Scout Picks
12 May 2017 2058 comments
J0E J0E
Share:

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. Pogboom
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Choose one. (8.6 ITB)

    A) Fabregas
    B) Walcott
    C) Silva
    D) Pedro

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

      C

    2. Rex Lapis
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      C

    3. Boris Bodega
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      A

  2. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Thinking of this for a -8

    Yes or no please?

    Gabbi Gabriel blind ---》 kompany Vardy Gibbs

    1. weaver93
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      nice..

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

    Btw, everyone needs to chill with the KDB love. He plays way too deep to be a captaincy contender imho. Sane is a much better choice.

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

      Thats what Im been trying to say the whole week. Feels like chasing last week points. Will play even deeper if both Kun and Jesus are on the field.

    2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      no point even arguing the case, people have gone mad over his score last week

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

        I mean, not to say it cant happen again. I just think its much less likely. But no, people are talking hits left and right and losing Hazards, Sanchezs or Allis to fit him in.

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

          Yeah, and that's nuts

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

        Some have seen the "old" Kdb emerging of late , besides the points he got ? Timing ?
        Either way depends on whether you are chasing and who you think leaders will Cpt

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

    Bertrand or BDavies? Already got Stephens and Yoshi.

    1. BananaNose Maldonado
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      This is my EXACT dilemma.

      I'm leaning Bertrand, but it's, like 51/49 in his favor.

  5. For Fuchs Sake
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Holgate to Holding for free, already have Monreal??

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      I would.keep holdgate

  6. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    How long before captain sensible ?

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

    Which combo is better?
    A/ Monreal & Clichy
    B/ Holding & Kompany

    Thanks!

  8. Jay_
      8 years, 7 months ago

      A) Clichy & Gabbiadini

      B) Stephens & Defoe -4

      1. Rex Lapis
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        A

      2. Athletic Nasherbo
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        A just

      3. d3bug
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        A

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

        A by a bh

    • Rex Lapis
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      who's more nailed on?
      A. Holding
      B. Gibbs
      C. Clichy

      1. d3bug
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        CAB

    • cantcatchabreak
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Bench 1
      A)king
      B)yoshida
      C)stephens

      1. VS10_
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        C probably

    • 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 chips.

      Appreciate your thoughts.

    • VS10_
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Ndidi to score a screamer against City. (another useless post just to make the pages go even faster)

    • Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      QUICK POLL Hennessey OUT for -4 hit to...
      A cech
      or
      B Willy

      It's 50/50 so far....

      1. Boris Bodega
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        willy if you need funds, cech if you have the dosh

      2. Fozzyb34r
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        A

    • Athletic Nasherbo
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Who gets more points?
      A) Maguire
      B) Stephens -4

      1. Fozzyb34r
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        B

    • Ravager
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Quick poll. For a hit, Huth>

      A. Clichy
      B. Holding
      C. Yoshida (own Stephens)

      1. Fozzyb34r
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Clichy

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

          Thank you

    • arturmel
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Do you think there's any chance Stones plays this GW?

      1. Going Home
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        There is "a" chance, it's not great (he's in my side too)

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

          Are you sticking? I have 4.9 for replacement, but I would still need to take a -4 hit. Who is the best option under 4.9? Can't get Holding, already have Yoshida and Stephens. Was thinking about Dawson/Davies/Jagielka.

          1. Going Home
            • 14 Years
            8 years, 7 months ago

            I have stuck. Figure he will maybe get a run out midweek. Also, I'm maxed out on Arsenal and can't afford a Chelsea defender so don't see an option which would pay for itself

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

              I'm playing BB this GW and I think it's worth to take a hit. Can't see any good options under 4.9 though. Have Alonso-Monreal-Yoshida-Stephens in defence. Maxed out on Arsenal too. Will probably bring one of Dawson (Mark advises him a lot, can't see the appeal though), Davies (good team, but Rose is back soon) and Jagielka (goal threat, Everton have nothing to play for though). What do you think?

