Scout Picks
24 December 2021 2448 comments
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We have chosen our best Fantasy Premier League (FPL) players for Gameweek 19 ahead of Sunday’s 13:30 GMT deadline.

We’re already three fixtures down for the Boxing Day matches, with the postponement of Liverpool v Leeds United depriving us of the services of Mohamed Salah (£13.1m) and Trent Alexander-Arnold (£8.3m) for the first time in a while.

We have gone for 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.

GOALKEEPER

Norwich City are the division’s lowest scorers with a paltry eight goals in 17 matches and even the change in head coach hasn’t really addressed that weakness, with Dean Smith’s side finding the net on just one occasion in the last five league fixtures. A Covid outbreak isn’t likely to do the Canaries’ preparations any good, either, so Aaron Ramsdale (£5.1m) wasn’t a difficult pick this week. As well as the opposition, he is also in on his own merit: he has the highest points-per-match average (5.1) of any first-choice goalkeeper this season and has prevented more ‘expected goals’ (4.2) than any other shot-stopper bar Jose Sa.

DEFENDERS

 

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  1. Sgt Frank Drebin
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Messi has scored only 1 goal from over 4 xG in Ligue 1. If it was a new player in Premier League with such underperformance I wonder how many people would label him as just a bad finisher. Don't make conclusions from small sample!

    1. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Thanks for your words of wisdom

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

      Sooo basically you're saying Messi is over the hill. Obviously a bad finisher at this point xD

      1. Ruth_NZ
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        No, he's saying the opposite. He is saying that small samples of 4, 6, 8 games aren't anything to base an assessment on.

        ESR is a case in point. It will be no surprise when he blanks 8 games in a row but some will say he has "lost form". 😆 Same can be said (to a lesser degree) of Dennis. Some people are treating them as super-finishers but they really aren't, any more than Messi is a bad one.

        1. el polako
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Can't blame people of investing in or hoping to find cheap gems.

          All cheap gems started their run of form with small sample like for example Vardy & Mahrez in their breakthrough season at Leicester.

          1. el polako
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            *for investing.

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

            The problem is that in this game waiting to get sample size big enough just isn't possible. At least with good results, I mean. When the sample size is big enough, it's too late to get that player and do well. Early birds will win.

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

              So I totally agree with you 🙂

            2. el polako
              • 8 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              Exactly this plus with big sample size and proven track record comes new price tag and you need to look for cheap gems elsewhere.

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

          Mourinho can judge a player in 10 mins

          Factos

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

          Apologies, the irony in my post wasn't clear. I shall up my emotion-game in the future to make it more obvious.

          Your point in case is the very reason I'm staying off ESR. Reminds me of Capoues hot start a few seasons ago (followed by his many blanks).

          1. Black Knights
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            It was clear, don’t worry about it. I think someone chose to ignore it.

    3. MJF
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Don’t come on here and talk sense!

      • Zalk
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        I'm sure they'll introduce voting for goals soon, this can't continue.

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

          They have VAR already, so need to 😉

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

            NO need to...

      • Ginkapo FPL
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Messi has always been a poor finisher. What are you rambling about? Nobody ever calls him clinical. His movement generates him more chances, thats his magic

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

          I thought he was one of the most clinical in Europe, overperforming his xG by 20-something percent

        2. @persecuted_by_mods
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Pretty sure that's not true and he's one of the most consistent over performers in terms of xG

          • Dokdok666
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Thats Cristiano you are thinking of. Messi has overperformed his career xG with about 20% afair

        3. It’s gonna Ben Mee
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          The Argentinian Sebastien Haller

      • Vlad Tepes
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Is it possible to save the extra FH for later or do we have to use it before 2nd WC?

        1. Zalk
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          You can save it

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

          Gw36 is first time when first FH must be used in order not to lose it.

