Scout Picks
12 May 2017 2058 comments
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After listing the players under consideration in our midweek Scout Squad article, the time has come to reveal who has earned a place in this week’s Scout Picks.

With ten teams playing twice, our XI is dominated by double Gameweek assets, including those between the sticks.

Stoke City’s Lee Grant, Arsenal’s Petr Cech, Fraser Forster of Southampton and Manchester United’s David De Gea have all earned double-digit FPL scores during double shifts this season so we think it’s the turn of Willy Caballero (4.8) to join their ranks.

The Manchester City stopper’s clean sheet against Crystal Palace last weekend bodes well for returns when Leicester City and West Brom, in particular, travel to the Etihad – the Baggies have only found the net in one of their last six.

Already subject to a price hike this week and with 60,000+ new managers, the cut-price Argentine is currently FPL’s most popular goalkeeping transfer target. Security of starts is also in his favour, given that his rival for a starting berth, Claudio Bravo, has been ruled out for the season through injury.

We have found further savings with two more budget rearguard assets in our team, with Southampton’s 5.5% owned Maya Yoshida (4.5) surviving today’s shakedown.

As with City, the Saints also have strong clean sheet prospects away to already-relegated Middlesbrough and home to a Manchester United team with their minds firmly fixed on their Europa League final on May 24.

Another budget defender who has earned a place is Rob Holding (4.0), who has excelled in Arsenal’s three-man defence and sits in a mere 2.0% of teams.

Arsene Wenger’s latest update on the fitness of Laurent Koscielny, who only has a “small chance” of playing away to Stoke on Saturday, has helped in our selection of the former Bolton centre-back.

Holding’s two shut-outs against Manchester United and Southampton in Gameweek 36 earned three bonus points to further strengthen his cause.

We decided to double up on Arsenal defenders, with Nacho Monreal (5.9) offering a far greater security of starts. The 5.9%-owned Spaniard has started Arsenal’s last ten, picking up four clean sheets, as well as an assist and maximum bonus against Leicester in Gameweek 34.

Our four-man backline is completed by Tottenham’s Jan Vertonghen (5.8), who also takes on a Europa-focused Manchester United side, as well as facing a trip to Leicester. Given that the Foxes have found the net ten times in their last six, it is the Red Devils home clash where we are most confident of clean sheet returns for the 7.1%-owned Belgian.

The United match will be Spurs’ last at White Hart Lane which we think will give Mauricio Pochettinho’s troops added motivation – even if their Premier League title dreams are shattered by Chelsea securing top spot with a win at West Brom tonight.

The savings made by opting for a 4-3-3 line-up mean we can afford two of FPL’s most expensive and potentially explosive midfielders, Kevin De Bruyne (10.4) and Alexis Sanchez (11.6).

Of this premium pair, City’s schemer has the greater form, averaging 8.5 FPL points per match over his last four on the back of four assists and a goal. Little wonder, then, that De Bruyne is this week’s most popular midfield transfer target, acquired by over 95,000+ managers.

His Etihad opponents, West Brom and Leicester, have conceded seven times each over their last six to add to our confidence.

Arsenal’s top scorer may lack the same form, with two goals in eight, but he has far superior fixtures to merit his inclusion and a late surge into second place in our latest Captain Poll.

The 28.2%-owned Chilean travels to a Stoke side that has shipped eight in their last six, and then hosts a Sunderland team that has seen their net breached nine times over the same period.

When it comes to value in midfield, Bournemouth’s Josh King, who was initially priced at 5.5 and still only costs 6.2, is in a class of his own. He’s netted 15 times this campaign and a home tie against a Burnley outfit that has conceded 33 times on the road has ensured the Norwegian takes his place as one of only two single-Gameweek representatives in our XI.

The other is Romelu Lukaku (10.2), who has 16 goals at home and hosts a Watford side that has shipped 10 over their last four away trips. We are anticipating heartbreak for the 199,000+ FPL managers who have discarded him this week ahead of tonight’s Goodison Park clash.

