Scout Picks

Manchester United defensive double-up in Gameweek 3 Scout Picks

We have chosen the Scout Picks XI for Gameweek 3 with a heavy focus on Manchester City and Spurs.

This was selected after much deliberation over the Scout Squad submissions from David, Neale, Paul and Geoff.

The 4-4-2 formation is used again and our team comes in at £82.0m, a whole £1.0m under the budget of £1.0m.

Goalkeeper

Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea might not have much to do on Saturday

David de Gea (£5.6m) is handed a place in goal for the Scout Picks ahead of Crystal Palace’s visit to Old Trafford. The Eagles are one of two teams without a goal this season, and have failed to score away at Manchester United in the league since 2004. Meanwhile, the Red Devils’ defence has been much-improved following summer signings, offering the second-best expected goals conceded (xGC) score so far this season.

Defenders

Kyle Walker-Peters in action for Tottenham Hotspur

Aymeric Laporte (£6.5m) is our man from the Manchester City defence for Gameweek 3. The centre-back remains the most likely starter for the reigning champions following recent news about Benjamin Mendy. Pep Guardiola’s men are top of the league for xGC in the first two Gameweeks while Bournemouth’s attack is yet to impress in front of goal.

We have decided to double-up on the Manchester United defence for Gameweek 3, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£5.6m) our chosen man in this position. The right-back was selected in the top two defenders by David, Neale and Geoff. On top of what we already mentioned in de Gea’s entry, in the first two Gameweeks, Crystal Palace are bottom of the league for total goal attempts, shots inside the box and big chances. Meanwhile, Wan-Bissaka is joint-second for crosses among Manchester United players in 2019/20.

Kyle Walker-Peters (£5.0m) gets into the Scout Picks XI ahead of Newcastle’s visit to Spurs in Gameweek 3. The Magpies have been particularly poor going forward so far under Steve Bruce, only two teams fashioning fewer big chances than them so far. Meanwhile, Walker-Peters has some creativity to offer, putting in four crosses against Villa in Gameweek 1.

John Lundstram‘s (£4.1m) value made him an irresistible inclusion in the Scout Picks for a second week running. This week, Sheffield United face a Leicester side currently joint-bottom of the league for shots on target so far this season, while the Blades’ xGC is bettered only by the five clubs in 2019/20. Meanwhile, Lundstram himself looks set to continue in his central midfield berth and is currently joint-second for big chances created in the Premier League.

Midfielders

Sterling was the number one midfielder for each Scout Squad pundit in Gameweek 3

Raheem Sterling (£12.2m) was unanimously chosen as the best midfield asset by our Scout Squad panel. The Manchester City man has four goals in his first two matches, is joint-top of the league for shots in the box and faces a Bournemouth defence in Gameweek 3 that failed to keep a clean sheet against either Sheffield United or Aston Villa.

Sadio Mané (£11.5m) was the most popular Liverpool midfielder ahead Arsenal’s visit to Anfield. Against Southampton, he played more key passes than any other player on the pitch and had the most shots on target too. Meanwhile, Salah’s underlying statistics have been a little underwhelming so far this season. The fixture looks good, of course, with Arsenal bottom of the league for clean sheets away from home in 2018/19.

As Manchester United’s safely established new number nine, Anthony Martial (£7.7m) makes it into the Scout Picks for the first time this season. The Frenchman is playing out of position and already has two goals in as many games in 2019/20. Crystal Palace have conceded an average of 1.8 goals per game in their last five Premier League visits to Old Trafford and are still without their first-choice centre-backs James Tomkins and Mamadou Sakho.

Leandro Trossard (£7.0m) impressed us with his slightly later than expected debut in Gameweek 2. He was the chief goal threat for Brighton against West Ham, which suggests he’ll have similar joy against a Southampton side that has conceded five times in two matches so far this season.

Forwards

Kane was the most popular forward among the Scout Squad pundits this week

Harry Kane (£11.0m) was the overwhelming favourite forward for our Scout Squad pundits for Gameweek 3, selected as the best option by all four. Spurs host a Newcastle side that has conceded an average of two goals per game so far this season, while Kane was top of the league for shots in the box after newly-promoted Aston Villa came to north London in Gameweek 1.

Teemu Pukki (£6.8m) was the one that got away in Gameweek 2, as we left him on the bench for his hat-trick against Newcastle. We won’t make the same mistake this time around, including him in the Scout Picks XI for the visit of Chelsea to Carrow Road. The Blues’ defence, still without a clean sheet, has not looked too assured yet this season, while Pukki is currently top of the league for shots in the box and shots on target.

Substitutes

Dan Burn (£4.5m) is our representative from the Brighton defence on the substitute’s bench. Out of all Seagulls defenders, the centre-back is top for penalty box touches, shots in that area of the field, joint-top for key passes and highest for expected goal involvement (xGI).

