Scout Picks

Scout Picks starting XI for Blank Gameweek 18 draws from 11 different teams

We have chosen our best starting XI of players for Gameweek 18 of Fantasy Premier League.

This weekend is proving a tricky one for Fantasy managers with Liverpool fixtureless and Manchester City hosting Leicester City.

We’ve been brave enough to select two players from Saturday’s Etihad Stadium clash while Wolves, Southampton and Everton are tipped for goals this weekend.

After deliberating over David, Neale, Paul and Geoff’s selections in the Scout Squad article we came up with this 3-4-3 team, that comes in at £81.2m, well inside our £83.0m budget.

Goalkeeper

Vicente Guaita (£5.1m) has averaged 8.5 points per game over the last four Gameweeks and has even proved he doesn’t need a clean sheet to deliver for his owners. He racked up nine saves and claimed three bonus in the 1-1 draw with Brighton on Monday night. Therefore, a Gameweek 18 trip to Newcastle looks promising. The Magpies are bottom of the league for shots in the box over their last four matches and are missing some key attacking personnel right now.

Defenders

Matt Doherty (£6.1m) makes the Scout Picks this week after a name-check from David, Neale and Geoff. Over his last four matches, only one defender has managed more touches in the penalty area as the Wolves right wing-back. Furthermore, his aerial presence could exploit Norwich’s weaknesses to set plays. No side has conceded more chances from dead-ball situations than the Canaries this season.

John Lundstram (£5.2m) was selected by all four of our pundits for Gameweek 18, three of them designating him as the best defender this weekend. Only Aston Villa have conceded more shots in the box over the last four matches than Brighton, which should lead to plenty of chances for Sheffield United. Meanwhile, during the same period, Lundstram is joint-top among the Blades for big chances created and has more touches in the final third than any of his colleagues.

Jetro Willems (£4.7m) joins Guaita in the Scout Picks as we predict a low-scoring affair at St. James’ Park on Saturday afternoon. Only Watford have found the net fewer times than Newcastle (17) and Crystal Palace (15) this season. Meanwhile, over the last four Gameweeks, the Eagles are bottom of the league both for big chances and shots on target.

Midfielders

Kevin De Bruyne‘s (£10.3m) 19-point haul against Arsenal has risen his stock back to the levels of several months ago. A new advanced position for the Belgian helped him score twice and get an assist. Crucially, no player has registered more shots on target than De Bruyne in their last four matches. If he is handed a place in the front three against Leicester then it’s hard not to see him involved in the goals somehow. The Foxes’ defensive statistics have been promising in recent weeks but they have conceded in all three of their away trips to so-called top-six sides this season (Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool).

Despite a blank against Wolves, no player has averaged more points per game during Jose Mourinho’s time at Spurs than Son Heung-min (£10.1m). Since the former Manchester United boss took over in north London, the South Korean has scored 7.8 points per game. Crucially, Son is offering both some goal threat and creativity in equal measure. This weekend he faces a Chelsea side struggling defensively and without a clean sheet away from home this season.

Richarlison (£7.9m) has rediscovered his form in recent weeks, averaging one big chance per game over the last four despite facing Leicester, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United in that time. The Everton man has converted three of those into goals, which bodes well ahead of Arsenal’s visit to Goodison Park, especially as the Gunners have conceded at least twice in six of their last eight outings.

Jack Grealish (£6.2m) has attacking returns in three of his last four and was arguably unfortunate not to improve on that form the penalty spot against Sheffield United. At Bramall Lane, the midfielder was the clear focal point of Aston Villa’s attack which bodes well for a meeting with a Southampton side still displaying defensive issues. Ralph Hasenhüttl’s men last kept a clean sheet away from home in Gameweek 5.

Forwards

Jamie Vardy (£10.1m) may have a tricky fixture on paper in Gameweek 18 but we are still backing him for the trip to Manchester City. Pep Guardiola’s men have kept just one clean sheet at home since Gameweek 7 while Wolves, Southampton, Chelsea and Manchester United have all scored there. Therefore, with Vardy top of the league (among those playing in Gameweek 18) for shots in the box and big chances and third for big chances over his last four matches, it seems likely his fine form can continue.

