Scout Picks
27 April 2018 1311 comments
J0E J0E
Share:

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. squits
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Haven't seen much about Alexis Sanchez for the DGW. Utd play nice fixtures and 6 days apart.

    Any opinions? I'm tempted to do Salah to Sanchez...but then worry about GW38

    1. TheAbear53
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Depends if chasing and ballsy...

  2. The Royal Robin
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Is it worth considering KDB for the DGW?

    1. Bubz
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Yes

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

      Considering him or hazman, see bellow

  3. FPL Scoop
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Defence is Robertson Lowton vdH (Morgan Mee) ... but since I only have 0.2ITB, thinking about rolling the FT for next week BB..

    1. Bubz
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Robertson isnt playing tomorrow

    2. CRO KLOPP
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Robertson won't play

    3. barracuda
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Mee to Long

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

        Scratch that, get rid of Robbo

        1. TheAbear53
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Nope, not worth it just for one week of absence...

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

    Fellas, with GW37 in mind:

    A- play Salah
    B- Salah to Hazard and Cedric - 4
    C- Salah to Hazard and Jones/Smalling -8

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

      Getting Salah back in 38 if B or C

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

      City mid for Salah (no hit)

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

        got 2 Cities. Can't do it without a hit (brink Salah back for 38)

    3. TheAbear53
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Finish the transfer equation... you can't swap a mid for a mid and def - need the full picture

  5. FantasyTony
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    A) Austin > Ayew
    B) Bailly > Davies
    C) Both (-4)

    Any suggestions welcome 🙂

  6. CRO KLOPP
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    0 ft 0.0itb

    DDG
    Vertongen Lowton Long
    Salah(c) Mahrez Son Willian
    Kane Vardy Barnes
    Ryan Lingard Morgan Alonso

    Am I GTG?

    1. CRO KLOPP
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Sterling instead of Mahrez

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

        Even better. But Mahrez will do some damage.

        1. CRO KLOPP
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Yes, with everyone selling (including myself) he will deliver,but can't go with no City

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

      yes

      1. CRO KLOPP
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers m8 and GL

    3. barracuda
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      GTG

      1. CRO KLOPP
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks and GL

  7. Ryanu2
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Robertson for ? Up to 5.2

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

    On a Wildcard

    A. Dubravka and Eriksen
    B. DDG and Son

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

      B

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

      Tough one.

      B

    3. Pukki Party
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      B

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

    DDG
    Lowton,Tark, Smalling
    Sterling, Willian, Gross, Son
    Kane(c), Lukaku, Vardy

    Ryan, Morgan, L.Cook, Alonso

    0ft 0itb

    A. Lukaku + Gross - Ayew + Salah -8
    B. Lukaku - Jesus -4
    C.Lukaku + Vardy+ Gross - Jesus + Ayew + Salah -12
    D, SAFK

    1. CRO KLOPP
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      D

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

      D

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

        thanks both

        1. CRO KLOPP
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          You have city cover and a good captain so no need for hits

  10. ZimZalabim
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Also
    bench 1
    A. Morgan
    B. Tark
    C. Lowton

    1. CRO KLOPP
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      A

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

        cheers guys

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

      A

  11. FPL Scoop
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Robertson to who? 5.2 max, BB37

    1. Drogba Legend
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Cedric? SWA back if you're not playing him this week. Lascelles/Dummett?

  12. Drogba Legend
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    After leaked lineup and Klopp's comments, expecting 60 from Salah. Expecting 90 from Kane. Who is the better captain?

    1. Granville
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Salah

    2. @fpl_phenom
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      14 double digit hauls,
      11 score returns outside of this,
      only a hanful of blanks and still theres a question over captaining him? incredible!

  13. Pukki Party
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Alonso, Auba to TAA, Kane -4

    Good moves? Surely TAA over Chilwell?

  14. Johnny too hotty
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Hey
    is Mahrez to Son sensible for remainder of season?

