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. #Swish41
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    3pts separate top 3 (squeaky bum time)!! This is my bag (not great):

    DDG
    Morgan Christensen Duffy
    Salah Lingard Sterling Willian
    Jesus (TC) Kane Vardy

    Need something bold so thinking:

    Willian, Duffy, Salah >

    1. Sane, Pogba, Davies
    2. Sane, Alli, Van Der Hoorn
    3. Eriksen, Pogba, Naughton

    What do you reckon?

    1. MURPH707
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      2 for me as don’t trust pogba

    2. Pep says
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I'd be more inclined to hold onto Salah and Willian and sort out the defence

      Your current backline combined could easily net you negative pts

    3. #Swish41
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Thanks all!

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

    Will Ramsey realistically get more minutes than Willian?

    Arsenal play: thursday, sunday, wednesday, sunday.

    That is a lot of games for a player who does not play alot of minutes..

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

      Avoid Arsenal player I'd say

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

      Even if Arsenal go out tonight, Wenger is unlikey to run Ramsey into the ground. He could be gold but I'll rather stay away!

  3. Me Spurs
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Screw it C sane who's with me

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Not me !!

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

      Could be a great shout, but only if you need both to own and cap a differential.

      1. Me Spurs
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        28 behind rival and he has Kane Jesus Sterling

  4. Jacket Potato
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Morning lads, which is the best option for the team below?

    A) Alonso + Gudmun.. >> Smalling + Arnie -4
    B) Morgan + Murray >> Mawson + J Ayew -4
    C) Willian >> Arnie

    Current team :
    DDH, Ryan
    *Alonso*, Tarko, Morgan*, Long, Dummett
    Sterling, Alli, Son, Willian, Gudmunson*
    Kane, Jesus, Murray*

    0.9 ITB, 1ft

    1. Hasselbaink Forever
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Using any chips?

      1. Jacket Potato
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        I will be using TC

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

      Why *'s on Alonso?

    3. enrico.palazzo
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Crazy to trade out alonso especially after you held

      1. Jacket Potato
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        True, just not sure if he will play both and for 7.2m.. Quite a lot

  5. RIDZ
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Which one better for -4
    a) Kaku+Son+Jones to Jesus+Sterling+Laporte/Trippier
    b) Kaku+Mahrez+Jones to Jesus+Sterling+Vertonghen

    1. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      B

      1. MURPH707
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Defo B

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

      B

  6. MURPH707
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Is a -8 worth it to do
    Son/Willian to Erik/Zaha
    This covers closest ML rival and I am 30 points ahead

  7. _Make
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Don't really care how Leicester perform defensively, but do we think that Chilwell will start both games? I have a feeling he will as now is the time to be developing youth rather than playing the likes of Fuchs.

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

    Sorry for the re post,

    Best mid that is 5.4m and under?

    Many thanks

    1. MURPH707
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Prob gundogan if you don’t have 3 city already

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

      Will have 3 city if i go for him.

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

    A) zaha âž¡ arnie
    B) mahrez âž¡ alli

    No hit.

    1. MURPH707
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      B

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

      B

  10. #Swish41
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Trippier likely to play 1 only? He was sooo good vs Watford

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

    Thoughts/advice on this -8 team

    De Gea, Ryan

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

    Roberton, Gross, Ward
    1 ITB

    Advice/Help Very much appreciated

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

    Really not sure who to TC. Suggestions?

    A) Eriksen
    B) Jesus
    C) Kane
    D) Sterling

    1. Feed tha Sheep
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      C or D which one is the big dilemma

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

        I'd definitely go with Sterling if I could count on 180mins from him

    2. Over Midwicket
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      All 4 great options. Kane probably the worst actually.

    3. Los Perros Calientes
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Had Kane pencilled in for weeks but now going Jesus.

      I would also go Sterling if 180mins guaranteed but I think Jesus is the safer bet.

  13. Azathoth
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Leading by 15 points in my ML.What's my best move?
    a) (for a -4) Monreal to Laporte/Danilo & Son to Sterling (TC).
    b) (for a - 4) Azpi to B.Davies & Vardy to Jesus (TC).
    c) Keep the team as it is and TC Kane.

    DDG - Hennessey
    Azpi - Smalling - Monreal - Lowton - Morgan
    Son - Salah - Arnie - Mili - Willian
    Barnes - Vardy - Kane

    Thanx

  14. Distinctly Average
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    If already on a -4 would you:

    A) Willian > Ramsey (-8)

    B) Willian > Arnie (-8)

    C) Keep

    1. arndff_
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      A depends on tonights game

  15. Feed tha Sheep
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Any of these worth a -4?
    A. Dunk/Lowton > Danilo
    B. Barnes > Ayew
    C. Cook > Kennedy (play him instead of Barnes)

    1. arndff_
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      C surely doesnt worth -4

      1. Feed tha Sheep
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Prob not but keneddy will have his two games v Barnes one game (against arsenal)?

