Scout Picks
27 April 2018 1311 comments
J0E J0E
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There’s a full quota of matches to choose from this time around as we reveal the players from our midweek Scout Squad article to make the Gameweek 36 line-up.

Premium assets among Spurs, Liverpool and Manchester City’s ranks are a priority, so we’ve gone bargain hunting to fill many of the remaining berths in our 84 million budgeted XI.

This starts between the sticks, with Newcastle United’s Martin Dubravka (4.5) earning a spot for the visit of bottom club West Brom.

Clean sheet prospects look strong for the Slovakian, given that the Magpies defence has conceded just once in their last four St James’ Park encounters – a record tally they share with Liverpool.

We’ve made further savings by drafting Burnley defender Kevin Long (4.1) into our three-man backline. With regular centre-back Ben Mee still on the sidelines, the Irishman looks certain to start once again at home to Brighton to promise points in both penalty areas.

Long has earned a goal – from a corner – and an assist since deputising for Mee over the Clarets’ last four matches. Meanwhile, Chris Hughton’s side are particularly vulnerable from set-pieces, shipping 20 goals, including a league-high 14 from corners.

The Liverpool recent resilience at Anfield has persuaded us to loosen the purse strings and turn to centre-back Virgil van Dijk (5.7) for the visit of a Stoke City side that has mustered just three goals from their last six away matches.

We also harbour some hope that the Dutchman can deliver attacking returns. Always a threat at set-plays, he has already scored once for his new club, in the FA Cup, and has four goals in the league since arriving in the English top flight in 2015.

Ben Davies’ (5.8) potential is strong ahead of Watford’s visit to Wembley on Monday. The Hornets last scored on the road in the league on New Year’s Day and have shipped 14 away goals over that period.

The Welshman, meanwhile, has been in excellent form this season, involved (either scoring or assisting) in nine goals, which is more than any other defender. His rate of one key pass every 49 minutes also makes him the season’s most creative regular starting defender.

Team-mate and fellow left-back Danny Rose is expected to return to the squad for Monday’s encounter, but we’re still willing to take the risk on Davies retaining a starting berth and delivering returns.

Liverpool’s top-four status is still far from secure, so it looks like Mohamed Salah’s (10.6) potent threat will be required against Stoke, despite the small matter of a Champions League semi-final second leg clash against Roma to come in midweek.

Jurgen Klopp’s press conference suggested that he would make few changes to the line-up that defeated the Italian side 5-2 at Anfield.

So it seems that Salah will start and he will be primed to add to a tally of 31 league goals, particularly as it took him just 23 minutes – off the bench – to deliver a brace and 13 points against the Potters in the reverse fixture.

Salah is also on a scoring run of seven straight league matches at home, while the Stoke defence have been dire on their travels conceding 37 goals – only West Ham have allowed more (42).

Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling (9.0) will collide with that Hammers defence at the London Stadium on Sunday.

The winger found the net, and also earned an assist, to grab 11 points against Swansea City last weekend and has delivered attacking returns in each of his last five appearances. That form has made him the most popular midfield signing ahead of tomorrow’s deadline.

Spurs’ Son Heung-min (8.3) takes another of our five midfield places, based on his strong home form and Watford’s frailties in away matches.

The South Korean has delivered nine goals and five assists at Wembley, where he is top for goal involvement (43%) among Spurs assets. He also has a taste for big scores against Watford, returning 19 points in last season’s encounter and finding the net at Vicarage Road in Gameweek 15’s reverse fixture.

Similarly, Wilfried Zaha (6.9) scored in Crystal Palace’s 3-0 away victory over Leicester City in Gameweek 18. We’re backing him to find the net again when the two sides meet at Selhurst Park on Saturday.

Three goals and two assists in the Eagles’ last six four builds a case for his inclusion, as does the Foxes’ solitary clean sheet from their last four road trips.

Since cementing a starting berth in Gameweek 10, set-piece specialist Johann Gudmundsson (5.0) has been pivotal to Burnley’s attacking ploys, with more assists (seven) than any team-mate. He’s also scored twice over that period and has four assists from the last five Gameweeks.

Brighton’s visit to Turf Moor should hand him plenty of opportunities to add to that tally, given the Seagull’s fragility on set-plays.

Harry Kane (12.9) has plenty of motivation to put Watford to the sword on Monday night as he attempts to chase down a Salah’s five-goal advantage in the race for the Golden Boot.

Over his last four run-outs Kane has mustered just seven shots, two off Son’s figure and substantially behind Christian Eriksen’s 14 attempts.

