Scout Picks

Gameweek 25 Scout Picks – Man City and Everton players make the cut

We’ve included a decent sized contingent of Double Gameweek players in our Scout Picks for the weekend.

With Manchester City and Everton both playing two matches, that is reflected in our handpicked best XI.

This week we line up in a 3-5-2 formation, and at £83.4m we have come in just £0.1m under our budget.

Goalkeeper

We may have our doubts about Manchester City’s defence, but Ederson (£5.6m) still gets the nod in goal for the Scout Picks this week. If we’re looking for certain starters in Pep Guardiola’s team you don’t get much more secure than their goalkeeper, who has 10 more points than any of his defensive colleagues this season.

Defenders

Andrew Robertson (£6.7m) has the potential to benefit at both ends of the pitch against West Ham. The Hammers did not register a single shot in the box or on target against Wolves last time out with Manuel Pellegrini revealing he would have to go back to the drawing board with his team. Meanwhile, West Ham still have just clean sheets at home all season,

An ongoing groin injury to Ben Davies means that Danny Rose (£5.8m) looks set for another start in the Spurs defence against Newcastle. The Magpies come to Wembley with the lowest number of shots in opposition boxes over the last four away matches. Only two teams have recorded fewer big chances in that time than Newcastle while, Spurs have conceded the fewest since Gameweek 21. A clean sheet looks likely for Rose then, who has created a chance every 45 minutes in the last four Gameweeks, getting an assist against Watford.

James Tarkowski (£4.7m) is our representative from the Burnley squad this week as Southampton come to Turf Moor. The Clarets have two clean sheets in their last four at home, while the Saints come to Lancashire with just 19 shots on target in their last four away matches. Only Newcastle have fewer in that time.

Midfielders

Raheem Sterling (£11.3m) kicks off our Manchester City attacking contingent ahead of their Double Gameweek fixtures. The England international scored on his last league meeting with Arsenal, all the way back in Gameweek 1, and has four goal involvements in his last five outings. Having started the last six Premier League matches in a row, while Riyad Mahrez has been used heavily in the cups, we are backing Sterling to start at least one of City’s next two and play a decent number of minutes across the Gameweek as Guardiola’s men look to keep the pressure on Liverpool in the title race.

Leroy Sané (£9.7m) completes our Manchester City representation in this first Double Gameweek of the season. We believe he is actually more likely to start both matches than Sterling or Sergio Aguero, as Benjamin Mendy works his way back to full fitness following his latest long lay-off. The German international has two goals and two assists in his last four Premier League outings and has a higher expected assist score in that time than any other player in the division.

For the first time since the autumn, Sadio Mané (£9.5m) comes into the Scout Picks as our chosen representative for Liverpool. It has been a long time in coming but the Senegalese international is now outperforming Mohamed Salah statistically over the last four Gameweeks. He has had one more effort on target than his Egyptian colleague, 10 shots in the box to Salah’s seven, and 11 total efforts to his team-mate’s eight. They are pretty close for chances created too, Salah ahead by one. Therefore, we can justify saving £4.1m of our budget by picking Mané ahead of a trip to West Ham in Gameweek 25.

Mauricio Pochettino appears optimistic that Son Heung-min (£8.6m) will play a part in Spurs’ Gameweek 25 meeting with Newcastle on Saturday lunch-time, which is enough for us to include him in the Scout Picks. The South Korean is still on an incredible run of form that has seen him average nine points per appearance since Gameweek 13, while he has registered an effort on goal every 25.6 minutes in the last four round of matches. With Spurs’ key attacking men still out until March, the stage is set for Son to continue operating as their main man.

Gylfi Sigurdsson (£7.4m) is our chosen representative from Everton as they play Wolves and Manchester City over the course of the Gameweek. Richarlison was in consideration after ending his goal drought against Huddersfield but with just two efforts on target in the last four matches, we had to look elsewhere. Sigurdsson has a superior accuracy (36% to 18%) and his role in set pieces means he has created seven more chances than his Brazilian colleague since Gameweek 21.

Forwards

Marcus Rashford (£7.7m) leads a cheap forward line for us this week as Manchester United travel to face a Leicester side that has struggled at home of late. They have lost all but one of their last four at the King Power Stadium, conceding six goals in the process. Meanwhile, Rashford is joint-top of the league for shots on target in the last four Gameweeks, notching attacking returns in eight of his last 11 Premier League outings.

Josh King (£6.4m) has been a hugely exciting resurgent figure in the last few weeks, relishing the role as Bournemouth’s key front man in the absence of an injured Callum Wilson. In the last four Gameweeks, only Paul Pogba and Rashford have had more shots on target, while the Frenchman is the only player to have registered more efforts in the box than King. As a very versatile player, the Norwegian also comes with seven chances created in that time, the exact same number as Pogba.