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

      B

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

    Trivia time:
    1,2,-1,2,2,2,5,0,1,6,0 since I've bought him!
    Hit the woodwork a few times and almost scored a few more! Disappointing signing I must say, but your time has come _____ _______!

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

    Honestly think I'm just keeping mahrez as a differential. The beach gets boring quickly.

    1. arndff_
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      He’s still in my team too...
      -.-

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

      True but getting rid of him enables you to get better players with a team that is certainly not on the beach

    3. Over Midwicket
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      My condolences

  18. machickenz
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Whats the chance of Silva playing both games?
    Could do Willian + Tarkowski > Silva + Smalling. Thoughts?

    1. Pep says
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Very unlikely imo. Think the Huddersfield game will be his last of the season but that's not to say he won't score double digits in the homecoming game

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

    Morgan + Mahrez + Willian + Son + Gross + Lukaku + Barnes to Smalling + Sterling + Sane + Eriksen + Kenedy + Jesus + Ayew (-24)?

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

      No for me only if you are really chasing

    2. No Totti No Party
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I saw only -24 and the answer is NO

    3. Pep says
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Barnes Son and Groß worth holding imo

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

      Should have added another three or four I guess (facepalm) 😉

    5. #FPLBhuna
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      it was a no at (-24)

  20. machickenz
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Whats the chance of Silva playing both games?
    Could do Willian + Tarkowski > Silva + Smalling. Thoughts?

    Team will be..
    DDG
    Davies Smalling Morgan
    Alli Mahrez Pogba Silva
    Kane(c) Jesus

    Ryan Cork Lowton Dunk

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

      Im hoping he plays both as I have him too. Last game of the season is an away game, so I'm hoping he'll say good bye to the fans over two games then go home for the season!

  21. No Totti No Party
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Hi LADS.
    Salah + Mili > Tadic Pogba for -4
    And eventually Schmeichel > DeGea for another -4 ( otherwise will play Pope)
    what do you think ?

  22. Reuser
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Any hits worth taking here? (BB37)

    Ederson, Fabianski
    Vertonghen, Mustafi, Fernandez, Lejeune, Dummet,
    Salah, Sterling, Arnie, Alli, Kenedy
    Kane, Jesus, Ayew
    0.1 ITB

    TC Salah/Kane in 38.

    Thanks.

  23. #FPLBhuna
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    underwhelming performance from salah last night (first for a long time imo)

    has it made any other salah owners reconsider keeping him this gw?

    contemplating binning him for hazard or alli for a -4

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

      This is me thinking.

      We are not the only 1s as people have shifted him already

      Id say for Eriksen or City mid

  24. Cojones of Destiny
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    hey lads
    BBing in 37
    zaha->arnie worth a hit ?

    1. #FPLBhuna
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I dont think it is

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

    Which one for -12?

    1. Vardy Willian Son to Jesus Tadic Marko
    2. Vardy Willian Son to Jesus Ramsey Tadic
    3. Vardy Willian Gross to Jesus Tadic Kenedy

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

      2 but i would keep Son.

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

      4. Vardy Gross Barnes to Jesus Ayew Delph

  26. aleksios
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Out: Salah-Willian-Gross
    In: Sterl-Sane-Fernandinho.

    Worth -8?
    Thanks.

  27. J T
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    So it appears having 11 dgw players and no hits.. green arrow before a ball is kicked by the looks of it, -8,-12, even -16s everywhere!

  28. Boris Bodega
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    RMT question - I am getting a score of 103 on RMT tool, just wondering if this is average or whether others have a much higher/lower result?

    1. #FPLBhuna
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      that with captain points included and bench boost?

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

        yes

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

          Oh actually I am triple captaining either Sterling or Aubameyang, not decided which yet, so that gets boosted up to 110

      2. #FPLBhuna
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        123 with kane(c) points doubled - 110 before

        13 dgw + salah + baines

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

          NICE

          1. #FPLBhuna
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 10 months ago

            thanks pal

        2. #FPLBhuna
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          If I bin Salah > hazard the score increases by 8 so 131 but undecided on that

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

      I got 111 and 120 after transfers.

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

      114 here

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

        Nice, hope your actual score is the same or better.

  29. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Great scoutcast ! Hope it s a two hours long special next week 🙂

  30. Going Home
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Thoughts on Rash for this week? Lukaku surely misses tomorrow and then will he be risked on Thursday?

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Mmh not keen but could work. Might play Sanchez up front ?

      1. Going Home
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Yeah, very punty, but thinking he could be a brilliant differential