Scout Squad

The Scout Squad – Gameweek 27

Choosing the right mix of Michelin-starred big-name players and their bargain bucket counterparts could well lead to some serious selectorial indigestion among our Scouts this week.

One midfielder, Alexis Sanchez, appears to be too rich for the blood of our entire ‘expert’ panel, the key ingredients of which are Fantasy Football Scout regulars Jonty, Paul and Mark and Career Hall of Fame luminary Peter Kouwenberg.

But trying to find room on the menu for the likes of Mohamed Salah, Sergio Aguero, Kevin De Bruyne and Marcos Alonso is going to require a serving or two of some rather more humble Fantasy Premier League (FPL) pies to keep things from spilling over the Scouts’ budgetary waistband.

That could mean a start in goal for a Swansea City stopper and a dish or two made from the finest Stoke City pottery.

So before this entire food analogy passes its sell by date, here’s a taste of the Scouts’ creations, complete with simple, step-by-step instructions as to how they cooked them up.

The final 11-course meal will be served later in the week.

PaulJontyMarkPeter
GoalkeepersDavid De GeaLukasz FabianskiDavid De GeaDavid De Gea
Lukasz FabianskiJack ButlandJordan PickfordLukasz Fabianski
Jordan PickfordNick PopeLukasz FabianskiNick Pope
DefendersMarcos AlonsoMarcos AlonsoMarcos AlonsoMarcos Alonso
Nicolas OtamendiPhil JonesAlfie MawsonAntonio Valencia
Chris SmallingMoritz BauerMoritz BauerBen Mee
Moritz BauerKyle NaughtonSeamus ColemanCharlie Daniels
Alfie MawsonCharlie DanielsCharlie DanielsMoritz Bauer
MidfieldersMohamed SalahMohamed SalahMohamed SalahMohamed Salah
Kevin De BruyneRaheem SterlingRaheem SterlingEden Hazard
Eden HazardTheo WalcottEden HazardKevin De Bruyne
Theo WalcottXherdan ShaqiriTheo WalcottXherdan Shaqiri
Xherdan ShaqiriGerard DeulofeuXherdan ShaqiriJames Ward-Prowse
ForwardsHarry KaneHarry KaneHarry KaneHarry Kane
Pierre AubameyangSergio AgueroSergio AgueroSergio Aguero
Sergio AgueroRomelu LukakuOlivier GiroudCallum Wilson
Roberto FirminoOlivier GiroudRoberto FirminoJamie Vardy
Callum WilsonCallum WilsonCallum WilsonChicharito

 

Jonty Says…

I’ll be arguing the case for value this week, particularly in midfield with an array of well-priced options on offer.

Controversially, this means there is no place for Alexis Sanchez.

Yes, his Gameweek 26-high shot tally of six against Huddersfield Town impressed. But he lost the ball more times than Man United player in a single fixture this season and it that continues to blight his bonus point potential, I’m concerned that he will struggle to justify his 11.7 price tag.

So I favour the slightly cheaper Romelu Lukaku for United attacking cover and have instead focused on some budget options to stock our midfield.

The same rationale applies to my omission of Chelsea’s Eden Hazard, who is not producing the sort of home returns I’d expect from a 10.6 midfielder.

The Belgian has only scored two of his nine goals at Stamford Bridge, both arriving in Gameweek 15 when Newcastle dropped by. I think Marcos Alonso (7.4) and Olivier Giroud (8.2) offer far greater value among Blues assets, and they also ensure we keep another midfield slot free for bargain hunting.

Everton’s clash with Crystal Palace puts Theo Walcott (7.3) in my thoughts as the first of three strong value midfield offerings. In his previous Goodison Park outing, the former Arsenal winger scored a brace, while the Eagles have failed to keep a clean sheet and have shipped seven in their last four road trips.