    • PMz
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Valencia + Friend > Holding + Luiz (-4)? I have 0.0 ITB.

      Caballero Pickford

      Valencia Stephens Davies Holgate Friend

      Alli Haz Sane Sanchez de Roon

      Kane Jesus Gabbi

    • HappyMonday
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Holgate to Holding for a hit?

      1. Millie7
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        yes

    • Millie7
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      WILLY

      DAVIES HOLDING ALONSO STEPHENS (HOLGATE)

      ALI SANCHEZ KING PEDRO (ALBRIGHTON)

      JESUS KANE (ANICHEBE)

      1 TRANSFER AND 2.1 ITB...ANY CHANGES WORTH MAKING??

    • FPL Pillars
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      News on Kun??

      1. d3bug
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Fit

    • Gruu
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Which one would you choose?

      A. Hazard - Sane - Alonso
      B. KDB - Eriksen - Mustafi

      1. Rex Lapis
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        A

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

        A

    • Mike82
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Any input greatly appreciated;;
      After much procrastination and in light that my nearest oppo who is 98pts behind has made 3 transfers (-8), I have taken -12 hit, I've bench boosted, he will likely TC which I don't have left, he has Sanchez, KDB, Alonso, Kane, Yoshida the same as me depending on his latest moves.
      my team;

      DDG Cabellero
      Yoshida Alonso Baines Holding Cedric
      Sanchez KDB Pedro King Albrighton
      Kane Jesus Gabbi

      Someone tell me I've done the right things lol.
      Who should I captain? Safe best Sanchez as I'm leading? any point me trying to second guess why my nearest challenger will TC?

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Stopped reading at the first bit , you re 98 points clear , you will win 🙂

      2. Millie7
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        i would imagine both of your sides to be very similar over the next 2 weeks, so i wouldnt worry to much

      3. Mike82
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Beware the TC LOL thanks tho

    • seanie3
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      I Have two free transfers, should I keep gabbi or get rid, anyone think he will come good

    • BellyKlopp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      A or B
      A) anichebe and Jesus
      B) Benteke and Gabbi

    • Sess!
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Right lads need your help:

      a) Holgate > Holding
      b) Alli > Sane
      c) Both of the above (-4)
      d) Alli > Pedro/Fabregas (prob latter) & Holgate > Kompany (-4)
      e) Save

      Current team:

      Pickford Willy
      Monreal Alonso Yosh Stephens Holgate
      Haz Sanchez Alli Eriksen King
      Kane Jesus Anichebe

      1. d3bug
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        A although he may not start both of the games

        1. Sess!
          • 15 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          Cheers mate. Yeah that's what I'm leaning towards. Picked alli for a reason so might as well stick it out. Least his minutes are guaranteed.

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

        e

    • FPL Marc
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Caballero & Jesus for Jakupovic & Lukaku? (4pt hit)

      Other option is to risk Gibbs for Daniels

      1. Bend It Like Bennett
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        I vote yes

    • Bend It Like Bennett
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      King to KDB with FT? Have cash in the bank that I was originally planning to use for Gabbi to Costa. Chasing in ML...

    • sminkypinky
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Would you do
      Gabriel, Haz, Gabbi -> Kompany, Fab, Jesus -4?

      1. Bend It Like Bennett
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        I would, yes

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

          Cheers!

      2. Going Home
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Kante back, Fab risky

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

          True

    • ManUtdFan_UK
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Caballero, Pickford
      Alonso, Blind, Gabriel, Yoshida, Holgate
      Sanchez, Hazard, Alli, Sane, King
      Kane, Jesus, Gabbiadini

      2FT, £0.1m ITB.

      Gabriel and Blind out for:

      A) Stephens
      B) Holding

      1) Monreal
      2) Mustafi

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

        A1

    • b✪mber
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Chambers > Holding (-4)?

      1. The Rock
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Not for me.

        1. b✪mber
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          that's what I thought. Cheers mate.