Scout Picks
10 March 2017 1816 comments
J0E J0E
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After listing the players under consideration in yesterday’s Scout Squad article, we now reveal who has made the final cut for Gameweek 28’s streamlined set of fixtures.

With just eight teams involved due to FA Cup quarter-final scheduling, our limited search for clean sheets takes us to Goodison Park, where we believe Everton have a strong chance of a shut-out against West Brom.

Robert Koeman’s troops have shipped just ten goals and kept five clean sheets at home, while the Baggies are among the Premier League’s most weary travellers, scoring just 12 goals away from The Hawthorns.

This has prompted us to double up on the Toffees’ rearguard by handing places to both their keeper Joel Robles (4.7) and full-back Seamus Coleman (6.0).

Attacking returns in five of Coleman’s last seven league starts heighten his appeal.

Liverpool’s Nathaniel Clyne (5.8) is another raiding right-back with a potentially favourable home tie.

His place at the top of the defenders’ chance creation table gives us hope of attacking returns should the Reds’ backline be breached. Given that all but one of Burnley’s eight away goals have come in their last six road trips, Sean Dyche’s troops look more than capable of scoring.

Our final defender also provides ample attacking potential. Swansea City’s Alfie Mawson (4.6) travels to Hull City having scored three goals in the last eight Gameweeks. His eye for an opportunity may come in handy considering that the Tigers have scored six in their last three KCOM stadium league ties.

While we have reservations about Liverpool’s clean sheet potential, there are no such qualms over their ability to find the net at Anfield.

With Burnley shipping 28 and earning just one clean sheet on the road, we have doubled up on Reds’ midfield assets, with Sadio Mane (9.5)’s fine home form making him a shoo-in.

The Senegalese winger, who has been subject to 214,000 transfers in this week, has found the net eight times in front of his own fans, a record among midfielders he shares with Chelsea’s Eden Hazard.

Philippe Coutinho (8.2) may have scored just once since returning in Gameweek 21 from a long injury lay-off, but the underlying statistics suggest more are to come. Over his last four matches the Brazilian’s total of 20 goal attempts is more than any other player.

Consistency gives Gylfi Sigurdsson (7.7) a berth in our starting XI, as he travels to the KCOM having produced attacking points in seven of his last eight stats.

The Tigers have proven more resilient under new boss Marco Silva, but with just one clean sheet at home all season, Sigurdsson has a good chance of adding to his season tally of eight goals and 10 assists.

Goals look inevitable at the Vitality Stadium when West Ham visit Bournemouth, with both sides in appalling defensive form. Over their last six matches the hosts have conceded 15 times, a record over that period, while the Hammers have shipped 11.

This hands the final two slots in our midfield quintet to the Cherries’ Josh King (5.5) and Hammers winger Michael Antonio (6.9).

King has scored five in his last six starts for Eddie Howe’s troops and also has spot-kicks up his sleeve due to the absence of Callum Wilson and Junior Stanislas.

Meanwhile, Antonio has eight goals and seven assists so far this season and should be well rested following his one-match ban during Gameweek 27. Like King, there’s a chance he could also be fielded up front if Slaven Bilic opts for a 4-4-2 on the south coast.

Bournemouth’s porous defence is weakened by the absence of Tyrone Mings through suspension, while captain Simon Francis remains a big doubt through injury.

This prompts us to opt for a pair of Hammers attackers and hand a place to 3.3% owned Andy Carroll (6.2). As Mark pointed out in our Scout Squad article, the big Geordie is likely to relish squaring up to a backline that may include Baily Cargill, the Cherries’ 21-year-old defender who made his league debut as a late substitute in last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United.

Captain Poll leader Romelu Lukaku (10.1) takes our final Scout Picks place on the back of a strong home form that has seen him score 10 of his 18 goals at Goodison Park.

With attacking returns in each of his last quartet of home encounters, the Belgian looks primed to reward the 215,000 FPL managers who have transferred him in this week.

The imposing presence of Harry Maguire (4.4) in Hull’s backline has been key to their recent defensive improvement. With more goal attempts than any other defender over their last six matches, the Tigers’ centre-half can threaten attacking points should Marco Silva’s side concede.