Marcus Rashford (£9.1m) may have blanked against Everton but since Gameweek 7 he has registered an impressive total of eight goals and four assists. Gameweek 18 takes him to Vicarage Road to face a Watford side being managed by Nigel Pearson for the first time at home. Despite showing some improvement against Liverpool last time out, the Hornets are inside the bottom six for big chances conceded across their last four home matches.

Danny Ings (£6.4m) looks set to benefit from Aston Villa’s serious problem defending their penalty box this season. No side has conceded more shots there over the first 17 matches and they are also bottom over the last four as well. Therefore, a man who arguably should have had a hat-trick last time out and has eight goals in his last 11 matches should do well against it.

Substitutes

Martin Dúbravka (£5.0m) represents an alternative route into the Newcastle defence ahead of facing a goal-shy Crystal Palace side.

Lewis Dunk (£4.7m) was selected by two of our pundits in their Scout Squad submissions. The Brighton centre-half has had more efforts in the box than any other FPL defender in the last six Gameweeks.

Martin Kelly (£4.4m) is a cheaper route into the Crystal Palace defence although arguably slightly less likely to pick up the extras compared to Guaita.

Joao Moutinho (£5.4m) could be set for an impressive Gameweek considering Norwich’s problems defending set pieces.

The Captain

The Scout Picks has a captain for the 2019/20 campaign.

This skipper is chosen using the conclusions of the latest Captain Sensible article and a four-way vote between David, Neale, Paul and Geoff.

Because the use of Fantasy Football Scout data is used so heavily in this process, the captain we choose each Gameweek will be known only to those who have signed up to Membership for the 2019/20 season.

It will be revealed to the public only when the deadline for the Gameweek has passed.

Here’s how we voted for Gameweek 18: 


  • David: Rashford, Vardy, Ings
  • Neale: Richarlison, Son, Vardy
  • Paul: Son, De Bruyne, Grealish
  • Geoff: Rashford, Son, De Bruyne

Here are the results:

  • Son – 7 points
  • Rashford – 6 points
  • De Bruyne – 3 points
  • Richarlison – 3 points
  • Vardy – 3 points
  • Ings – 1 point
  • Grealish – 1 point

Therefore, Son Heung-min is handed the captaincy for Gameweek 18 with Marcus Rashford selected as the vice-captain.

Community Champion

Representing the community against the Scout Picks in Gameweek 18 is Mince n Tatties.

They have gone for a 3-4-3 line-up of De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Lundstram; Son, Alli, Zaha, Grealish; Kane (c), Vardy, Jimenez.

The community member who beats our picks by the biggest margin over the campaign will win a £100 Amazon Voucher and a place in our Contributors and Moderators League for the following season.

Community Champion THFC4LIFE was defeated in Gameweek 17, the Scout Picks winning by a 73-55 scoreline.

The current winning margin of 17 points recorded by irfansheikh in Gameweek 7 and AK in Gameweek 10 remains the score to beat.

901 Comments Post a Comment
  1. TeddiPonza
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Current team:

    Gazza Button
    TAA Soy Lund Kelly Rico
    Alli Son KdB Pulicic Hayden
    Jimenez Vardy Rash

    1ft (already done Mane to Son)

    How is this plan?
    Gw 18: save the other transfer
    Gw 19: Jimi to Tammy
    Gw 20: Pulisic and Tammy to Mane and Greenwood

    No hits involved

    Thanks

    1. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      You'll want money to get Salah or Mane back in. Have you factored that in?

  2. All about the galacticos
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Who to play Aurier (home vs chelsea) or Cantwell (home vs wolves)?

    1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Aurier

    2. AuFeld
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Cantwell. My gut is telling me CHE will get a goal.

    3. ViperStripes
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Currently benching Aurier, think my cheap defenders have beetter fixtures.

  3. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Salah to Sterling done!

    Gaz
    Lord Soy Rico
    Sterling(C) KDB(VC) Son Alli
    Vardy Abra Mousset

    (Cantwell Trent Robbo)

    It's a gamble. Could be switching back to Kev for the armband.
    Thanks for the votes folks. GL!

    1. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Nice team

      1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Cheers mate!

