Scout Picks
12 May 2017 2058 comments
J0E J0E
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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. ViperStripes
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Should I bring in:
    Gibbs, Davies or Clichy?

    Would sit alongside Stephens, Yoshi, Holding, Kompany

  2. Inferno
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Repost as I failed the last one.

    BB active. Which hit to take?

    Willy Pickford
    Alonso Gabriel Stephens Daniels Holgate
    Hazard Sanchez Alli King Sane
    Kane Jesus Gabbiadini
    1FT 0.4ITB

    A) Daniels Gabriel ➡ Bertrand Davies -4
    B) Daniels Gabriel ➡ Bertrand Gibbs -4
    C) Daniels Gabriel ➡ Davies Gibbs -4
    D) Daniels Gabriel ➡ Monreal Yoshida -4
    E) Daniels Gabriel Holgate Hazard ➡ Monreal Bertrand Toby Pedro -12 (rival has Haz)

    1. Shane86
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      why not Holding?

    2. Jebiga
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      D

      1. Inferno
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks

    3. Ini
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      I'd say B. To be fair, A through D would be okay as well.

      1. Inferno
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks. Reassuring that.

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

    Triple Captain Marcos Alonso. Pray for me.

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

      \o/ OMG Alonsooooo

    2. Count of Monte Hristo
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      This is the week to bench boost shirley?

    3. Kings of Lyon ★
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Good lad

    4. Top 210 Club
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      May only play one game

  4. Ini
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Hi folks - My ML leader is 60 points ahead and he will also be BBing. While I have a significantly more DGW players than him, the big hitters are similar i.e. Sanchez, Jesus, Alli, Haz. If I play safe and captain Sanchez or Jesus, I'm unsure if my remaining players can close the gap..

    To put myself in a position to get close, would you recommended doing Haz --> KDB (c)?

    1. Pooodle
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Yes if you're chasing 60 points

      1. Ini
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Thx!

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

    hi guys, some help neeeded!

    1 FT, 70 pts ahead in my ML, using BB this GW.

    a. Gabriel < ?
    b. Huth + Gabriel < Clichy + 4.8 Def for -4pts
    c. huth gabriel erisken < kompany sane 5.1 def

    ddg pickford
    vert alonso gabirel huth yoshida
    eriksen haz sanchez king tadic
    gabbi anichebe kane

  6. Gooner97
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Sane or Sterling?

    1. Jebiga
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Sane, at least hes better player

    2. Top 210 Club
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Check Sane home stats

    3. ps3tew
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Really tough one, I'm 0.2 short of sane and it's doing my head in. Despite sterling doing better last week, leroy looked more dangerous... If I had the money I'd feel better with sane in my team

      1. Jethrik
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Relax. Had Sané earlier in the season. He rarely moves out of position and his shot variety is nil. Also no-one in the team likes him and won't pass to him.

  7. Rover
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    My team so far is

    Caballero / Monreal / Yoshida / Daniels
    Sanchez (TC) / Hazard / Eriksen / _____
    Kane / Jesus (TVC) / _____

    I've shortlisted the following options:

    A) King Vardy (-4) and bench T. Carroll
    B) Mahrez Gabbi (0) and bench King
    C) KDB King (-4) and bench J. Ayew

    Am playing AOA next week so the benched player is someone with a good fixture then.

    1. The Yorkshire Pirlo
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Easily C for me

    2. Donblaster
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      C

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

      Thanks both! C it is then 🙂

  8. Whazza
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Holding in the picks!?

    Would you say he is a safe bet then?

    1. DV8R
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Could troll us all...

  9. SADIO SANÉ
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Who d'ya think scores more this GW:

    A Stephens
    B Holding

    1 Defoe
    2 Welbeck

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

      A1

      1 cause he'll have 4 appearance points.