Stoke City’s Xherdan Shaqiri (6.1) is another kindly-priced midfielder worthy of our attention. The Swiss international scored against Bournemouth last time out and hosts a Brighton defence that has just one shut-out in their last six away days.

The midfield bargains keep coming with Watford’s on-loan Barcelona man Gerard Deulofeu (6.0) impressing with a goal and assist against Chelsea on Monday. Next up for the former Everton winger is a visit to a free-falling West Ham unit that last earned a clean sheet back in Gameweek 18.

Meanwhile, in goal, I’ll be arguing for the inclusion of Swansea City’s Lukasz Fabianski, who has racked up more saves (102) than any other stopper. A shut-out looks likely too, as visitors Burnley have struggled on the road, scoring just three times over their last six away matches – the third worst tally in the Premier League over that timeframe.

Paul Says…

Along with the usual suspects, I’m bringing in a pair of Potters for Stoke’s home clash with Brighton.

Paul Lambert’s side have claimed clean sheets in both home matches in his charge, while their visitors have scored just one goal in their last seven road trips.

Since being handed a debut in Gameweek 23, no defender has produced more key passes or successful crosses (six on both occasions) than their new right-back Moritz Bauer.

Shaqiri’s Fantasy potential looks to have improved with Lambert at the helm over the last three Gameweeks.

During that stretch, the playmaker has bagged a goal and assist, while only one midfielder – Kevin De Bruyne – can better him for both shots on target (five to seven) and chances created (eight to nine).

Costing 1.6 less than Sergio Aguero, De Bruyne is also my preferred Man City attacker for the home encounter with Leicester.

I’d rather have Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as a second premium striker for the north London derby.

Spurs won’t be sitting back and looking to defend against the Gunners, and I just feel that the new arrival’s pace, allied with the creativity of Mesut Ozil and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, can thrive on the space afforded from the vast Wembley pitch.

Peter Says…

There’s a bit of tension between form and fixtures this week at several grounds, notably Stamford Bridge (where a struggling Chelsea welcome bottom of the table Baggies) and at Wembley, where post-Sanchez Arsenal will be hoping to repeat their North London derby victory from earlier in the season.

I’m struggling to predict the outcomes, but I’m confident enough that goals are on the menu at the Etihad and St Mary’s Stadium.

Mohamed Salah’s incredible form effectively means that we are just choosing four to go with the Egyptian, and the recent form of James Ward-Prowse gives me a budget solution in that Sunday afternoon fixture.

Aguero is joined by De Bruyne in my squad, with the Belgian consistently returning both goals and assists, although I also think Jamie Vardy may keep to form and score against another big opponent – City look more vulnerable at the back than usual.

I expect to get pilloried for backing Hazard over Sanchez as my third big-money midfielder and I won’t be shocked if the Chilean makes the final cut.

But even when Chelsea turn in a totally abject performance, Hazard is more than capable of salvaging FPL points.

Add to that the fact that West Brom’s defence tends to be more porous than Newcastle’s, and I’m going bravely/blindly with the Belgian.

Both form and fixture favour a Bournemouth win at Huddersfield – I may have brought Callum Wilson in last week just in time for him to blank, but Huddersfield’s defence has been one of the worst in the league recently.

As indeed has its attack, which is why I’m also installing Charlie Daniels (Nathan Ake a sensible enough alternative) in my side.

And Ben Mee…well, he’s GOT to score this weekend, surely?

Mark Says…

I’m hopeful that some frugal business in defence can allow for a big spend in attack, paving the way for a Harry Kane and Aguero partnership.

Throw in the Shaqiri and Walcott options in midfield and Friday’s Picks could well be very unfamiliar, perhaps even deployed with three up front once again.

I’ve overlooked Man United’s attack entirely, conceding to include David De Gea as my only nomination from Jose Mourinho’s men. For me, the more assured options – Sanchez and Lukaku – just don’t justify their outlay. With Jesse Lingard, Anthony Martial and Paul Pogba uncertain of their roles and even their pitch-time, that renders the United attack a no-go.

