Scout Picks
17 December 2021 820 comments
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We have chosen our best Fantasy Premier League (FPL) players for Gameweek 18 ahead of Saturday’s later-than-planned 16:00 GMT deadline.

It’s a 4-5-1 formation this week and, as ever, we are limited to an £83.0m budget for our starting XI.

Our four substitutes, meanwhile, are chosen from the budget/mid-price crop of players to give some potentially cost-effective alternatives to the big hitters who invariably make the initial cut.

With six postponements and injuries, suspensions and positive tests abounding even at clubs whose matches are unaffected, there’s a smaller pool of players to choose from than usual this time.

GOALKEEPER

Cornet and Smith Rowe 1

Which Leeds United will turn up against Arsenal on Saturday? The side that battled so valiantly in defeat at Stamford Bridge last weekend or the one that rolled over against Manchester City in midweek? It’ll be an understrength Leeds, either way, with at least eight of their already thin first-team squad missing out in Gameweek 18 – and that’s without any Covid outbreak. Aaron Ramsdale (£5.1m) gets the nod partly as a consequence of the opposition but, of course, also on his own merit: he has the highest points-per-match average (5.4) of any first-choice goalkeeper this season and, in this decimated Gameweek, remarkably only two starting shot-stoppers are cheaper than the Arsenal man despite his heroics.

DEFENDERS

FPL Gameweek 17 round-up: Thursday review, injury news and the things we learned
 

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The rest of this article below is completely free to read but requires a Fantasy Football Scout user account for access – you can get yours at no cost here

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https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2021/12/16/covid-watch-club-by-club-latest/
820 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Tmel
    • 15 Years
    4 years, 27 days ago

    Already have four premium defenders in TAA, Cancelo, James & Alonso. Best use of FT?

    1) Livra > Dias
    2) Livra > Cash / Konsa
    3) Bowen > Saka
    4) Antonio > Laca

    1. Vote Joke
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      3

    2. Brehmeren
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      4
      Would rather keep Bowen for the good fixtures than Antonio. And Laca will get you more points than Saka

  2. Vote Joke
    • 15 Years
    4 years, 27 days ago

    Wahey

  3. Pep Roulette
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 27 days ago

    Any chance Tsimikas plays this week?

    1. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      He will play on Wednesday against Leicester in the cup but baring injuries or covid no chance against spurs

      1. Pep Roulette
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 27 days ago

        Cheers

  4. HD7
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 27 days ago

    Maybe its Gundogan time again like last last season?

    Or just go with Foden and dont overthink it
    (have Bernardo and Foden)

  5. cutch
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 27 days ago

    % probability of start this gw?
    A) Bernardo
    B) Foden
    C) ESR
    D) Martinelli
    E) Lacazette

    1. Firmino
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      75
      85
      60
      40
      90

    2. Avery
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      65
      100
      65
      50
      100

  6. DycheDycheBaby
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 27 days ago

    Sissoko to Foden to field 10 and no keeper?

    1. MagicMessi
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      Why not

    2. Avery
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      Thumbs up

  7. Buck The Trent
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 27 days ago

    Silly to go Laca instead of the more sensible Watkins?

    missed Watkins’ hauls and AVL got Chelsea after this week

    1. TheTinman
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      Personally I don't think Villa fixtures are great. Plus Watkins is not prolific.

    2. MagicMessi
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      Watkins all day

    3. mr messi
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      I think Laca better pick. I just don't rate Watkins.

    4. MIGHTY JOE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      Went Laca myself. Go Watkins 😉

    5. Avery
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      Ars got man c soon too. I think Villa just edges on fixtures, but more wind behind them now.

      Saying that I now have both Watkins and Laca 😉

    6. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      Both are pretty meh IMO
      Laca is expensive relative to Saka, ESR, Martinelli, Odegaard
      That's less pronounced for Watkins vs. the Villa mids who aren't that prolific (have never had much luck owning McGinn in the past)
      I'm going with Watkins in part due to the ownership factor, he will have 80%+ EO or something this GW

  8. DycheDycheBaby
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 27 days ago

    Who would you rather have for this gameweek?
    a) Lacazette
    b) Foden
    c) Mount

    1. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      B

  9. Pep Roulette
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 27 days ago

    Captain & VC

    A. Salah
    B. Laca
    C. Watkins
    D. Cancelo
    E. Foden
    F. Bernardo

    1. moment
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      A (C), B or C (VC). Wanna put the VC on someone playing tomorrow in case it all goes tits up tomorrow night.

