Scout Squad
2 May 2018 1866 comments
davidwardale davidwardale
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Double Gameweek 37 is threatening to offer up more intrigue than a week in the life of Zelijko Buvac.

Rotation worries surrounding players from both Manchester clubs make them riskier prospects than their fixtures would suggest, while the make-up of Chelsea’s backline is far from settled and a certain Spurs striker is currently more hesitant breeze than hurricane.

Nonetheless, our ‘expert’ panel of Scout veterans Mark, Paul and Jonty, and Career Hall of Fame number one Peter Kouwenberg, haven’t been able to resist certain double delights, with Gabriel Jesus and Harry ‘rock you like a puff of wind’ Kane getting the thumbs-up across the board.

United keeper David De Gea is another promoting Scout-based harmony, with Raheem Sterling and Christian Eriksen looking like shoo-ins for midfield slots.

Things should get rather more tetchy after that, with Chelsea, Spurs and even beach-ready Leicester City players vying for defensive spots.

And the usual kerfuffle over formation might turn nasty, as the likes of Marcus Rashford, Jordan Ayew and whichever Arsenal striker starts up front this week attempt to persuade our men to go for three up top.

We’ll be back before Friday evening’s deadline with those that have made the cut and, in the meantime, here are the thoughts (cogent or otherwise) of the fairly fab four.

PaulJontyMarkPeter
GoalkeepersDavid De GeaDavid De GeaDavid De GeaDavid De Gea
Lukasz FabianskiLukasz FabianskiLukasz FabianskiLukasz Fabianski
Alex McCarthyMartin DubravkaEdersonAlex McCarthy
DefendersNicolas OtamendiChris SmallingBen DaviesCesar Azpilicueta
Marcos AlonsoCesar AzpilicuetaAlfie MawsonDanilo
Jan VertonghenJan VertonghenChris SmallingNacho Monreal
Chris SmallingAlfie MawsonDaniloBen Davies
Shkodran MustafiNacho MonrealHarry MaguireCedric Soares
MidfieldersRaheem SterlingRaheem SterlingRaheem SterlingRaheem Sterling
Christian EriksenChristian EriksenMarko ArnautovicChristian Eriksen
Marko ArnautovicMohamed SalahChristian EriksenEden Hazard
Eden HazardPaul PogbaPaul PogbaPaul Pogba
Aaron RamseyMarko ArnautovicDusan TadicMarko Arnautovic
ForwardsGabriel JesusHarry KaneHarry KaneGabriel Jesus
Harry KaneGabriel JesusGabriel JesusHarry Kane
Alexandre LacazettePierre-E AubameyangJordan AyewJamie Vardy
Marcus RashfordJordan AyewMarcus RashfordJordan Ayew
Charlie AustinOlivier GiroudCharlie AustinMarcus Rashford

 

Peter Says…

Oh how I envy those who are enjoying a Free Hit this week, as my picks are flooded with Double Gameweek players.

Admittedly, Gameweek 34 demonstrated that two matches far from guarantees 180 minutes on the pitch for our choices, but with Manchester City and Spurs (in particular) each enjoying a pair of very favourable fixtures, I’m hopeful that even a 90-minute foray will bring in the points.

It is only a shame that City don’t actually need six points from plum match-ups at home to Huddersfield and Brighton.

Nonetheless, it would be a major shock if they dropped points, and you have to fancy that they will find the net on numerous occasions in both outings. Gabriel Jesus, Raheem Sterling and Danilo (pending news on Kyle Walker) come in, with Leroy Sané a more than able alternative.

Spurs arguably face a slightly tougher task, with West Brom fighting for their life (but also needing to push for victory) and Newcastle conceding no more than one goal in any of their last six matches.

Harry Kane will be top choice for many, notwithstanding his post-injury dip in form, while Christian Eriksen and Ben Davies also stand out.

The final top four side in my picks (as I regretfully overlook Liverpool on this occasion) is Manchester United.

David De Gea has a meagre three clean sheets in his last ten matches, but faces Brighton and West Ham.

Paul Pogba is not my first choice and does feel like a knee-jerk, but he and Marcus Rashford come within the mid-price range and both have the potential to do well.

In stark contrast, both Swansea City and Southampton know their Premier League existence is at stake.