I can see Hazard’s inclusions as the major flashpoint come Friday’s shake-down; a battle that I’m unlikely to win.

Chelsea’s form and confidence are both woeful, but a reaction against the lowly Baggies would be a surprise. I also feel that, without Andreas Christensen, Chelsea will need two or even three goals to win the match. In that scenario, I believe we need to cover, and if I lose the fight for Hazard, I’ll be pushing for Olivier Giroud’s inclusion.

The Community Champion

Representing the community against the Scout Picks in Gameweek 17 will be PKW, who is in his seventh season, with 2015/16’s 3,154 finish 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 26’s champion Tigerite was narrowly beaten by the Scouts 42-41.

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

1,149 Comments Post a Comment
  1. CelticBhoy1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Please pick a first sub?

    A) Kenny

    B) Carroll

    C) Ogbonna

    1. Super Silva Haze
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      C

  2. _Gunner
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    G2G? Save FT?

    DDG
    Otamendi Jones Vertonghen
    Sterling Salah Pogba Shaqiri
    Kane Firmino Wilson

    subs: Speroni Mee Ogbonna RLC*

    1. Super Silva Haze
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Gtg

    2. minges
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Gtg. Captain?

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

        think I will go Salah

    3. Visionaries
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      G2g, def save

  3. Millie7
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Adrian
    Ota - Alonso - Mee
    Salah - Sterling - Shaqiri - Lingard
    Kane - Aguero - Wilson

    Elliot - Mbemba - Ogbonna - Carrol

    1ft 1.2itb
    Any suggestions on where to use the FT????

    1. Super Silva Haze
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Save

  4. Netley Lucas
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Walcott's coming in, lose...

    a) Bernardo
    b) Pogba
    c) Neither, save FT

    Cheers

    1. Super Silva Haze
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Save 100%

  5. as33
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    B.Silva>Deulofeu or Walcott?

    1. Super Silva Haze
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Keep silva

  6. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Pope
    Otamendi Jones Alonso
    Salah Sterling Walcott Lingard Shaqiri
    Aguero Firmino

    Speroni Wilson Ogbonna Hunemeir

    0 FT, 3.3 ITB

    Anything pressing here, or save??

    Thanks.

    1. The Mighty Whites
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Good team, save or get Hunemeir out for cheap playing defender

  7. Super Silva Haze
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    @Arsenal will make a decision tomorrow on fitness of goalkeeper Petr Cech ahead of Saturday’s north London derby. #SSN

  8. rnrd
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    All signs point to Walcott. Form, fixtures, price, GW31 and still... I have the feeling it will be another walcott deception just like pretty much every year.
    I really have a tough time making the move and probably will end up holding with Alli

    1. Netley Lucas
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Same feeling here with Bernardo>Walcott - odds favour Bernardo, plus Sakho's back, might save.

  9. Lecky Legs FC
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    RP do I need to make any changes or should I just bank my FT this GW?

    Pope
    Jones Mee Ogbonna
    Ibe Salah (VC) Sterling Son
    Aguero (C) Kane Vardy

    Subs: Elliot,Dunk,Mariappa & Carroll

    0.2 ITB

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

      save

    2. _Gunner
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      save

      1. Lecky Legs FC
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Ok cheers lads will do

  10. Karan14
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Pope
    Alonso • Ota • Jones
    Salah • Sterling • Son • Lingard • CM
    Kane • DCL

    (Elliot / Niasse / Dawson / Wimmer)
    1 ft & 4.4m itb

    DCL to Firmino with my ft no brainer?
    Anything else worth a hit?

    Appreciate your thoughts! 🙂

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

      Firm in definitely

  11. alexh87
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Save or work needed?

    Pickford
    Jones Smalling VVD
    Salah Sterling Hazard (c) Salah Shaqiri
    Firmino Aguero

    Thanks..