For those in search of a budget differential, our midfield substitute Ryan Fraser (4.8) looks ideally placed to offer immediate returns; the 1.9% owned Bournemouth winger has registered two goals and four assists since cementing a first team place in Gameweek 19.

Fernando Llorente (6.4), who is this week’s top transfer target with more than 225,000 new owners, is unlucky to only make the bench on the back of five goals in six. But with hosts Hull improving markedly in terms of conceding headed attempts under new Marco Silva, we feel the Spaniard’s momentum may be somewhat curtailed at the KCOM.

Community Champion

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.

The current champion to beat is Boris Bodega, who achieved a 33-point margin of victory over us in Gameweek 15.

The Gameweek 28 champion is Baked Baines who has opted for a 3-5-2 line up of: Boric; Baines, Coleman, Daniels; Coutinho, Mane, Firmino, Sigurdsson, J.King; Lukaku, Llorente.

J0E Podcaster and writer. Tweets stats and stuff via @FFScout_Joe Follow them on Twitter

  1. tbhogal
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Guys is it ok to start with 9 only taken 4pt hit or should I do -8?

    1. Totally !rre!evant
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      More than most I would imagine. Depends if you intend to keep the player you transfer in?

    2. Geezer
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Depends on who you sell and who you bring in

      1. tbhogal
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        looking to do Antionio/King for Phillips

    3. LukeyLuke777
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      9 will be above average, it's just a matter of whether you have a decent 9.

  2. Leaf
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Is Phil Jones first choice for United and therefore worth hanging onto ?

    1. Rainer
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Looks it, once fit. I'd hold.

    2. Granville
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Dunno actually. Bailey and Rojo seem to compliment each other a bit more.

    3. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      I'm holding, he's started both games since returning from injury.

    4. Geezer
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      I think he is first choice, but I also think he will get rested in some matches if they go through in the Europa League

    5. The Tinkerman
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Hold until we know otherwise, but all united defence is at risk

  3. Geezer
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Any chance for Dio to start?

    1. Junior ⚽
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      barely

    2. The Tinkerman
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      No, might come on as sub though

    3. Sotamendi84
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      he is dead

    4. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Dio has rocked for a long long time - now it's time for him to pass the torch.

      1. A.T
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        Saw him at Donnington back in 87. Rock on!

        1. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 10 months ago

          Awesome 😎

          1. A.T
            • 15 Years
            8 years, 10 months ago

            Dragons, mountains and wizards. Love it 😀

      2. Yank Revolution
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        Just make sure he's very well taken care of.

        1. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 10 months ago

          😀

  4. Viper
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Bringing King in rather than Antonio allows Capoue - > Sanchez/any mid next week.

    Should that be a deciding factor? Gwk 29 becomes the ideal time to go AoA

    1. JAC THE CAT
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      I like King, good stuff

      1. Viper
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        Cheers man. He's been first choice all week but getting last minute jitters as usual 🙂

    2. MTPockets
        8 years, 10 months ago

        Having the Sanchez option if I want is one deciding factor for me.

    3. JAC THE CAT
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Anyone keeping Aguero for Liverpool?

      1. Rainer
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        Out for Kane. (Will hold Sterling)

      2. The Tinkerman
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        No, would rather have Kane from next week

      3. A.T
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        o/

      4. Arteta
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        I haven't decided yet. It's really annoying that Kane is rising so fast.

      5. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        Yes!

        Kane Aguero Lukaku

    4. Manani
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      antonio or king?

      king is cheaper and in better form but antonio got better fixtures coming up

      1. JAC THE CAT
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        King

      2. Rainer
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        King > WHU trio for me.

      3. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        Both good options

      4. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        Both poor options, let's be honest. I have gone King though as a one week punt. Fully expecting 2 points.

      5. Still Unsure
          8 years, 10 months ago

          Lanzini's a better option than both, IMO

      6. Ha.
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        Antonio or Lanzini?

        1. JAC THE CAT
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 10 months ago

          Antonio

        2. Rainer
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 10 months ago

          Antonio.

