Scout Squad

The Scout Squad – Gameweek 8

The Scouts make a return. Our resident selection panel went into the international break with a chunky win over Gameweek 7’s Community Champion tucked into their belt of Fantasy knowledge.

They’re now looking to build momentum with another victory this week, zeroeing in on some tantalising match-ups, while mostly avoiding the Gameweek’s clash of the titans.

Key home fixtures for Manchester City and Spurs, together with Chelsea’s trip to the not-so glittering Crystal Palace, inform many of their decisions. Manchester United at Liverpool does not.

And budget enablers from Swansea City, Burnley and Brighton sit alongside some of the bigger Fantasy Premier League names to balance the books.

We’ll be back at the end of the week to see who makes the final cut. In the meantime, here are their initial thoughts.


PaulJontyMarkPeter
GoalkeepersLukasz FabianskiLukasz FabianskiLukasz FabianskiThibaut Courtois
Kasper SchmeichelNick PopeNick PopeKasper Schmeichel
Nick PopeMat RyanMat RyanLukasz Fabianski
DefendersBen DaviesCesar AzpilicuetaBen DaviesBen Davies
Kyle WalkerBen DaviesMarcos AlonsoDavid Luiz
Marcos AlonsoStephen WardNicolas OtamendiJohn Stones
Harry MaguireHarry MaguireHarry MaguireHarry Maguire
Ben MeeNicolas OtamendiVirgil van DijkCedric Soares
MidfieldersChristian EriksenEden HazardRaheem SterlingEden Hazard
Raheem SterlingDavid SilvaDele AlliRaheem Sterling
Eden HazardChristian EriksenEden HazardChristian Eriksen
Pascal GrossRaheem SterlingAaron RamseyAaron Ramsey
Aaron RamseySolly MarchPascal GrossRicharlison
ForwardsHarry KaneHarry KaneHarry KaneHarry Kane
Gabriel JesusGabriel JesusGabriel JesusGabriel Jesus
Romelu LukakuJamie VardyRomelu LukakuJamie Vardy
Michy BatshuayiAlexandre LacazetteJamie VardyChris Wood
Jamie VardyChris WoodChris WoodTammy Abraham


Paul Says…

Spurs, Man City and Chelsea dominate my squad and supply three outfield players apiece.

Five goals in as many league outings highlight Raheem Sterling’s value for money at a cost of just 7.9. His pitch-time could be key at home to Stoke City – the England star has played 90 minutes in three of his last four, whereas Gabriel Jesus has yet to make it past the hour-mark in City’s home matches so far.

Chelsea’s trip to Palace brings Marcos Alonso back into contention. Given that the Eagles have conceded almost twice the number of chances down their right flank (34 to 18), the Spaniard and, potentially, Eden Hazard – should Antonio Conte return to 3-4-3 – could profit at Selhurst Park.

Leicester’s Harry Maguire offers the prospect of points at both ends of the pitch at home to a West Brom side that’s scored just once on their travels.

He’s already racked up a goal and two assists and has  21 points from three appearances at the King Power.

Jonty Says…

I’ve swerved assets from both Manchester United and Liverpool ahead of their hard-to-call Anfield encounter on Saturday lunchtime.

With no place for pricey Scout Picks’ stalwart Romelu Lukaku in my selection, this gives me a chance to put forward a raft of premium midfielders for consideration.

Eden Hazard’s brace for his country this week acted as a powerful reminder of the Belgian maestro’s potent threat. With Alvaro Morata sidelined, he could even be deployed in a central attacking role against a woeful Palace.

Should my colleagues shun another of my picks, Gabriel Jesus, I’d be keen to see a Manchester City midfield double-up involving chief creator David Silva and Raheem Sterling, who is second only to the injured Sergio Aguero in terms of goals and shots among Pep Guardiola’s charges.

In defence, I’m advocating spending big, with a Chelsea pick looking a must against the goalless Eagles. My top choice is Cesar Azpiliceuta, who has assists and bonus in his locker. I’d also be happy enough to see the slightly cheaper David Luiz handed a place.

But I’m not getting too carried away with our new-found wealth, ensuring that I’ve also put forward some bargains to ease the pressure on our 83 million budget.