        3. Vlad Tepes
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Ok cool

      • OptimusBlack
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Would u FH this Team
        Sà**
        TAA** James Cancelo
        Salah*** Jota** Bilva Foden
        Dennis** Watkins Laca
        (Cash - Allan** - Livra) 1Ft 0.5 itb

        1. Zalk
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          I'm in the exact same situation except Raphinha Allan.
          Also have Vardy, so I'm free hitting.

        2. MJF
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Yep 100% but wait til shortly before the deadline.

          • The White Pele
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            FH

          • OptimusBlack
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Thx All

          • Jam0sh
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Nah

          • Gross Blank Point
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Can have possible 10 starters with a -4 so I wouldn't FH

            1. OptimusBlack
              • 12 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              Thxxx

        3. Flynny
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Merry Xmas all....would you take a - 4 to field the team below, or free hit?

          The 6m mid will be fred or mcginn probs....so many doubtful starters here....thanks

          Ramsdale
          Cancelo James alonso (livra)
          Foden* bilva 6m esr*
          Ronaldo Laca Antonio*

          1. The White Pele
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            - 4

            1. Flynny
              • 11 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              Thanks.....the 6m option are v uninspiring

              Salahs likely drip tonight means I'll be priced out of Gallagher....

              1. The White Pele
                • 8 Years
                4 years, 3 months ago

                wait i thought this is before the -4. FH not bad option.

                1. Flynny
                  • 11 Years
                  4 years, 3 months ago

                  No the team above is for - 4

                  I'm torn. Really would like to save the free hit to dgw22

          2. Kannbury
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            I would -4, looking to save FH's if possible for now 🙂

            1. Flynny
              • 11 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              Cheers....I think that's what I'll do. Accept a rubbish week and gw20 should be better!

        4. GoonerSteve
          • 16 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Happy Christmas everyone!

          What better way to spend the day, than relentlessly planning fantasy football transfers, and checking for cancellation updates online.

          Ho ho ho.

          Hope everyone is having a good one!

        5. Scapegoat Salah
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas XXX

          Love from the Kaptain

          1. Jafalad
            • 16 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Your brother - Captain Hindsight - is sadly missed in these parts. 🙁

        6. sirmorbach
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Would you please help me out with this lot?

          Ramsdale
          TAA, Dias, Cancelo, James, Cash
          Salah, Jota, Foden, Bowen, Douglas Luiz
          Lacazette, Watkins, King

          A. King to Broja
          B. King to Broja, + Luiz to Martinell for a hit]
          C. Free hit
          D. Something else

          Happy Christmas, y'all!

          1. Jam0sh
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            I'd probably get rid of Salah

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

              Even with LEI next? Cheers!

        7. Will Kane
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Trying to accept in advance that the free hitters are likely to outscore me this week and reassure myself that the extra FH will be a big advantage in the future but it's hard...

          Just hope the beating this week isn't too bad.

          Ram
          James Dias Cancelo Tomiyasu
          Bowen Son(c) Bernardo Saka
          Watkins

          Bench N/A

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

            agree mate. Think a lot comes down to the final game if it goes ahead.
            Ronaldo scores = red arrow

            1. Will Kane
              • 9 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              Yeah... I am tempted by a -4 to get Ronaldo for Watkins but not too keen on a hit for a player with a risk of a last minute cancellation, plus it would mean that IF I wanted Salah back for Leicester it would require another hit. Just going to hide behind the sofa on Monday evening I think

          2. MJF
              4 years, 3 months ago

              You’ll be absolutely fine with that team and banking the new FH is a good plan.

              1. Will Kane
                • 9 Years
                4 years, 3 months ago

                Thanks, a little bit of reassurance is just what I needed!