  4. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Taa to whom? (my def. Ryan soy lund aurier kely)
    for next 2 gw then Gw20 WC will get back taa

    A) wilems
    B) baldock
    C) tarko/pieters
    D) targett/guilbert
    E) roll ft, play 2 of soy aurier dendo, next gw dendo taa to 11.7 duo, gw20 WC

    1. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      E with Aurier and Dendo

    2. Bony-2012
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I've gone for baldock.

  5. FPL_Crisis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Anything missing here on wildcard? Appreciate any tips...

    Guaita 4m
    Aurier Lund Soyuncu Dunk Targett
    Kdb Son Ali Richarlison Traore
    Vardy Ings Jimmy

    Will keep 2m for Son to Liverpool mid so still have 2m itb

    Traore or Moutinho 5th mid or any other shouts?
    Have exact money for jimmy to rashford?

    1. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Looks pretty solid. You'll want the money for Salah or Mane though so I'd keep Jimi

      1. FPL_Crisis
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Sorry should’ve been clearer
        Have 4.3m to play with
        Can do Son to Liverpool and jimmy to rashford but is it worth it?

        1. Van der Faart
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          I'd monitor the two. Wolves immediate fixtures aren't as favourable but United have struggled against certain type of teams

          1. FPL_Crisis
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            You’d imagine rashford outscores Jimmy next 5 its just whether it’s worth extra 2m outlay

    2. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      You’re missing players from the by far best team so far this year

      1. UTD - HATED, ADORED, BUT NE…
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        This. Get Rashford in at least. Maybe Martial too

        1. FPL_Crisis
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Ta. Had Martial as placeholder but prefer Richarlison

  6. Niho992
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Anyone else starting 3 players from LEicester this week ? Dont have any alternative for Soy. Also i'm starting Tomori

    1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Dont think Tomori will start.
      I'm playing two. Vardy and Soy. Do not feel comfortable playing Soyuncu but just like you, dont have any alternative to him.

    2. ViperStripes
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      No

  7. Van der Faart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    2ft and 0 itb

    Abraham to Rashford and Maddison to Grealish gives me for this week;

    Hendo (Gazza)
    Kelly Lundy Rico (TAA Soyu)
    KDB Dele Grealish Dendo (Mane)
    Rashford Vardy Ings

    Thoughts please? Is it worth it to use both transfers to get the players in?

    1. ViperStripes
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Go for it

  8. gooner_112233445566
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Which combo for next 5...

    A) Trent, grealish, dcl
    B) Trent, grealish, jota
    C) kelly, richarlison, Jimenez/Abraham

    1. Nightf0x
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Cba

    2. ViperStripes
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      A)

      1. gooner_112233445566
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks

  9. rozzo
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Connolly going to play do we think?

    1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I'm guessing he won't.

  10. Gringo Kid
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Mount to Richarlison for a hit, yes or no?

    1. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Not for a hit

    2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      no

  11. TeddiPonza
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    1st sub, Soy or Hayden?

    1. Fantasy Pig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Hayden definitely!

  12. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    WC gw20, for next 2 gw taa dendo to which duo (TV 11.7)

    A) mid. - mount puli zaha moura mcgin
    B) def. - wilems baldock tarko pieters target guilbert, other

    (Have tamy kely aurier grealish lund son)

  13. ViperStripes
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Who would you bench?

    a. Vardy vs MCI(A)
    b. Aurier vs CHE(H)
    c. Lundstrum vs BHA(A)
    d. Kelly vs NEW(A)
    e. Rico vs BUR(H)

    1. Niho992
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      D

    2. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      B from that bunch

      1. ViperStripes
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        It's what Iv'e got it on at the moment. Will stick with that then.

    3. Nightf0x
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      B or E

    4. Cowboy John
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      D

    5. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      D

  14. Jönny
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Evening all. Any thoughts on this squad?

    Pope
    Lundstrum, Aurier, Maguire (TAA, Tomori)
    KDB, Alli, Zaha, Maddison (Hayden)
    Aubameyang, Vardy, Ings

    I'm thinking either
    (a) save it for a rainy day
    (b) Kane in for Auba
    (c) replace Tomori - maybe a Palace defender

    1. Fantasy Pig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      A

    2. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Roll the FT

  15. Winners900
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Pick two to start please:

    A) Rico(Burnley H)
    B) Aurier(Chelsea H)
    C) Cantwell(Wolves H)

    Cheers

    1. Nightf0x
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      B c

    2. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      AB

  16. AuFeld
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Regarding your defenders, who and at what price did you buy?