But across the season, his Wembley form has been strong, knocking Salah into second for shots (101 to 82), shots in the box (64 to 61) and efforts on target, by 43 to 40.

Kane is currently the top Gameweek 36 target among FPL managers, with more than 139,000 transfers-in, and also leads our captain poll.

Gabriel Jesus (10.2) looks set to escape Pep Guardiola’s rotation while Sergio Aguero continues his recovery from knee surgery. The Brazilian faces West Ham’s erratic defence having found the net three times and collected as many assists over his last four starts.

Southampton boss Mark Hughes will surely have earmarked his side’s home encounter with Bournemouth as a must-win match in their bid to avoid relegation. This has prompted us to hand a bench spot to right-back Cedric Soares (4.7), who has earned two assists and a clean sheet in his last three run-outs.

Marko Arnautovic (7.0) also merits a mention on the back of an exceptional run of form, with four goals and an assist in his last eight starts, including a 16-point FPL haul at home to Southampton in Gameweek 32.

This should be enough for him to reward our faith against City, who may well rotate their backline with the title secure. The Sky Blues failure to keep a clean sheet in three of their last four run-outs also bodes well for the Austrian.

We have turned back to Southampton for our reserve striker selection, with Charlie Austin (5.8) claiming a call-up.

Even though he has been benched in three of the last four matches, Austin has made the most of his chances, firing in a shot every 32 minutes and scoring in an 18-minute cameo off the bench against Arsenal in Gameweek 33.

The Community Champion

Representing the community against the Scout Picks in Gameweek 33 is Nani. R U Ok?, who has opted for a 3-5-2 line up of Pope; Gomez, Trippier, Alexander-Arnold; Willian, Son, Hazard, Eriksen, D. Silva; Lukaku, Firmino.

The community member who beats our picks by the biggest margin over the campaign will win a £100 Amazon Voucher and a place in our Contributors and Moderators League for the following season.

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

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

  1. The_FF_King
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Salah captain???

    1. J T
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Kdb for me

    2. Kno
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      would if I could. prob going with old harry and hoping he finds some form / sacrifices another child for a goal

  2. asquishypotato
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Looks like our champion couldn’t change his Anfield express lineup in time!

    1. Nani R U OK? R U OK ? R U O…
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      I sent it and seemed to be confirmed but the previous lineup is the one in the article. 🙁

      1. J0E
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Don't worry all sorted now.

        1. Nani R U OK? R U OK ? R U O…
          • 15 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Wow thanks again Jonty.

  3. Scapegoat Salah
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    No Robertson on leaked team 🙁

    1. Tommy J
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 17 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      What is it?

      1. Scapegoat Salah
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Karius, Trent, Gomez, Van Dijk, Klavan, Moreno, Henderson, Wijnaldum, Salah, Firmino, Ings.

        1. Tommy J
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 17 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Cheers

  4. HamezMace
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone with me punting on Ben Davies? He seems ahead of Rose in the pecking order, I expect him to play at least three of the remaining four.

    1. Tommy J
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 17 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      I’m going Vert purely due to risk of rotation

      1. HamezMace
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        It’s rotation risk vs potential attacking returns...tough call.

    2. Fergus1107
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Here. For mustafi.

    3. g40steve
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Got to be an assist or goal coming his way, so yes he's in.

    4. emodabi
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      I am going for him

    5. HamezMace
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Thanks all.

    6. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      of course you would expect him to otherwise you wouldn't put him in

      Maybe rose needs minutes for the world cup though

      1. HamezMace
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Well the two things go hand in hand, I’m looking to put him in because I think he’ll play.

        ....like Heaton right?

  5. Tommy J
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 17 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Willian or Arnie for next 4 gw’s?

    1. HamezMace
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Tough one, I’d go Arnie, 100% nailed, and everything goes through him

      1. Tommy J
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 17 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers

  6. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Best move?? Cheers 🙂

    A. Mahrez >> Sterling
    B. Lukaku+Willian >> Jesus+Sterling (-4)
    C. Mahrez+Lukaku >> Salah+Jesus (-4)
    D. Willian+Alonso >> Sterling+Bavies (-4)
    E. Mahrez+Alonso >> Salah+Bavies (-4)

    1. Tired and weary
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Would go C

    2. HamezMace
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      A

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        And ignore Salah? Cheers

        1. HamezMace
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Depends how you’re playing the doubles and bench boost.
          If you can put out a full midfielder of DGWers then you can ignore Salah. He might be rested around CL games.

