Scout Picks

Scout Picks – Gameweek 38

For the final time this season we reveal the players from our midweek Squad article to earn a place in the Scout Picks.

The bulk of our squad is populated by players with home matches, starting in goal with Manchester United’s Sergio Romero (4.7). Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho has kindly made Fantasy managers aware that he intends to field the Argentinian for Sunday’s Old Trafford clash with Watford and rest regular stopper David De Gea, after he secured this season’s Golden Glove award midweek.

Given that the Hornets have scored two goals in their last 11 road trips, United look likely to deliver defensive returns.

Romero’s 23-point return from two appearances last season proves he is more than capable of making the most of limited chances. Over that pair of matches, he stopped a penalty, made 10 saves and earned shutouts on both occasions.

All four of our defenders also enjoy home comforts and offer multiple avenues to points.

West Ham’s Aaron Cresswell (4.9) welcomes Everton in strong attacking form, firing more shots on target (four) than any other defender over his last four run-outs. He is particularly effective at home, delivering a goal, two assists and three clean sheets in the last six London Stadium encounters.

Patrick Van Aanholt (5.2) has scored in each of the last two Gameweeks ahead of Crystal Palace’s encounter with relegated West Brom.

The raiding left-back has four goals and three clean sheets in his last nine Gameweek starts, with no other defender bettering him for shots (13) or efforts on target (seven) in that run.

His countryman, Liverpool’s Virgil Van Dijk (5.7), also grabs a Scout Picks berth with returns at both ends of the pitch a possibility for Brighton’s visit to Anfield.

The Seagulls are the joint lowest scorers on the road this season, along with West Brom, with just 10 goals. Meanwhile, Liverpool have returned seven clean sheets since Van Dijk joined in Gameweek 24 – that’s more than any other side.

Van Dijk’s aerial threat further strengthens his case for inclusion as Chris Hughton’s troops have conceded more goals from set-pieces (20) and corners (14) than any other side.

Our final defensive pick, Spurs’ Jan Vertonghen (6.1), has been unlucky not to find the net recently, having registered seven shots over the last six Gameweeks.

Should the Belgian fail to score we are confident he can reward us with shutout points at home to Leicester; Spurs have kept out their opponents in six of the last seven at Wembley.

Liverpool need to avoid defeat against Brighton to guarantee a Champions League spot, which sees this season’s top FPL scorer Mohamed Salah (10.4) make a welcome return to the Scout Picks.

At Anfield his form has been exemplary, scoring in all but one of the last eight home matches since Boxing Day. With 12 goals and three assists across that run, Salah holds a comfortable lead at the top of our latest Captain Poll.

The Reds’ 5-1 rout of Brighton in the reverse fixture earlier this season also weighs strongly in his favour, as does the recent away form of Chris Hughton’s side – over their last 11 road trips the south coast outfit have only managed two clean sheets.

Returns in five of his last seven starts has ensured that Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha (7.0) wins our backing. Over that run, the winger, who has been fielded as a striker, has racked up four goals and as many assists.

His home form ahead of the Baggies visit has also been exceptional, with 14-point returns in each of the last two at Selhurst Park. As a result, Zaha is the currently most bought player heading into Sunday’s 2pm deadline.

Marko Arnautovic (7.1) has been West Ham’s driving force since cementing a starting berth up front in Gameweek 16.

From that point onwards, the Austrian has returned ten goals and six assists and has posted some impressive underlying statistics of late. Over the last six Gameweeks, he has had more shots inside the box (18) than any other player.

Raheem Sterling (9.1) is one of only two players with an away fixture in our selection. He should start against Southampton on Sunday, having earned a rest for his side’s midweek match against Brighton. With three double-digit hauls in his last four outings, the Man City winger travels to the south coast in fine form.

The Saints have been particularly obliging at home, claiming two clean sheets in the last 17 at St Mary’s.

Harry Kane (13.1)’s strike against Newcastle on Wednesday gives us hope of further returns when Leicester drop by Wembley.

The Spurs striker has netted in three of his last four now and has scored more goals at home (15) than any other player. He also has a strong track record against the Foxes, scoring five times in their last two meetings.

Claude Puel’s defence have been suspect on the road, claiming just two clean sheets in their last 14 away matches.

Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (10.7) made us rue the decision to leave him out of the Gameweek 37 Scout Picks by returning a Gameweek-high 23 points.

