Scout Squad
10 May 2018 519 comments
davidwardale davidwardale
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The end is nigh, and for some managers who have endured an apocalyptically bad Gameweek 37, it can’t come soon enough.

But our ‘expert’ panel of Scouts, Mark, Paul and Jonty and Career Hall of Fame number one Peter Kouwenberg, are made of sterner stuff, so they’re primed and ready to see out the season in style.

To do so, they’ve mostly agreed on a number of key players, with Mohamed Salah back from his one-week Scout Picks holiday, Harry Kane looking to push the Egyptian to the final whistle in the race for the Golden Boot and Double Gameweek 37’s undoubted star, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, also getting strong backing from our panel.

Beyond that, it’s likely to be rather less harmonious.

Between the sticks, David De Gea is fairly well backed but expensive, which could open the door to either Nick Pope or Lukasz Fabianski, while there are four different first-choice defenders vying for a spot in Sunday’s side.

Peter, in particular, has gone maverick this week, preferring Sadio Mane to Salah and Alexandre Lacazette to Aubameyang, but all agree that Raheem Sterling deserves a place after his midweek rest and the likes of Marko Arnautovic, Wilfried Zaha and Roberto Firmino are also heavily backed across the board.

We’ll be back to reveal those that make the final Scout Picks team of the season. Until then, bask in the magnificence of/scoff incredulously at the choices our quartet have called their own.

PaulJontyMarkPeter
GoalkeepersDavid De GeaNick PopeDavid De GeaThibaut Courtois
Lukasz FabianskiWayne HennesseyNick PopeMartin Dubravka
Wayne HennesseyLukasz FabianskiLukasz FabianskiLukasz Fabianski
DefendersBen DaviesAndrew RobertsonPatrick van AanholtTrent Alexander-Arnold
Nicolas OtamendiAaron CresswellVirgil van DijkPatrick van Aanholt
Virgil van DijkChris SmallingAaron CresswellAaron Cresswell
Kevin LongPatrick van AanholtChris SmallingKevin Long
Patrick van AanholtMatt LowtonJames TarkowskiAlfie Mawson
MidfieldersMohamed SalahMohamed SalahMohamed SalahSadio Mane
Raheem SterlingRaheem SterlingRaheem SterlingRaheem Sterling
Marko ArnautovicMarko ArnautovicMarko ArnautovicChristian Eriksen
Wilfried ZahaWilfried ZahaWilfried ZahaWilfried Zaha
Johann Berg GudmundssonChristian EriksenSon Heung-minMarko Arnautovic
ForwardsHarry KaneHarry KaneHarry KaneHarry Kane
PE AubameyangPE AubameyangPE AubameyangAlexandre Lacazette
Roberto FirminoRoberto FirminoGabriel JesusRoberto Firmino
Gabriel JesusGabriel JesusRoberto FirminoMarcus Rashford
Jordan AyewWoodOlivier GiroudJordan Ayew

 

Paul Says…

Picking through the recent teamsheets as we look to pre-empt rotation will be key this weekend.

Virgil van Dijk has been immune to Jurgen Klopp’s tinkering during Liverpool’s run to the Champions League final and has started each of their last 12 league outings.

The Dutchman’s aerial ability could be a crucial weapon for the Merseysiders at Anfield – visitors Brighton have conceded more goals from set-pieces (20) and corners (14) than any other side.

With so many strong premium options on offer, Burnley wide man Johann Berg Gudmundsson (5.0) offers a handy budget enabler at home to Bournemouth.

Having played a part in 53% of their goals at Turf Moor, his delivery looks set to trouble a Cherries defence that are ranked joint-bottom with West Brom for headed attempts conceded (92).

Up front, I’d back Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang alongside Harry Kane.

With their weekend hosts Huddersfield now safe from the drop, Arsenal could hand Arsene Wenger the perfect leaving gift with a return to winning ways.

A goal or assist in eight of his last nine league outings highlights the winter signing’s prolific form ahead of his trip to the John Smith’s Stadium.

Peter Says…

Virtually double the matches last week harvested about half the regular points: C’est la vie.

It has been a pleasure and a privilege to be involved with the Scout Picks all season but, like the British summer and  my brief flirtation with Hall of Fame supremacy, all good things come to an end (and the clouds have certainly gathered this season).

This week, more than any other, is a time for a few maverick choices (never my strongest suit) as rotation, player swansongs and only a handful of genuinely meaningful fixtures should lead to unpredictable line-ups and results.

My defensive picks cost an average of well under 5.0 a player, but I’m adamant there will be clean sheets and attacking points aplenty from the likes of Swansea’s Alfie Mawson, Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold and Burnley’s Kevin Long.

