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. sunzip14
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    0.1 short for Gross>Arnie(-4).
    Worth taking -8 to get Arnie and Mawson for Gross& Christensen? or just play Young/Gross?

    Team atm:

    Lloris
    Christensen, Mustafi, Smalling
    Sterling, Son, Willian,Gross/Young?
    Kane, Jesus, Vardy
    Subs: Ryan, Gross/Young, Morgan, Lowton

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

      Play Gross imo, thinking they will score 2 against united

      1. sunzip14
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        thanks!

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

    How many hits are you taking this week?

    -12 here

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

      Dunno yet maybe none, maybe -4 or -8.

      Won't be more than the minus -8 alas.

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

      -4, maybe -8.

      Only swapping singles for doubles though so doesn't feel that bad as gaining an extra game.

    3. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      -4

    4. -SB-
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      -8

    5. Naboo
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      -8 here. 12 is a lot of points to make back unless you have TC/BB

  3. Blanka
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Pogba and Lloris, to sort of mimic my cash mini league rival? On same points!

    Or Alli and Fab as punty diferrentials?

  4. mranonymous
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    My team makes me sick... 1 point ahead of ML rival. No FT. Tips?

    Lloris

    Vert-Kompany-Mustafi-van der Hoorn

    Son-D.Silva-Arnie-Fernandinho

    Aubameyang-J.Ayew

    Bench: Salah-Firmino-VvD

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

      Cech on bench also

    2. sunzip14
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Would really like to know on what you used your FT if you still have all those Pool players on the bench.

      How much in the bank?

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

      Bench obviously needs some sales.
      I think you need a Jesus or Kane depends how you want to fund that.

      Firmino and Salah to Kane and Pogba? Haven't checked prices - or remove maybe Kompany.

    4. mranonymous
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      thanks all for the tips...

  5. LonesomePundit
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Arnie in for Lingard for a hit?
    Expect Arnie to get three games to Jlingz's two over next two GWs but whether Arnie makes it back not sure.

  6. fridge
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Hi all. Top of my money leagues so wan't to go quite safe

    De Gea
    Morgan. Vert. Christensen
    Willian. Lingard. Sterling. Eriksen
    Kane (tc) Jesus. Barnes

    Ryan. Ibe. Tark. Lowton

    Would you do
    Christensen + Barnes > Otamendi + J.Ayew?

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

      I wouldn't go with Ota. He's surely unlikely to play all three fixtures. Not even sure he's going to get two.

  7. Phil's Stamps
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    How about this for an ultimate differential team?

    Ederson
    Valencia Smalling Mawson
    Erik Haz Arnie Sterling Sanchez
    Ayew Jesus

    Nice or nuts?

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

      Midfield is nice ... gambling on Kane continuing to look like Van Wolfswinkel could work.

    2. Coaly
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Sanchez striker fo Ramsey Kane?

    3. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Nice to see a different team

  8. BIGREDDOG
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    This look good for -8?

    Lossl, Schindler, VVD -> Lloris, Smalling, Van der Hoorn?

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

      Seems a lot of points hits for the players involved.

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

      Yep.

  9. Coaly
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Either of these worth a hit?

    a) Willian to Arnie/Ramsey
    b) Barnes to J.Ayew

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

      A but probably only Arnie.

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

      Would do B

  10. Bavarian
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    One to keep in the DGW:
    Gross or Willian???

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

      I would keep Willian over Grob.

  11. SpaceCadet
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Anyone considering Rashford as a third striker option? Game time a concern?

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

      More about Ramsey

    2. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      If Lukaku out He's defo an option but Martial may get some time.

  12. -SB-
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    DDG

    Kompany Vert Smalling

    Pogba Sterling Arnie Mili

    Kane Jesus Ayew

    Subs: Ryan, Chilwell, Willian, Mustafi

    What you guys think?

    1. sunzip14
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Willian on bench? Interesting

      1. -SB-
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Sorry! I’m using bench boost chip

  13. kysersosa
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    What to do with this team??

    De Gea, Ryan

    Robertson, Morgan, Dunk, Ward, Tark
    Pogba, ali, D Silva, Gundogan, Gross
    Jesus, Vardy, Kane

    0.7 ITB and 1 FT

    Advice/Help Very much appreciated

    1. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Ward/Tark to Danilo?

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

        looked at that, but then have to get rid of another Man City Mid. Probably a good move tbh.

  14. Ezekyle
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    De Gea
    Christensen Vert Chilwell
    Salah Lingard Mahrez Sterling
    Jesus Barnes Kane

    Ryan Morgan Lowton King

    1FT, 1.3itb
    Planning on Mahrez & Barnes to Eriksen & Ayew (-4)
    Is it worth a -8 for Christensen to Smalling as well?

    1. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Not sure on the -8 although I did Christ to Smalling for a -4

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

      yup

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

    See how Ramsey plays tonight and decide between him and Dilva.

