoberto FirminoAndre Gray

 

Peter says…

A striking conundrum is partially resolved thanks to some great budget options in defence this week, while there is only one change to my last midfield medley.

All of the traditional top six sides could be in the goals. Even the north London derby clash has only finished goalless once in the last ten years, while Kane’s exemplary scoring record in this fixture is well publicised.

I was all set to (ruefully) leave out Alvaro Morata in favour of Sergio Aguero but, whether or not the Argentine’s “fainting” story is being overplayed, he clearly represents an even greater rotation risk than usual.

I have also nominated Mohamed Salah, Harry Kane, Romelu Lukaku and the brightest of the Etihad stars in Leroy Sane. I don’t think these selections require further explanation, other than to mention that Salah is perhaps a genuine captaincy option as Liverpool welcome the Saints to Anfield.

Southampton, Swansea City, Newcastle and Huddersfield pose only a negligible threat on their travels with three goals each away from home this season.

My heavy investment further up the pitch is therefore funded by inexpensive defensive options from their respective hosts, namely Liverpool, Burnley, Manchester United and Bournemouth. Three of these happen to have the meanest home defences in the league.

As a sidenote, the only reason for the ranking of Alberto Moreno over Joe Gomez is the Spaniard’s slightly more encouraging attacking threat.

In midfield, I’m standing by Wilfried Zaha, who I believe can return points when Everton roll up to Selhurst Park. It was a bitter-sweet experience listening to Crystal Palace’s battle against Spurs with Wilfried Zaha nailed to my bench. He could, and should, have punished the “home side” on at least one occasion.

A pair of attacking double-ups from the less fashionable teams are also key.

Pascal Gross and Glenn Murray certainly have the form to do some damage as Brighton host Stoke City on Monday night, although I’m also open to the charms of Anthony Knockaert.

Elsewhere, I’m aware of Richarlison’s aversion to scoring big at Vicarage Road but feel that, with Troy Deeney suspended and West Ham still leaky at the back, the Brazilian and his team-mate Andre Gray could be another source of cheap points.

Jonty says…

I’m backing Manchester United to bounce back in style from their 1-0 away defeat to Chelsea last time out to give us goals and a clean sheet when Newcastle pay visit.

At the back, I’d like to see a Phil Jones and David De Gea double-up in the Picks given that Jose Mourinho’s side are yet to concede at Old Trafford.

Up front, Romelu Lukaku looks set to continue his ‘anti-troll’ status, of scoring well against lesser sides. He’s struck three goals on international duty, while the Magpies’ defence have conceded in all but one of their five road trips.

Kane is surely a shoo-in for a spot alongside the Belgian. He’s scored against the Gunners in each of his Premier League appearances against them (five).

Elsewhere, Murray earns my vote as our budget striker of choice, should we need to free up some cash. The Brighton marksman has four goals in his last three and collides with a Stoke defence at the Amex Stadium that has shipped 11 on the road.

If my Murray punt is rebuffed, I’ll back any of my colleagues who propose his team-mate Gross, given the German has a 7.2 points per match average in home matches.

There’s further value to be found in midfield, with Palace’s Zaha again a viable option, having scored in both his home matches since returning from injury.

My regular roundabout of rotation among Manchester City assets takes me to striker Gabriel Jesus and playmaker David Silva for their trip to Leicester City.

The Brazilian has started every league away match and there are also doubts surrounding the availability of Aguero – his main competition up front. Meanwhile, Silva looks to be another secure option; he’s started every Premier League match and enjoyed only a cameo role for Spain in Tuesday’s friendly with X.

I’m backing goals at the King Power Stadium and I’d also like to see the Foxes attack covered in the Picks XI. Over their last three meetings, Leicester and City have combined for 13 goals, with Claude’ Puel’s side currently with the edge after scoring eight to City’s five.

Inevitably, Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah is present and correct, but is only nominated in third spot. I just wonder if Anfield visitors Southampton will once again prove to be a bogey team for the Reds. Liverpool have failed to find the net in their last four encounters with the Saints.

Paul says…

Investment in the Man United defence is imperative at home to Newcastle, given that are the only side yet to concede in front of their own fans.

