Scout Picks

Gameweek 12 Scout Picks – Double coverage for Liverpool midfield

Double investment in Liverpool’s midfield is advised in Gameweek 12’s edition of the Scout Picks.

We have painstakingly gone over the squad of players chosen by our panel of Paul, Joe, Az and Peter earlier this week to find a final XI.

After making some tough choices we have a side that comes in at £81.70m, with some room to spare within our budget of £83m.

Goalkeeper

Mat Ryan (£4.5m) gets the goalkeeper jersey this week after being tipped by three of our pundits. Peter was the only one not to name-check the Brighton shot-stopper. Ryan was only chosen as the best option by Az, with Lukasz Fabianski actually receiving the highest number of top picks, but we’ve decided to cover the West Ham defence elsewhere.

Defenders

Andrew Robertson was selected as the best defender by three of our panel this week, with Az opting for Joe Gomez instead of the Scot. However, with reports in the media suggesting that Robertson has been training on his own and not with the main group we’ve decided to go for a Liverpool defender more assured of a start in Virgil van Dijk (£5.9m). The Reds have conceded just one goal at Anfield all season and this week they face a Fulham attack that has found the net just twice in their last four away matches.

Ben Chilwell (£5.1m) gets the nod ahead of Leicester’s big home match against Burnley. It is the Foxes’ first at the King Power Stadium since the tragic passing of chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha last month. Only Manchester City and Liverpool have allowed fewer chances than Leicester in home matches so far this season while Burnley rank bottom of the league for shots on target in the last four Gameweeks. Furthermore, Chilwell has some exciting offensive potential with two assists in his last three matches.

Fabian Balbuena (£4.4m) is chosen as the West Ham cover this week as Manuel Pellegrini’s men travel to face goal shy Huddersfield Town. The Terriers have scored just one home goal all season and still have none from open play in front of their supporters. Meanwhile, Balbuena himself ranks third best among defenders for shots in the box so far this season so carries some goal threat.

Kiko Femenia (£4.2m) goes into our Scout Picks XI primarily to save us the money for particularly lavish spending in the attacking areas. However, Watford defence was still well-represented amongst our pundits with three of them selecting Ben Foster and two choosing Jose Holebas for their squads. The Hornets travel to a Southampton side with just one goal in their last six Premier League matches.

Midfielders

Mohamed Salah (£13.0m) was unanimously chosen as the best midfield option by our panel this week. It’s easy to see why as Liverpool host Fulham on Sunday, the side with the division’s worst defence so far this season. The Egyptian is streaks ahead on our current captain poll for Gameweek 12, having averaged 8.4 points per game at Anfield in 2018/19.

Alongside Salah is his colleague Sadio Mané (£9.8m) as our Scout Squad panel encouraged double Liverpool offensive coverage. Such is their faith in the Fulham defence which has conceded more goals than any other side season (29), having allowed more shots on target than every Premier League club apart from Burnley in the first 11 matches. Meanwhile, Mané may have struggled of late but is still averaging eight points per game at Anfield.

Eden Hazard (£11.3m) should be back in the starting line-up for Chelsea this weekend after getting a 62-minute run-around in the Europa League on Thursday night. Even though he has featured as a substitute twice at Stamford Bridge this season, Hazard has attacking returns in all but one of his displays in front of his own set of fans in 2018/19. For that reason, we are backing him to deliver once again, especially considering that Everton are averaging 1.8 goals conceded per away match so far.

David Brooks (£5.1m) was not actually mentioned by our Scout Squad panel but he has been selected by his namesake as an enabler. With so many premium assets squeezed into the squad, we needed a cheap midfield option with decent form and a fixture to boot. Brooks fits that bill quite nicely with three goals in his last five appearances and a trip to Newcastle in Gameweek 12, who have allowed the third worst number of big chances in home matches so far this season. Also, with Josh King still a doubt for Bournemouth, there’s every chance the Welshman could feature up front again.

Forwards

Such is the quality of Sergio Aguero (£11.4m) that he has made it into the Scout Picks XI despite facing a fixture that might look tougher on paper than it may prove in reality. For starters, the Manchester City forward is yet to blank at home this season and has seven goals in his last eight Premier League meetings with Manchester United. Aguero should get the full 90 minutes in this match after completing the 6-1 win over Southampton, and he is going up against a United defence with just one clean sheet this season. That’s why he got the top pick from Az and Peter while being tipped as the second-best choice by Joe.

