Scout Picks

Scout Picks – Gameweek 23

The Scout Picks returns to reveal which players from our midweek Squad article have made the cut.

There looks to be plenty of clean sheet potential this week, as well as value in midfield, so we’re rolling out a 4-4-2 formation with a pair of big-hitters leading the line.

In goal, that means a place for West Brom’s Ben Foster (4.4) as he prepares to welcome a Brighton side that last scored away from home in Gameweek 11’s 1-0 victory over Swansea City.

The former England stopper’s inclusion is further strengthened by save points in each of his last three matches and the fact that the Baggies and the Seagulls have both ‘enjoyed’ four 0-0 draws this season – more than any other teams.

Marcos Alonso (7.3) is a shoo-in after notching three goals, an assist, four clean sheets and six bonus points over his last six matches.

That run of form highlights how the Chelsea left wing-back is now arguably the complete Fantasy asset, while a visit from Leicester City boosts his stock further as no team has conceded more crosses (287) and chances (97) from the right side of defence than the Foxes.

The fact that Alonso scored 21 points from a brace of goals in a 3-0 win at Leicester last year doesn’t exactly harm his appeal either.

Another attacking defender to impress us is Tottenham’s Ben Davies (5.5), who should start with his left-back rival Danny Rose sidelined through injury.

His prospects of points at both ends of the pitch look strong as visitors Everton have the lowest shot tally (53) in the Premier League over their last six run-outs, while the Welshman has registered an impressive two goals and four assists in 14 starts.

He’s also created 33 chances thus far this season – more than any other defender.

Passed fit by Rafa Benitez earlier today, we’re backing Jamaal Lascelles as Newcastle welcome Swansea to St James’ Park.

The Magpies have upped their resilience in recent matches, claiming back-to-back shut-outs against Brighton and Stoke, while their visitors sit bottom for shots (75), efforts in the box (37) and attempts on target (21) away from home.

Newcastle defeated the south Wales outfit 1-0 at the Liberty back in Gameweek 4 – Lascelles was the standout performer that day, bagging a goal and maximum bonus for a season-high 15-point return.

We’ve handed places to Manchester United’s Phil Jones (5.7), who has secured more bonus points (13) than any of his team-mates, and Jesse Lingard (6.3), who has dominated his side’s attacking play in recent Gameweeks.

No defender has been signed by more managers than the 140,000+ who have gone for Jones this Gameweek. He’ll be looking to make it three straight clean sheets against a Potters attack that has hit just three goals in their last five away trips.

As for Lingard, since cementing a starting berth in Gameweek 14 he has mainly played in a number 10 role and has been involved in more than half (53%) of United’s league goals. His underlying statistics over that period also demand our attention – only Spurs striker Harry Kane has had more shots on target during that time frame.

With 412,000+ transfers in, Lingard is by some margin this week’s most popular player in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) market.

There is further value to be found in midfield from Watford winger Richarlison (6.4), who goes head-to-head at home with a Southampton side that has a solitary clean sheet over the previous 13 Gameweeks.

While he hasn’t found the net since Gameweek 13, three assists in his last six outings gives us cause for optimism, and his 55 shots in the box is the second highest figure among midfielders.

Leicester’s poor away form, conceding 18 and earning just one clean sheet, sees us double up on Chelsea assets.

As well as Alonso, we’ve gone for Eden Hazard (10.7).

Even though the Belgian has scored just one goal since Gameweek 15, his underlying statistics suggest further attacking returns are imminent – he’s had 10 close-range efforts over his last six league matches.

Marko Arnautovic (7.0) is back in contention after shrugging off a hamstring injury in time for West Ham’s trip to Huddersfield.

The Austrian has been instrumental in an upturn in fortunes for the Hammers since David Moyes took charge, producing five goals and an assist in his last six starts.

That form could well continue against a Terriers defence that rank joint-bottom for big chances conceded (12) over the last four Gameweeks.

Harry Kane (12.9) hosts an Everton outfit that has conceded more shots (81) than any side over their last quartet of matches.

The Spurs frontman has netted six times in that period and also ranks first for shots (24), efforts in the box (17) and attempts on target (10).

Kane’s home shot tally of 77 is unrivalled in the Premier League, prompting more than 200,000 FPL managers to buy him in this week.

The Tottenham talisman has scored a brace in each of his last two league encounters against the Toffees, with the most recent arriving in Gameweek 4.

Romelu Lukaku returns to our line-up for Man United’s home encounter with Stoke.

A head knock sustained early on against Southampton in Gameweek 21 means that the big Belgian has played just 59 minutes in his side’s last three matches in all competitions.