The final day is traditionally goal-filled, so I’m told, but I’m struggling to pick five on-form, injury-free strikers who still have something to play for.

My selection of Jordan Ayew stems solely from the fact the Swans need to overturn a hefty goal difference to have any chance of staying up, which I don’t think they will.

In truth, none of my other four strikers could be said to be in great form either, apart from Alexandre Lacazette, with the Frenchman unfortunately playing at Arsenal’s bogie ground (i.e. anywhere other than the Emirates).

There do appear to be a few more viable options in midfield this week, with Sadio Mane, Wilfried Zaha and Marko Arnautović bringing both decent form and fixtures to the table, although this does mean overlooking golden boy Mohamed Salah, who I’m sure will make the final squad in any event.

As always, it’s tricky to choose a Man City player, but I feel Raheem Sterling owes me one (or at least Pep does) after being left out of the City squad on Wednesday. He could come good against a Southampton side which probably needs to avoid a pounding in order to prolong their Premiership stay.

Eighteen picks, which probably means 14 starts given final-day alterations, but if they don’t bring in a three-figure haul I’ll buy everyone on this site a pint just as real as Harry Kane’s recent goal against Stoke.

Best of luck with your mini-leagues and roll on next season!

Jonty Says…

A popular theory is that the final Gameweek can be among the most unpredictable of the campaign.

But last season’s finale showed that may be a myth, particularly when the fixture list falls kindly for the bigger teams. At the end of the 2016/17 campaign, minnows were predictably crushed by Spurs, Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool.

Given all those sides once again have, on-paper, easy encounters, I’m banking on history repeating itself with my collection this time around.

A Liverpool triple-up looks key to me for their home tie against a-now-safe-from-relegation Brighton side, who they routed 5-1 in the reverse fixture. Salah, Roberto Firmino and Andrew Robertson all get the nod from me in a winnable clash that should guarantee a top-four berth.

Firmino scored 13 points in that previous Seagulls clash to strengthen his case for inclusion, while Salah has returned in all but one of his home matches since Boxing Day.

A pair of Spurs assets would please me. Kane’s goal against Newcastle this week gives me hope of returns, while Christian Eriksen’s consistency should also reward us.

After earning a rest against Brighton on Wednesday night, Sterling looks certain to start against a Southampton side that is seemingly safe from relegation.

A clean sheet for Manchester United looks strong at home to Watford, which sees Chris Smalling win my backing.

Aubameyang has already done enough in Gameweek 37, with a 23-point haul at home to Burnley, to justify his place for the Gunners trip to Huddersfield.

A final mention goes to two talismen from sides that have flirted with relegation this season, but are now guaranteed to play top-flight football in 2018/19.

With returns in five out of his last seven starts Crystal Palace’s star man Wilfried Zaha looks a reliable pick for West Brom’s visit. Similarly, for West Ham, Marko Arnautovic’s three goals and two assists since Gameweek 32 give plenty of hope for points when Everton drop by.

Mark Says…

After seeing Aubameyang emerge as the only player to score more than one goal over Double Gameweek 37, my confidence in banking on attackers is on the wane.

By my reckoning, when it comes to final-day differentials, defence is the area where it can really pay off. Aaron Cresswell, van Dijk and Patrick van Aanholt all have the goal threat and fixtures to present an opportunity for double-figures.

I’m still keeping faith in City pair Sterling and Jesus, though. Yes, the Brazilian burnt us against Huddersfield and Brighton, but I’m backing him to return with a goal or two at St Mary’s – he’s scored in each of their last three on the road.

For those in need of a final-day differential up front, Olivier Giroud could be the one to turn to.

Not only does the Chelsea target man have eight goals and two assists in nine against his hosts Newcastle, he has history with Gameweek 38. Giroud signed off the 2015/16 season with a hat-trick for Arsenal against Aston Villa.

The Community Champion

Representing the community against the Scout Picks in Gameweek 37 will be Choppers 13, who has only finished outside the top 10,000 once in his six season career. He also has two top 1,000 finishes under his belt, achieved last season and in 2012/13.

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).

519 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Prison Mike
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Lingard and Sanchez up front?

    1. Richd
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      I think they’ll flank Pogba

    2. CRO KLOPP
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Looks like it with Pogba number 10

    3. Dead Lift
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Seems like that.

    4. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      I don't know if it's 3-4-3 with Pogba Sánchez Lingard up top or 3-5-2 with Pogba into the mid.

      1. Dead Lift
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        I think that it's a 3-4-1-2, with Pogba slightly in front of Herrera and McT

        1. CRO KLOPP
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 9 months ago

          This

    5. el polako
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Dont they lack few inches to suit United's latest tactic ?