    1. AuFeld
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      ^ for your most expensive defender

  17. Bruce Lee
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    arteta back on pens?

  18. Forza Papac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    What a goal by Defoe

    1. _Ninja_
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Could play in scotland till he's 50. Great player.

  19. Coys96
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Captain:

    Alli
    Son
    Grealish
    Jimenez
    KdB
    Vardy

    1. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Allliiiiii

    2. Fantasy Pig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Jiménez for me

    3. Kroneek
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I have them all bar Alli - I am on Son.

    4. Aubamazette
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Jim or Son/Alli

  20. Fantasy Pig
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    GW18 team locked and loaded.

    Henderson
    Rico Aurier Lundstram
    Sterling Son KDB Martial
    Vardy Jiménez (c) Rashford (vc)

    Gazzaniga Dendonker Söyüncü TAA

    Good luck everyone!

  21. Niho992
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Would you rather :
    A : sell Tomori for a hit (TAA, Soy, Lund and Kelly other defenders)
    B : play Tomori
    C : play Nakamba (bench Tomori)

  22. Nostalgia picks
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    TAA + Connolly > Aurier + Jiminez

    Have 2FTs

    Yah or Nay?

    1. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Do you have Robertson?

    2. Nostalgia picks
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      No Robbo.

      Pope McG
      Soy, Lund, Kelly, Rico, TAA
      Zaha, KDB, Cantwell, Mane, Salah
      Connolly, Vards, Abraham

      2FT O.9 ITB

  23. FF Dirtbag
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    How does the team look? Anything worth a hit?

    Henderson
    Lundstram Kelly Rico
    Son(c) Maddison Pulisic Dendoncker
    Vardy rashford Abraham

    Button; Soyuncu, TAA, Mane

    1. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      No. Leave it alone

    2. Aubamazette
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Gtg

  24. Aubamazette
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Gtg?

    Gazza
    Doherty Lund Kelly
    Son(c) Alli KDB Maddison
    Vardy Abraham Martinelli

    Button Chillwell Mane Hanley

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Alli a better option than Son if going Spurs but other than that GTG

      1. Aubamazette
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Was on Alli but focusing on my mini league and both rivals have Alli and not Son hence my choice

        1. Miguel Sanchez
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Are you leading or chasing?

          1. Aubamazette
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Leading one chasing the other but not that much in it tbf

  25. _Ninja_
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    1FT 1m ITB. Is Pope to Guiata worth using a FT on? Cheers

    Pope
    Lund - Kelly - Rico
    Son - Maddison - KDB - Grealish
    Vardy - Tammy - Ings

    Button Soy TAA Mane

    1. PascalCygan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I like Guaita but Burnley’s fixtures aren’t too bad now. I’d be minded to hold with that nice team.

      1. _Ninja_
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Cheers

    2. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Yes good move as lot of red fixtures coming up

  26. PascalCygan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Grealish or Martial?

    Two people I’m chasing have Grealish and, while Martial is tempting, I had him before and he was inconsistent.

    This is doing my head in!

    Currently 1FT 0.4ITB
    Pope
    Lundstram Rico Kelly
    KdB Maddison Pulisic Dendoncker
    Vardy Kane Ings

    McGovern Soyuncu Mane TAA

    Thanks!

  27. Muscout
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Who should I swap out Mane for? Sterling / Son, anyone else?

    Is Jesus likely to play this week?

    Have KDB, Alli
    Vary, Rash, Jesus

  28. FPL FREAK
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Is Scott Dann of crystal palace going to play tomorrow.....?? It's showing that muscle injury and 75% chances but he is not there in predicted lineups..

    Please help. ...

    1. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Sounding unlikely

  29. Geordie19
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Have Everton been playing 4-4-2 with DCL and Rich up top under Dunc?

  30. youzef
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Which of the below combo
    A) De Bruyne, Rashford, Son, Targett (-8)
    B) De Bruyne, Martial, Kane (-4)
    C) De Bruyne, Grealish, Kane (-4)
    D) De Bruyne, Grealish, Rashford (-4) with room to get mane later on

    1. Nostalgia picks
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      D with the Mane return