With doubts hovering over the fitness of Jones once again, though, I’ve elevated De Gea to top spot in the keepers’ selection and opted for the security of starts offered by Antonio Valencia. Who had a rest of the international break and surely looks poised to start against the Magpies.

Moreno earns a rare place in my plans thanks to Liverpool’s home defensive record – and no Reds player has produced more crosses than their raiding left-back ahead of Southampton’s visit.

Four of my midfielders: Salah, Zaha, Richarlison and Gross have very favourable home matches to help maintain their ascent. Gross has matched Romelu Lukaku for points per match at home, with 7.2 apiece.

I also reckon that Leroy Sane will retain his spot on the teamsheet for Man City’s trip to Leicester, particularly with concerns over Aguero’s availability.

Up top, Murray’s four goals in three look too good to ignore as my budget option at home to Stoke’s charitable defence. Josh King – if fit – also comes into consideration as Bournemouth embark on a very kind run of matches, starting at home to Huddersfield.

Mark says…

We’re being gifted some real value at the back at the moment, with Burnley and Brighton centre-backs screaming for attention, while Charlie Daniels and even Scott Dann look set to offer clean sheet potential and the promise of attacking returns.

That could enable us to select a top-heavy XI come Friday, with Kane and Lukaku certainties and Alvaro Morata also pushing for inclusion.

I think Chelsea’s visit to West Brom could be profitable given the lack of confidence and form in the Baggies camp. They will surely sit deep, which will invite pressure and crosses from deep seeking out the Spaniard. For that reason, I’m also pushing for Eden Hazard’s inclusion, although I’m likely to be his only vocal supporter come Friday’s cut.

The Belgian has shown promise in his recent starts and I don’t see West Brom having an answer to his trickery around the box. Cesc Fabregas could also be in profit at The Hawthorns, although it’s impossible to find a space for him in my selection, with Richarlison and Zaha making compelling cases for inclusion.

And I’ve still gone with Sterling over Sane. When both start, I just think Sterling’s goal threat is that little bit sharper. If Gabriel Jesus starts over Aguero at Leicester, I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s Sterling who is central and furthest forward.

The Community Champion

Representing the Community against the Scout Picks in Gameweek will be Dingo, who is in his eighth campaign, with last season’s 4,767 finish his best to date.

The community champion who has the best lead over the Scouts during 2017/18 will win a £100 Amazon voucher (currently we can only offer Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com vouchers).

Gameweek 11’s champion YMA was beaten 57-39 by the Scouts. The champion to beat remains Gregor, who achieved victory over the Scouts by a 33-point margin in Gameweek 5.

2,505 Comments Post a Comment
  1. 824545201
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Jones ruled out. Another one of Mou's bluffs?

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Jose & the Mirror. Two of the most unreliable sources known to man 😆

    2. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Unlikely we will know until 4-30 pm Saturday. Expect press conference will be inconclusive.

  2. BENFICA É MERDA
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Mbemba/Jones out:

    A) play Cedric
    B) Cedric to Dann (-4)
    C) Cedric to Moreno (-4)
    D) Cedric to Mee (-4)
    E) Cedric to a premium defender (-4)

    Already own Pope, Duffy, Daniels

    1. Duffy Dunk
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      E, with someone to keep longterm

  3. HD7
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Fabianski
    Walker Jones Mee Daniels
    Sterling Richarlison Salah
    Kaku(C) Kane Jesus

    Subs: Elliot, Tarroll, Chalobah, Mbemba

    Eriksen to Salah
    Kola to Daniels
    Atsu to Richarlison
    Simpson to Mee
    all for -8

    I know its for -8 but hope in the next month these transfers will give dividends... good idea?

  4. wulfrunian
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Anyone else with Salah captain?

    1. Duffy Dunk
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Sevilla-Liverpool up next

    2. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Southampton love to frustrate Pool, likely to be low scoring. Guaranteed bus parking which Liverpool tend to struggle with at Anfield. Massive game on Tuesday, Salah unlikely play 90'.

      1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Saints fans get their moneys worth @ Anfield and get to see 20 Saints players.

  5. That Was Easy!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Hi, All...a tough week ahead for me as far as selection...can anyone comment?

    Bench 1:

    A) Mee
    B) Moreno
    C) Daniels
    D) Murray

    Liverpool have been strong at home, as have Burnley. Daniels is perhaps the toughest to bench because of his attacking prowess...Murray is red hot.