  2. Louis Van Gaalstones
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Ah man, Rashford for a hit instead of Giroud has turned out terrible, friggin Mourinho

  3. Scotty B
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Foster
    TAA Vertonghen Alonso
    Lingard Ramsey Eriksen Sterling
    Jayew Jesus Kane

    Elliot Shaqiri Lowton Kompany

    0 ITB & 1 FT

    Which transfer would YOU make if this was your team this week?

    1. Tom Heat-is-on
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      I would probably do something like this:
      Kompany, Eriksen -> Long, Salah (-4)

  4. FPL Maldini
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Which is a better final GW punt?

    a) RLC

    b) Lanzini

    1. Positive vibes
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      RLC imo

    2. Tom Heat-is-on
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      RLC

  5. Louis Van Gaalstones
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    RP.
    Chasing a 30 point gap and he has Zaha and we both have Arnie, who's best to swap DSilva for as a decent differential? Have 13.4m for 2 players (Kenedy gotta go as well)

    1. Goalosaurus
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      How about A.Ayew/Ramsey and Izquierdo, massive gamble really.

  6. yakirh
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Firmino or Jesus for last GW?

    1. Positive vibes
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Struggling with Vardy or Firmino choice here (have GJesus)

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Same boat !!

    2. drughi
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      considering jesus>firmino but could back fire

    3. yakirh
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      I can do :
      Eriksen Jesus to Salah Firmino
      Exact cash
      Push the button?

      1. Hazz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Could easily backfire.

  7. Richd
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    With arnie Pogba and DDG I’m happy for DDG to concede. Let’s just rack up the goals !!

  8. Earn your Spurs
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Odds of Rashford starting at weekend?

    1. Richd
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      I’d recommend watching tonight’s game.

      1. Earn your Spurs
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        fair point

  9. drughi
    • 16 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    please please please pogba blank

    1. Positive vibes
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Please..

    2. Richd
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      He’s my punt for the week.

      I’m feeling better than I did after that Brighton game.

  10. Tom Heat-is-on
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Ederson (Fabianski)
    Vertonghen Smalling Cedric (Chilwell Dummett)
    Salah Eriksen Sterling Sung-yueng Kenedy
    Kane Jesus Ayew

    2 FT 0.3 ITB

    Which of these moves should I do?
    A) Kenedy -> RLC
    B) Kenedy, Jesus -> RLC, Auba
    C) Kenedy, Jesus, Ederson -> RLC, Auba, 4.0 (-4)
    D) Something else

    1. Richd
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      When Pogba hauls tonight you’ll change your mind. Watford are horrendous

    2. Positive vibes
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      How about get Mili?

      1. Tom Heat-is-on
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Milivojevic would be great to get but I'm missing 0.1 to get Kenedy -> Milivojevic and even more with Jesus -> Auba.

        1. Positive vibes
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 9 months ago

          If GJesus start he will score imo

    3. Tom Heat-is-on
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      How about this?
      Eriksen & Kenedy --> Arnautovic & Zaha

  11. Sun Jihai
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    A DDG saved Arnie penalty would be the dream!

    1. Point-one short
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      that would be amazing.

    2. Henryyy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Noble pen saved, Arnie scores on rebound

      1. Hazz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Don't stop, I'm almost there.

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

      Arnie hits the post on the penalty and it bounces in off De Gea for an own goal

  12. Scratch
    • 16 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Ideal scenario - Arnautovic scores 1-0 and DDG saves a Noble pen, with the West Ham win earning that idiot Moyes a new contract

    1. drughi
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      I can live with that

    2. Regin
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Ideal scenario west ham won 2-0 with Arnie scoring and ogbonna getting some bonus points. DDG and smalling just 1 pt each.

      1. Traction Engine Foot
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        I'd like DDG saving an Arnie penalty and a Smalling '59 red card.

  13. Regin
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Damn it! 8 changes but of course smalling has to play. Of course changing to 5 defenders now. friggin mou.

  14. barracuda
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Arnie's red card would be a joy

    1. fr3d
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      He's due

    2. Positive vibes
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      This

  15. Stats Don\'t Lie
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    I wonder how different football would be if points were only awarded for winning? Would stop teams setting up in a park the bus formation and playing for a draw!

    1. Richd
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      It’s the reason wins are 3 points and not 2

  16. Point-one short
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Come on JLingz, silence the doubters.

    1. Positive vibes
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Bring it on Lingard!

  17. badgerboy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Joe Hart still got the sniffles? Lil dandruff free b*tch.