    2. Avery
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      A - (c)
      E - (vc)

  10. GRPunk
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 27 days ago

    Hoping for a few more votes…

    I have 8 if Bilva plays. How many moves do I make with 1 ft and quite a bit in the bank?

    Antonio > Laca
    Bowen > Foden or ARS mid
    Livramento > Cancelo or budget def

    1. TheTinman
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      I'm against hits at this stage. Seems risky to me

      1. moment
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 27 days ago

        Counterargument: most everyone's taking a hit this week, so you might as well take one.
        Counterargument 2: hits in a BGW are effectively half the price as long as the player you bring in plays

        I had 2FTs, so just taking a -4 to get to a full outfield but no goalkeeper. But I'd be willing to take a -8 for a full complement.

      2. gart888
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 27 days ago

        Because you think the game that you hit for may be cancelled too?

    2. rambo.
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      I would make at least two of those. Definitely Cancelo and maybe an arsenal player

  11. Mooster©️
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 27 days ago

    A Gundo + Foden
    or
    B Ramsey + Sterling?

    1. gart888
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      Gundo + Foden easily for me.

  12. thom830g
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 27 days ago

    Team is
    Ramsdale
    James - TAA - White - Cancelo
    Salah - bernardo - jota - ESR - Mount
    Watkins
    (4m - dier - Antonio* - Broja*)

    1,5 ITB 1 FT

    Roll transfer or change something?

    1. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      There won't be many players who will be able roll their FT this week, you can and you should

    2. BERGKOP
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      Gtg....you're in a great position

      1. thom830g
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 27 days ago

        Cheers - so so lucky with the covid outbreaks until now

  13. camarozz
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 27 days ago

    Smith Rowe or Saka?. I can have either. Rivals have Rowe mostly...

  14. gart888
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 27 days ago

    Bowen, Vardy and Guaita for Foden, Antonio, Ramsdale? (-4)

    Gives me 10 playing, counting Bernardo.

    1. Brehmeren
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      Don't get Antonio this week.

      1. gart888
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 27 days ago

        Oof, meant Watkins. Wrong mid priced claret and blue striker!

  15. tabby98
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 27 days ago

    Which midfielder would you rather have?

    ESR, Saka or Foden

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      In this order - Foden, Saka and ESR

    2. OptimusBlack
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      Saka not even close to others o think ESR is better to play 90 minutes and score Foden may not start

  16. Gandalf
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    4 years, 27 days ago

    A. Ronaldo > Watkins (to avoid 0 points)

    B. Bilva > Foden

    C. Neither

    D. Both -4

    1. OptimusBlack
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      A

  17. jimmy.floyd
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 27 days ago

    Gallagher to:
    A Saka
    B ESR

    Ait Nouri to:
    1 Tierney
    2 Targett

    1. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      A1

    2. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      A1

    3. OptimusBlack
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      Sorry if i miss something
      PPL Choose Saka over ESR ?

      1. Sun Jihai
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 27 days ago

        ESR more competing with Martinelli for a place

    4. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      A1

  18. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 27 days ago

    Admittedly planning -8 but having bit of fun pre WC in 20- in this set up which is therefore very short term would you go to -
    A Jesus as below or B Lacazette?

    Ramsdale
    TAA James Cancelo Alonso
    Salah Foden Jota Saka
    Watkins Jesus

    Foster Dennis Bowen Livramento

    1. Buck The Trent
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      L

  19. tabby98
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 27 days ago

    What to do here guys?

    Guaita*, Foster*
    TAA, Cancelo, Rudiger, James, Tsimikas
    Salah, Raphinha, Bernardo, Bowen*, Sissoko
    Watkins, Dennis*, Antonio*

    1FT £3.9m ITB

    A) Guaita —> Ramsdale/Ederson
    B) Guaita + Sissoko —> Ramsdale + Saka (-4)
    C) Guaita + Dennis —> Ramsdale + Lacazette (-4)
    D) Something else?

  20. HD7
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 27 days ago

    Did Lukaku to Watkins, Sissoko to Foden (-4) ?