          3. Pedersen
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Is it worth doing a -8 for Salah + Dennis to Ronaldo + Martinelly? Already have Son and i only got 10 players playing. Above would give me 12 (hopefully)

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

              yeh I think it's worth it with blanks to come and dgw for others it sets you up well
              considering similar but don't have son yet

            2. Branch Warren
              • 4 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              Sounds worth it

          4. winchester
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Happy holidays lads, have 1ft and 2.6m itb. any moves in mind? can only field 10 players atm.. cheers.

            ramsdale
            james - cancelo - reguilon - livra
            bernardo - saka - bowen
            antonio - watkins

            (foster - dennis - salah - jota)

            salah -> son, worth it? (obviously got salah at 12,5m)

            1. The bean
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              Yeah not a bad transfer son could haul.

          5. dshv
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Ramsdale
            James Cancelo Livra Reguilon
            Gallagher Smith Rowe Foden
            Ronaldo(c) Watkins

            Have 2ft

            Esr and Salah -> Son and Martinelli ? Yes or no

            1. The bean
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              Yeah looks good.

          6. The bean
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            If you were playing your FH would you rather play 2 man city defenders or 2 midfielders? I have foden who else would you pair with him?

            1. Flynny
              • 11 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              I'd have kdb and cancelo. That it

              Foden is a doubt to start surely given antics?

              1. The Polymath
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 10 Years
                4 years, 3 months ago

                Then again he may have paid for his antics and will be played by Pep. A motivated Foden trying to atone for his actions could haul big.

              2. The bean
                • 7 Years
                4 years, 3 months ago

                Missed what foden done. I didnt understand why he was missing in so many FH teams. Cheers

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

                  Been nightclubbin with MC Grealish

                  1. The bean
                    • 7 Years
                    4 years, 3 months ago

                    Imagine enjoying yourself at Xmas... pep roulette got a bit easier i reckon...

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

                      He may have served his punishment for his unauthorised dalliance with his benching last week. I’m keeping although definitely not captaining this time and in the fortunate position of having Lamptey and Watkins on the bench (assuming no more cancellations)

                      1. The bean
                        • 7 Years
                        4 years, 3 months ago

                        Definitely worth a hold, just nervous now on the FH...

            2. lugs
              • 8 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              2 mids, Leicester can easily get one on the counter

          7. Atimis
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            2.2ITB 1FT and pretty lost here - thoughts?

            Rambo/Foster
            TAA/Cancelo/James/Alonso/Duffy
            Salah/Jota/Foden/Bowen/Raph
            Laca/King/4.4

            1. Mambino
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              free hit

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

                Yeah always way to go, would just hoping for more games be off

          8. Legohair
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Ramsdale
            James-Alonso-Livra-Williams
            Bernardo-ESR-Ramsey
            Ronaldo-Lacazette

            Sanchez,Salah,Jota,TAA,Dennis

            A. Salah&Dennis to Kane&Bowen(-4)
            B. Salah&Livra to Son&Cancelo(-4)
            C. Forget A+B and do FH?

          9. MikeLowrey
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            A) Jota & Raph to Son & Martinelli
            B) Salah & King to Saka & Ronaldo

            1. Mambino
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              Salah and King to Ronaldo and Matinelli

          10. Mr. O'Connell
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Wary of making wholesale changes on FH for the sake of it (i.e. players like Saka and Bernardo out when they are likely nailed and have a good fixture). So it boils down to this:

            Alonso, Livramento, ESR, Broja
            No bench
            No Salah v Leicester

            Vs

            Reguilon, Martinelli, Bowen, Kane
            Solid bench (Sanchez, Lamptey, Dalot, Broja)
            Salah v Leicester
            1 FH played

            What kind of points swing we looking at here? Expecting ESR, Broja and Livramento to get maybe 6 points between them at best.

            (Obviously this is all moot when more games get cancelled).

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

              prefer the second option by far, keeping Salah for captain during the week probably makes the points swing in the FH worth it

              1. Mr. O'Connell
                • 13 Years
                4 years, 3 months ago

                Cheers for the input. Have to say that writing it down player by player helps. The non-FH option includes a 4 point hit as well which is another tick in the box for the FH.

                Tbh Chelsea or Arsenal game go, and I think my hand will be forced (applies to most I guess).