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

      Ballsy double up in defence. You should be good to save.

  12. rnrd
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    So basically we should have the big picture on GW31 blanks just before GW29 starts am I right?

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

      Gw28

    2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Yep, I think realistically there will be 5 games looking at Ben crellins spreadsheet:

      Liverpool Watford (confirmed)
      Stoke Everton (confirmed)
      Huddersfield palace (Utd will beat Huddersfield)
      Bournemouth West Brom (southampton will beat WBrom)
      Leicester arsenal (sou will beat Leicester)

    3. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Klopp tried the ‘rest the best players’ route earlier in the season ... didn’t work 🙂

      1. Hotdogs for Tea
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Reply fail

  13. Tazah
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Okay so somethings worrying me.... Liverpool have a champions league match away on Wed after lpool play on Sunday. Was all set on giving salah the captaincy, but unsure now

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

      saturday and tuesday for kane/aguero

    2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Same worry with Kun, just have to bite the bullet. This is a strange old time of year for unforcasted rotations

    3. MTPockets
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Problem is same for Mci, Tot.

      • Hotdogs for Tea
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Klopp tried the ‘rest the best players’ route earlier in the season ... didn’t work

    4. nelluckram
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Pope (Coleman)
      Alonso, Jones, Bauer (Bardsley, Chilwell)
      Salah, Sterling, Mkhitaryan, Milivojevic (King)
      Kane, Aguero (c), Chicarito

      2FT, 0.00 ITB. Any suggestions? Chilwell -> Francis?

      1. MartialMatas
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Pope to a more nailed keeper

    5. raoulduke71
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      GTG? Play Mawson or Bauer?

      ----------------Fabianski-------------
      --------Bauer Jones Alonso--------
      Sterling Mkhi Pogba Salah Sanchez
      --------------Wilson Kane----------------

      Mawson/Quaner/Mbemba

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

      Save my ft this week?

      DDG Adrian
      Otamendi Jones Bauer Ogbonna Kenny
      Salah Mane Sterling Lingard Ibe
      Kane Kun Ulloa

      1ft 0.1m itb

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Yep

    7. tibollom
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Should i save my FT or anything need fixing?

      DDG
      Ota Mee Alonso
      Sterling Salah Lingard Richarlison
      Firmino Kane Wilson

      Adrian, Duffy, Atsu, Hune

      1. MartialMatas
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        save

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

      Anyone planning to move on Kun next week?

      With 31 in mind I'd planned to go Kenny and Kun to Firmino and VVD after the break.

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Definitely, he's gone after Leicester. 8 points in 2x good fixtures, thanks a lot Kun

      2. MTPockets
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Possibly. Been waiting for the FA all-clear on Firmino investigation, but being dragged out which is annoying.

        • drughi
          • 15 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Aguero>Firmino after leicester for me unless Aguero scores 5 goals, might keep then lol

        • tisza
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          was the plan.
          Fancy a mini WC - maybe including a combination of Kun, Hazard, Lingard, Quaner out.
          but any transfers will be last minute - too many games between the 2 GWs. not going to worry about prices.
          Also not keen on the idea of the Arsenal/City Carabao cup being just ahead of PL game.

      3. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Wondering is it more valuable to have 2 FT's going into GW28 than to use a FT this week on my defence? There is a full 14 days between GW27 & GW28 with loads of cup & European games, who knows what sort of mischief will happen with injuries & bans etc... team below, my defence & bench is a mess though for this week again:

        DDG, Elliott
        Alonso, VVD, Stones, Kenny, Chilwell
        Salah, Sterling, Son, Pogba, Theo
        Kun, Firmino, Mcburnie

        1. MTPockets
            6 years, 8 months ago

            More sensible to roll transfer, although I haven't.

            1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
              • 14 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              I think I will do same... Kenny first sub would be ok but he's probably dropped for Coleman. Chilwell next sub but Fuchs may start ahead of him. And if Chilwell does start he's got city away lol.