    #Reply-Fail

  16. BIGREDDOG
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Is Van Der Hoorn nailed?

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

      At the moment - I would estimate at about 85% - they do usually play five at the back so should keep his place.

    2. Spencer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I think so. If they switch to 4 at the back, I guess he’s the one to drop out.

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

        Thanks.

  17. lord_lexington
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Hi all - which of following would you do?

    DDG (Ryan)
    Mustafi Azpi Dummett Morgan (Lowton)
    Willian Mahrez Gross Pogba (Ibe)
    Kane Jesus (Barnes)

    A) -4: Willian > Sterling
    B) -4: Mahrez > Sterling
    C) -8: Willian+Morgan > Sterling+Cedric/Naughton
    D) -8: Mahrez+Morgan > Sterling+Vertonghen
    E) -8: Mahrez+Willian > Sterling+Alli
    F) -8: Mahrez+Gross > Sterling+Arnie

    Thankss

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

      D

  18. rdamjan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Could Alli be great C differential in 37? He`s been rested for 1 game in 34 so I assume he will play both in 37 (am i wrong?). Or just stick with Jesus/Kane?

    1. Spencer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Could work out very well. But you know it’s a risk as he can easily have off days.

    2. Holmes
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      His goal celebrations makes him non-captaincy material 😮

  19. SpaceCadet
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Pogba or Ramey?

    1. -SB-
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Pogba

    2. Spencer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      See what happens with Arsenal in Europe, but I like Ramsey.

    3. Expected Toulouse
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Pogba

  20. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    DDG
    Alonso Morgan Vertonghen
    Salah Sterling Lingard Willian Son
    Kane Vardy
    Ryan Barnes Lowton Long
    0.1itb 1ft

    Best moves?
    A) Morgan Willian Vardy to Danilo/Mawson Kenedy Jesus (-8)
    B) Alonso Vardy to Danilo/Mawson Jesus (-4)
    C) Same as B with Willian to Rambo/Tadic/Arnie (-8)
    D) Salah Willian Vardy to KDB King/Ki Jesus (-8) with Salah back the week after.
    E) Alonso Salah Vardy to KDB Jesus Naughton (-8)

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

      A

  21. koppite1210
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Mahrez + 4 vs Sane

  22. Weasel Boy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    A lot of people worried about Sterling's Minutes but he's started most matches this season apart from those close to CL games.

    1. -SB-
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      It’s all about Sterling.

    2. Hulk Smash
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I want to TC him so badly

      1. Weasel Boy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        I'm on him

        1. Hulk Smash
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          Thinking even if he only plays Hud he could outscore Kane and Jesus?

          It's a real possibility IMO. He is the form player.

  23. SpaceCadet
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Best TC option in this midfield?

    hazard kdb dsilva alli pogba

    1. LC1
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      KDB or Alli probs

      1. Weasel Boy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        This

    2. Expected Toulouse
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      De Bruyne.

  24. Hulk Smash
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Pick one from each please

    - Smalling or Vertonghen or Davies (already have De Gea)?

    - Arnie or Ramsey (if out of Europa)?

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

      Vertonghen
      Ramsey

    2. Expected Toulouse
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Vertonghan and Arnie. Don't see Ramsey playing both games even if Arsenal go out.

  25. 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

    Cheers.

    1. Hulk Smash
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Take a -8, downgrade Alonso to a Swansea defender and ship Mahrez and Vardy to Sterling and Jesus.

    2. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Mahrez and Vardy to Sterling and Jesus and Lingard/GroB to Kenedy to fund it.

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

    Argh need to back the right horse, should I go brown or white bread??!!

    Tempted to go maverick on KDB, but swayed by Sterling...

  27. kysersosa
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Thoughts on this team for -8

    De Gea, Ryan

    Morgan, Dunk, Danilo (in for Tark)
    Pogba, ali, D Silva, Son, (In for Gundogen),
    Jesus, J Ayew (In for Vardy), Kane

    Gross, Robertson, Ward
    1m ITB

  28. Expected Toulouse
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Valencia + Salah + Shaqiri to Any defender under 5.3 + De Bruyne + Pogba (-8). Yay or Nay?

  29. Forever In Our Shadow
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    What do you think of this ?

    https://i.imgur.com/xlTc4oJ.png

  30. Daniel Exeter
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Surprised not seeing many teams with Eriksen in?

    1. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Price most likely but yes he isnt in many.

      1. Daniel Exeter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        I'm thinking Salah > Eriksen tbh

        I can't get Kane without a -8

        1. Forever In Our Shadow
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          If you dont have Kane already,dont get hm. Auber Jesus Ayew woul give you cash for eriksen And other upgrades.

        2. circusmonkey
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          Also thinking of that, happy to keep Eriksen for 38 and not get Salah back.
          Is it worth a hit?

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

      Could only afford Alli on my WC but I would definitely prefer the dane.

    3. jia you
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      He has been in my team since GW22 and happy to have him 🙂

    4. BIG TONES
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Most have the cheaper option of Son + Kane