    1. dark91
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      None of those

      1. That Was Easy!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        You'd bench one of...

        Hazard, Sterling, Mane, Zaha
        Kane, Lukaku

        then?

        1. dark91
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Well, your problem might be solved by Sterling being benched/ruled out

        2. FPL.team
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Mane probably, if hes struggling with his injury it’s unlikely if he’ll play the full game if at all.

          1. That Was Easy!
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            I think things could get sorted out once we hear from the bosses, but if they're all healthy it'll be a guessing game.

    2. jia you
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Prob Moreno out of those this week.

  6. Carroll to the rescue
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Any changes needed?

    Foster Elliot
    Jones Mee Francis Rosenior Mbemba
    Sterling Salah Ramsey Choupo RLC
    Aguero Morata Kane

    1.4m ITB and 1FT, cheers!

    1. BENFICA É MERDA
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Get a defender. You only have two of them playing this weekend

      1. Carroll to the rescue
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Looking to get in Moreno or Gomez in for Rosenior currently.

  7. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    3.3 itb but 0ft

    If Jones is out think I need to take a hit and get rid of carroll.

    Any idea on who best bet is? Is it gros? Guidance on what to do appreciated...

    Fab (elliot)
    Jones Daniels ward (wimmer ota)
    Salah silva richarlison rlc (carroll)
    Kane jesus vardy

    Thanks

  8. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    How's your new job working out TM?

    1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Guess you're too busy opening up the coffins.

  9. FC Hakkebøf
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    INJURY PROBLEMS

    Aguero, Alli, Sterling, RLC, Jones and Cameron flagged.. only got 1 ft and 0.1 itb...

    Which move would you do?

    A) Aguero to Kaku (C)
    B) Aguero to DCW/Niasse/Rashford and upgrade Caroll next week.
    C) Cameron to Ben Mee (only have Gomez and Naughton playing 100p and TAA as a backup for Gomez)
    D) Alli to Sane
    E) Sterling to Zaha
    F) Save ft

    RLC and Jones are season keepers for me.. so no reason to get rid

  10. FDMS All Starz
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    2FTs & 0.2itb, What would you do with these lot?

    Foster
    Bellerin-Naughton-Jones
    Atsu-Salah-Sterling-Richarlison
    Jesus-Lukaku-Kane

    Subs: Elliot-Tcaroll-Simpson-Long

    A) Jesus -->Morata (save FT)
    B) Jesus,Atsu,Bellerin --> Morata,Atsu,Dunk (-4)
    C) Jesus,Bellerin -->Morata & Cahill/Baily (Free)
    D) Atsu,Bellerin,Foster -->RLC,Azpiliqueta,Speroni (-4)

  11. boc610
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Jones out for Newcastle game according to mirror

    1. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Omg

  12. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Any views on having zaha and rlc in the same team?

    Zaha would be 4th mid and rlc on the bench....

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Nothing wrong with it. In place of RLC would only be TCarroll or any other 4.5m mid who doesn't offer as much.

      Might be frustrated the odd week if RLC outscores Zaha though!

  13. Tabbara
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Which WC option is better:
    Option 1:
    Elliot Speroni
    Ward Jones Daniels Moreno Mee
    Choupou Richarlison Sane RLC Salah
    Lukaku Morata Kane
    Option 2
    Ward Jones Daniels AZPI Mee
    STERLING Richarlison Sane RLC Salah
    Lukaku ABRAHAM Kane
    Thx

  14. FC Hakkebøf
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    AGUERO SELLERS

    Arent you afraid to miss out on his captaincy potential away vs huddersfield gw13? Could be a huge oppprtunity for him to score I brace.. I have the opportunity to Captain Kane at home to WBA (others will probably captain Lukaku vs BRI), but just think that it is a bit risky as WBA will park the bus (all they can do really)

    1. Lee8686
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      No

  15. Ange Ball
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Do I let Morata raise or bring him in for Aguero? Then my rival will see my move by how much I have left over in the bank

  16. fedolefan
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Phil Jones 9 pointer, well and truly locked.