              1. MTPockets
                  6 years, 8 months ago

                  I only had 2 defs last week (b/c Alonso/Jones/Masuaku). Didn't fancy that risk again so sold Masuaku.

            2. Rupert The Horse
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              It’s been discussed all week. Save

              1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
                • 14 Years
                6 years, 8 months ago

                Yep thinking so

            3. Fpl Richie
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              Definitely hold

            4. tisza
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              check the pressers. Got at least 4 defenders there that could miss out and assumes Klopp has no worries about VVD going back to Saints.

            5. Samurai Blue
              • 11 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              Save.

          • Dele
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            A real benching headache, who to drop?

            A) Pogba
            B) Mkhi
            C) Shaqiri
            D) Wilson

            1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
              • 14 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              Pogba

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

                Yeah this is my current choice, planning on getting rid next week to free up funds.

            2. MTPockets
                6 years, 8 months ago

                c/d

              • #FPLBhuna
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 8 months ago

                C

              • Godot - Fashanu Zealand
                • 12 Years
                6 years, 8 months ago

                A

              • drughi
                • 15 Years
                6 years, 8 months ago

                A or B

            3. Fpl Richie
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              Play one of...
              A. Duffy
              B. Ogbonna
              C. Kenny
              D. Use ft for Bauer/Fernandez/Mawson

              1. Kings of Lyon ★
                • 14 Years
                6 years, 8 months ago

                Duffy. Hes scoring this weekend

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

                  Brilliant news

              2. built_this_city
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 8 months ago

                Oggy

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

                Ogbonna, CS is coming

            4. built_this_city
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              my team, think ill bank a free? Thoughts?

              Foster,
              Otamendi, Robertson, Ogbonna, Mee
              Chupo-Moting, Salah, Sterling, Hazard
              Kane (v), Aguero (c)
              Subs - Elliot, Ulloa, Dunk, Ireland
              0.4 in the bank

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

                gtg

            5. Godot - Fashanu Zealand
              • 12 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              Who should I bench?

              A: J. Ayew
              B: Lingard

            6. Me Spurs
              • 6 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              Choupo + chilwell to deu + bauer sound good?

            7. barracuda
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              Hello troops, been off for a short while. Any news about Sanchez? Is this trial going to affect his minutes or? Sorry, haven't read the article properly.

              1. Kings of Lyon ★
                • 14 Years
                6 years, 8 months ago

                I dont think he's on trial at Man Utd. Pretty sure theyve signed him

                1. barracuda
                  • 7 Years
                  6 years, 8 months ago

                  Comon mate...

                2. Rupert The Horse
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 11 Years
                  6 years, 8 months ago

                  🙂

              2. Rupert The Horse
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 11 Years
                6 years, 8 months ago

                There is no trial. He has been ordered to pay back the 900k plus 525k fine. Done.

                1. barracuda
                  • 7 Years
                  6 years, 8 months ago

                  Cheers Horsie

            8. MrMajeika
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              who should I be looking to replace mahrez with?
              A) Walcott
              B)Ramsay
              C)Mkhi

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

              Will Lingard start agains Newcastle?

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

                Dont think so

            10. Zilla
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              Auba scored 4 goals vs Spurs in 4 apps

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

                Am tempted to be an "early-adopter" and bring him in for Aguero this week as a differential.

                Ineligible to play in Europe over the break, and I can see his pace stretching the Spurs and City defences.

            11. MTPockets
                6 years, 8 months ago

                Would you play Bauer (BHA) over Naughton (BUR)?

                (with Alonso/Jones)

              • Millie7
                • 10 Years
                6 years, 8 months ago

                wHATS ALL THIS GAMEWEEK 31 TALK ABOUT?

                  1. Rupert The Horse
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 11 Years
                    6 years, 8 months ago

                    My eyes.