The Toffees talisman forms part of an expensive three-man frontline that includes Harry Kane (11.7), who should still be motivated by a late charge for the Golden Boot regardless of Chelsea’s possible title wrap-up. With 21 strikes this season, the 19.9%-owned striker is currently just three behind Lukaku.

Given that only five of his goals have come on the road it is that White Hart Lane finale, against Manchester United, where we are most hopeful of returns.

However, as Leicester could be without Wes Morgan and possibly his central defensive partner Robert Huth due to injury, Kane’s visit to the King Power stadium could also prove fruitful.

Another forward that may benefit from the Foxes’ injury problems at the back is our captain poll leader Gabriel Jesus (8.9), who takes on Craig Shakespeare’s troops before the Baggies drop by next Tuesday.

The Manchester City striker’s four goals and two assists across seven matches suggest he will reward our faith. With a relatively modest 10.3% ownership, he looks a shrewd differential armband option for those chasing in their mini-leagues.

A trip to the Etihad following tonight’s visit from a title-charging Chelsea means we are not anticipating clean sheet returns for West Brom’s Craig Dawson (4.8). But with four goals this season, including a strike at Burnley last weekend, he is worth a bench role in our picks as Tony Pulis looks to utilise the 2.3%-owned defender’s threat at set-pieces for the Baggies’ tough pair of matches.

If, as expected, the Blues wrap up the title at The Hawthorns, our midfield substitute Cesc Fabregas (6.9) could be handed a start for the London side’s second fixture, at home to Watford. With 13 assists in just 11 starts, the Spanish creator looks primed for points should he be afforded more minutes. A mere 2.6% ownership makes him another potentially savvy differential option.

Our final substitute has motivation in abundance, even if he only has the single fixture. Swansea City desperately need to win at Sunderland to continue their fight to stay in the Premier League, so their 6.4%-owned Spanish striker Fernando Llorente (6.1) will need to maintain the fine recent form that has seen him score twice in his last three.

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.

Last week’s champion, Coleymc3, was beaten 80-55 by the Scouts.

This week’s champion, QPRUTD, has opted for a 3-4-3 line-up of: Cech; Alonso, Davies, Gibbs; Hazard, Sane, Son, Albrighton; Costa, Jesus, Kane.

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

  1. JIC
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Best midfielder to get for last spot;

    Ozil
    Eriksen
    Alli
    Pedro
    Fabregas

    Already maxed on City with Willy, Sane and Jesus.

    1. ★Kuntheman★
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      I'd go Eriksen

      1. JIC
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Its between Eriksen or Ozil.

        Got Kane and Sanchez so would be doubling up but also got Hazard, so no point Chelsea.

  2. Weilong7
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    jesus kane or sanchez as cpt?

    1. iamneil
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Sanchez, all to play for and no rotation risk

  3. Salfpilgrimlfc
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    g2g?

    Caballero
    Monreal Stephens Alonso
    Alli Hazard(vc) Sanchez Herrera
    Gabbi Jesus (c) Costa

    1. Nazz
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Not worried about hazard being rested?

      1. Salfpilgrimlfc
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Dont think so title not 100% in bag yet?

        1. luke25
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          Think he means for the second game

          1. Salfpilgrimlfc
            • 12 Years
            8 years, 7 months ago

            maybe i dont have a choice im already in the for a - thanks to bringing in kosc last week instead of monreal

      2. JabbaWookiee
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        He certainly won't be rested for both. Could be explosive against WBA. Def not worth a hit to take out. For free? Probably still no.

        1. Salfpilgrimlfc
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          agree

  4. Horlicks esq.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Are we likely to see a team sheet for Chelsea v W.Brom before the deadline tonight?

    1. luke25
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Highly unlikely, if so would only be like 30 seconds.

      1. luke25
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Ignore that, just seen kick off times, no chance

  5. L9
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    holgate to holding?? does it worth the risk for the double??

