Scout Squad

The Scout Squad – Gameweek 27

Choosing the right mix of Michelin-starred big-name players and their bargain bucket counterparts could well lead to some serious selectorial indigestion among our Scouts this week.

One midfielder, Alexis Sanchez, appears to be too rich for the blood of our entire ‘expert’ panel, the key ingredients of which are Fantasy Football Scout regulars Jonty, Paul and Mark and Career Hall of Fame luminary Peter Kouwenberg.

But trying to find room on the menu for the likes of Mohamed Salah, Sergio Aguero, Kevin De Bruyne and Marcos Alonso is going to require a serving or two of some rather more humble Fantasy Premier League (FPL) pies to keep things from spilling over the Scouts’ budgetary waistband.

That could mean a start in goal for a Swansea City stopper and a dish or two made from the finest Stoke City pottery.

So before this entire food analogy passes its sell by date, here’s a taste of the Scouts’ creations, complete with simple, step-by-step instructions as to how they cooked them up.

The final 11-course meal will be served later in the week.

PaulJontyMarkPeter
GoalkeepersDavid De GeaLukasz FabianskiDavid De GeaDavid De Gea
Lukasz FabianskiJack ButlandJordan PickfordLukasz Fabianski
Jordan PickfordNick PopeLukasz FabianskiNick Pope
DefendersMarcos AlonsoMarcos AlonsoMarcos AlonsoMarcos Alonso
Nicolas OtamendiPhil JonesAlfie MawsonAntonio Valencia
Chris SmallingMoritz BauerMoritz BauerBen Mee
Moritz BauerKyle NaughtonSeamus ColemanCharlie Daniels
Alfie MawsonCharlie DanielsCharlie DanielsMoritz Bauer
MidfieldersMohamed SalahMohamed SalahMohamed SalahMohamed Salah
Kevin De BruyneRaheem SterlingRaheem SterlingEden Hazard
Eden HazardTheo WalcottEden HazardKevin De Bruyne
Theo WalcottXherdan ShaqiriTheo WalcottXherdan Shaqiri
Xherdan ShaqiriGerard DeulofeuXherdan ShaqiriJames Ward-Prowse
ForwardsHarry KaneHarry KaneHarry KaneHarry Kane
Pierre AubameyangSergio AgueroSergio AgueroSergio Aguero
Sergio AgueroRomelu LukakuOlivier GiroudCallum Wilson
Roberto FirminoOlivier GiroudRoberto FirminoJamie Vardy
Callum WilsonCallum WilsonCallum WilsonChicharito

 

Jonty Says…

I’ll be arguing the case for value this week, particularly in midfield with an array of well-priced options on offer.

Controversially, this means there is no place for Alexis Sanchez.

Yes, his Gameweek 26-high shot tally of six against Huddersfield Town impressed. But he lost the ball more times than Man United player in a single fixture this season and it that continues to blight his bonus point potential, I’m concerned that he will struggle to justify his 11.7 price tag.

So I favour the slightly cheaper Romelu Lukaku for United attacking cover and have instead focused on some budget options to stock our midfield.

The same rationale applies to my omission of Chelsea’s Eden Hazard, who is not producing the sort of home returns I’d expect from a 10.6 midfielder.

The Belgian has only scored two of his nine goals at Stamford Bridge, both arriving in Gameweek 15 when Newcastle dropped by. I think Marcos Alonso (7.4) and Olivier Giroud (8.2) offer far greater value among Blues assets, and they also ensure we keep another midfield slot free for bargain hunting.

Everton’s clash with Crystal Palace puts Theo Walcott (7.3) in my thoughts as the first of three strong value midfield offerings. In his previous Goodison Park outing, the former Arsenal winger scored a brace, while the Eagles have failed to keep a clean sheet and have shipped seven in their last four road trips.

Stoke City’s Xherdan Shaqiri (6.1) is another kindly-priced midfielder worthy of our attention. The Swiss international scored against Bournemouth last time out and hosts a Brighton defence that has just one shut-out in their last six away days.

The midfield bargains keep coming with Watford’s on-loan Barcelona man Gerard Deulofeu (6.0) impressing with a goal and assist against Chelsea on Monday. Next up for the former Everton winger is a visit to a free-falling West Ham unit that last earned a clean sheet back in Gameweek 18.