Marko Arnautovic (£7.1m) rounds off our starting XI by earning himself a second consecutive appearance. He rewarded our faith last week with a 12-point haul in the win over Burnley and we feel he will be on the scoresheet when West Ham travel to Huddersfield on Saturday afternoon. Alvaro Morata is the only player to have recorded more shots on target than the Austrian in the last four Gameweeks. Furthermore, on his last visit to the John Smith’s Stadium, Arnautovic came away with a goal and two assists.

Substitutes

Kieran Trippier (£6.3m) nearly made an appearance in the Scout Picks selection after receiving backing from all four of our pundits. The Tottenham right-back has shown great consistency this season, recording one of either defensive or attacking returns in seven of his 10 Premier League appearances since Gameweek 2. This week Spurs travel to face a Crystal Palace side with just two goals in five home matches so far. However, he was a little too expensive to fit in and we worry a little about the Spurs defence after a shaky finish at Molineux in Gameweek 11.

Johann Berg Gudmundsson (£6.0m) has three goal involvements in as many away matches for Burnley and seems the most likely to do well for them in Gameweek 12. His set-piece responsibilities underpin his appeal and his style of play means he does well for bonus too, collecting five in his last five matches.

Joe’s man Danny Ings (£5.5m) rounds off our list of substitutes given his impressive individual figures over recent weeks. The Southampton man has actually had more shots in the box and efforts on target than Salah and is the only Saint to have actually scored in the last six Gameweeks. A home match against a Watford side with just one away clean sheet thus far seems the perfect opportunity for Ings to continue his run.

Community Champion

Representing the community against the Scout Picks in Gameweek 12 is Sam Goddard aka Boleyn Boy. He has opted for a 3-4-3 formation of Schmeichel; Bellerin, Rudiger, Mendy; J. Murphy (Cardiff), Salah, Ozil, Anderson; Ings, Kane, 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.

The Scouts have won seven and lost four so far, with Mince n Tatties losing out 50-37 in Gameweek 11.

fclackless‘s winning margin of 33 points (77-44) in Gameweek 10 is the current target to beat.

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4,194 Comments Post a Comment
  1. ryacoo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Any point in going Brooks over Fraser at this point?

    Brooks seems to have the bigger goal threat but just worried about Stanislas returning at some point.

    1. Demel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      I will have both this week. Then next week I will switch Fraser to Sterling.

    2. DJ1000
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      As a Bournemouth fan Brooks far more likely to see the bench and is very young so is more inconsistent and riskier in my view. Having said that King currently still out so Brooks will keep his place. Makes an excellent 5th mid

      1. ryacoo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks mate, that's what I'm thinking too. Fraser probably the safer way to go then.

  2. Coaly
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    a) Maddison 4.5 to Brooks Gudmundsson
    b) Maddison Boly to Gudmondsson Doherty
    c) Maddison to felipe Anderson

    2FT

    1. Fernando Torres
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      C

    2. acidicleo
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      C

    3. House Frey Wedding Planner
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      C

  3. Scholes Out For Summer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Robbo is out? Is there a strong source?

    1. ryacoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Apparently he trained away from the main group today.

      1. Scholes Out For Summer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Says who? Is it necessarily a negative thing?

        1. ryacoo
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          https://www.thisisanfield.com/2018/11/jurgen-klopp-provides-positive-injury-update-ahead-of-liverpool-vs-fulham/

          The implication is that he's maybe carrying some sort of knock that meant he was unable to train fully but who knows.

      2. Sharkytect
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Too good for 'em

    2. Taking one for the team
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      How does Robbo training alone jump straight to Robbo out?

  4. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Wan B or Bennett first sub ?

    1. acidicleo
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Bennett

    2. _Gunner
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Wan b

  5. EL tridente
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Who to captain?
    A) mane
    B) hazard
    C) kane

    1. Jackie Moon
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      A

    2. acidicleo
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      A

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

    Which one will score more over the next two?

    A) Pickford (che) & (CAR)
    B) Fabianski (hud) & (MCI)

    1. acidicleo
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      B

    2. Amey
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      B

  7. Fernando Torres
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Maddison out for Anderson (-4). First sub is AWB. First to 2.

    Yes or No?

    1. Jackie Moon
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Yes

    2. acidicleo
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Yes

    3. Sharkytect
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Yes

  8. TO19
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Aguero > Arnie
    Kamara > Wilson
    Knockeart > Felipe Anderson

    For -4. Worth it?