We won’t be making the same mistake again for his trip to a Huddersfield side that has secured its top-flight status, despite conceding the fifth highest tally of goals (57) this season.

Aubameyang has delivered attacking returns in eight of his last nine league run-outs and is the most popular striker in FPL’s transfer market.

On the bench we have opted for a Burnley double due to Bournemouth’s fragility to aerial balls; the Cherries are ranked joint-bottom for headed goal attempts conceded (92).

Centre back Kevin Long (4.1) looks primed to exploit this given he has already scored from a set piece, in Gameweek 34 against Leicester. Over the last six, he has had five headed goal attempts, a tally only bettered by Brighton’s Shane Duffy among defenders.

Long’s most likely supplier of chances is Burnley set-piece specialist Johann Berg Gudmundsson (5.0), who has been involved in more than half (53%) of his side’s goals at Turf Moor.

Swansea are Championship-bound, given the superior goal difference of 17th placed Southampton. Their home clash with relegated Stoke gives their top scorer Jordan Ayew (5.4) a final chance to add to his seven goals.

Only West Ham have conceded more than the Potters (37) on the road, which should ensure he prospers, even if Sunday is still set to end in disappointment.

The Community Champion

Representing the community against the Scout Picks in Gameweek 38 is Choppers 13, who has opted for a 3-4-3 line up of Romero; Moses, Van Aanholt, Van Dijk; Zaha, Sterling, Salah, Martial; Aubameyang, Rashford, Firmino.

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.

Last week’s champion Red Arrows comprehensively beat the Scout Picks 97-68. However, his 29 point margin of victory was not enough to overtake current leader Gregor, who beat us by 33 points in Gameweek 5.

J0E Podcaster and writer. Tweets stats and stuff via @FFScout_Joe Follow them on Twitter

2,228 Comments Post a Comment
  1. 007 [RoboKlopp]
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Hi. Bottomed, which one is better?
    A. Adrian, Alli, Firmino
    B. Romero, Zaha, Auba
    C. Karius, Martial, Firmino
    D. Adrian, Martial, Auba

    Cheers 🙂

    1. jack149331
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      B

    2. Kevtheotter
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      B

    3. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Ooof, so many?

      1. 007 [RoboKlopp]
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Maybe just A and B, Martial pick seems to desperate...

    4. Cheeseoid
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Not sure. What is your thinking?

      1. 007 [RoboKlopp]
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        First must decide Auba or Firmino as my team chasing, maybe with Auba with higher celling.

    5. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      B tbh

    6. Lone Wolf FPL
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      A or B its close as I think Firmino will go big but probably B

  2. pakroagain
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    is necessary sell de gea for karius even i have ryan on the bench..

    1. jack149331
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      no stupid Karius likely to concede anyway

    2. Arctic monkeys
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I'm playing Ryan and hoping for some save points

      1. jack149331
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        good choice sensible

    3. Lone Wolf FPL
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Just as a hit it doesnt get much sense

  3. jack149331
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    plus can see it maybe being 1-1 with defensive team like brighton

    1. pakroagain
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      yeah..brighton not easy as they think..so your captain kane over salah?

      1. jack149331
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Yes trust my word

    2. JohnnyMagrinho
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Haha.

    3. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      A) Silva to max 8.4 (have zaha and Arnie already)
      B) Silva Son to Eriksen Ramsey
      C) Silva Son to Salah 6.1
      D) other

      Please help!

      Is Ramsey a good option for Son to fund Silva to eriksen? Likely to play?

      Alternatively could just do Silva to Ramsey (A above)

      1. Lone Wolf FPL
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        C

    4. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Start DDG and Smalling in case Maureen is trolling/changes mind? Or DDG at least?

      Bench players for them are Ryan, dummett, Bertrand

      1. Lone Wolf FPL
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        He is not trolling

    5. HoldingMeeStones
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Have Jesus, Sane and Sterling. Think they will all play? Who's the biggest risk?

      1. jack149331
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        hesoos

        1. JohnnyMagrinho
            6 years, 1 month ago

            He ain’t Spanish.

            1. Going Home
              • 12 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              Thank you! Continually irritates me that the guys on TV get “Jose” right just “Jesus” (Heyzeus) wrong. It’s portuguese, pronounce the “J” like a “j”

        2. Lone Wolf FPL
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Sane imo

      2. yer old da
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        A or B?

        A. DDG and Lingard > Romero and Zaha (-4). Play Gross.

        B. Lingard and Gross > Zaha and Mili (-4). Play Ryan.

        Basically boils down to who scores more: Romero and Gross or Ryan and Mili.