    Do we think Son starts every game now....

    1. Granville
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Sounds sensible to me. Do you own Vardy?

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

        Granville, would you mind to answer my question above pls?

        1. Granville
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 17 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          I would just keep Salah

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

            Ok, thank you Sir. I think you are correct.

  15. Ryanu2
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Robertson to Lascelles for rest of season a good move Thoughts please

    1. Drogba Legend
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Most likely. Depends on your GW37 plan, but robbo likely to be rotated.

    2. Ryanu2
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Thanks DL Bit thin on ground for defenders this week with Alonso out as well Appreciate your input

  16. @fpl_phenom
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Mahrez is due

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

      Technically, so is sissoko.

      1. Drogba Legend
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        I'm definitely keeping him. He looks good.

  17. Big P
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Everyone getting Alonso for the double?

    1. I Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Everyone or anyone?

      1. Big P
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Sure

        1. I Member
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          I'm not even considering him.

    2. @fpl_phenom
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      I think most cant wait to get rid....

    3. Ryanu2
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Am keeping Fingers crossed

  18. JasonG123
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Sterling or Eriksen fit the rest of the season?

  19. JasonG123
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Free to hit the button on Lukaku and Mahrez to Jesus and Serling (-4)?

    1. Ryanu2
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Next week not now

  20. Big P
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Sanchez & Mahrez ——-> Salah & Sterling (-4) ???

    1. Ryanu2
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Yes

  21. I Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Play one:

    A) Milivojevic (LEI)
    B) Barnes (BHA)

    1. Ryanu2
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Barnes

  22. Ryanu2
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Robertson for Lascelles a good option for rest of season Advice appreciated Thanks

  23. Pilgrim62
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Willian or Mahrez to Salah -4 ?

    1. Ryanu2
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      William for me

  24. glufs
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    6.0 def for rest of season. Got to be Verthongn, right?

    1. Ryanu2
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Safe Unlikely to be rotated

  25. FPL Canuck
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    DDG
    Cedric/Lowton/Morgan
    Alli / Son / Mahrez / Willian
    Kane/ Jesus / Barnes
    ---------
    Ryan/ Gud / Kiko / Alonso

    Worth a -8 to bring in Salah, Vert & Jesus?
    Would go Alonso to Vert, Lu to Jesus, Alli to Mo

    If I stay put, I'd bring in Mo for GW 38 ...

  26. Wolves42
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Considering a last minute transfer to bring in Davies, but then I’ll have to stick with him for the DGW. Do we think there’s any chance of getting a DGW out of him or is Rose nailed on to play one of those two fixtures? Budget is very tight, so can’t go for Vertonghen, but Spurs defensive coverage looks essential to me.

  27. glufs
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Play Bailly or Lowton?

    1. lugs
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Bailly , he probably won't play anyway and is unlikely to be subbed on , but play him just in case he does start , because i'd trust Utd to keep a clean sheet more than Burnley

  28. Merlin72
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Valencia vs Arsenal or Maguire vs Palace Aurier and Sanchez vs Watford and Laporte... Can you please help me pick the top 4 to start.

  29. ssia2908
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Should I play 3 Manchester United players (De Gea, Smalling, Lingard) considering Arsenals poor away form and that they will be resting players for the semi-final? I have Aubameyang on the bench as I feel that Manchester United will keep a clean sheet.

    a) Play Aubameyang, Bench Smalling
    b) Play Smalling, Bench Aubameyang
    c) Play Aubameyang, Bench Lingard
    d) Play Lingard, Bench Aubameyang
    c) Other (please suggest below)

    My Team:
    De Gea
    Vertonghen, Kompany, Cedric, Smalling, Tarkowski
    Sterling, Eriksen, Lingard
    Kane, Barnes

    Bench: Ryan, Aubameyang, Gross, Cork

  30. carlitoscaleno
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Morning Guys....

    I still got my triple captian and bench boost
    How could I use this in the remain 3 games?

    Cheers