Meanwhile, in goal, I’ll be arguing for the inclusion of Swansea City’s Lukasz Fabianski, who has racked up more saves (102) than any other stopper. A shut-out looks likely too, as visitors Burnley have struggled on the road, scoring just three times over their last six away matches – the third worst tally in the Premier League over that timeframe.

Paul Says…

Along with the usual suspects, I’m bringing in a pair of Potters for Stoke’s home clash with Brighton.

Paul Lambert’s side have claimed clean sheets in both home matches in his charge, while their visitors have scored just one goal in their last seven road trips.

Since being handed a debut in Gameweek 23, no defender has produced more key passes or successful crosses (six on both occasions) than their new right-back Moritz Bauer.

Shaqiri’s Fantasy potential looks to have improved with Lambert at the helm over the last three Gameweeks.

During that stretch, the playmaker has bagged a goal and assist, while only one midfielder – Kevin De Bruyne – can better him for both shots on target (five to seven) and chances created (eight to nine).

Costing 1.6 less than Sergio Aguero, De Bruyne is also my preferred Man City attacker for the home encounter with Leicester.

I’d rather have Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as a second premium striker for the north London derby.

Spurs won’t be sitting back and looking to defend against the Gunners, and I just feel that the new arrival’s pace, allied with the creativity of Mesut Ozil and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, can thrive on the space afforded from the vast Wembley pitch.

Peter Says…

There’s a bit of tension between form and fixtures this week at several grounds, notably Stamford Bridge (where a struggling Chelsea welcome bottom of the table Baggies) and at Wembley, where post-Sanchez Arsenal will be hoping to repeat their North London derby victory from earlier in the season.

I’m struggling to predict the outcomes, but I’m confident enough that goals are on the menu at the Etihad and St Mary’s Stadium.

Mohamed Salah’s incredible form effectively means that we are just choosing four to go with the Egyptian, and the recent form of James Ward-Prowse gives me a budget solution in that Sunday afternoon fixture.

Aguero is joined by De Bruyne in my squad, with the Belgian consistently returning both goals and assists, although I also think Jamie Vardy may keep to form and score against another big opponent – City look more vulnerable at the back than usual.

I expect to get pilloried for backing Hazard over Sanchez as my third big-money midfielder and I won’t be shocked if the Chilean makes the final cut.

But even when Chelsea turn in a totally abject performance, Hazard is more than capable of salvaging FPL points.

Add to that the fact that West Brom’s defence tends to be more porous than Newcastle’s, and I’m going bravely/blindly with the Belgian.

Both form and fixture favour a Bournemouth win at Huddersfield – I may have brought Callum Wilson in last week just in time for him to blank, but Huddersfield’s defence has been one of the worst in the league recently.

As indeed has its attack, which is why I’m also installing Charlie Daniels (Nathan Ake a sensible enough alternative) in my side.

And Ben Mee…well, he’s GOT to score this weekend, surely?

Mark Says…

I’m hopeful that some frugal business in defence can allow for a big spend in attack, paving the way for a Harry Kane and Aguero partnership.

Throw in the Shaqiri and Walcott options in midfield and Friday’s Picks could well be very unfamiliar, perhaps even deployed with three up front once again.

I’ve overlooked Man United’s attack entirely, conceding to include David De Gea as my only nomination from Jose Mourinho’s men. For me, the more assured options – Sanchez and Lukaku – just don’t justify their outlay. With Jesse Lingard, Anthony Martial and Paul Pogba uncertain of their roles and even their pitch-time, that renders the United attack a no-go.

I can see Hazard’s inclusions as the major flashpoint come Friday’s shake-down; a battle that I’m unlikely to win.

Chelsea’s form and confidence are both woeful, but a reaction against the lowly Baggies would be a surprise. I also feel that, without Andreas Christensen, Chelsea will need two or even three goals to win the match. In that scenario, I believe we need to cover, and if I lose the fight for Hazard, I’ll be pushing for Olivier Giroud’s inclusion.

The Community Champion

Representing the community against the Scout Picks in Gameweek 17 will be PKW, who is in his seventh season, with 2015/16’s 3,154 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 26’s champion Tigerite was narrowly beaten by the Scouts 42-41.

