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. youzef
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Shall I do:
    A) Ake,Maguire,eriksen -> Holding, Davies, Sane for a -8
    B)Ake, Maguire -> Holding, Davies for a -4

    1. gw27
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      ive just shipped maguire out for holding, and really tinking of taking a hit to do ake -> yoshida. So im exactly like you.

    2. Top 210 Club
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      B, Sane home stats dire

  2. gw27
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    should I take a hit to do ake -> yoshida??

    will mean doubling up on soton defence.

  3. Old Wulfrunian
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Stephens->Holding?

    1. Whazza
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      no

  4. camarozz
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Bottomed
    Guys help a guy out .

    King and Daniels OUT

    Fabregas and Davies (TOT) IN

    Trying to maximize BB and rival has full BB squad and another has TC ...

    Appreciate couple of replies....

    1. camarozz
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Or Holding instead of Davies??

    2. greghammer95
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      I'd say keep King, he's the one DGW player I've still got! Daniels arguably worth keeping too unless you can upgrade. I don't reckon Spurs will do anything good over this DGW. Max 5/6 points from Lloris.

      Keep your points, keep your king.

  5. greghammer95
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Sitting at 80k. Mini-league I'm winning by 100 points. Might as well go for broke and Captain Mr 35 points Alonso.

    1. Top 210 Club
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Will he start the 2nd if Chelsea win tonight. May do but may be a gamble with Terry, Ake and Zouma sure to get some time.

  6. Stats Don\'t Lie
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    A)tuanzebe
    B)Olsson
    C)Stephens (means triple saints def)

  7. Whazza
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Holding punters unite! o/

    1. GENERATION X
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      \0/ - why not I can't get much else for 4.0

  8. luisgarcia
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    KdB captainers unite

    Do you think doing Walker to Vertonghen for -4 ( already on -8 ) worth it? Have no clue on Walkers minutes

  9. Ghost
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    A. Monreal and Haz
    Or
    B. Vertongen and Ozil

    1. Ghost
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      B is -4. A is no hit.

    2. Duffy Dunk
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      AAA

  10. columbo
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Koscielny in full training again today. If he was close for Southampton, I can see him starting against Stoke

  11. Rainer
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    OMG CAPOUE

    1. Lawrø
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      MCAULEYYYY

    2. ezaku
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      what's wrong

    3. Viprin
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      A sign for (C)apoue?

  12. BananaNose Maldonado
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    A) Bertrand
    B) Davies

    Have Stephens and Yoshi, but worried about Rose nicking a start.

    Cheers.

  13. My Name Is Prince
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    MY NAME IS PRINCE Fantasy Football Scout Member1 min ago
    A) Kosc --> Kompany
    B) Kosc & Alli --> Gibbs & KDB -4

    1. My Name Is Prince
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Copy paste fail 😉

    2. Old Wulfrunian
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      b

  14. Venom Snake
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Will B. Jones play league games or be saved for Europa?

  15. WhatWouldYourZlatanSay
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Bench Boosting

    A)Valdes, Gibson, Gabriel, Walcott > Willy, Holding, Monreal, Pedro (-12)
    B)Valdes, Gibson, Gabriel, Walcott > Willy, Holding, Mustafi, Pedro (-12)
    C)Valdes, Gibson, Gabriel, Walcott > Willy, Holding, Davies, Sane (-12)

    D) Valdes, Gibson, Gabriel > Willy, Holding, Davies (-8)

    Cheers guys!

  16. columbo
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Might go maverick and triple up on saints defence with Cedric in for Huth.

    1. Davido989
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      doing the same

  17. Webbinho
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Bit of an odd one here.

    Play Rannochia (do or die away at Palace) or Chambers (home to the free scoring Saints ;))

    Cheers

  18. JÆKS ⭐
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Kane or Jesus for the armband?

    1. Sid07
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Jesus

    2. My Name Is Prince
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Jesus for me

    3. Viper
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Jesus. But I'm torn about 5 ways

    4. WhatWouldYourZlatanSay
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      I have them but I'm going Sanchez I think, but of those, Kane.

    5. JÆKS ⭐
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Cheers all!

  19. Sid07
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    BB active and have 2ft
    1) blind + holgate to Ben Davies + holding
    2) gabbidani + blind to anchiebe + monreal
    3) king + blind to albrigton + monreal

  20. Viper
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    A. Koscielny - > Mustafi

    B. Koscielny & Eriksen - > Holding & KDB - 4

    1. Sid07
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      B

    2. WhatWouldYourZlatanSay
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      B

  21. ljuta zena
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Maguire to Holding for hit? Good idea?

  22. Les Bleus
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Which one is best for my use of a FT?

    A) Holdgate to Kompany
    B) Eriksen to KDB
    C) JWP to a 6.3 mid or under

    Thanks

    1. Sid07
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      A

      1. Les Bleus
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks.

  23. Sebbo29
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    which combo will get more points?

    A] Hazard + Alexis + Zaha + Stephens
    or
    B] Alexis + Sane + Alli + Gibbs -4

  24. Scheister
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    BB this week. AOA next week.
    Who to replace Hazard:

    A) Fab
    B) Pedro

  25. dmteam
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Help: NO chips left. :

    Pickford,
    Holgate, Valencia, Yoshida,
    Zaha, Alli, Hazard, King, Sanchez
    Costa, Kane,

    Grant, Ward, Ake, Anichebe

    Should I change out:

    1) Hazard ->KDB + Valencia ->??
    2) Should I add Jesus and do Hazard->Sterling instead?
    3) or keep as is?

    Any comments?

    1. dmteam
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      1FT and 0M in the bank.. so not much to play with

  26. Jimmy Boy
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Who do I triple captain:
    A) Sanchez (sto, SUN)
    B) Hazard (wba, WAT)
    C) De Bruyne (LEI, WBA)
    D) Jesus (LEI, WBA)
    E) Kane (MUN, lei)

    1. Viper
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      C

  27. Ian Davis
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Need to do something with Ox, foolishly got him in before midweek game...

    A) Ox/Gabbiadini > Ramsey/Anichebe (big punt that Ramsey will deliver)

    or

    B) Ox/Yoshida > King/Holding (reluctant as sold King for Ox)

  28. Dbz91
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Chasing ML leader by 17 points..

    Is the following worth a -12?

    Hazard, Alli, Ozil -----> De Bruyne, Sanchez, Fabregas?

    This would give me....

    Willy, De Gea
    Alonso, Gabriel, Davies, Yosh, Jagielka
    Sanchez, De Bruyne, King, Fabregas, Can
    Costa, Kane, Gabbi

  29. Kloppen Schloppen
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Eriksen or Alli to Sane for a hit??