        3. The Tinkerman
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 10 months ago

          Lanzini, but largely because he's cheaper and low owned

        4. RAFA THE GAFFA
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 10 months ago

          A

      7. A.T
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        When's the cut off point for 10 YC's?

        1. Rainer
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 10 months ago

          End of season.

          1. A.T
            • 15 Years
            8 years, 10 months ago

            Thought it was a bit earlier. Thanks 😳

            1. Rainer
              • 9 Years
              8 years, 10 months ago

              It makes Rose a lot less appealing for me 🙁

              1. A.T
                • 15 Years
                8 years, 10 months ago

                Sounds like you might be able to get him after all 🙂

              2. A.T
                • 15 Years
                8 years, 10 months ago

                Thanks all

              3. Park the bus
                • 14 Years
                8 years, 10 months ago

                This is wrong advice

                1. Annie
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 13 Years
                  8 years, 10 months ago

                  See the below 55 responses 🙂

        2. noquarternt
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 10 months ago

          May/June

        3. Team Cruel
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 10 months ago

          Always second Sunday in April

        4. Stats Don\'t Lie
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 10 months ago

          2nd sunday in April

        5. MTPockets
            8 years, 10 months ago

            2nd sunday in April

        6. melvinmbabazi
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 10 months ago

          Choose one to keep ?
          A) Sane
          B)Sterling

          1. Rainer
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 10 months ago

            I'd keep B.

          2. E25
            • 10 Years
            8 years, 10 months ago

            Flips a coin or Sane if you need cash elsewhere

        7. Atwood
          • 15 Years
          8 years, 10 months ago

          Is there any way to find out the bought/selling price of other people's players?

          1. Numb
            • 10 Years
            8 years, 10 months ago

            Not without a lot of effort

          2. Rainer
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 10 months ago

            Rough work in checking the date they brought players in and out and their prices at said times.

        8. Ravager
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 10 months ago

          Jaku (Foster)
          F. Mori Fernandez Nyom
          Mane Siggy Phillips Stanislas
          Lukaku Llorente
          6.1 ITB

          Issa mess. Already taken a -4. Think -8 is my limit. So who goes first?:

          A. Stanislas
          B. Phillips

          to
          1. Antonio
          2. Lanzini
          3. King

          1. The Tinkerman
            • 10 Years
            8 years, 10 months ago

            A and B to 2 and 3

            1. Ravager
              • 11 Years
              8 years, 10 months ago

              Yeah I was told I should -12 them out but can't bring myself it it. Thanks for the reply

          2. Viper
            • 15 Years
            8 years, 10 months ago

            2.

            I think I'm gonna go King though because my leading rival has Lanzini

            1. Ravager
              • 11 Years
              8 years, 10 months ago

              Yeah I'm trying to figure it out. not really fussy for Bou's fixtures even though King has form

        9. DaveZubie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 10 months ago

          Philips out for
          1) Lanzini
          2) Antonio
          3) Barkley
          4) King (bit meh! on this one tbh)

          This will be my 4th mid going forward.

          1. Viper
            • 15 Years
            8 years, 10 months ago

            1

          2. The Tinkerman
            • 10 Years
            8 years, 10 months ago

            1

          3. RAFA THE GAFFA
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 10 months ago

            2

          4. MTPockets
              8 years, 10 months ago

              2

          5. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
            • 14 Years
            8 years, 10 months ago

            A Phillips to Antonio -4
            B Sterling to King -4
            C A n B for -8

            Currently have 8 playing

            1. RAFA THE GAFFA
              • 9 Years
              8 years, 10 months ago

              A

          6. Sideways Backwards
            • 10 Years
            8 years, 10 months ago

            A) Allen -> T.Carroll
            B) Holgate -> Mawson
            C) Allen -> Antonio

            For a -8, gives me 9 playing

            1. E25
              • 10 Years
              8 years, 10 months ago

              Probably C out of those but don't love any of them

          7. Little Frank
            • 14 Years
            8 years, 10 months ago

            Current playing mids are Mane King and Carroll:
            Already on a -4 with 9 playing.