        1. Lone Wolf FPL
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          A

      3. Messsiaah
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        i don't have a reserve gk.
        what should i do with DDG?
        i have to get salah
        a hit for a gk worth it?

        1. jack149331
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          don't get salah if you have firmino sane or kane

          1. Messsiaah
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            only sane.

            1. jack149331
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              There you go Captain Sane and transfer in ederson

              1. Messsiaah
                • 8 Years
                6 years, 1 month ago

                can't do. already on 3 city.
                i'd rather cap sterling.

        2. Lone Wolf FPL
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Get salah
          A hit for a non playing player is ok imo

      4. Smeagol13874
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Hi , I would like some advice on my team please . I need to make up 7 points

        Fabianski
        Otamendi, Smalling, Davies, Dummett
        Son, Sterling, Salah, Arnautovic
        Jesus, Vardy

        Dubravka, Perez, Carroll, Chilwell

        I was thinking Smalling to PVA, Vardy to Aubameyang and Son to Zaha for a -4 hit.

        Thoughts appreciated

        1. jack149331
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Vardy to firmino and son to Zaha

          1. Waylander
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Not sure about Zaha against WBA. They are in form.

        2. Lone Wolf FPL
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Bench smalling and no hits
          Smalling to 3.9 and upgrade someone

      5. jack149331
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Pick one:
        A) Vokes
        B) Diouf
        C) Ayew
        D) Perez

        1. Drogba Legend
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          A or C

        2. Lone Wolf FPL
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          A

      6. CaptainKeita
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        How to get Mo Salah in?
        De Gea Ryan
        Alonso Morgan Smalling Fernandez Dummett
        Kenedy Willian Mahrez Son Pogba
        Jesus Austin Kane

        Remove Willian and Jesus for a hit and get Salah and some cheap striker?

        1. jack149331
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Wrong Captain Kane

          1. CaptainKeita
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Never captain Kane

        2. Lone Wolf FPL
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Ddg to 3.9 and willian>salah possible?

      7. Lone Wolf FPL
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Ddg*, Ryan
        Alonso, Mawson, Lowton, Morgan, Kiko
        Alli, Son, Sterling, Lingard*, Arnie
        Barnes*, Kane, Jesus

        a) Alli, Lingard > Salah, RLC/McArthur -4
        b) Ddg, Son, Lingard > Romero, Salah, RLC/McArthur -8
        c) other way to get Salah

        1. jack149331
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          You're such a sheep.. (Liverpool are playing Brighton, a very defensive side)

          1. Lone Wolf FPL
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Need Salah with ML reasons too

          2. Going Home
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            BHA may be defensive, but they’ve conceded 25 goals away from home, have the third worst away record in the league and are playing a side who have scored comfortably over two goals a game (on everage) at home this season. Think having one of Salah/Firmino/Mane (or Wijnaldum maybe, if you’re chasing) is a sensible move

        2. pakroagain
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          son seems rotation effect

          1. Lone Wolf FPL
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Maybe but season over, his stats at home are fantastic and he trained ystrdy so no reason for rotation imo

        3. minges
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          A and hope for save points from Ryan

          1. Lone Wolf FPL
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Rlc or Mcarthur?

      8. pakroagain
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        want to sell mahrez (8.6) and verthongen (6.0)..plan to buy salah. with budget remaining 5.4 for def,which player must to bring in ??

        1. jack149331
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          oh just piss off

          1. Messsiaah
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            what's wrong with salah?

        2. Waylander
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Not sure about selling Vert. Any other way to get in Salah?

          1. pakroagain
            • 6 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            kennedy to king
            de gea to romero
            alonso to milner

        3. Lone Wolf FPL
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          TAA

      9. minges
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Jack such a ray of sunshine on this discussion board

        1. Lone Wolf FPL
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          😆

        2. pakroagain
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          😀

      10. Drogba Legend
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        A) Moses and Zaha/Arny
        B) VVD + Zaha/Arny
        C) TAA + Mane
        D) Cresswell/Robertson/PvA + Mane

        1. iim19
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          I would do B

          1. Lone Wolf FPL
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            B but TAA + Zaha is the best

        2. AB.
          • 15 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          B with Arnie

      11. iim19
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Ben davies safe? Thinking changing to PVA.