In attack, Jamie Vardy looks good value for his 8.6 price tag, with five goals already and a clash with a West Brom side that may struggle to contain his attacking threat – particularly in the air.

His team-mate, Harry Maguire (5.1), is another with excellent potential given that he has already prospered over a nightmare run that has included match-ups with Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea.

Burnley are also a supplier of budget enablers ahead of West Ham’s visit, with defender Stephen Ward (4.6) racking up 30 points over his last four starts. Chris Wood’s 6.6 price tag may also come in handy should we decide to invest heavily in midfield and defence.

Finally, Mark’s talk of the 5.0-priced Solly March as a budget enabler on this week’s Scoutcast is something I also endorse heartily as a Brighton fan.

Peter Says…

We will all be scouring international match reports and transcripts of domestic press conferences judiciously before Saturday’s deadline.

The break served up the usual cloak and dagger shenanigans regarding “international” injuries and bona fide ones, as well as forcing devoted FPL managers to utilise Google Maps to ascertain levels of fatigue.

With that extensive caveat in place, there are undoubtedly some stand-out match-ups this week at the beginning of a fixture swing which has already seen over 111,000 Wildcards activated.

Just how many assets to choose from Chelsea, Manchester City and Spurs will be the main issue. My selections from these premium teams aren’t always the most expensive options, simply because we will need to apply some sort of financial prudence.

Admittedly, Gabriel Jesus may find his minutes are managed, but he is surely worth the gamble.

To balance the books, Leicester, Southampton and Swansea all offer options, particularly defensively.

Jamie Vardy has kept pace with all of his more pricey peers and comes in, although West Brom’s typically defensive approach – only six shots on target in three away games – perhaps suggests a double-up on Kasper Schmeichel and Harry Maguire could be just as lucrative.

On a similar note, while Southampton can’t seem to buy a goal, visitors Newcastle have only hit the net once on their travels and I still have faith that Cedric Soares’s attacking threat will at some point be rewarded.

Despite their recent run of clean sheets, injury doubts surround Arsenal’s backline, so Richarlison has already found his way into nearly 100,000 new teams this week and seems worth the gamble at that bargain 6.1 price.

Mark Says…

Compiling my selection, I think it’s already obvious that Friday’s picks will be set up with a four-man defence. In fact, there’s even an argument to go with five given the returns we’ve seen from defenders so far.

Gameweek 8 provides us with many compelling backline candidates with my top trio of Ben Davies, Marcos Alonso and Nicolas Otamendi looking assured targets, promising clean sheet returns at the very least.

In contrast, the choice in midfield remains surprisingly limited.

I’ve opted for Eden Hazard in my top three but, in truth, he’s barely done enough to warrant Scout Picks inclusion. If he gets the nod, it will have more to do with his opponents Crystal Palace than his own form and fitness.

I’m sticking with Dele Alli. His recent output is a little worrying, but then so is Christian Eriksen’s propensity to give up set-pieces to Davies, and the fact that he is surely destined to be limited to another 70-minute appearance with a tie with Real Madrid looming.

Elsewhere in midfield, the fact that Aaron Ramsey is again among my nominations demonstrates that we’re struggling for convincing mid-price options.

Up front, the candidates are stronger, and I’m still advocating a powerful tri-force set-up, with Romelu Lukaku remaining in the mix.

His impressive strike for Belgium on Tuesday highlighted his confidence levels, and I think Manchester United will continue to find a way of keeping him fed at Anfield, even if Jose Mourinho deploys a more cautious gameplan.

The Community Champion

Representing the Community against the Scout Picks in Gameweek will be Mince n Tatties, who is in his seventh campaign, with 2015/16’s finish of 9,785 his best to date.

The Community Champion who has the best lead over the Scouts during 2017/18 will win a £100 Amazon voucher (currently we can only offer Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com vouchers).

Gameweek 7’s champion Ringwraith was beaten 48-74 by the Scouts.

The champion to beat remains Gregor, who achieved victory over the Scouts by a 33-point margin in Gameweek 5.