Yet a second-half appearance against Derby in the FA Cup saw him deliver a goal and assist, suggesting he’s benefitted from that enforced, and long-overdue, rest.

Up against a Stoke defence that’s leaked more goals on the road (27) than any side, tomorrow’s Old Trafford match bodes well for Lukaku, whose total of 13 big chances at home is level with Kane.

Brighton centre-back Shane Duffy (4.5) takes a bench spot. He has four clean sheets in 11 away matches and looks long overdue a goal – only Alonso and Crystal Palace’s Scott Dann have had more close-range efforts among defenders this season.

With two goals and as many assists in his last four, Heung-min Son (8.1) is a little unlucky only to earn a spot among our subs for the visit of Everton.

The South Korean’s record at Wembley is particularly strong, having found the net in all but one of his last seven home outings.

Our final bench place goes to Bournemouth’s Callum Wilson (5.7) ahead of a visit from an injury-hit Arsenal rearguard that has conceded 16 goals on the road.

He looks the best third striker option on current form – over the last four Gameweeks, the Cherries frontman has scored twice and fired more shots than any other striker priced at 8.5 or below.

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 Meppelfield, who has opted for a 3-5-2 formation of: Lloris; Azpilicueta, Vertonghen, Alonso; Pogba, Mata, Eriksen, Richarlison, Lanzini; Lacazette, Morata.

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

1,180 Comments Post a Comment
  1. ZeBestee
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Kane owners, dont captain him at your own peril !

    1. barracuda
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Why not?

      1. ZeBestee
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        I wont go against a well rested Kane who plays a team that has conceded so many chances in the past few games. Cant see big Sam doing anything to stop Spurs and him in particular imo

        1. ZeBestee
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          So many in here suggesting Hazard (C). Have him and can be a nice differential but Kane can explode anytime without warning 😉

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

          Firm C on him mate. Goals are incoming. Can't see a better captain material this GW

          1. ZeBestee
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            Right. Remember well before Burnley's game, everyone was talking about parking the bus. You just cant go against him with those hatricks just around 2 weeks back.

            1. barracuda
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 2 months ago

              I can see him scoring and that's enough for my C this GW 🙂 Agree with you

    2. Goalosaurus
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Hasn't done so great at home against defensive teams, no concern about that?

      1. barracuda
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        If Evertonians are so defensive, where have their CSs been?

        1. Goalosaurus
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          A few gameweeks ago

          1. barracuda
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            I can't tell you what to do mate. Check their stats past few games, leaky is the word

            1. I Member
              • 8 Years
              6 years, 2 months ago

              Except not really. Only City and Chelsea have conceded less big chances in the last 6 GWs.

              1. barracuda
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 2 months ago

                Big chances, small chances...I am talking about the goals. Sorry to be so frank

                1. I Member
                  • 8 Years
                  6 years, 2 months ago

                  Still don't know what you're talking about. Is 5 goals conceded in the last 6 games supposed to be bad?

  2. Harry Ball Bag™⚽⚽…
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    What should I do with morata?

    Sell?
    Keep?

    1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Keep

    2. StellaMan
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      I'm leaning towards ditching. Options are limited though.
      Firminho or Kun for me

    3. Kuqi Monster
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Captain

    4. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      22pts in 9 game weeks absolute garbage. Been saying he's overpriced and overrated for months. No double figure haul since GW6 and that was away to Stoke with no CBs

      1. Hulk Smash
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Your posts always make a lot of sense KV

    5. COLLIN QUANER
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      If I owned I'd give him another week.

  3. StellaMan
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Pope (Elliot)
    Kabasle, Klaven, Oti, Kenny, ogbonna
    Arnie, Salah, lingard, sterling, son
    DLC, Kane, Morata

    £3m in bank

    Obvious sub to make?
    Think Morata is due an exit

    1. Hulk Smash
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Klavan to Alonso.

      Wait for a Morata replacement to reveal himself.

  4. Del Monte
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Any of these moves worth a -4?

    Lloris

    Otamendi Jones Christensen Mustafi

    Salah Sterling Lanzini Lingard

    Kane Morata

    Elliot Loftus-Cheek Calvert-Lewin Masuaku

    A) Masuaku > Van Dijk
    B) Christensen > Alonso
    C) Morata > Aguero
    D) Calvert-Lewin > MAX 5.5

    1. StellaMan
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Mainly sideways moves. Alonso is appealing though with fixtures

  5. CostaCoffee
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Crazy to put the armband on Morata, he’s getting the chances just hasn’t been putting them away.. feel like he’s due a goal
    Or go captain sensible Kane?