        1. Lone Wolf FPL
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Keep

      12. FFSbet.com
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Who is more nailed for GW38 Ogbonna or Masuaku?

        1. AB.
          • 15 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          I expect both to play - but Ogbonna is the safer option.

          1. FFSbet.com
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Cheers

            1. AB.
              • 15 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              No problem. (I’d have Cresswell over either - if funds allow)

        2. Lone Wolf FPL
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Ogbonna probably but Masuaku OOP makes him a bit better pick

      13. FPL-(VAR)dy
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        What is the situation with Jesus.will he play?what did pep say

        1. Lone Wolf FPL
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Said nutin

      14. Arceus
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Which is better? AAT or Robbo?

        1. Netley Lucas
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          TAA? Both start

          1. Lone Wolf FPL
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Yep

      15. Messsiaah
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        A. smalling eriksen > vetroghen salah for -4
        B. DDG eriksen vardy > Romero Arnie Kane for -8

        1. Lone Wolf FPL
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          A out of those but I would keep eriksen

      16. FPL Panda
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        A Arnie

        Or

        B zaha ?

        and who should I swap out of

        1 Silva

        2 pogba

        3 son

        Thanks.

        1. AB.
          • 15 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          A1

          1. FPL Panda
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Cheers mate. Any idea if Silva is still in Spain ?

            1. AB.
              • 15 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              No idea sorry - but he seems more doubtful than the other two.

        2. Lone Wolf FPL
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Zaha and Silva

      17. Drogba Legend
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Zaha (C) locked and loaded because why not?

        1. Netley Lucas
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          That's the spirit bud, gl

        2. Lone Wolf FPL
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Its gonna be legend....wait for it

          1. Duffy Dunk
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            ...'arry (Kane)

      18. Pilgrim62
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Jesus to Firmino or Lakazet -4?
        (My rival has Jesus)

        1. Netley Lucas
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          You disrespect names bud, we all like a laugh but

          1. Pilgrim62
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Problems with spelling 🙂

      19. Bavarian
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Son 》》salah (for free) or pogba & smalling 》》 salah & pva (-4)???

        1. Lone Wolf FPL
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Easy A

      20. barton fc
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        TAA or tomkins, can i trust trent to play?

        1. Man Chest Hair United
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          I think he will and is a good pick

        2. Lone Wolf FPL
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          TAA he will play

      21. Man Chest Hair United
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Cedric to

        A Cresswell
        B Robertson
        C TAA

        1. Lone Wolf FPL
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          C

        2. AB.
          • 15 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          I’m struggling with a similar decision (PVA is another option for me). I’m actually leaning towards Cresswell- but most will probably suggest one of the Liverpool options.

      22. Arceus
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Why TAA is better than Robbo?

        1. Lone Wolf FPL
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Dont know 🙂

        2. Man Chest Hair United
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Not convinced he is

        3. Hotdogs for Tea
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          He is cheaper and maybe OOP?

          Is he nailed ?

      23. Hotdogs for Tea
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Looks like FH34 / WC36 etc was a good move in the end ... Pundit of Punts and FPL Virgin have both nailed the run in 🙂

        1. Waylander
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Nah. I've done better 😉

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

            TC left to play ? 😉

        2. Holmes
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          *facepalm*

      24. Going Home
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Chilwell to

        a) TAA
        b) Moreno

        I have Robertson and have my two Burnley boys to come off the bench. Concern with A is that whoscored have Clyne and Moreno starting (they also have Ings, though surely Bobby starts??)

        1. Holmes
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Why keep Burnley boys on bench?

          A out of those

          1. Going Home
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            I like their fixture, but if I do Chilwell to TAA I’d have two Liverpool wing backs and Otamendi. Bournemouth have the best chance of scoring and Long/Lowton have the lowest probability of attacking returns

        2. Hotdogs for Tea
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Surely Klopp wants to give his CL Final team a run out and guarantee a top 4 finish ?

          1. Going Home
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            That’s my hope, especially with a fortnight to go until the fixture. But maybe he got his fingers burned with Ox and Gomez (and seeing what happened to koscielny)?

      25. Cheeseoid
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Who do you think will be the biggest name to leave theri premier league club this summer?

        Salah or Kane maybe?

        1. Duffy Dunk
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          I think both will stay.
          Hazard may go.

        2. Going Home
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Surely a chance Hazard leaves?

        3. Fantastisk
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Salah. Kane has played his way out of a big money move and is destined to grind out 4/5 place finishes in the Prem with spurs.