3,526 Comments Post a Comment
  1. phuang
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Elliot
    Mee, Soares, Davies, Lowe
    Mkhi, Eriksen, Salah
    Morata, Lukaku, Firmino

    Subs: Foster, Atsu, Jones, Carroll

    ITB: 0.4

    Should I keep or sell Morata? If I'm selling, I'm taking a -4 hit in bringing in Hazard for Mkhi, and I will have 8.3 ITB. Any budget forwards recommendation?

    1. Invincibles
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Mkhi + morata > sterling + jesus for me

  2. Dobswell55
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Miki to:

    1) Silva
    2) Sterling

    Most votes wins.

    1. SUPER 11
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Sterling

    2. 404_FC
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      i am in the same boat

      last week i prefer silva coz he's nailed.

      but in this article all scout pick sterling !!!

      make me confuse

      1. Dobswell55
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Make me confuse too 404_FC, make me very confuse

    3. SAY MY NAME
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      2

    4. Invincibles
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      1

    5. 1Banksy
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      If money is no object Silva

    6. Bald Eagle
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      2

    7. melvinmbabazi
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Keep Mhki

  3. Invincibles
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Foster
    Davies Alonso Maguire
    Salah Silva Mooy Carroll
    Lukaku Kane Firmino
    subs: Elliot lascelles hunemier atsu

    What should be my priority, 0.1 ITB

    Have exact funds to do Firmino > Vardy.. or should I take a hit?

  4. Sarri ball
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Can't afford Hazard, wanting chelsea cover:

    A- Cesc
    B- Pedro
    ??

    1. skully
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      FranCecs

  5. Holy GunnarSolskjaer
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    RMT Please! **Wildcard finally played**

    Fabianski
    Ward - Maguire - Jones - Cedric
    D.Silva - Hazard - Sterling
    Kane - Vardy - Jesus

    Subs - Carrol - Stephens - Mbemba

    Thanks in advance 🙂

    1. Sarri ball
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Good but only concern would be no City or chelsea Defence with favourable fixtures.

      1. Holy GunnarSolskjaer
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Favored going with Silva, Sterling and Jesus from City and no cheap way into the Chelsea defence for guranteed starts 🙁

    2. 1Banksy
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Interesting attacking City triple. Causing me yet another rethink of my WC.

  6. skodaole2
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Any chance one of the following players start (s) vs MUN?

    A) Chamberlain
    B) Milner
    C) Gomez

    1. skully
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Gomes

  7. K.F.C
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Hey Lads! Apprceiate some feedback with this WC team cheers!

    Courtois/Elliot
    Otamendi, Mee, Davies, Maguire, Hunemeier
    DSilva, Hazard, Choupo, RLC, Carroll
    Kane, Kaku, Vardy

    1. ELMEO
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Like it. Potentially: Kaku > Jesus and upgrade RLC or Carroll, but sure you've thought of that.

  8. nicecat
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    A) Otamendi + Richarlison
    B) Maguire + Ramsey?

    1. Holy GunnarSolskjaer
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Tough call but I'd go (B)

    2. 1Banksy
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      I agree it's tough but A for me

    3. ILOVEBAPS
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Tough. I'd like to try B

    4. nicecat
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Thanks guys, I still don't know what I'll do, but at least I won't feel stupid if I make a mistake.

  9. 1Banksy
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    WC thoughts:
    Fab
    Luiz Stones Yoshida Mee
    Sterling Coutinho Shaquiri
    Jesus Lukaku Kane
    Subs: Elliot, Davis (Sou), Carol, Mariappa

    Key questions:
    1) Sterling and Coutinho or Hazard and Richarlison
    2) Shaquiri or Choupo
    3) Lukaku or Vardy

    1. ILOVEBAPS
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      1. H & R (good opp. for differential points).
      2. Shaquiri
      3. Vardy for next 4

  10. ILOVEBAPS
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    G2G this week.
    Team on -4

    Fabianski
    Davies Otamendi Mee Cedric
    Silva Eriksen Salah
    Lukaku Kane Joselu

    Elliot C-Moting Carroll 3.9

    1. 1Banksy
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Appreciate the thoughts on my WC. Looks pretty solid for now. Downgrading Salah to upgrade Joselu is surely in your thoughts in a couple weeks.

      1. ILOVEBAPS
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        No probs.
        Tbh I'm not too keen on losing Salah. And Joselu is ok for now but I may go for Vardy soon enough.

