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. Dr Dream
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    I hope Liverpool don't give Madrid this many chances in the final. They've battled well but in truth it's been a seat if the pants defensive performance at the back....at best...

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

      Same for Real too though. Both teams been shite at the back.

      1. Dr Dream
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Could be a goal fest then.

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

          Should be.

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

      Some of their players aren't really up to the mark, e.g. Lovren, Milner whereas the same can't be said about Madrid.

  2. Ed
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    How many hits are people planning on taking?

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

      Maybe 1.

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

      just 2 , that got me 11 dgw players assuming they all play

    3. Cok3y5murf
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Pointless question

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

        Pointless reply

        1. Cok3y5murf
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          Nope. Use your head a bit. Number of hits depends on each team. The number of hits others are taking doesn't help you or your team.

    4. Annie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      3

    5. Team Bobcat
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      As few as pissible here. Can just about stomach a (-4)

  3. Darthshearer
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    I have sterling and jesus from City.

    Is it worth -4 for:
    A) Salah to Pogba
    B) salah to sane
    Or
    Stick with salah?

    1. Team Bobcat
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      That is the burning Q. Whether to stick or twist with salah.

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

        I've gone with a risk with Pogba!

    2. Team Bobcat
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Probably boils down to whether you are defending or chasing.

  4. lastmanback
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Team is:
    De Gea
    Smalling, Vertonghen, Morgan
    Arnie, Salah, Sterling, Willian, Gross
    Jesus (TC), Kane

    Thinking of doing:
    Willian + Morgan + Murray -> Ayew + Pogba + Mawson (-8)

    Even considering downgrading Gross to Caroll and getting Eriksen instead of Pobga, but that would be for a -12

    What do you guys think? Defending a 50pt mini-league lead. Any advice appreciated, thank you!

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

    Salah has looked quite unwell the past 2 games..Is he tired, inured,,or just unfit?

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

      Fatigue. Its been a long season for Salah. WC qualifies as well

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

        He will be knackered by the beginning of next season 🙂

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

          Egypt won't make it past the 1st round so we are good for gw1

  6. Pierce34
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Liverpool always seem to concede after Klopp subs in Klavan for a forward, let's see what happens here.

    1. Pierce34
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      There we go, haha.

  7. Hybrid.power
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Oh Liverpool.....

  8. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    OMG naingollan.

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

      gg

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

      im sure i visited that railway in wales

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

    Who was bashing Nangollan on here earlier lol

    1. George James
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Doesn’t make him a decent player because he scored a goal mate.

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

        Doesn't hurt he scores loads of great goals like that

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

      I did. If he hadn't mucked up they'd be through 😆

  10. Hybrid.power
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Shiould have put a bet on Roma at half time!

    1. George Sillett
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Backed them before it kicked off. Bizarrely they were as big as 8/5. 15/8 Roma to win and Pool to qualify too.

  11. Red Rock
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    NanGOALan

  12. martyhan
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Would you take out Salah for a -4 point hit and get in Ericksen ? I could then get Salah back in with one move for the Brighton game. Think it's worth it?

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

      yes , i can see Chelsea beating Pool at the weekend after this

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

      I say have them both

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

    come on pool

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

    Salah Sellers $hitting themselves now :0)

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

      always.....its a calculated risk

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

        Can't wait for Liverpool to focus on the real priority that is fantasy premier league!!!

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

      Why?

  15. Hybrid.power
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    I've got a bad feeling about this

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

      No time left. Max 4 minutes of added.

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

        3

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

      Game is over

  16. HD7
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Mahrez to Sane for -4 worth it?

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

      Yep

    2. European Bob
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Yes0

  17. Winter_is_coming
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Who will score more in 37?

    1) Jesus, Morgan
    2) Arnie, Danilo

    1. George James
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      1

  18. Dr Dream
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    I forgot Liverpool had to go through the qualifiers.....did they not have to do that the last time they won it?

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

      Yes destiny

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

    I don't follow why are people anxious about pool being beaten???

    1. Hybrid.power
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      What do you mean?

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

      In case they give away a late penalty?

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

      cos its pool........they always do this to me

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

        see

  20. George James
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Pen

  21. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Wow pen roma

  22. Team Bobcat
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Which one guys!!

    1ft 0itb
    a) Jones >Danilo
    b) Jones Wood > Danilo Ayew
    c) Salah Jones > Eriksen Danilo
    d) Salah Jones > Sane Valencia
    e) Mahrez Jones > Sane Naughton

    Which of the above appeals the most to you guys. b, c, d, e all cost (-4). d, problematic in that it will cost me (-4) also next week to get salah back in. a, seems sumple but decent. b, may be my best option if I can stomach Ayew and no Sane

  23. Hybrid.power
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Penaltyyyyyy

  24. Sánchez
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Penalty

  25. ZeBestee
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Pen Roma

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

    Pen.

  27. Hybrid.power
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Harsh peno

  28. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Miracle in Rome incoming

  29. Les Bleus
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    What an awful decision

  30. Hybrid.power
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Full time