The one to beat remains Gregor, who achieved victory over the Scouts by a 33-point margin in Gameweek 5.

1,149 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Pras (FPL)
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Press conferences today (UK times):

    Wenger (08:45), Pochettino (12:30)
    Dyche (13:15), Lambert (13:30)
    Hodgson (13:30), Puel (13:30)
    Hughton (13:45), Carvalhal (14:00), Allardyce (14:30)

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      This is a pre hulk thanks.

    2. Individual
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Cheers Ozil

  2. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    for aguero owners after capping him this week (most of them i think)whats the way to go.ship him for auba or hold till gw 31

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Kane

      1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        i also have kane 😉

    2. MTPockets
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Seeing how this week goes after a break to refresh, then maybe Firmino.

      • tisza
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        wait until last minute.
        Last round of FA cup showed dangers of making early transfers.
        Particularly don't like idea of Auba as there's the cup final before the league game.

    3. lasmons
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Courtois
      Otamendi - Duffy - Mee
      KdB - Sterling - Salah - Shaqiri
      Kane - Firmino - Wilson(C)

      Elliot* - Gomez - Zeegelaar - RLC*

      2FT and 1,1ITB.

      Early gw 31 thinking; what would you do this week with one of the ft?

      1. boc610
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        shaq (c) if your taking a punt?. he was very unlucky not to get a bigger haul last weekend . just don't trust wilson.

      2. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        sorry to say this is not a week for punts with 3 great captaincy heavy-hitters

      3. DJ1000
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Salah or Kane all day. Stoke such a dull team. Watched them at Bournemouth and they were battered in the 2nd half. Think Lambert more concerned about clean sheets.

      4. Irons9
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Captain Salah this week imo.

    4. Horlicks esq.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Rudiger, Hazard, Niasse

      to

      Daniels, Deulofeu, Auba

      for a -4

      1. MTPockets
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Doesn't seem the week to lose Hazard. Daniels doesn't appeal to me, and not sure about Auba yet.
          But if you like it go for it.

      2. jake0910
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Do i save my FT or use it replace Kenny this week? I have a few rotation concerns and a very poor bench.
        1 FT & 0.1m ITB

        DDG
        Otamendi* Alonso* Mee
        Lingard* Sterling Salah Hazard
        Aguero Wilson Firmino

        Subs: Elliot, Kenny, RLC, 4.0 def

      3. WVA
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Why is Monreal still flagged when he was declared fit and available in the papers yesterday?

        1. WVA
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Cheers

      4. Nanoelektronicar
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Milivojevic - Mee - lee - vo - yae - which

        1. Brehmeren
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          *ye - vich

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

            Ye is pronounced like "ji" I would say.

      5. Tosa86
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        My actual team is below:

        Pope - Foster
        Smalling - Hegazi - Otamendi - Tarkowski - Dunk
        Deulofeu - Sterling - Salah - Milivojevic - Gross
        Aguero - Firmino - Lukaku

        Bank: 0.2

        Next week, do i need to cut aguero for: kane, auba, or other player or not?
        I changed Kane --> Aguero before 3 very hard games.

        any suggestion?

        Thanks

        1. Rupert The Horse
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          YEs get Kane.

          1. Tosa86
            • 6 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Next week cut aguero for kane and a little downgrade of defender to keep him?

            1. Rupert The Horse
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              Yes I’d lose Otamendi. Well that’s my plan as he isn’t delivering enough for that price.

              1. Tosa86
                • 6 Years
                6 years, 1 month ago

                i can change: aguero-otamendi --> kane+mawson/trippier/gomez?

                1. Rupert The Horse
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 11 Years
                  6 years, 1 month ago

                  Perfect.
                  Not Trippir though.

                  1. Tosa86
                    • 6 Years
                    6 years, 1 month ago

                    who the best solutions as defender?

                    1. Irons9
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 6 Years
                      6 years, 1 month ago

                      Defo get Kane and if you can afford him I’d get Alderweireld. He’s back from injury, looked good albeit against Newport. He is a rock in the spurs defence and should defo help them keep more clean sheets.