Substitutes

Patrick van Aanholt (£5.4m) gets a place on the bench this week ahead of Fulham’s visit to Selhurst Park. While Fulham have found their shooting boots in recent weeks, Crystal Palace still have three clean sheets in their last five home matches. Meanwhile, van Aanholt has played the same number of key passes as Pogba and King in the last four Gameweeks, taking six shots too, so could capitalise on Fulham’s woeful defence.

Ryan Fraser (£6.1m) will almost certainly enjoy his trip to the Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday. The Bluebirds remain susceptible to set pieces, only two clubs allowing more chances from dead ball situations in their last four home outings. Fraser is currently joint top of the league for key passes played since Gameweek 21 and is a designated corner and free-kick taker for Bournemouth.

Glenn Murray (£6.3m) has the advantage of facing the leaky Watford defence this week. The Hornets have recently slipped to the foot of the table for shots allowed in the penalty box over the last four, only Fulham conceding more big chances in that time too. Meanwhile, Murray gets most of his work done at the Amex Stadium, with seven of his ten goals coming there this season.

Community Champion

Representing the community against the Scout Picks in Double Gameweek 25 is Joax2. They have opted for a 4-4-2 formation of: Alisson; van Aanholt, Laporte, Duffy, Trippier; Sané, Hazard, Sigurdsson, Sterling; Higuain, Ayew.

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 were defeated in Gameweek 24, AK winning by a 48-46 scoreline.

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

6,142 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Lingard’s Shin Guards
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    TC poll - yes or no?

    Seems like a good time to use it given city are playing two poor defenses or save for a future gw?

    1. jason_ni
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Saving

      1. jason_ni
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        *if aguero was going to get 160 odd mins then yes, but not comfortable backing city tc

    2. Dannyb
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Using this week, just want rid of it.

      1. clodhopper
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Yes i will use tday

    3. Holteenderinthesky
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      The way I see it is where else you going to use it? Not convinced with the Chelsea dgw down the line. Which for most will then leave Salah Vs Huddersfield. But 99.9% of people are going to captain Salah Vs Huddersfield, so no real reward. Triple captain now is a much bigger risk but a much bigger reward. In my opinion.

  2. Maddi Son
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    I've gone with this WC, any glaring omissions? (Purposely taking a risk on some differentials)

    Ryan, Boruc
    Robertson, Kola, PVA, Jonny, Bednarek
    Salah, Sane, Son, Groß, Brooks
    Rashford, Aguero(c) Batshuayi

    1. Maddi Son
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      - Reasoning for Ryan & Groß is they have the best fixtures in the league and Groß has recently hit a bit of form. Bournemouth rotate with them well so Brooks & Boruc can cover them in the blank.

      - Batshuayi is pure punt, not gonna lie.. but I have 0.2 itb so he can easily become Jimenez if it doesn't work.

      1. The Big Fella
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        I'd rather have Bats than Gross! I think you will be disappointed with Aguero as he doesn't get returns away from home and only plays 60-70 anyway plus Jesus has been playing very well so there is risk of rotation. Looks good though.

        1. Maddi Son
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Yeah Aguero is a one week thing really, he'll become Auba next week. Could just ignore the DGW I suppose and save a FT.

        2. Maddi Son
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Or do you mean just take the captaincy off Aguero? I'm so 50/50 between him and Sane.

          1. The Big Fella
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            I meant both* but I am 50-50 between Salah and Sane myself. I think Sane is more likely to play both (but no gurantees) and more likely to play more minutes in both. As you are on a WC, no harm in taking Aguero over Auba as a punt.
            *Aguero has always been the first name of my team sheet every year - I love the guy. I just think rotation now and away duties means he is not as good a pick.

        3. JustPark
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          60-70 minutes each match? I'll take it!

          1. The Big Fella
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            I didn't mean in these matches necessarily and one is away also. I just don't think he is a good pick sadly. He is one of my favourite players too.

    2. Maddi Son
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Oh crap, I've just seen the news about Brooks.

      1. The Big Fella
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        What news?

        1. jason_ni
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Out 4 weeks

  3. Dannyb
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Only got Aguero (tc) and Richa as the players, really not fussed about anymore, that about the norm or are people going balls deep?

    1. clodhopper
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      3 deep

    2. jason_ni
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Sane.. did have digne, but he's now 2nd on bench

    3. Specify
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I'm transfering in one now for free, just debating if i want to get in a second one for a hit or not.

  4. Aubazette
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    I need to replace Stekelenburg/Button with playing GK, who to choose for coming Gameweeks?
    Defense: AWB, TAA, Doherty, Digne, Kolasinac - is it worth to take a hit to replace Digne?

  5. balint84
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    have 2ft
    out: Hazard+Firmino
    in: Agüero+Son

    1. balint84
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      good move?

      or save?