Todd Cantwell (£4.5m) looks a decent budget option for Gameweek 3, as he will also face the inexperienced Chelsea defence Pukki goes up against this weekend. The left-winger has created the most chances of any Norwich player so far in 2019/20.

Ashley Barnes (£6.6m) doesn’t have a hugely appealing fixture in Gameweek 3 but is in decent form. Only Sterling and Pukki have registered more shots in the box so far this season, while the Burnley forward is level with Manchester CIty’s top-scorer for efforts on target.

The Scout Picks’ Captain

As we have mentioned many times since the season began, the Scout Picks now has a captain for the 2019/20 campaign.

This skipper is chosen using the conclusions of the latest Captain Sensible article and a four-way vote between David, Neale, Paul and Geoff.

Because the use of Fantasy Football Scout data is used so heavily in this process, the captain we choose each Gameweek will be known only to those who have signed up to Membership for the 2019/20 season.

It will be revealed to the public only when the deadline for the Gameweek has passed.

The Community Champion

Representing the community against the Scout Picks in Gameweek 3 is FPL Mike the Knight.

They have opted for a 3-4-3 of De Gea; Walker-Peters, Burn, Maguire; De Bruyne (c), Sterling, Son, Mount; Firmino, Rashford, Pukki.

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.

It was a first defeat of the season for the Scout Picks in Gameweek 2 as Hot Toddy won by a 69-59 scoreline.

That makes his 10-point margin the current score to beat.

Lessons learned from Gameweek 2

1,130 Comments Post a Comment
  1. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    I feel Perez GI this week

    1. FPL Blow-In
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Likely

    2. semiconductor
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I hope

    3. asquishypotato
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Soda law after everyone has sold him.

    4. BobbyV
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      he can't score from the bench though

  2. RamaJama
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Bench 1 from

    A) TAA
    B) Zouma
    C) Lundstram

    1. Canary_Kid
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      B

    2. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      B

    3. Peteski29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      B

    4. Slitherene
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      B

  3. Hart-ake
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Pick one:

    a) A Gray
    b) C Adams

    1. Peteski29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      B

    2. semiconductor
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Gray...isnt deeney out for long-term?

  4. Canary_Kid
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    a) Son Greenwood Digne
    b) Kane Cantwell Soyuncu

    1. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      B

    2. semiconductor
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A are only 2 players
      B are 3 playerd

  5. OneDennisBergkamp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Cue Chelsea clean sheet........

    1. JustPark
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Next week.

    2. BobbyV
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      in the first 10min

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

    Play Callum Wilson or Che Adam?

    (Repost)

    1. Canary_Kid
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Che

  7. semiconductor
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Currently benching ceballos but thinking if he is the right one with

    Perez
    Dunk
    Robertson (against arsenal)

    1. Canary_Kid
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Yep bench Ceballos

      1. semiconductor
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks for your reply. I really appreciate it

    2. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Ceballos on corners, fk, set pieces, playing for a very attacking team?

      1. semiconductor
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        I agree. Who would you bench?
        Thanks for replying

    3. OneDennisBergkamp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Dunk

  8. james 101
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Tied vote last time I asked!

    Should I play

    A. Lunds
    B. Cantwell?

    Pope
    Digne WanB Dunk
    Mane Sterling(vc) KDB Martial Cantwell
    Pukki Kane(c)

    (Button Lunds Kelly Greenwood)

    Thanks!!

    1. Big Hands Barry
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      what score do you think for the Sheff Leicester game & the Norwich Chelsea game?

      1. james 101
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        God knows.

        Leicester and Chelsea are still a mystery to me this season!

    2. Brooklyn Zoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Cantwell. No contest.

  9. heptonstall
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Picking two of three in a 10 team draft league going forward...

    Walker-peters
    Joe Gomez
    Dunk

    Who do you keep and drop?

    Cheers!

    1. sebidani1990
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      keep KWP and Gomez

  10. Eleven Hag
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Kane is going to rise tonight ? He is now 101.5 on fplstats

    1. james 101
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Yep

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

      Don’t worry He’ll be falling on Sunday when he blanks so it’s only a very temporary rise 🙂

    3. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Pukki probably going to rise again too.

      1. james 101
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Pukki only needs a goal to rise again after the game.

        Kate maybe more

  11. Delhidynamo
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Ravel Morrison coming in for Sheffield this week could be fun!

    1. BobbyV
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      red card incoming then

  12. asquishypotato
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Bottomed:

    Lundy or Dendock? Expected 2 points from both, but which is the safest?