      6. Hangman
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Is anyone looking at JWP? 5 something and on great form

        1. The Left Duke #3
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          I'm looking at him, thinking to downgrade Lingard to JWP who will be my bench fodder or play when Wilson has a tough fixture

          1. Hangman
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            I've got Wilson AND Ibe. With GW31 on the horizon thinking of keeping them. At the same time JWP looking good.

            Pogs to JWP punt? Team;

            1FT. 0.6 ITB
            DDG (Adrian)
            Alonso Ake Mee (Lascelles Mbemba)
            Hazard Sterling Pogba Walcott (Ibe)
            Kane Wilson (Murray)

        2. teneighty
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Yes, but don't shout. Don't want his price to go up.

      7. The Left Duke #3
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Start one this GW only to play alongside Alonso and Otamendi?

        A) Gomez (away to Sou)
        B) Mee (away to Swa)
        C) Daniels (away to Hud)

        1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          b

        2. Rupert The Horse
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Mee

        3. DJ1000
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Not sure Gomez will start. Arnold had a great match. Mee is the dullard option. Daniels if you fancy an attacking point flutter.

        4. Hangman
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          B

      8. MTPockets
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Sorry bottomed - would you play Bauer (BHA) over Naughton (BUR)?

          Similar position/stats, with Bauer looking slightly better for potential assists & Naughton for general involvement. With Alonso/Jones.

          1. The Left Duke #3
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Bauer

            1. MTPockets
                6 years, 1 month ago

                thanks

          2. axos86
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            What to do?Thinking of keep FT

            Fabianski(Foster)
            Alonso Jones Daniels(Dunk Ogbonna)
            Salah Sanchez(c) KDB Richarlison McArthur
            Kane Diouf(Quaner)

            1. Rupert The Horse
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              I’d keep and then have a long hard think about your attack over the 2 week break.

              1. axos86
                • 8 Years
                6 years, 1 month ago

                I will use my wildcard when the DGW are known

          3. new article posted
            1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              THANKS, AND A FRIENDLY REMINDER TO TURN OFF CAPS NOW THAT YOU HAVE KINDLY INFORMED US THAT THERE IS A NEW POST 😀

              1. Rupert The Horse
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 11 Years
                6 years, 1 month ago

                HAHAHAHA

          4. Captain Kakaroto (I blame R…
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Link to Scoutcast?

            1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              Literally type fantasy football scout into youtube and it will be there smh

              1. Captain Kakaroto (I blame R…
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 6 Years
                6 years, 1 month ago

                Jesus man why so angry? Im new here and didnt know its on you tube.. thanks

                1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
                  • 7 Years
                  6 years, 1 month ago

                  No problem, not actually angry my dude the smh is ironic.

          5. DJ1000
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Adrian

            Alonso Jones Ota

            KDB Salah Ibe Sterling

            Wilson Kane Firminho

            Pereira Arnold Schindler RLC
            1FT £ .8ITB

            I am concerned about Adrian. Playing Liverpool away next week. Would I be better off getting Fabianksi in. Seems to get a lot of save points and has 4 good fixtures. Also, considering Bauer in for Arnold. I will then be able to get in VVD and Deolafeu next gw. Or should I just hold?

            1. Hoofedgod
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              I would say save for now..

          6. Hoofedgod
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Bench right????

            Fab
            Alonso - Daniels - Mee - Jones
            Salah - B.Silva - Sterling
            Wilson - Kane - Firmino

            Pickford - Stones - Kenedy - Arni

          7. @fpl_phenom
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Otamendi > Bauer
            Ox > Walcott

            ?

            DDG
            Otamendi Jones Alonso
            Milivo Salah Sterling Sanchez
            Aguero Firmino Ayew
            --------------------------------------
            Elliot Ox Ogbonna Holgate

            2FT's £0.1M ITB

          8. The Colonel
            • 10 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Want to bring in Ibe for Choupo but worried about doing it this week. How's Choupo been playing?

            1. Hurricane Gilbert
              • 8 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              Curious to know this too

            2. majishun
                6 years, 1 month ago

                I was thinking to do the same thing, but I will hold til next week.