    2. clodhopper
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Aguero silva

    3. Bobby
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I’m thinking same move but for a hit. But hesitant about taking out haz

  6. Specify
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Firmino + Pereyra (-4) --> Agüero + Richarlison (7.1) ?

    1. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Firmino could outscore both

  7. The Big Fella
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Salah or Sane as captain this week.......... My gut says Salah, my head says Sane.

    1. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      My gut and head says Salah

      1. The Big Fella
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Why your head? Sane plays 2 matches this week and one is against Arsenal at the Etihad. Arsenal's defence is not exactly the Great Wall of China

    2. Belsunz
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      still on Salah. it's West Ham after all...

      1. The Big Fella
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Sane versus Arsenal defence at the Etihad?!

    3. Shark Team
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Mo Salah the reliable one

  8. EL_FENOMENO
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Who to cap:
    a) Kun
    b) Sane

  9. balint84
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    have 2ft
    out: Hazard+Firmino
    in: Agüero+Son

    gtg?

  10. Super Silva Haze
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Sitting 5k overall. Is Hazard to Sterling a suicide move ? I can't decide on it. My heart says bring in Sterling but Hazard is playing a Shite hudds team. Any advice guys ??

    1. The Big Fella
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Haz has played a shite team every week for the last few weeks and still gets 2 points. I sold him WEEKS ago and don't regret it at all

      1. Bobby
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Yes this comment has made my mind up. Hazard out, but sane in!

        1. The Big Fella
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          No problem and good luck! Don't forget, even if Haz does get an attacking return, that's it for the next month or so then. Sane has two rolls of the dice to score this week.

          1. La Roja
            • 12 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Strange logic on Hazard

            1. The Big Fella
              • 7 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              How is it? Shite form, wants to leave, Chelsea on the whole in shite form and he only plays once and his fixtures get tougher after this week. Sane plays twice - once at home against a terrible defence on the back of a surprise defeat and then against a team that is also in shite form. So Sane gets two chances to get returns, Hazard one, and Sane will keep getting them going forwards, Hazard probably won't. Irrespective of whether Hazard scores this week, Sane will get more points.

    2. Bobby
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Many thanks big fella

  11. NUFCAndrew
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Danilo expected to nail down city’s fullback role?

    1. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      no

  12. balint84
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    once again

    have 2ft
    out: Hazard+Firmino
    in: Agüero+Son

    gtg?

    1. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      do it

    2. Crunchie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Not a Hazard owner but Firmino is still a good pick, and Son is a must (by next week).

      I would swap, then swap Aguero out again. But it is your own gut on Hazard.

  13. The Senate
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Opinions on whether I’ve benched the right players?
    Ryan
    Luiz Doherty Holebas
    Pogba Sterling(C) Richarlison Salah
    Auba Rashford Jimi

    Foster Camarasa Shaw Bednarek

    0.4 ITB and 1FT that i’d like to roll.
    Luiz transferring out for GW26 regardless of performance today!

  14. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Hazard out the short fat troll to Sterling the goal machine......don't care CFC got huddersfield.......couldn't score in a free whore house.....

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

      Hazard brace and assist incoming haha. I don't care though, even if that happens this is his last game for me.

  15. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    I have only Sane for dgw
    Digne out for Danilo or Stones?
    Or keep ft
    And who to captain between the Mr Reliable and Leroy?
    Thanks and have a nice gw!

    1. Crunchie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Hi would, why not? I am lookiing to replace Digne to anyway. Good Luck!

    2. Crunchie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      * I would

    3. Dannyb
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      You've been telling people Salah.......

  16. Crunchie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Defence a bit of a mess ATM thanks to Klopp. 1FT 1.2m ITB

    Guaita (Fabs)
    Trippier,Digne,TAA,AWB,Peltier
    Salah,Sane(C),Sterling,Richarlison,Pogba
    Rashford,Jimenez,Ings.

    Plan A
    GW 25 : Digne to Laporte
    Plan B
    GW 25 Digne to Kola
    Plan C
    Do nothing.and save for 2FT's.

    I will go Kola anyway, unless Saurez ruiins the system.

    Any advice most welcomed! Thanks

    1. Crunchie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      *(Kola by next GW)

  17. Aubazette
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Best GK option for coming Gameweeks? Heaton, Etheridge, Ryan or Foster? Someone else? (Defense: AWB, TAA, Digne, Kolasinac, Doherty)

    1. Crunchie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Heaton changes Burnley completely.

  18. 007 [RoboKlopp]
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Hi, any news on Fabianski?
    Will he play?

  19. Bishopool
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    PLEASE HELP. 🙁

    Who will score more points??

    a) Aubameyang
    b) Rashford

  20. Toplad
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Which one and why for next 4/5 GWs:

    A) Aguero
    B) Auba
    C) Firmino

    Thanks in advance !