Ideally, I would have liked a bit more attacking representation from those sides in recognition of that fact – so not just Jordan Ayew – but I’ve instead snapped up both stoppers (who could be very busy and might even be sighted in the opposing area depending on scorelines in the dying minutes), together with Cedric Soares as a cheaper alternative to Ryan Bertrand.

Paul Says…

As five of the top six teams are set to play twice in Double Gameweek 37, there is no shortage of big-hitters at our disposal.

I’ve opted for a host of attack-minded defenders, with injuries to Vincent Kompany and John Stones looking good for Nicolas Otamendi’s pitch-time.

Arsenal’s progress in the Europa League could play a part in our thinking when it comes to the attack. If the Gunners fail to overcome Atletico Madrid on Thursday, I reckon that rotation will be far less of an influence on Arsene Wenger’s teamsheets.

As evidenced as recently as Gameweek 35, where they both delivered double-digits against West Ham, Aaron Ramsey and Alexandre Lacazette could be the big differentials.

While the Frenchman is unlikely to force his way into our XI, Ramsey – at just 6.8 – looks an ideal alternative and has scored four times in his last four league outings.

Sitting in only 6.3% of squads and bought by just over 7,000 Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers, Eden Hazard’s goal threat has improved considerably in recent weeks, as highlighted in Tuesday’s Big Numbers article.

Over the last four Gameweeks, the Chelsea man’s score in our expected goal involvement numbers is bettered only by Man City pair Jesus and Sterling among Double Gameweek 37 players.

Elsewhere, both Charlie Austin (1%) and Rashford (6%) could be the budget-friendly differential picks up front.

The Saints are second only to Man City for big chances over the last four Gameweeks and have scored twice in all but one of those fixtures.

Meanwhile, Rashford’s pitch-time could benefit from concerns over Romelu Lukaku’s ankle problem, with Jose Mourinho perhaps protecting his top scorer ahead of the FA Cup final.

Jonty Says…

The Gameweek 32/33 Wildcard purge continues with my selections.

Not one Leicester player makes the cut following their recent decline in form, which hit a new low in Saturday’s embarrassing 5-0 defeat to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

Instead, assets from the two Manchester sides and Spurs dominate my thinking, with Swansea leading the budget options

City striker Jesus looks to be secure up front and, with four goals and three assists over his last five starts, is arguably the optimum triple captain shout.

Kane’s strike against Watford on Monday did enough to convince me he should be included and he may yet deserve the armband.

I’d certainly like to see a three-man frontline this week, with the exceptional value offered by Swansea’s Jordan Ayew (5.3) used to help free up vital funds across the rest of our XI.

Sterling’s run of three double-digit hauls in a row makes him my top midfielder for the Double Gameweek. Eriksen’s consistency deserves recognition, but I’d be equally happy if my colleagues want to back either Son Heung-min or Dele Alli.

My Man United picks are focused on defence, with De Gea and Chris Smalling looking strong candidates. If we are faced with a choice of only picking one, I’d like to see Smalling make the cut, with Swansea stopper Lukasz Fabianski an able replacement for the Spaniard.

At 7.9, Pogba is my pick of United’s attacking options, particularly as he has notched two scores of 10 points or more in his last four starts.

Mark Says…

While many of us had Wildcards active weeks ago in a bid to construct a squad for this round of extended fixtures, we knew that we would have to be flexible and switch our sights nearer the deadline.

The demise of Leicester’s options represents a notable shift, with both Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy unlikely to trouble Friday’s picks, despite facing two home matches.

Harry Maguire just about hangs on in my back five selection as I remain convinced that eventually his buccaneering style and frequent raids into the opposition’s half will eventually find reward.

Indeed, I’ve been fairly maverick in my defensive picks, snubbing Chelsea’s shifting backline and opting instead for the cut-price goal threat from Alfie Mawson, while also taking the opportunity to grab Danilo as cover in Man City’s rearguard should Walker miss out.

Somewhat controversially, the Blues and Hazard are also ignored in midfield. I just see Liverpool finally ending their top four ambitions at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, which could impact on their approach and teamsheet for the home encounter with Huddersfield.

It means I can keep a midfield spot open for Marko Arnautovic, who continues to be the apple of my eye. I can see him profiting from the King Power Stadium trip, in particular.

Pogba’s also in my five. An unlikely selection back when my Wildcard was active, Jose Mourinho’s recent policy of starting Ander Herrera in a 4-3-3 has been a game changer for the Frenchman.