  6. v54
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Sanchez or KDB for captain,and why?

  7. Elite2693
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Are people forgetting Mustafi?

    Is he not the best arsenal defender if money is no issus?

    1. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      I'm going for it. I hate sweating on injury status players anyway - but with a dgw and a free transfer, its not worth the risk. He seems good to play every game when fit.

      1. Elite2693
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Yeah I'm doing the same, just need reassurance 😛

  8. iamneil
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Please help!

    Should i take a 4 point hit to change Lukaku to Jesus or not?

    Jesus has rotation risk, Everton are playing Watford...etc

    Thoughts?

  9. boc610
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    very odd that theres no eriksen/ali in SP

    who will be supplying kane with all his assists?

    1. Holmes
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Trippier and Ben Davies

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

      Got to be Sanchez. Arsenal have to win both games so will attack plus Sanchez guaranteed to play 180 min and is the Pen taker.

    3. DAN DARE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      No Chelsea odder, if that's a word

  10. Stupendous
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Has anyone firmly decided captain Sanchez or Jesus yet?

    Just go Kane instead and forget it?

    1. Salfpilgrimlfc
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Gotta be Jesus i reckon even with Aguero back Pep wants them to play together now... 2 home games cant go wrong i reckon

  11. ★Kuntheman★
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    If Sanchez, Gabriel Jesus, and Hazard are differentials in my league and I'm chasing by 68 points, who do I captain?

    1. Rains of Castamere
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Sanchez

  12. Twisted Saltergater
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Pick one!

    a. Hazard + King + 8
    b. KdB(c) + Fabregas

    1. Rains of Castamere
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      A

    2. Fowler23
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Lol a

    3. Reuser
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      A for me.....

    4. Twisted Saltergater
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Ok, unanimous 🙂

      How about Alli + Ozil + 8 > Sané + Sanchez(c)

      1. Rains of Castamere
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Risky.

  13. MAD OVER FOOTBALL
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    BB active. Decided to take 16 pts hit, however have 2 team options to choose from and cant decide which one to go for. Need help!

    Option A.
    Cech Caballero
    Monreal Alonso Davies Kompany Yoshida
    Alli Pedro Sanchez King JWP
    Gabbi Jesus Kane

    vs

    Option B
    Cech Courtois
    Monreal Alonso Davies Kompany Yoshida
    Alli Sane Sanchez T.Carroll JWP
    Gabbi Jesus Kane

    Thanks!!

    1. gforce85
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      A. but a 16point hit and still having JWP/Gabbi and Pedro wouldnt be ideal

      1. MAD OVER FOOTBALL
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Replacing Gabriel, Walker, De Gea, Sterling and De Roon for Monreal, Davies, Caballero, Pedro and King

        Have strong punt on United Conceding in both the games, while Gabriel, Walker and Sterling are rotation risks.

        Am I taking far too many hits?

        P.S. - My objective is to have the highest point in a GW, not really chasing anyone in the league. Big money for the person with the max points in a single GW in the mini-league

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

    Anything worth a hit?
    Pickford Jakupovic
    Alonso Monreal Blind Stephens Holgate
    Sanchez Hazard Alli King JWP
    Kane Jesus(C) Gabbi

    0.6itb BB activated

  15. Karan_G14
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Better option?

    A) Monreal & Benteke

    B) Stephens (Have Yosh) & Jesus (-4)

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

      B

  16. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Good to go...

    Cech / Caballero
    Alonso/ Valencia / Vertonghan / Yoshi / Holding
    Sanchez / Hazard / Alli / Sane / Carroll
    Jesus / Kane / Gabbi

    1. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Jesus (c)

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      BB? yep great team. Mine OK below? Or change anything?

      1. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        BB. Yeah looks good

    3. Shineonme
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Should really be Sanchez Cap/ Arsenal have to win both games and sanchez Guaranteed to play 180 min and also the Pen taker.