            Should I ditch Phillips for ...

            a. Siggy (already have Carroll and Llorente from Swans)
            b. Coutinho
            c. Antonio
            d. Lanzini
            e. Barkley
            f. Someone else
            g. Leave and sort it out next GW

            1. The Tinkerman
              • 10 Years
              8 years, 10 months ago

              A or D

            2. RAFA THE GAFFA
              • 9 Years
              8 years, 10 months ago

              The order you have them in

            3. bitm2007
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              8 years, 10 months ago

              A

            4. Little Frank
              • 14 Years
              8 years, 10 months ago

              Thanks Everyone. Siggy it is (should have got him a while ago!)

            5. E25
              • 10 Years
              8 years, 10 months ago

              A and not close for me

          8. Tomas Brolin ate all Depays
            • 13 Years
            8 years, 10 months ago

            Which team playing this week have the best fixtures between now and the week we will all WC ?

            1. Rainer
              • 9 Years
              8 years, 10 months ago

              Has to be Pool & Swansea.

            2. Tansey
              • 10 Years
              8 years, 10 months ago

              WHU have a nice few in the near future. Swansea good too

            3. Konig Luther
              • 13 Years
              8 years, 10 months ago

              Which is the week we will all WC ?

            4. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
              • 11 Years
              8 years, 10 months ago

              Wait - this is a trick question?

          9. Tansey
            • 10 Years
            8 years, 10 months ago

            Sterling and Ibra -> Mane and Carroll
            or
            Sterling and Evans -> Coutinho and Mawson

          10. JÆKS ⭐
            • 11 Years
            8 years, 10 months ago

            Haha my ML rival just left the league because I bought King (and he bought him on his wildcard two weeks ago)

            1. Tansey
              • 10 Years
              8 years, 10 months ago

              That's probably the most stupid and self-centered thing to get salty over

              1. Tansey
                • 10 Years
                8 years, 10 months ago

                I suppose nobody else is allowed Lukaku or Kane either while he has them

              2. JÆKS ⭐
                • 11 Years
                8 years, 10 months ago

                Yea think it's just because he is 2nd though, last year he also left when I was 150 points ahead because he 'had to focus on work'. Because I was sitting in the top 50 of Belgium, he was still looking up my team every week, it's a bit pathetic 😀

                1. Tansey
                  • 10 Years
                  8 years, 10 months ago

                  "Yeah I don't concentrate on it anymore"

                  "I'm only playing for fun now I'm not really trying"

                  Love those kind of people

                  1. JÆKS ⭐
                    • 11 Years
                    8 years, 10 months ago

                    Yea indeed, but when they outscore you in a gw, you'll hear from them!

                2. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
                  • 9 Years
                  8 years, 10 months ago

                  You need to find a new league.

                  1. JÆKS ⭐
                    • 11 Years
                    8 years, 10 months ago

                    Good thing my other ML is not like that, the one sitting 2nd there is pretty good actually, finished twice in the top 1000 in his last 6 seasons. Played his TC already on Aguero last season though

          11. Rainer
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 10 months ago

            Pieters -> Olsson for -4?

            1. JÆKS ⭐
              • 11 Years
              8 years, 10 months ago

              Hmm, Pieters has been a good asset so far, but fixtures aren't great though, toss a coin

              1. Rainer
                • 9 Years
                8 years, 10 months ago

                Indeed he has but as you say fixtures go to the dogs! Will be a sad departure.

                1. E25
                  • 10 Years
                  8 years, 10 months ago

                  How many you playing this week? Would prefer taking hits on attacking players

          12. Gruu
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 10 months ago

            Should I do -12 for Phillips to King/Lanzini?

            Jaku
            Baines Brunt Robertson
            Mane Coutinho Siggy Phillips*
            Lukaku Llorente

            (Grant Costa Valencia Chambers Zaha)
            0 FT (-8), 6m ITB

          13. Bolasie
            • 12 Years
            8 years, 10 months ago

            Most nailed-on Afobe or Carroll?