With Lukaku’s power potentially ruled out of United’s frontline, I can see Pogba given even more freedom to raid the penalty area, as Rashford runs the channels.

The Community Champion

Representing the community against the Scout Picks in Gameweek 37 will be Red Arrows, who is just outside the top 10,000 and will be hoping to beat his career-high finish of 11,549 last season.

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).

Last week’s champion, Nani R U OK?, was beaten 69-52 by the Scouts.

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

  1. Totalfootball
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Triple captain -

    A.) Sterling
    B) Kane
    C) Jesus

    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Which one would you captain if you didn't have a TC chip?

      1. TLF
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        You decided yet Epic ? I keep switching between Kane and Sterling currently.

    2. Lone Wolf FPL
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      B

    3. Messsiaah
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      C

    4. The Mighty Hippo
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I would usually say B) without a hesitation, but I'm now starting to wonder if C) is going to be a better option.

    5. Mo Mané No Problems
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      A

  2. Ian Davis
    • 16 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Current bench boost team:

    Pope / Hart

    Klaven / Dummet / Long / Fernandez / Chilwell

    Salah / KDB / Sterling / Eriksen / Zaha

    Kane / Jesus / Perez

    A) Klavan/Salah > Cedric/Alli
    B) Klavan/Salah > Vertonghen/Arnie
    C) Klavan/Salah > Davies/Pogba

    **I'd get Salah back for GW38

    1. Lone Wolf FPL
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      A

  3. Lone Wolf FPL
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Best option:

    a) Laporte/Danilo (if Walker out)
    b) Mawson
    c) Monreal (if they out of EL)

    1. Delph & Safety
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Has to be Danilo surely if Walker’s out.

  4. CloudSky
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Should of been a pen.

    1. how now brown cow
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Definitely

    2. UnitedFan
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Yeah.

  5. Delph & Safety
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Best way to get Sterling and Jesus with this?

    De Gea Ryan
    Alonso Maguire PvA Kiko Tarkowski
    Salah Mahrez Willian Lingard Groß
    Kane Vardy Barnes

  6. Brosstan
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    TAA getting away with a red card handball.

    1. how now brown cow
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Would have been a harsh red

      1. Stats Don\'t Lie
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Basically suarez vs ghana at the WC

        1. CloudSky
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          That one had intention behind. This one was a yellow.

          1. how now brown cow
            • 11 Years
            7 years, 10 months ago

            Completely

          2. Stats Don\'t Lie
            • 11 Years
            7 years, 10 months ago

            Hands in unnatural position, looking to block the ball, seems quite intentional no? Either way 100000% a pen as that was in the top corner if not for his hand

            1. CloudSky
              • 9 Years
              7 years, 10 months ago

              Id argue thats a pretty natural position when doing a diving block. Im 100% sure there was no intention behind it.

              But I agree, its a clear pen.

            2. the snazzy viking
              • 9 Years
              7 years, 10 months ago

              it can't be 1,000,000%, you can only have a maximum of 100%

        2. Pariße
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          A completely different situation.

    2. Delph & Safety
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      The commentary.

      It’s a clear pen. So much for being non biased.

  7. Pariße
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Well that should’ve definitely be a pen. Not a red though, wasn’t deliberate.

    1. badgerboy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      If it wasn't deliberate why would it be a definite pen?

      1. Pariße
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Sorry, but are you being serious? Most fouls aren't deliberate.

    2. Brosstan
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Its either nothing or a pen and a red card.

      1. Pariße
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        The rules have been updated recently about what is or isn't a red card after fouling in the penalty box (triple punishment). Not quite sure on handballs, so can't say whether it was a red or not, but denying a goal definitely makes it a pen.

  8. CloudSky
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Pool having some nightmare minutes.

  9. how now brown cow
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Liverpool struggling here. Need to hold the ball a few mins.

  10. Brosstan
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Dont think Ive seen 4 semi final sides that are so bad at defending in a long time. But it makes for great, entertaining games.

    1. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      It’s been the best champs league for years

      1. Brosstan
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        No doubt.

    2. barracuda
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Possibly calls from the cheddar to sell even more....

  11. TLF
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Reckon Hazard will play both in 37 ?

    1. Delph & Safety
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Tough to say but a very interesting differential.

  12. Messsiaah
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Milli to Arnie for -4 worth it?

    1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      id play milli

  13. barracuda
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    IS there anybody who could replace Salah just now?