    1. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Cointing on him as well.. you never know with that guy

      1. fedolefan
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        He will be starting in my team but I'm not that worried to be honest because I do have Dunk as first sub. Just that I was hoping Dunk would cover an Aguero absence. This may force my hand a little.

    2. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Ruled out though?

      1. fedolefan
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Is he?

        1. Salah’s Sonnet
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          According to The Mirror he is sin't he? I wouldn't be surprised to see him get a rest though, he's played so many games.

  17. Moose™
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Which one to get rid?

    A. Otamendi

    B. VVD

    1. Liftbox
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      vvd if you can hold Otamendi for a week

    2. Gnu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Exactly what Liftbox says above.
      What's the other 3 defenders?

      1. Moose™
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Alonso Dunk Mbemba

        1. Gnu
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Who you thinking of getting?

  18. Liftbox
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    anyone have a recommendation on best FPL app for ios?

    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      The PL one works fine.

      1. Kazza_
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        agree this

        1. Liftbox
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Thank you Gentlemen
          Cheers!

  19. Tabbara
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Thoughts on this WC:
    Elliot Speroni
    Jones Alonso Ward Mee Moreno
    RLC Sterling Sane Salah Richarlison
    Lukaku Abraham Kane

    1. Kazza_
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      nice dont like alonso thou too much ££ not seen returns yyet

  20. HD7
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Next GW team, G2G?

    Fabianski
    Walker Jones Mee Daniels
    Sterling Richarlison Salah
    Kaku(C) Kane Jesus

    Subs: Elliot, Tarroll, Chalobah, Mbemba

    Plans:
    GW 14 Kaku Jesus to Aguuero Morata
    GW 15 Walker to Azpi for December period, good plan?

  21. wulfrunian
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Could gw13 have rotation for the european teams?

    1. Kazza_
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      most qualified already thou....

  22. Kazza_
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    whats chances of pope rising tonight?

  23. jia you
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Nice to see so many on here looking to remove Jones for players that I already own in Daniels & Duffy. I've even seen talk of Jones to Dann (-4) on this thread!
    Jones starts for me with Duffy first sub...feeling content with my defence so roll on the 1 pointers 😉

  24. 007 [RoboKlopp]
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Hi, kindly need your help.

    Elliott
    Ota-Bavies-Jones-Ward
    Hazard-Salah-Eriksen-Richarlison Kun-Morata
    (Foster-Joselu-Caroll-Mbemba)

    Which is best option for this week?
    A. Hold FT
    B. Hazard+Joselu --> Lukaku+RLC (-4)
    C. Kun+Bavies --> Kane+Moreno (-4)
    D. Kun --> Lukaku

    Thanks.

    1. Ronnie Hotdog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Your team looks ok to me, apart from the fact that Ward might be only defender who gets a games this week.

  25. FDMS All Starz
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    What will score more points?

    A) Zaha + Dunk + Foster (-4)

    Or

    B) Tcaroll + Bellerin + Speroni (no hits)

  26. Dybala10
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Christensen needs to nail that spot . Would replace Jones, can then opt for De Gea and there would be nothing to worry about.

    It's only one bloody match Jones looks likely to miss but it makes you want to ditch him.

  27. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Thinking if Jones is out may be worth a -4 for Jones to Smalling as may pay off if ManU Clean Sheet and possible headed goal from a set piece. Smalling seems set in back 3.

    If not off bench would be either Davies or Fernández and can see 0 for Davies and 1 or 2 points for Fernández.

    Is Jones to Smalling worth -4 in this scenario?

    1. jia you
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      No, imo, Valencia or DDG only for me. I don't see Smalling as nailed on. Plenty of good value defenders out there to choose from.

    2. BananaNose Maldonado
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      No.

  28. Tabbara
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Which WC option is better:
    Option 1:
    Elliot Speroni
    Ward Jones Daniels Moreno Mee
    Choupou Richarlison Sane RLC Salah
    Aguero Morata Kane
    Option 2
    Elliot Speroni
    Ward Jones Daniels AZPI,Mee
    STERLING Richarlison Sane RLC Salah
    Aguero ABRAHAM Kane
    Thx

    1. BENFICA É MERDA
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      1

  29. FDMS All Starz
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    A) Azpiliqueta & RLC

    Or

    B) Zaha & Dunk

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

      A

  30. jia you
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Any news on Alli gents?