  11. Ange Ball
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Just bet my Liverpool mate 20 on utd game. What do you all think the score will be?

    All or nothing Lukaku cap.

    1. nicecat
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      LIV 1:2 MUN

    2. George Sillett
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      That was daft - you can get 9/5 for both teams at online bookies.

      1. Ruth_NZ
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Yeah but in a wager with a mate a draw is no bet. 🙂

    3. Ruth_NZ
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      0-1 or 1-1

    4. built_this_city
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      2-1 pool

  12. Super Silva Haze
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Any thoughts would be very much appreciated. Wildcard team all set ?

    Fabianski
    Luiz Maguire Davies Ward
    Richarlison Silva Coutinho
    Kane Lukaku Vardy

    Pope Carroll Shindler Surman

    Many Thanks.

  13. joshfrost77
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Team Cedric or Yoshida?

    Will Yoshida continue to start with the plethora of options southampton have at the back and rotation? Or is Cedric more nailed on with the lack of fullback options?

    1. 1Banksy
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Yoshida!

  14. 1Banksy
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Most embarrassing confessions of fantasy related addiction.
    Done over 70 screenshots this month (WC active), here is my data.

    Goalkeepers
    Foster: VVVVVVVVVVVV
    Elliot: VVVVVVVVVVVVVV
    Hart: I
    Fabianski: VIIII

    Defenders
    Mee: VVVVVVVVVVVVVIIII
    Yoshida: VVVVVVVII
    Luiz: V I
    Blind: V III
    Lascelles: VVVVVVVVI
    Kola: VIII
    Jones: VVVVVVVVVVIII
    Ferdandez:VVVVVVIII
    Trippier: II
    Mustafi: IIII
    Stones:VVVVV
    Davies: V
    Kiko F: II
    Lowe: V
    Mariappa: VVVVVI
    Otamendi: I
    Danilo: II
    Trippier: III
    Mbemba: VV
    Monreal: III
    Ward: V
    Clark: I
    Tarkowski: I
    Lowton: I

    Midfielders
    Erikson: VVVI
    Jese:II
    Alli: VVVVVV
    Ritchie: VVVVVVIII
    RLC: VVVVVVVII
    Hazard: VVVVVI
    Choupo:II
    Mkhi: IIII
    Sanchez: VII
    Salah: VVVVVVII
    Silva: VVVV
    Ramsey: VVI
    Gross: VII
    Coutinho: VVVVIIII
    Brady: VVIII
    Richarlison: VIIII
    Sterling: VVVVVII
    Doucoure: VII
    Fellaini: VVI
    Carroll: VVVVIII
    Shaquiri: VIII
    Davis: III
    Fabregas: I

    Strikers
    Firmz:VVV
    Lukaku: VVVVVVVVVVVI
    Morata: VVVVIIII
    Bony: II
    Jesus: VVVVVVIII
    Gabby: I
    Hemed: III
    Abraham: VV
    Wood: I
    Rooney: VI
    Vokes: I
    Welbeck: I
    Kane: VVVVVVVIIII
    Augero: II
    Lacca: V
    Niasse: I
    Rashford: I
    Joselu: II
    Chicharito: IIII
    Long: II
    Batshuayi: I
    Wood: II

    1. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Thanks

    2. Gideons Rolling Another One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Think you've lost mate!

      1. Gideons Rolling Another One
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        *Lost it!

  15. Hagnus
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Hi,

    If I've already taken -8 and choose to play Free Hit, are the points still going to be deducted?

    Thanks!

  16. Metamorph
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Hi all, so I've activated the wildcard! Any thoughts/feedback on the below is appreciated!

    Elliot / Begovic
    Azpi / Walker / Maguire / Trippier / Monreal
    Gross / D.Silva / Hazard / Surman / Carroll
    Kane / Vardy / Wood

    Hoping for explosive Hazard return to Chelsea starting 11 this weekend and have (C) armband on him at the moment.

    1. Holy GunnarSolskjaer
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Awful lot of money tied up in that defence! Do you need as many premium defenders?

      1. Metamorph
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        It's a tough one, I think my pre-wildcard team's defence was what was letting me down so have tried to rectify that. Forgot to mention, I do have 1.0 ITB, so if I was to downgrade Monreal to a 4.5 def would give me 2 million to chuck elsewhere...