          11. Kannbury
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Merry Xmas All. 🙂

            To make this post a bit Fantasy Footballish would you have Livra or Lamptey as sub on WC (other 2 bench taken up by 'Pool)

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

              Feeling optimistic about a Lamptey return against a Brentford team lacking in confidence

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

                Thanks Ilfordian 🙂

          12. supercolso
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 16 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Merrry Xmas to all,

            If I free hit now does it wipe out my transfers the transfer I made earlier in the week, so my team reverts to last weeks team next week ?

            Cheers

            1. Mambino
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              yes

              1. supercolso
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 16 Years
                4 years, 3 months ago

                Great, ta

          13. vincentwsho
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            What to do with 1 FT?

            A) Salah to Son (C)
            B) Salah to Ramsey and Dennis to CR7 (C) -4

          14. Conners
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Those using FH this week - how do you plan on getting enough DGW players for gw22? Use second FH?

            In which case how will you navigate future doubles/blanks/postponements..?On a wing and a prayer?

          15. Free Hat
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Thinking of bringing in Rashford (no funds for CR).
            Must have been drinking too much at Christmas eve.

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

              There's always at least one low-owned player who does well. Its not the worst of punts.

              1. Free Hat
                • 7 Years
                4 years, 3 months ago

                Only bang out of form.
                But if he plays at same position, could be indeed!

          16. C'mon the Fylde
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            As it stands, I'm thinking;
            Salah, King for Son, Ronaldo -4
            Right moves?

            Ramsdale
            Livramento James Cancelo Reguilon
            Foden ESR Bilva Salah*
            King* Watkins

            Foster Davis Raphinha TAA

            4.8m itb
            1ft

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

              Yep, good moves for this gw and future GWs.

          17. UTFB
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            When does the first wildcard run out?

            Should I use it now? Or use the free hit

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

              Has to be used before next gws deadline.

            2. Dammit_182
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              You need to do it before the next deadline. Wait till tomorrow I’m case any other games are off. If you can field a decent team hold and play it next week. If not you could play this week.

              One tactic is to try to set up for BB during the double but so much can happen before then.

              In short, it’s team dependent.

            3. C'mon the Fylde
              • 10 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              Wildcard has either, already, run out or will run out after this week.

          18. FDMS All Starz
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            What would you do here? Havnt looked at my team since last GW

            Ramsdale
            Cancelo James Alonso
            Foden Bernardo ESR Salah Jota
            Watkins Antonio

            (Sanchez Taa Manquillo Davis)
            (1FT & 0.5itb)

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

              wait for more news on the Arsenal & Chelsea games, if either of them are off then its a FH for sure

          19. Norco
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            On the assumption no further postponements does the following look like a lock?

            Salah > Son
            Brownhill > Bowen -4

            (Have Ronaldo, would give 10 players + Antonio (questionable).

          20. Mr. O'Connell
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Merry Christmas!

            And to those who are thinking of free hitting this gameweek, remember a Kane is not for life, just for Christmas.

          21. Branch Warren
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Salah and Dennis to;

            a) Ronaldo and Gallagher
            b) Ronaldo and Saka
            c) Son and Lacazette

            Thanks team

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

              b

              1. Branch Warren
                • 4 Years
                4 years, 3 months ago

                Cheers

          22. DavvaMC
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Quick one on a WC (first)

            A. De Gea
            B. Ramsdale

            Thanks, and Merry Crimbo

            1. FredUpAlready
              • 11 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              De Gea

            2. GROBARI
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              DDG

          23. Dammit_182
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Merry Christmas to all the salah sellers and son buyers. May your team values be merry.

          24. GROBARI
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Merry xmas to yall!
            Would you guys FH this team
            Sanchez Foster*
            TAA* Cancelo James Alonso Livra
            Salah* Jota* Raph* Foden Gallagher
            Antonio? Laca Dennis*

            1. Branch Warren
              • 4 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              If you go by the general consensus among the experts then no. You have a good number of playing players and could sort a couple issues with a ft and/or a -4 saving your fh for upcoming double and triple GWS. That said if we lose another set of games before deadline I will activate mine