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. WhatWouldYourZlatanSay
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Bottomed...

    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!

    1. ViperStripes
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      C

    2. JJ.DiDDY The DON
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      C!

  2. Pep says
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    How does Valencia (Everton) sound for a 3rd striker? Scored 4 goals in his last 2 seasons. He's currently on 3? At home to Watford?

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

      Sound logic.

  3. Atimis
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    BB - GTG ?

    Pick Willy
    Alonso Monreal Yoshida Holgate Davies
    (c)Sanchez Hazard Eriksen King Sane
    Kane Jesus Gabbi

    😀

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

    Friend > Holding for a hit?

    1. JJ.DiDDY The DON
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      yes.

      If holding gets the minimum points over two games you will recoup the 4 that you have spent. but you have two matches to get more than the minimum! no brainer.

  5. PMz
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Should I do this move: Valencia + Friend > Holding + Luiz (-4). I think this is the best I can do with 0.0 ITB.

    Caballero Pickford

    Valencia Stephens Davies Holgate Friend

    Alli Haz Sane Sanchez de Roon

    Kane Jesus Gabbi

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

      Or Valencia, Friend, de Roon > Bailly, Holding, Albrighton (-8)

  6. bitm2007
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Cabellero, Pickford
    Alonso, Monreal, ********, Yoshida, Stephens
    Sanchez, Hazard, Alli, Albrighton, King
    Kane, Jesus, *******

    BB activated

    A) Anichebe and Bailly
    B) Gabbi and Holgate (or Holding) for a hit
    C) Anichebe and Kompany for a hit

  7. Reggie Nainggolan
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Gabriel to Clichy
    Davies to Holding

    One transfers or both for -4. 10 points behind ML

    1. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      I'd prefer Gabreil to Holding.

      1. bitm2007
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        either way Gabreil is the one to go

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

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

  9. ViperStripes
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    a) Schmeichel - lowest goals conceded of the 3 and best form per FPL and highest PPG
    b) Gomes - highest BPS of the 3 and vs Eve who have nothing to play for and Chelsea who may already have won league by 2nd match.
    c) Foster - cheapest that extra 0.2 might be handy in GW38

    for a hit (instead of playing Hennessey)?

    1. timmmuh
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      A

  10. SADIO SANÉ
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Binnery tweet - 'Reports suggest Laurent Koscielny will travel with the Arsenal squad to Stoke. Ox-Chamberlain looks set to miss out. #AFC'

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

    Anyone else spent their entire working afternoon tinkering with their team instead of working? I've done loads this week, we're all good.

    1. faulksp
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Me

  12. Miguel Sanchez
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Does Ben Dinnery have an FPL team?

    1. Junior ⚽
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Yes

  13. Shack
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Will Gibbs get both games?

    1. FPL Puppy
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      No. One. Knows.

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

      I hope so. Just took him in.

  14. FPL Puppy
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Just realized....

    Pickford -> Cech
    Gabbiadini -> Anichebe

    2FT.

    a) Go for it
    b) Step away from the computer

    If yes, this will be the team;
    Cech - Caballero
    Alonso - Bailly - Yoshida - Stephens - Holgate
    Sanchez - Alli - Eriksen - Hazard - King
    Lukaku - Kane - Anichebe

  15. Lignja
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Hai can someone help me pls i chasing 50 points, i new on this web.
    My team is
    Cabalero, pickford
    Yosh, holding, sthep, holgate, bailly
    Haz, sanch, sane, capue, alli
    Gabiandini, kane, benteke
    Im using bb should i change hazard and gabi for jesus and pedro.
    Guy im chasinf have jesus for captian probably

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

      Help!

  16. begbie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Suggestions on how to rectify my Walcott WC fail?

    Pedro or Son in? No Spurs cover in team atm...

  17. RooneyforLife
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Sane hazard out for kdb eriksen?

    I have Jesus, Alli and Kane too

  18. AdamJ91
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    So who have we all got as our (c) atm?

    1. Bobby_Baggio
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Sanch

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

    AAAAAALOOOOOOONSOOOOOOOO.

    Sorry just practicing for tonight.

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

      Do you think he'll start both games? Ake and Pedro are the only threats right?

  20. KUNingas
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    So guess Im keeping Koscielny

    1. timmmuh
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      I'm still moving him out for Monreal- too risky

  21. Bobby_Baggio
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    40 points behind leader

    My team:

    Cab | CECH
    Monreal | LUIZ | Stephens | VERT | Yosh
    Sanchez (C) | Alli | King | SANE | Hazard
    Jesus | Kane | ANICHEBE

    His Team

    Cab | PICK
    Monreal | ALONSO | Stephens | HOLGATE | Yosh
    Sanchez | Alli | King | ALBRIGHTON| Hazard
    Jesus | Kane | COSTA

    Worth me doing Haz > Fab and hope my (C) beats his?

  22. InvertedWinger
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    A) Bertrand
    B) Gibbs
    C) Holding

  23. Stimps
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Holgate -> Stephens (-4)

    1. Stimps
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      ?

    2. Sess!
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Nah

  24. zorro121
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    From @BenDinnery

    Reports suggest Laurent Koscielny will travel with the Arsenal squad to Stoke. Ox-Chamberlain looks set to miss out. #AFC

    1. Arsène Around
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Would that mean Gibbs is more likely to start then? Monreal LCB - Gibbs LWB seems to good to disrupt, when Wenger can easily drop in Mus RCB and Kos CB, plus Stoke away is a massive bogey. Arsenal haven't won in a while

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

      Kosc is not a bench warmer really is he? If he travels, he plays presumably.

      1. zorro121
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah if he's travelled he'll play. I think he'll drop Gibbs. Monreal LWB, Kosc, Mustafi and Holding CB's. Holding has been impressive last 2 games.

  25. Arsène Around
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    G2G? BB
    Cech - Jakupovic
    Holgate - Yoshida - Cahill - Stephens - Gibbs
    King - De Bruyne - Sanches (c) - Eriksen - Zaha
    Kane - Costa - Gabb

    Doing:
    Pieters > Yoshida
    Stones > Gibbs
    Hazard > KDB (potential lunacy) (-8)

  26. Boss Hogg
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    a. Kosc and Huth to Kompany and Holding? (-4)
    b. Kosc to Company
    c. Keep both?

    1. zorro121
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      C

  27. The Mighty I
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Huth > Holding or Yoshida?
    Already have Cech and Stephens

  28. George21
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Will Mustafi start both matches?

    1. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      He's played when fit throughout the season - but in the normal formation of course.

    2. zorro121
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Yeah

  29. djapebronx
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    will Sterling start both games???

  30. Junior ⚽
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    TC Terry?

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

      I reckon he could do really well with just 10 minutes on the pitch. Possible brace surely.