  17. seewhyaxe
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Attempting a different wc team:

    Fabs/Elliot
    Stones/Luiz/Davies/Ward/Clark
    Hazard/Sterling/Coutinho/RLC/Carroll
    Jesus/Kane/Okazaki

    0.6 ITB.

    When Morata is back: Okazaki & Coutinho to 3rd 4.5m mid and Morata for a heavy punt on 3 City & 3 Chelsea players for their fixtures to the end of the year...

  18. EnoughisEnoughFFS
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Any feedback appreciated on this team?

    Fab-Elliot

    David Luiz-Davies-Mee-Wimmer-Cedric
    Eriksen-Sterling-Richarlison-ChoupoMoting-LoftusCheek
    Kane-Jesus-Vardy

  19. The Yorkshire Pirlo
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Any of Silva/Sane/Sterling for a hit?

    Elliot
    Naughton, Otamendi, Kola, Bavies
    Mkhi, Atsu, Salah
    Jesus, Kane, Lukaku

    Krul, TC, Chalobah, Long

  20. ToRaBoRa
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    for the next GW who seems to be better ?
    Alonso or Davies ??

  21. Oscarrr17
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Thoughts on my wildcard squad? Very stuck and open for change.

    Pope Elliot
    Stones Cedric Monreal Naughton Cresswell
    Hazard Coutinho Silva Sterling Surman
    Kane Bats Joselu

    Thanks

  22. migas2k7
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    So i need a city player and i'm wonderin g should i get Sterling on the FT ... or reach Jesus and take a -4 punt?

  23. MitchellD
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Worth a 4 point hit to swap Willian for Sterling? or wait for free transfer?

    1. MitchellD
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Ok too late because I already pulled the trigger, second question....

      Silva, Jesus and Sterling..... anyone think Silva is worthy of my armband this week?

      1. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        i have him but always worried he wont do heavy damage in his standard 70 mins

    2. Can’t beat em so&hell…
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      I imagine you've got Kane? Surely the standout option and you've already got a lot of eggs in the City basket?

  24. oldirish007
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Can't wait for 11.30 Sat morning. I have been looking at w.c team for days by now and picking a team has been getting harder by the minute. For a number of weeks leading up to the international break I was dead set on playing 5-2-3 with a rotation in place in midfield, (Burnley/new)(Brady/Ritchie) and going heavy in defence and heavy in attack. But now with morata injured is hazard a must for Chelsea's kind fixtures? If so I don't think5-2-3 is a viable option if my only nailed on midfielder is tying up 12.5mil

    Should I cut my losses and go mainstream, if so, what formation would be considered "template" at this early stage 4-3-3 with
    Fabianksi-elliot
    Davies,otamendi,ward,(Chelsea def)
    Hazard, Silva/sterling, 6.1 mil midfielder
    Kane Jesus vardy

    I am currently sitting just outside 1,000,000 places and i am anti-dullard but what is the best way to make up the points now, go with initial thoughts and

    Fabianski-elliot
    Cahill, otamendi,Davies,ward,jones
    Mctomminay, Silva,mhki, Brady Ritchie
    Kane Jesus lacazette-morata when fit

    Any thoughts, because I will soon be getting headaches,
    And can any one clear up the morata situation

  25. Wouldiwas Shookspeared
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Which one should i get as a replacement for Ben Davies:
    A: Otamendi
    B: van Dijk

    1. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      you lost me at replacement for ben davies

      1. Wouldiwas Shookspeared
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        i went with van Dijk

  26. TherryOnWii
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Lukaku to Jesus for -4 with next 2 GW in mind. Is it worth it?

    1. Can’t beat em so&hell…
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Not with the Aguero news

  27. Can’t beat em so&hell…
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    I got Morata at 10.0, he's fit next weekend and I can't afford to swap with Jesus....

    Sounds like just a week on the bench is in order (rather than Vardy?)

  28. Mooster©️
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Atsu ready to play or still injured?
    Does anyone know?

  29. hazardous11
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Morata , Mikhitaryan > a) Kane , Gross
    b) Jesus, Sterling

  30. trepetl
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    alonso, azpilicueta or luiz?