            3. Philip Jones's Diary
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              What do people think about Walcott's potential this weekend against Palace? Trying to decide on transferring Bernardo out for Wally this week or holding off for one more week. I'm going to make that transfer anyway so should I just do it now?

              1. Alexis Nonsense
                • 8 Years
                6 years, 1 month ago

                I can see Wally outscore Bernie this gw yes

                If it's going down anyway, why don't add the excitement to the game and do it 🙂

            4. Whits
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              A. Pogba to Walcott
              B. Save FT

            5. Mr. Jenkins
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              Best budget keeper out season? Got Adrian and Elliot

            6. Jayben23
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              Fabianski
              Mee Jones Kenny
              Pogba Salah (c) Sterling Son Mikitarian
              Firmino Kane

              Adrian Quaner Monreal Mbemba

              Gtg?

            7. flashcheeks
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              Pope
              Alonso - Jones - Bauer
              Salah - Sterling - B.Silva - Shaqiri
              Aguero - Vardy - Firmiro
              Bench - Schmeichel - Monreal - Duffy - Iwobi

              2FT
              A) Upgrade Aguero to Kane and downgrade Monreal for 4.5m+ Defender
              B) Upgrade Vardy to Kane and downgrade Sterling for 4.5m+ Midfielder
              C) Ignore Kane

            8. Whits
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              Will Otamendi start this week?

              If he doesn't I only have two playing defenders if Kabasele is also out

            9. Whits
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              A. Save FT
              B. Pogba to Walcott
              C . Kabasele to Bauer
              D. Other

              Team (0itb):
              Fabianski
              Otamendi - Francis - Mee
              Salah - KDB - Salah (C) - Sterling
              Ayew - Firmino - Kane

              Elliot - Mbemba - Kabasele - Pogba

              1. pjanns
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 1 month ago

                Pog in for Ayew? and save.

            10. Irons9
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 6 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              Is it time to turn our backs on this season high scoring defenders and focus our attention on alternative options? Food for thought- Alonso, Otamendi and Jones have been this seasons guardians at the back and have raked in the fantasy points so far. However, with upcoming fixtures taking a turn for the worse, the risk of rotation and an influx of additional fixtures arriving in the form of champions league and FA cup should we consider alternative options.
              Big bad Toby Alderweireld is back from injury and was the heart of the spurs defence last season. Their upcoming fixtures look good until the end of the season the exception being this weekends London derby. But surely Alderweireld will reclaim his place in the spurs backline and the clean sheets will come rolling back in and at 5.8m he’s a steal and can free up some funds.

              VVD has looked a good option at both ends of the park and looks like he’s nailed down a place in Klopps rearguard. Valued at 5.5 and ranking third in attacking points earned by a defender with 39 behind Kolasniac 47 and Alonso 40. VVD seems is a great alternative especially with Liverpool’s good run in to the end of the season and the bonus of the potential dbgw.

              Last up is Maguire. Although Leicester’s defence hasn’t been the tightest this season conceding 33, Maguire has been a constant figure playing almost every game this season and chipping in with 2 goals and four assists. His ability to eat up bonus points also makes him an excellent alternative. This season he has earned more

              Last up is Mawson. at only 5m he definitely requires consideration. Since Carlos Carvalhal’s arrival Swansea have looked much more resilient at the back. The potential of clean sheets and attacking returns Mawson looks like a great differential. With goal shy Burnley up this weekend the chance of clean sheets look promising. Seven out of the next eight fixtures also look good with only Man Utd in GW 32 causing some concern. But with Fabianski between the sticks Mawson looks like he will be picking up those extra points for the clean sheet over the next few game weeks at least.

            11. Nerazzuro
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              Pretty happy with my squad, one slight concern. I have Son and feel he may be dropped for Lucas Moura this week from reading Poch's comments.

              I have a FT, would you -

              A) Save (have J Ayew on bench)
              B) Transfer to Walcott/someone else

            12. Squashed
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              anyone got a clue what happend to A.young?

            13. pjanns
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              Pope
              Jones - Mariappa - Naughton
              Sterling - Walcott - KDB - Salah - Eriksen
              Kane - Firmino

              (Elliot - J. Ayew - Kenny - Hunemeier)

              0 FT - 0,4 ITB.

              I'm good to go, right? 🙂