    Anything else worth a hit or just play 10 men?

    Ramsdale
    Trent Rudi Cancelo James
    Saka Salah Bernardo Foden
    Antonio* Watkins

    Steele Bowen Livra Sissoko Scarlett

  21. Shark Team
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 27 days ago

    Cash or Tierney in for a hit for a nonplayable bench warmer?

  22. ronpateluk
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 27 days ago

    A) Keep Bilva?
    B) Switch to Foden
    C) Switch to KDB
    D) Switch to Sterling
    E) Other?

    For a hit

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      A

      1. ronpateluk
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 27 days ago

        Thanks. Hoping he plays. Have an otherwise playing mid so will do

        Cr7 and pukki
        To
        Watkins and laca

  23. Lingard’s Shin Guards
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 27 days ago

    Benteke -> Lacazette then gtg? will give me 10

    Sanchez
    TAA James Cancelo Coady
    Salah Bilva Foden Jota
    Watkins Lacazette

    Steele Gallagher Livra Dennis (0ft 1.1m itb)

    1. trafalgarlaw
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      Yes do it

  24. trafalgarlaw
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 27 days ago

    Curently on -4 with 8 player to play
    Another hit for Gallagher -> Saka/ESR ?

    DDG*
    TAA Rudiger Cancelo White
    Salah Bernardo KDB (C)
    Watkins Dennis* Antonio*

    Foster* Gallagher* Livramento* Gilmour*

  25. tabby98
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 27 days ago

    What to do here guys?

    Guaita*, Foster*
    TAA, Cancelo, Rudiger, James, Tsimikas
    Salah, Raphinha, Bernardo, Bowen*, Sissoko
    Watkins, Dennis*, Antonio*

    1FT £3.9m ITB

    A) Guaita —> Ramsdale/Ederson
    B) Guaita + Sissoko —> Ramsdale + Saka (-4)
    C) Guaita + Dennis —> Ramsdale + Lacazette (-4)
    D) Something else??

  26. Adam Johnson
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 27 days ago

    Who would you remove for Watkins? Antonio, King or Broja?

    1. jimmy.floyd
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      King

    2. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      The one that hasn't scored since the summer

    3. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      Antonio, although wish I knew how badly Watford were affected. Watford may have 2/3 fixtures rescheduled over next few weeks. West Ham won't due to Europa.

    4. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      King probably has the toughest near-term fixtures after this GW: WOL, WHU, TOT

      vs. Antonio SOU, WAT, CRY
      vs. Broja WHU, TOT, NEW

      1. Adam Johnson
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 27 days ago

        I'm thinking King because Watford's boxing day might be off to whereas West Ham and Southampton are both clear and play each other on boxing day.

        1. Sun Jihai
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 27 days ago

          Yeah and Antonio has desperately needed a rest so this COVID situation could weirdly help him lol

          Dennis seems to be looking the better option than King and ACON looking like it's off so can bring him in when the Watford situation is clearer?

  27. Hazz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 27 days ago

    DDG*
    TAA Cancelo James Alonso
    Salah Jota Bilva Gallagher* Bowen*
    Gelhardt

    Steele* / Ronaldo* King* Livramento*

    A) Bowen/Gallagher > Foden/Ramsey
    B) Bowen/Ronaldo > Foden/Watkins

    B let's me keep Ronaldo ahead of NEW & a potential double... If we don't break that is.

  28. skins1979
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 27 days ago

    Hi all I can’t decide:

    Sissoko and Bowen for esr and Foden

    OR

    Bowen/sissoko and Antonio for lacazette and foden

    Choices!

  29. Dušan Citizen
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 27 days ago

    Do you think Alonso's place is in threat by Azpi?

    1. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      Not really. Azpi is rotation for RWB & RCB mostly. Only LWB in emergencies.

      Alonso was subbed early & that's no doubt so he can start the next fixture.

  30. GoonerSteve
    • 16 Years
    4 years, 27 days ago

    Current team:

    Ramsdale
    Trent, Cancelo, James, Regullion
    Salah (c), Jota, EST, Douglas L

    Not playing: Foster, Gallagher, Ronaldo, Antonio, Dennis.

    A) Antonio to Watkins and field max 10.
    B) Ronaldo to Watkins, Gallagher to Foden, field possible 11. -4pts