    1. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Terrible player. No haul since GW6 last 7 scores with decent minutes
      2 1 8 2 6 2 2

      1. CostaCoffee
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah my argument is more hopeful than anything

    2. ZeBestee
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Might return but off form atm. Very risky imo

  6. Ode
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Evening all, I haven't been here in a while because I joined the army and you can rarely use your phone here

    Captain one:

    A) Haz
    B) Salah
    C) Kane

    Bench one:

    A) Elliot
    B) Pope

    Cheers!

    1. Dosh
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Hazard/pope

    2. Hulk Smash
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Kane & Pope

    3. yemzinho
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Kane
      Elliot

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

    Mustafi nice price and fixtures
    But all the Arsenal injuries look short term and he will lose his spot correct?

    1. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Oh and probable 28 blank.

      1. barracuda
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Blank is putting me off.

    2. Robe Wan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Terrible pick

    3. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Hes first choice when they have no injuries. Wouldnt get him in though, dodgy defense with all the injuries right now.

  8. Legomané
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    1. Pope (cpl)
    2. Elliot (SWA)

    1. Eriksen (EVE), save FT
    2. Sterling (liv)

    1. Kane(c) (EVE)
    2. Hazard(c) (LEI)

    ____
    Jones Christensen Duffy Ogbonna
    Hazard ____ Son Arnautovic
    Kane Aguero

    (____ RLC DCL Kenny)

    1. ILOVEBAPS
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      2
      1
      1

  9. BT31 - WE ARE ALL TINKERMEN…
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Son>Lingard for free?
    Also Dann>Jones for -4?

    Pope
    Ogbonna Kabasele Mbemba
    Son Sterling Eriksen Salah
    Kane Vardy Firmino

    Elliot RLC Dann Naughton

    1. Legomané
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Interesting team, not sure I'd lose Son for Lingard...no to Jones for a hit. I'd switch Dann > Duffy/Schindler maybe

    2. ZeBestee
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Get rid of Kaba

    3. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Your defence is an abortion

  10. Aston-villain
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Captain Kane or Lingard???

    1. Legomané
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      There is only one serious option out of those two, don't kid yourself 🙂

    2. Oven Glover
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Kane

    3. ILOVEBAPS
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Don't see Kane or Spurs doing much v Eve. Besides Sot they've been beyond awful at home.
      Lingard for me as Stk are in free fall and he is in a rare hot streak of form.

  11. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    On Wildcard. Which of the two teams below is better. Advice changes.

    Option 1:

    DDG/ Pereira
    Alonso/ Mee/ TTA/ Dummett/ Kenny
    Salah/ Richarlison/ Mahrez/ Lingard/ Arnie
    Aguero/ Kane/ Quaner

    Option 2:

    Pope/ Adrian
    Alonso/ Stones/ Jones/ Kenny/ Suttner
    Salah/ Richarlison/ Ramsey/ Lingard/ Arnie
    Aguero/ Kane/ Quaner

    Thanks a lot!

    1. Legomané
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      I'd consider 4-4-2, 3-5-2 seems to be killing your balance. Sterling is a most, TAA and Dumm is too risky, Suttner not s consistent starter (Schindler)

    2. ILOVEBAPS
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      1 and as above I'd go 442. Sterling should be there so downgrade Richarlison or Arnie to upgrade the other.
      Defence is a bit week though.

  12. Karan14
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Pope
    Ota • Jones • Christensen • Kabasele
    Haz • Alli • Son • Sterling • Arnie
    Kane

    (Elliot / DCL / Niasse / Wimmer)

    A)
    GW23- Save FT
    GW24- Hazard, Alli & Kabasele ➡️ Salah, KDB & VVD (-4)

    B)
    GW23- Alli & Kabsele ➡️ Alonso & Lingard (-4)
    GW24- Hazard & Son ➡️ Salah & KDB (-4)

    Appreciate your thoughts!
    🙂

    1. barracuda
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Replied this already but will again

      B

  13. I Have No Idea What I'…
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Which would you do?

    A) Aguero to Kane
    B) Davis to Lingard
    C) DCL to Andy Carroll
    D) Bank the free transfer

    £1.6M In the bank

    De Gea

    Otamendi Alonso Mustafi Jones

    Sterling Eriksen Salah

    DCL Rooney Aguero

    Bench: Lossl RLC Davis Gomez

    1. LÖrKingMuch
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      I'd probably go B, and bench DCL, and captain Kun

  14. barracuda
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Would you want Ramsey or Albrighton? 28 blank is putting me off..