    1. Messsiaah
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      He looks fat

      1. Epic Fail
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        And crap hair.

      2. barracuda
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        That top one?

      3. barracuda
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Charlie Adam surely.

  14. Pat Bonner
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Got 10dgwers and Salah plus 2ft. Which do you prefer (both for free)

    A Morgan and Barnes to naughton and ayew (bench kenedy)
    B Morgan and son to vert/Davies and arnie

    1. FFSbet.com
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      B

      1. Pat Bonner
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Cheers

  15. LosBlancos
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    So Roma are denied two clear pens, such poor refereeing

    1. Delph & Safety
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Yeah they’ve been hard done by.

    2. CloudSky
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      What was the other one?

      1. LosBlancos
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Dzeko offside, which wasnt an offside when Karius tackled his feet

        1. CloudSky
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          Missed that offside call, cheers.

    3. Dr Van Nostrand
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      The one last week was very fortunate

  16. Delph & Safety
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Make it more exciting Roma.

    1. LosBlancos
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      hard when the RB plays as a second keeper

  17. how now brown cow
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    And when the planet hit the sun
    I saw the face of Allison

    Pixies presumably big in Rome?

  18. LosBlancos
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    This Liverpool side is going to concede qt least four from RMA based on their defending
    Sadly RMA is probably going to concede a few as well most likely, unless Zidane puts a Kovacic type plaster on Salah

    1. Dr Van Nostrand
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Should be a great final then

    2. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      should be a great game then

  19. Coot
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Why sadly? Sounds like an epic final!

  20. Bubbles1985
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    When is the presser for Pep?

    News on Walker would be nice!

  21. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    downgrade willian or alonso to 5.7 player?

  22. barracuda
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    I am calling Liverpool 3 Real Madrid 1 . (not a liverpool supporter)

    1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      i. would. love. it.

    2. Ghost Gooner
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      2-1 Real

      1. barracuda
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        They looked knackered.

    3. LosBlancos
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      you do realize Ronaldo will be facing TAA and Lovren?
      Isco vs Wijnaldum
      etc

      1. barracuda
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Isco lost his place

        1. LosBlancos
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          nope, injury

          1. barracuda
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 10 months ago

            I seriously believe he is up for sale.

      2. UnitedFan
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Salah, Firmino and Mane against that equally leaky Real defence.

        1. LosBlancos
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          its mostly Marcelo basically playing as a winger and not tracking back, can be solved with midfield support.
          Kovacic on Salah man marking and things wont be that leaky

          1. UnitedFan
            • 10 Years
            7 years, 10 months ago

            What's the story at RB?

            1. LosBlancos
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 10 months ago

              Carvajal injured, but should recover. Similar to Marcelo, but he should handle Mane with no real trouble

              1. UnitedFan
                • 10 Years
                7 years, 10 months ago

                Ah, didn't know Carvajal would be back. Makes a difference, but it's not the sole solution.

          2. Dr Van Nostrand
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            7 years, 10 months ago

            We'll see looked pants v Bayern the expected goals were 5 to 3 for Bayern

      3. Dr Van Nostrand
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        And Salah v Marcelo should have a field day

  23. Scheister
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    DDG
    Vertonghen Christensen Morgan
    Alli Mahrez Willian Lingard Gross
    (K)ane Jesus

    A) Christensen > Otamendi/Smalling/Moses
    B) Morgan > Otamendi/Smalling/Moses
    C) Mahrez > Sterling

  24. mr messi
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    When will we have news on Lukaku?

    1. Butcher
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Don't think he will play the next 2. Thinking of shipping for Jesus

      1. mr messi
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        I'm considering Rashford

    2. Ghost Gooner
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Google, seen some stories already

  25. CloudSky
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Salah -> Alisson for a hit?

  26. Patch
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    So when Liverpool lose to Roma, that means Salah is guaranteed for FPL?

    1. BUZZBOMB ♡
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Yeah, that's right.

      1. Patch
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        And there ya go!!!

        Woooo Salah

  27. barracuda
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Take Mo off you crazy german

  28. tisza
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    probably the most diverse scout squad of the season

  29. Je suis le chat
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Can see why Madrid knocked up the No. 13 t-shirts. They'll be confident vs the pool.

  30. The Bandit
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    TAA has had a mare, Clyne nailed for the final