  17. TeddiPonza
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Pick one:

    Holding
    BDavies
    Gibbs

    Thanks

  18. Oggle22
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    60 points behind ML rival he's got a few players that are doubts injuries and United players feeling confident with a lot of double game weekers how am I looking?

    Caballero
    Huth Davies Yoshida
    Sanchez Sane Hazard Alli King
    Jesus Kane

    Jakupovic Lovren Origi Chambers

  19. Positive vibes
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Captain for this week?

    A. Sanchez
    B. de Jesus

    Thax you.

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

      SANCHEZ

  20. Chicken-Mandy
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    who should i replace koscielny with?

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      I'm keeping. Monreal if you want rid.

      1. Chicken-Mandy
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        dont think i can risk him not playing. monreal/mustafi/kompany even

    2. Salfpilgrimlfc
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      mon

  21. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Decided to stick with Laurent... -4 bench boost.

    About the best I could pull together. G2G?

    GL all 🙂

    Jakupovic
    Stephens • Kompany • Koscielny • Chambers
    Sanchez(vc) • Alli • Coutinho
    Kane • Jesus(C) • Gabbi
    (DDG / Monreal / Sane / Zaha)

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

    Hazard to De Bryne for -4? Already have Sane and Jesus

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      no mate

  23. Wimmer winner chicken dinne…
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Chasing my mini league by 60 pts (he has Hazard)

    a)Hazard + Gabriel -> Silva + Toby (-4)
    b)Hazard + Gabriel -> KDB + brunt (-4)
    c) Gabriel -> brunt
    d) something else

    I like A!

    Willy / Pickford
    Monreal Alonso Stephens Cedric Gabriel*
    Hazard Sanchez Eriksen Albrighton Tadic
    Kane Jesus Anichebe

    1. Jaunty Jonty
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      A looks great

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      B cos your chasing!

    3. Wimmer winner chicken dinne…
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Just realised I can do

      Gabriel + Tadic to Holding + Sane

  24. Jaunty Jonty
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    What's the transfer?

    DDG / Caballero
    Vert / Stephens / Monreal / Friend / Alonso
    Alli / Hazard / JWP / Zaha / Sane
    Jesus / Rash / Kane

    One -4 already.
    BB in action
    0.1 ITB.

    Friend --> Holding?
    Zaha --> ???

    1. Jaunty Jonty
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Maybe Rash & Zaha to Fabregas & Anichibe?

      1. Wimmer winner chicken dinne…
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Are you on a BB?

        1. Wimmer winner chicken dinne…
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          Sorry just seen you are 🙂

      2. Wimmer winner chicken dinne…
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        This looks good to me, how about Friend Holding?

        1. Jaunty Jonty
          • 15 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          Kosc back from injury arsene announced. So holding won't play two...

  25. Lumberjack
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Maguire to Holding worth a hit? thanks

  26. coopsxx
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Anyone think Phil Jones might play both?

    1. Jaunty Jonty
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Yeah

  27. Caleb's Kitties
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    About to pull trigger on mcauley to bailly..BB active..G2G?

    Cech pickford
    Alonso vertonghen bailly yoshida holgate
    San(C)hez hazard alli sane jwp
    Kane jesus benteke
    0FT 0.0ITB

  28. vectorman
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    So who's gambled on Holding and who's gambled on Gibbs?. You wouldn't both, so Mark where's the poll?

    1. Johqvist
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      I went Gibbs. Starting to regret it though so maybe I should just log off a couple of hours.

  29. Old Wulfrunian
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    What would you do with this team?

    Pickford Willy
    Vertonghen Yoshida Monreal Azpi Stephens
    Alli Sanchez King Pedro Sane
    Kane Anichebe Jesus
    1ft 0.1 itb

  30. Nazz
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    CONSIDERING THE AGUERO NEWS QUICK FIRST TO TEN FOR CAPTAINCY SANCHEZ VS JESUS

    1. Nazz
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Sanchez