    3. mash
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Oof, tough choice - B is my pick, followed by A.

    4. bench boost for every gamew…
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      b if you have a decent defender for alonso this week

  7. La Roja
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    22 pointer GW incoming

    1. arndff_
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Please, sir... Be kind.

  8. mash
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    DDG
    Vertonghen Lowton Long
    Alli Mahrez Willian Lingard Milivojevic
    Kane(c) Lukaku

    Ryan Barnes Morgan Alonso

    1FT, £0.1m in the bank

    Haven't made much ground on my ML rivals as we ended up using the same chip strategy. Main differences are that I have Lukaku and Alli, whereas they have Vardy and Salah.

    Which of these moves is best?
    A) Mahrez to Sterling
    B) Lukaku to Jesus
    C) Both (-4)
    D) Save FT

    I feel that Sterling is a better option than Jesus, but is not as nailed and risks Mahrez suddenly finding form (both rivals have him)

    On the other hand, Lukaku is already a diffeential for me, so would be replacing him with another (though probably better) one in Jesus.

    At the moment, I'm leaning towards A.

  9. Scapegoat Salah
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    For anyone wondering about the leaked pool team, it is:

    Karius, Trent, Gomez, Van Dijk, Klavan, Moreno, Henderson, Wijnaldum, Salah, Firmino, Ings.

    1. Ziyech on the Bench
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      thanks mate, captain Salah it is then.

    2. yakirh
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Klavan yesss

  10. Vlad Tepes
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Would be amazing if the Anfield express actually trolled the line up. I can only hope 🙂 (I am without Salah)

    1. J T
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      That would be counter productive for them...

      1. Vlad Tepes
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah I know

    2. zotter
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Lol wishful thinking. Double digit haul I expect

      1. Vlad Tepes
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah I am afraid of that, but I need to gamble. I will not take him back for a hit.

    3. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      it's purpose isn't for fpl

  11. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Play Long or Lowton?

    1. le flem
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Lowton... or both

    2. mash
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Coin flip between the two, though I'm playing both!

    3. how now brown cow
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Long for set-piece threat

  12. le flem
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Any idea when the World Cup fantasy football starts?

    1. HamezMace
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Probably not until the teams are announced, and that won’t be another few weeks

      1. le flem
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Thought so, cheers

  13. Ziyech on the Bench
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Bench 1:

    A) Shaqiri @ Liverpool
    2) Lingz vs Arsenal
    3) Wood, Willian other options...

    Currently on A.

    1. zotter
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      A definitely

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

      a

  14. manu4life99
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Play Barnes(BHA) or Willian(swa)?

    1. zotter
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Can’t you bench someone else.

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

      mate i am torn on this one and finally come to the judgement of benching barnes as i have double burnley defense and wanna hedge with willian and the fear that willian on his day can get double digits whereas barnes has a max of 7 to 6 points in his locker

    3. Mclean as a Whistle
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Barnes is playing his old club...

      1. Rash
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Oh yeah forgot this.. makes my Zaha Barnes decision even worse

  15. Scapegoat Salah
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Transfer Robertson out or just play Long?

    Will be double Burnley defense.

    1. zotter
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Maybe transfer him out for a doubler

      1. Scapegoat Salah
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Would be for a hit though?

        1. arndff_
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Go with 2x BUR D

          1. Scapegoat Salah
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 1 month ago

            Cheers will do

        2. zotter
          • 16 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Probably worth it. Will automatically get you two points extra next week anyway. Especially as Robertson has rough fixture

          1. Scapegoat Salah
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 1 month ago

            Thanks. Think I'll stick to 2 Burnley D as I'll have 11 DGWers with TC next week anyway

            1. zotter
              • 16 Years
              8 years, 1 month ago

              How. If you have two Burnley and Robertson ??

              1. Scapegoat Salah
                • 9 Years
                8 years, 1 month ago

                Got money ITB for Long to Naughton which I've planned for next week

  16. Kno
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Preferred city double up? Thinking about going double mid and keeping the kaku

    A: silva / jesus

    B: silva / sterling

    1. le flem
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      b, but depends on team

      1. Kno
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        team with B would be this

        ddg

        vvd cedric lowton

        sterling silva ali son

        austin kane kaku

    2. Tommy J
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 17 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      I think Silva will be unlikely to play this week- I think there were rumours earlier in the week he was in Spain

  17. Rash
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Bench Zaha or Barnes?

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

      barnes

      1. Rash
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks Haz.

  18. Jairzinho
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Safest Liverpool defender to punt on under £5.0?

    TAA is the most appealing, but anyone think he could be subbed off before 60 for a rest?