      1. SADIO SANÉ
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        cheers Rainer - that's what I'm thinking - A1 is safe, B2 could go either way

  10. Enzo the Baker
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Thoughts on :

    King + Stephens -> Bailly + Albrighton for a (-4)

    Already have Yoshida for Soton defensive cover, and have no Utd defense. Also Albrighton has an extra game

    1. Top 210 Club
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      No ways

    2. maclrc
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Would keep King

    3. Enzo the Baker
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Thanks both 🙂

  11. Donblaster
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    DDG Pickford
    Davies McAuley Stephens Gibson PVA
    Hazard Sanchez (c) Ozil Alli DeRoon
    Kane Jesus Gabbi

    really struggling this week...any thoughts would be much appreciated

    A) Ozil / Gibson >>> KDB / Holding (-4)
    B) Ozil / Gibson >>> Sane / Alonso (-4)
    C) Kane / DeRoon / Gibson >>> Anichebe / KDB / Kompany (-8)
    D) something else?!

  12. Pooodle
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Will Holding start both games this week?

    1. BbBb
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      hope so

  13. FPL ZB
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Take the hit to switch Ksoscielny to another Arsenal def, or hold?

  14. Lsplayer
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    current team with BB activated
    Cabaellero / Forster
    Monreal/Stephens/baily/Huth/Jones(sun)
    Hazard/Sanchez/Sané/Albrighton/KIng
    Gabbiadini/Kane/jesus
    would you do :
    A) Baily+ Huth --> Alonso + vertonghen
    B) Baily + Gabbiadini --> Costa + benalouane
    C) Other

  15. Zlat-man
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Hazard,,Trippier > Kdb, Holding?
    Do both for -4?

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

    Would you make these moves for (-12)?

    J.Ward ➡ Stephens
    Huth ➡ Holding
    Benteke ➡ Jesus

    Have a 30 point lead over ML rival. He has Jesus so I want to block him.
    I also have BB this week he has no chip.

    Appreciate your thoughts!

  17. nygunner
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Looks like Willy Holding will be popular this weekend

  18. Kane Train
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    2FT 0.0 itb what should I do Bench Boosting.

    Cech
    Yoshida / Cahill / Vertoghen
    Hazard / Pedro / Sanchez / Alli
    Gabbi / Kane / Jesus

    Bench: Pickford, Yoshida, Stephens, Albrighton

    1. Kane Train
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Someone please???

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

      Ofc

    3. ladsofbunch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Do you have to yoshidas?

  19. ValterPereira
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Who do you guys think is most likely to play both dgw matches: Holding or Gibbs?!

  20. RealSocialDads
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Who wins this gameweek:

    A. KDB
    B. Ozil +8

    1. Kane Train
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Ozil +8

  21. Denis Tueart on the wing
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Can = tranferred for a DGW player (I am bench boosting)

    a) Ndidi
    b) Capoue
    c) Kante
    d) Save transfer

    Thanks

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

    Kosc > Monreal for a hit?

    Need certainty of 2 starts.

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

      I would stick, could start

    2. FPL ZB
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      I'm planning on sticking since stoke could well score

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

    Repost...anyone...Maguire to Holding worth a hit? thanks

  24. Count of Monte Hristo
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    (c) KDB or Jesus?

    1. Kings of Lyon ★
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Jesus

    2. Lawrø
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Alonso

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

      kANE

    4. Bobby_Baggio
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Sanchez. Out of them two Jesus

    5. Donblaster
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      KDB

    6. FPL ZB
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Clichy

  25. Eric the King
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Keep hazard or switch to
    1) KDB for free
    2) Silva and Fabregas (-4, lose JWP)
    3) Sterling and Defoe (-4, lose anichibe)?

  26. GE
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Worth it to do Chambers/Robertson --> Stephens/Gibbs/Holding (-4)

    Or maybe both out for -8?

  27. NestorC
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Anybody else thinks too that Kosc will play both games? Are you risking to save transfer or you are getting Monreal?

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

    DeBruyne or Sanchez - the better captain shout ?

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

      Sanchez if leading , KDB if chasing .
      Relative of course to how much you are chasing

  29. Debauchy
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    The Bench Boost siren , blaring around the globe.........

  30. Winston.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Which of these?

    A. Kosc to Mustafi/Monreal, FT
    B. Kosc to Holding and Holgate to Kompany -4

    Not gonna the risk that Kosc is out...so, which of these you would prefer?

    Thanks.