            1. Rainer
              • 9 Years
              8 years, 10 months ago

              Carroll when fit...

            2. S.Agueroooooo
              • 10 Years
              8 years, 10 months ago

              Caroll

            3. Tansey
              • 10 Years
              8 years, 10 months ago

              Carroll

          14. Zlat-man
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 10 months ago

            Olsson
            Mawson
            Robertson

            Which 'son' to take? And why

            1. Rainer
              • 9 Years
              8 years, 10 months ago

              Olsson well above the rest.

          15. S.Agueroooooo
            • 10 Years
            8 years, 10 months ago

            Jaku
            Brunt, FM, Amat
            Mane, siggy
            Lukaku

            Grant, phillips, eriksen, sterling, aguero, defoe, alonso, walker

            1ft 1.0 itb

            Sterling > cout
            Phillips> carroll

          16. Viper
            • 15 Years
            8 years, 10 months ago

            Ok, here is what i'm going with (-8)

            Jaku

            Coleman Brunt McAuley (Amat Alonso)

            Coutinho Mane Siggy King (Capoue)

            Lukaku (c) Llorente (Kane)

            6.9 itb

            Good luck all, see you on the other side!

            1. Annie
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              8 years, 10 months ago

              Good luck! 8 in common so I have to say that

          17. UnitednationsXI
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            8 years, 10 months ago

            Hi all, sooo confused..plus with philips out, another hassle..1.3m itb

            Heaton -- Grant
            Mcauly Coleman Robertson --- Valencia Stones
            Mane Fletcher Barkley Philips -- Sterling
            Lukaku --- Kun Ibra

            A:
            gw28: philips >> snoddy
            gw29: sterling + ibra >> alli + kane (-4)

            B:
            gw28: philips + ibra >> siggy + lloriente / carroll (-4)
            gw29: kun >> kane

            C:
            gw28: ibra >> llorient
            gw29: philips + kun >> sanchez + kane (-4)

            any other ideas?

          18. Park the bus
            • 14 Years
            8 years, 10 months ago

            Was going to get Firmino in for a -4, already have Coutinho and don't have enough for Mane. Go for Lallana instead?

            1. Atwood
              • 15 Years
              8 years, 10 months ago

              Only if you're struggling for numbers. If you have above 7 or so already then I wouldn't bother personally.

              Great username by the way.

          19. EDEN THE MAN
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 10 months ago

            Is Philips definitely not playing cos so many people are shipping him

            1. Park the bus
              • 14 Years
              8 years, 10 months ago

              No he's not playing cos he's injured 🙂

            2. Viper
              • 15 Years
              8 years, 10 months ago

              His manager has said he won't be involved

            3. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
              • 9 Years
              8 years, 10 months ago

              Ruled out.

          20. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 10 months ago

            Already on -8. Firmino doesn't look like he will play. I want someone longish term under £7.

            A) Lanzini
            B) Antonio
            C) Grosicki
            D) King (not the best long term)
            E) Someone else
            F) Hold

            1. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
              • 11 Years
              8 years, 10 months ago

              None of those are long-ish term options, so F

            2. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
              • 14 Years
              8 years, 10 months ago

              ADB...

            3. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
              • 9 Years
              8 years, 10 months ago

              I was thinking of shipping Firmino for Eriksen next week anyways.

            4. ILOVEBAPS
              • 13 Years
              8 years, 10 months ago

              B

          21. For Fuchs Sake
            • 16 Years
            8 years, 10 months ago

            Play without a keeper? Already taken a -8 hit??

            Grant Pickford
            Holebas Olsson Pieters Coleman McAuley
            Eriksen Capoue Mane King Siggy
            Kaku Llorente Kun

            1. E25
              • 10 Years
              8 years, 10 months ago

              YEs

          22. Bruno Bruno!!
            • 10 Years
            8 years, 10 months ago

            I know King has good fixtures in next 2 but im not keen on him for just 2 GW

            1. For Fuchs Sake
              • 16 Years
              8 years, 10 months ago

              WC will be along soon 🙂