    1. zotter
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Why bother with a pool defender ?

      1. zotter
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        TAA will play Stoke. Then a hard Chelsea game. And full rotation v Brighton

        1. Jairzinho
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Will bench in 37. I’d expect him to play in 38. If not, bench.

          Plus, need to get rid of Christensen to fund Salah.

  19. Chucky
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    What are non Salah owners doing? Panicking? If not,why not?

    1. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Saving his big performances for CL. He'll get his goal, 0 assists, 0 baps and clean sheet. 8 points is fine with me

    2. Jam0sh
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Panicking does not help a bit. Hopefully Sanchez can match him over the next two gameweeks. Nevertheless can't really watch the Pool match tomorrow without Salah in my team, that would be too agonizing

    3. Jairzinho
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Because to get him in, it would cost me 4 points. So I already have a 4 point lead over myself with Salah in it.

      He doesn't have a double gameweek after this one. He actually has a difficult fixture

      Next three gameweeks, will Mahrez +4 outscore Salah, when Mahrez has 4 fixtures and Salah has 3?

      Say Mahrez averages 4 points, Salah 7...

      Mahrez 20
      Salah 21

      Maybe I should transfer in Salah for a hit. I'm still thinking.

      1. zotter
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Tricky one. Salah might sit out Brighton if golden boot in bag

      2. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        -8 to get him in this week, -4 to get rid next week for me. Literally pointless

      3. Jam0sh
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        I'd say it could be more justifiable if you'd captain him

    4. Jafooli
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      😀

  20. neilddd
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Who to play

    A. Fabianski (CHE)
    B. Foster (new)

  21. Arron Wan Bissaka Nil
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone know the crack with Bednarek? Was he only playing cause of Stephens' suspension or will he likely play the rest of the way?

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      stephens suspension. Not sure if he continues to start. Unlikely he won't but we really won't know hughes plans until the game starts

      1. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        What? Wise up

        1. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Lol reply fail, sorry mate

      2. Arron Wan Bissaka Nil
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Sweet, was just looking at him as a 4.1 option with a dgw! probs go Van Der Hoorn instead and go for a cheaper backup keeper

  22. how now brown cow
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    DDG
    Long Morgan Smalling
    Salah Son Willian Mahrez
    Kane Vardy Barnes

    Ryan Groß Lowton Alonso

    a - save FT
    b - mahrez to sterling
    c - Willian, Alonso to Sterling, Davies for a -4

    1. Digital-Real
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      B

      1. how now brown cow
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks

  23. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    oh dear, salah starting.

    See you next season non-salah owners

    1. XabiAlonso
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      He's done nothing since wk 31

  24. Lets jump straight into it.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    In the light of resent news I was thinking :

    Robertson >> Cedric but,

    then I saw it on the scoutpicks....

    What do I do?
    Will the curse of the scoutpicks waste a free transfer?

    ....

    1. Lets jump straight into it.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      that's a yes then....

  25. Bodini
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Not sure whether to play Gross or J Ayew this week. Any suggestions?

    1. Digital-Real
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      AYEW

      1. Bodini
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah you’re probably right. Thanks

  26. emodabi
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Hennessey
    Ben Davies,Yedlin, Lowton
    Sterling, Salah, D.Silva,Son, Mane(*)
    Barnes, Jesus, Aubameyang(*)

    I am thinking to sold Aubameyang + Mane for Kane + Milivojevic to get Kane and some fund to upgrade my defense or maybe Kane + Ramesy/Willian/Lingard with no real fund.

    Or any other option. Please advise

  27. Donblaster
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Play
    A) Gudmundsson
    or
    B) Barnes

    1. zotter
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      B

    2. Digital-Real
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      A

    3. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      A

    4. Donblaster
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Cheers guys, currently on A so will stick with

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

      a

  28. how now brown cow
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Reckon ABBA ate reforming to cash in on the penalty format?

  29. Richd
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Willian to D Silva for -4. It’s tempting me and all I can afford.

    1. Digital-Real
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      No concerns around Silva being rested, consider B Silva instead

  30. john25
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Repost.

    Hey guys, what should I do with this team?

    DDG-Ryan
    Lowton-Duffy-Dummet-Alonso-Simpson
    Mahrez-Salah-Willian-Grob-Albrighton
    Kane-Lukaku-Barnes

    1 FT and 0.0 in the bank.

    Cheers