    1. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Albrighton next week to get Aguero next week for me. Ramsey for Son after next 2. Rather have good team than worry about score in a week where every serious player will be affected

      1. barracuda
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks Kiwi. Solid approach

    2. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      And gw28 is so far away...

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

    Lukaku (C) yay or nay?

    1. Chazz69
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Hahahhh Funny guy

    2. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Against Stoke yeah absolutely

    3. I Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      I definitely would if I owned him. Best option this week imo.

  16. Ungaio
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Play Pope or Elliot?

    1. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Play Elliot if you want but very good chance he doesn't play

    2. StellaMan
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Pope

  17. A.T
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    If you could have any keeper to go with Adrian for the next 10 weeks, who would it be?

    1. Chazz69
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      De Gea

    2. Alexis Nonsense
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Courtois

    3. Collie01
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      DDG

    4. Athletic Bilbo
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Lev Yashin

  18. Rinseboy
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Are either

    Lanzinni to Salah or
    Firmino to Aguero worth a -4 this week?!

    1. Chazz69
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Salah

      1. Rinseboy
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        you think Salah outscores Lanzinni by 4 points?

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

      Not for a hit, none of them mate

      1. Rinseboy
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        thanks but worried as they are both highly owned!

        1. barracuda
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          Your boys can match them this GW.

  19. Rex Lapis
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    play Lascelles (SWA) or Mee (cpl)?

    1. Danstoke82
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Laschelles

    2. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Lascelles is injured I thought

  20. CostaCoffee
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Are people not worried about Sam parking the bus against Spurs

    1. barracuda
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      What bus? You mean Holgate, Kenny, Williams, Martina??? Is that the bus? That is a broken harvester with nice new tires...Still broken.

      1. Kiwivillan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        😆

  21. che
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Who’s more nailed, Shaw or Lindelof?

    1. barracuda
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      I would say Shaw

    2. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Both are not nailed. Young back next week. Don't get either

      1. che
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        I know Valencia and Shaw are due back, but I need to replace Klavan, with Van Dijk there now. Only got 5.0 to spend

    3. Chazz69
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      lol

  22. LeicesterA
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Play Firmino over Otamendi, Jones, Alsonso, Dunk or Mee?

    Currently have bobby on the bench.

    Thanks.

    1. Chazz69
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Who's Bobby ?

    2. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Mee. But only Jones and Alonso should not be considered

  23. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    play RLC (BUR) or ogbonna (hud)

    1. Chazz69
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      RLC starting ?

  24. Hulk Smash
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    How do you change your grav?

      1. Hulk Smash
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers TM

    1. Chazz69
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      The same way you set it ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh

  25. New Post
  26. burgioaguero
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Hey guys,

    Do you think it’s a good transfer to get rid of Lanzini for Lingard this week even though Lanzini has the better of the fixtures in the coming weeks, yes or no?

    Thanks in advance 🙂

    1. Hulk Smash
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Yes

    2. Scout
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      yes think so lingard on form and against stoke this week

    3. Chazz69
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Why keeping Lanzini ?

  27. Scout
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    1 silva + 3.9gk for lingard and Eliot
    2 silva +3.9gk for pogba and Eliot
    3 silva Rooney 3.9 gk for lingard, Eliot and firminho -4pts
    4 none

    if I do number 1 can get firminho following week
    have to get rid of keeper because too many Utd players otherwise

    1. Hulk Smash
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Probably 1 but is there no one else you could sell for Lingard besides Silva?

      1. Scout
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        you reckon keep silva instead of lingard?
        I have silva sterling salah son

        1. Hulk Smash
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          Do 1 then imo

  28. WE ARE RANGERS
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    If Salah drops tonight I can do this WC
    Think its very nice, fantastic starting XI and Wilson a great first sub.

    What do you guys think?

    Adrian
    Davies Otamendi Azpi Alonso
    Mahrez Salah Sterling Son Lingard
    Kane (c)

    Periera Wilson Goldson Quaner

    1. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      I hope Salah drops but strongly doubt it 🙁

      Mahrez I might downgrade, because bench is too thin.

  29. Ray85
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Alonso and Firmino or Christensen and Aguero???

  30. Tombory
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Otamendi to who?
    A) Bellerin
    B) Jones (Have DDG)
    C) Davies
    D) Anyone else worth a risk?

    Thanks guys 🙂

    1. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Otamendi to Otamendi or VvD perhaps. Bellerin, no way.

      1. Baps hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Ota may go only to get all three: Sterling, KdB and Agüero. And forgot Alonso, much better idea than Bellerin.