  18. Regin
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Who is gonna win my ml? I lead by 8 pts. And have only ogbonna and Arnie playing today whereas my opponent has Arnie, DDG and smalling. Then in gw 38 he has TC left, I have used mine on useless Jesus this week. He will put TC on Salah or Kane. I will captain salah.

    1. Richd
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      He will destroy you

    2. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      You will struggle to finish in the top 5 od your ML it seems...

  19. FPL Maldini
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Who is more on the beach / less motivated last game?

    A) Everton

    B) West Brom

    1. Hart-ake
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Everton, I'd say. WB will keep it tight I reckon.

  20. Positive vibes
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Chasing +\- 15 pts
    - The same player that I have with rival is: DDG, Sterling, Willian, Vardy
    - He will C Kane, no Salah

    With this situation am I right to
    1. Planning to C Salah
    2. Thinking to replace Willian and Vardy but will cost me -4 or just do Vardy -> Firmino or Willian -> Zaha for free?
    Thanks 🙂

    1. Richd
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Willian to zaha and pray

    2. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Yeah I trying to decide between the 2 also. Leaning towards Vardy > Firmino as I think Liverpool will be going all out attack for the win vs Brighton

  21. Cojones of Destiny
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    who’s better pick for gw 38 or will score more
    A. Aubameyang
    B. Firmino
    need your votes pls

    1. aborg
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      It’s the game time I’m concerned about for Auba since Lacazette did not play the last game and could be rotated now or given less game time.

    2. VanDijksToWatchOutFor
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Firmino

    3. Hairy Potter
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      B

  22. aborg
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    My hope of winning my ML and keeping in the top 50k now relies on Man Utd keeping a clean sheet and maybe some Pogba returns !!
    My rival has Arnie left this gw and passed me by 3 points till now and he’s still got the TC chip left ! Gonna be tight.

  23. Hart-ake
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Genuinely thinking about burning a transfer. This is my first XI:

    De Gea
    Smalling Vert Long
    Erik Sterling Salah Milli Arnie
    Kane Jesus

    Leave it? Anything to improve? 0.3itb.

    1. Richd
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Strengthen bench

      I dislike mili still

      Improve long ?

      1. Hart-ake
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        With 0.3itb, I dunno if I can improve Long really. If Mee is still out that is.

        I could play J. Ayew instead of Milli. Neither that great but again no obvious option to swap them with.

    2. dbeck
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Long to Tomkins

      1. Hart-ake
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        or TAA?

    3. Han Rolo
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      I'd be happy with that team.

  24. Revival
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Which the better move?

    Vardy > Firmino and bench Willian or
    Willian > Zaha and bench Vardy

    1. Positive vibes
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      First one

    2. Han Rolo
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Bye bye Vardy

  25. Richd
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Lingard is snapchatting himself in the toilet. He’s eaten dodgy prawns !

    1. Richd
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      This is worse than when the bus got attacked snapchats

  26. barton fc
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    lloris
    alonso smalling lowton long
    salah sterling son gross
    jesus kane
    --------------------------------------
    ryan a.king morgan barnes
    A) jesus to firm
    B) gross to remond / milli /gundo
    C) morgan to tomkins
    D) barnes(5.3) to Rodriguez

  27. barracuda
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Erik to Mane for a hit?

    1. Hart-ake
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Madness. I don't think I would even do it for free.

    2. Han Rolo
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Nope

  28. Denis Tueart on the wing
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Bring in Salah and get rid of;

    A) Alli
    B) Sterling

    Thanks

    1. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      A

      1. Denis Tueart on the wing
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Will Sterling start?

    2. Hairy Potter
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      A

    3. Han Rolo
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      A

  29. ketsss
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Tips guys? Current team,

    DDG
    Morgan schindler long
    Sterling eriksen zaha d silva
    Jesus Kane vardy

    Want to swap David Silva and Jesus out for salah and aubameyang but that would mean I'd also have to lose Vardy...if I did that what budget striker would you recommend?

    Perez??

    Alternatively I could bring on cork into midfield and play 3 5 2

    1. Geoff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      How many transfers do you have and how much in the bank?

      DDG won't play so either play your backup or use a transfer there. Maybe Silva > Arnautovic, Martial, or Zaha?

      Or downgrade DDG and Silva > Salah if you have enough

  30. Hairy Potter
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Trying to work out what to do for the last GW

    Hennessy
    VVD Lowton Naughton
    Salah Zaha Sterling Sane
    Kane Jesus Vardy

    Dubravka McArthur Lejeune Dummett

    1FT and 1.0ITB

    A) Vardy to Firmino
    B) Jesus to Firmino
    C) Something else

    1. Hart-ake
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      A makes sense.

    2. Han Rolo
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      A very much