    1. Cheeky Onion
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      No, but find another way to fund Kamara to Arnie

    2. Taking one for the team
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Nope, leave Kun alone

  9. Cheeky Onion
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    2 FT - 0.2 ITB

    Ederson
    Mendy - Alonso - TAA
    Salah - Mane - Rich - Fraser
    Aguero - Arnie - Murray

    Hammer - AWB - Bennett - Stephens

    Any useful transfers to make here? Was thinking of bringing in either Balbuena or Diangana to sharpen up the bench.

    Cheers!

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Balbuena

      1. Cheeky Onion
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        For Bennett or AWB? Thinking Bennett myself

    2. Saka Punch
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Bring in Balbuena and play him this week for Rich (unless we get indication he'll start)

      1. Saka Punch
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Tbh I'd still play Balbuena with the fixtures

        1. Cheeky Onion
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          Cheers. The Hammers are very appealing!

          1. Cheeky Onion
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 4 months ago

            Ship AWB or Bennett?

  10. Oscar Slater
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    I need a 4.3m defender to fund my Salah purchase. Is Zabaleta a reasonable option given that 9 out of West Ham's next 10 games are against diddy teams?

    1. acidicleo
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Yes

      1. Oscar Slater
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        That's the kind of no nonsense, affirmative answer I like!

    2. Cheeky Onion
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      I’d give Schindler a thought also

      1. Oscar Slater
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Hmmm, I see where you're coming from but I just couldn't bring myself to buy a Huddersfield player.

    3. Ibra
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Go for Bennett

  11. Dr. Rog
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Who will score more

    a) Carlsen
    b) Caruana

    1. acidicleo
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Carling

    2. Demel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Carl Jenkinson?

    3. Slitherene
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Draw

      1. Dr. Rog
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        this GW probably. but Carlsen has edged it for chances created and is the better long term pick.

    4. STONEROSES
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Carl Kennedy

  12. Champione
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Mahrez >
    A) Mane -4
    B) Sterling -4
    C) keep

    Have Salah, no City

    1. acidicleo
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      A

    2. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Keep .if he doesn't start he can still come on and score.

  13. PascalCygan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    What should the priority be here? Replace Maddison or Mitro?

    1) Maddison to Richarlison/ Anderson / Brooks
    2) Mitro to Murray / Ings

    1FT 2.4ITB
    Ederson (Hamer)
    Alonso / Chilwell / TAA (Wan-Bis / Bennett)
    Sterling / Hazard / Mane / Maddison (Hojbjerg)
    Wilson / Arnie / Mitro

    Thanks

    1. STONEROSES
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      1.

      1. PascalCygan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers. Anderson seems to be the guy to go for, even if I’m uncertain about doubling up on West Ham.

        1. STONEROSES
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          Yup, that would be the only concern about him to me. Richarlison’s got some good home fixtures coming up but Chelsea away Sunday would make me go Anderson I think

  14. AFC49
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Patricio
    Laporte, Alonso, Schindler
    Hazard, Sterling, Richarlison, Murphy
    Aguero, Lacazette, Arnautovic

    Button, Doherty, Højbjerg, AWB

    1FT, 0 ITB

    A.) Sterling > Mane
    B.) Sterling > Mane, Doherty > VVD (-4)
    C.) Sterling > Salah, Laca > Wilson (-4)

    1. STONEROSES
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Wouldn’t drop Sterling at all! He’s the form man after last week. If u are set on liverpoool coverage try n get Mané in as well as sterling.

    2. House Frey Wedding Planner
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      A

  15. Salah Daze
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    A) Mitrovic to Jiminez?
    B) Save my transfer?
    Here's my team:
    https://fantasy.premierleague.com/a/entry/698913/history

    1. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      No Mitrovic in the team on that link.

      1. Salah Daze
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Click on GW 11 and you'll see Mitrovic

        1. Nomar
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          Yes, sorry.

          Play Trent and save xfr.

          1. Salah Daze
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 4 months ago

            Thanks, I'm inclined to think the same as you. Much appreciated!

  16. Pedersen
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Alisson
    Robertson Alonso Mendy Balbuena
    Mahrez Anderson Hazard
    Aguero Arnautovic Wilson

    Hart Barkley Martial Bennett - 0.4ITB

    Good to go ? Bench too?

  17. Niho992
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Hello Maddy owners, or ex-Maddy owners, who are you transfer in instead him ?

    1. WE GO FOR IT
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Felipe Anderson

      1. Niho992
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        not fancy him, and i have arnie

  18. Demel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    I am almost sad selling Fraser. He hasn't let me down but it is time to part. I am just going to tell him. It's not you. It's me. (Before running off with his younger sister i.e. David Brooks)

    1. Cheeky Onion
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Don’t know what you’ve got til it’s gone

    2. Dr. Rog
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      I just brought Fraser in.
      Long term structure is similar but I have Richi over Mane so spreading the 3m across the team.

  19. STONEROSES
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    I’m going to bench Barkley (EVE) in favour of Fraser (new) and Richarlison (che) as he played whole game yesterday.
    Correct decision:

    A. Yes

    B. No

    1. Ohh1454
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Tough call between richalarison and Barkley would probably start Barkley

    2. Rt505
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Tough one - i would start Rich as there is a chance Barkley will be rotated. I have both though and a rubbish bench so both start for me

    3. acidicleo
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Yes..Barkley will be benched for sure..

    4. A.T
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Deffo

  20. Niho992
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    well, if is robbo doubtful, its sure klopp wont risk him.

  21. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    no auba or lacazette? pretty ridiculous

    1. Saka Punch
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      sorry?

      1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        scout picks. Not like wolves are conceding goals and face 2 of the lethal attackers in the premier league right now

    2. Rt505
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Just bought Laca in - not sure why he isn’t getting any focus. Two tough fixtures coming up and then a great run over Xmas

    3. Steirish
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Think he means on scout picks

  22. Ohh1454
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    So mitro and Barkley > arnie and diangana look good (-4) . Will give me enough to do Bennett > Doherty next week

  23. Rover
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Patricio (Stekelenberg)
    Alonso Robertson Balbuena (Mendy AWB)
    Salah(c) Hazard Sterling Richarlison Murphy
    Arnautovic(vc) Wilson (Kamara)

    2 questions:
    a) Start Mendy ahead of anyone?
    b) Richarlison > Shaqiri for a 1-week punt?

    1. House Frey Wedding Planner
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Start Mendy over Murphy

  24. Ibra
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Anybody else who thinks Laca is a must-have from gw16? My planned transfers to get Laca:

    GW13: D. Silva -> Martial
    GW14: Robbo -> TAA
    GW15: Alisson -> Lloris
    GW16: Wilson + Doherty -> Lacazette + Holding/Bennett

    How does it look like? I don't want to transfer Robbo but I guess I don't have any other options. Current team:

    Alisson - Hamer
    Alonso - Robbo - Mendy - Doherty - AWB
    Hazard - Mane - D. Silva - Fraser - N. Mendy
    Aguero - Arnautovic - Wilson

    1. Ohh1454
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Kane gw15 for me is another

  25. SPorting
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Looks like I’m wasting and FT this week.

    GTG?
    Bench order OK?

    Ryan
    Laporte, Alonso, Robbo, Doherty
    Haz, Salah, Fraser, Rich
    Kun, Arnie

    Button, Jimenez, Balbuena, Murphy

    1. Niho992
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      jimenez instead rich

    2. DV8R
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Balbuena over Doherty?

  26. wijohnson85
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Maddison out for a) Anderson or b) Richarlison (given next week fixture)?

    Already have Arnie

    1. Saka Punch
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      c) Shaq this week. Rich/Martial (if you can afford) next week

      Otherwise A

    2. PascalCygan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      This is my conundrum! Tempted to say Richarlison because of the reason above and there’s still a chance he could play. Plus I’m concerned about doubling up on West Ham, as a fellow Arnie owner.

  27. Bruno Bruno!!
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    How is my WC team looking, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

    Ryan
    Chilwell Dunk VanDijk Balbuena
    Brooks Salah (C) Mane Hazard
    Arnautovic Aguero

    Patricio Jiminez Doherty Diangana

    1. badgerboy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Scout picks + Dunk.

      1. Bruno Bruno!!
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Had this team since yesterday 🙂

    2. Dr. Rog
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      I often see it as a bad signal if too many of my players are in the scout picks

  28. DV8R
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Which option?

    A) Success -> Ings
    B) Højbjerg -> Brooks
    C) Save FT (play Success or Brooks)

    1. DV8R
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      C is meant to read Success or Højbjerg

  29. JurgenRodgers
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Start Richarlison or Disngana?

    1. arndff_
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Richarlison with Diangana as 1st sub

  30. Bruno Bruno!!
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Why are so many people now considering Ings

    1. Saka Punch
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Cos he'll score 2 goals against Fulham next week 🙂 Also good rotator and cheaper than Jim