    Played Lundy last week so trying to avoid the bias

    1. BobbyV
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Lundstram

  13. Heiro
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    How nailed is Walker Peters for the next 3 games?

    1. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I would suggest the next 2 are fairly safe.

  14. FPL Blow-In
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Sorry for the repost. Last decision if I decide on WC.

    A) Salah, Kean & Walker
    Or
    B) Manè, Haller & Laporte

    1. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      sooo you have not even decided yet? you do know the deadline is today right?

      1. FPL Blow-In
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        I do Christina. Feeling the pressure on this one.

        My team doesn’t need the WC either but I want to get ahead of the curve.

        1. Fpl Richie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Leave it - too much stress in a few hours. You'll think more clearly during an IB.

        2. Christina.
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          should have WC last week then...
          😉

        3. Breaking FPL
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Ive thrown Haller in on my wildcard. Low ownership right now with good fixtures, could be an explosive differential

          1. Yank Revolution
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Bad idea. Wait for a return first

            1. Breaking FPL
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 4 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              he's pretty much the only risky player in my entire team, so im OK with it, gotta take a risk here and there imo

    2. BobbyV
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      WC next week. All your current questions will have answers from the pitch

  15. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    DDG
    VVD KWP Zinchenko Lundstram
    Sterling(vc) Salah Martial
    Kane(C) Pukki Deeney

    Button Dendoncker​ Hayden Rico

    Keeping the next 2 GW in mind, what should I do?

    A. Deeney to Jota -4
    B. Deeney to Deulofeu -4
    C. Deeney to Wesley -4
    D. Play Dendoncker

    1. FP Elephant
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Would move Deeny given his long term injury. Why only a 2 GW outlook?

      Wolves may be sluggish next few weeks with all their extra EL games so IMO the best option based on stats so far could actually be Ashley Barnes. Deulofeu also good if he is the lead striker now for Watford.

  16. El Matador
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    A) Kane Mount Cantwell
    B) Son Ceballos Pukki

    Best option lads?

    1. BobbyV
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      we don't know if Son will start

  17. Hits from the Bong
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Which 2 would you play this week?

    A. Dunk
    B. Lundstram
    C. Cantwell
    4. Ceballos

  18. LangerznMash
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Score predictions for tonight?
    Aston Villa 0-0 Everton
    BPS: Heaton 3, Digne 2, Mings 1

    1. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I will take a 0-0.

      15ps from 3 then

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

      Think: Aston Villa 0-1 Everton.
      Ideal: Aston Villa 0-24 Everton.

    3. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Very likely Everton look clueless going forward - Villa cud even Nick it 1-0

    4. Big Hands Barry
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      1-1 (richarlison, keane OG)

    5. El Matador
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Kean will start.

      Everton 3.1

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Any source for the Kean start?

        I really want to take a punt on him

        1. BobbyV
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          i think he'll start next GW at home to Wolves

        2. BobbyV
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          i have enough in the bank to do Pukki to Kean if latter plays well tonight

  19. TeddiPonza
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Correct first XI and bench order?

    Pope
    VvD Digne Zinchenko Montoya
    Sterling (vc) Salah Martial Trossard
    Pukki Kane (c)

    Button Lundstram Dendo Greenwood

    Thanks.

  20. smash
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Need to start 2 from Greenwood, King, Lundy and Dendocker - anyone???!!!

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

      Definitely not Greenwood so that should narrow it down

      1. semiconductor
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        This

    2. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      If you start Greenwood consider yourself blocked 😉

      1. smash
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Haha I just had visions of United being 4-0 up etc and Greenwood getting 15 mins at the end or something along those lines, but ive snapped out of it now, ill go Greenwood first sub.

        cheers guys.

        1. BobbyV
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Greenwood last sub

  21. Burger
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    On WC, whixh goalie:

    A. De Gea

    Or

    B. Pickford

    ?

    1. Neves say Neves
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A

    2. RabMac
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I would go Pickford as Everton look solid and great run of fixtures.

      1. Burger
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks both, Pickford is the current pick so will probably stick.

    3. FPL Blow-In
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Patricio and bank .6

    4. BobbyV
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Pope and improve defence instead. At least u may get attacking returns there

      1. Burger
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Currently rocking with Digne, AWB, Zinchenko.

        Pickford to Pope means Zinchenko to Laporte I guess.

        1. BobbyV
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          yes.

          Or even VVD, you never know but at least you'll be flexible

  22. RabMac
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Currently have:

    Ryan

    Robertson VVD KWP Lundstram

    Sterling (C) Saha (VC) Martial McGinn

    Rashford Pukki

    Subs: Krul, King, Dendoncker, Kelly

    So am I good to go or should I change anything?

  23. Neves say Neves
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    transfer suggestions?

    Pope
    Robbo TAA Digne Zinch
    Salah Sterling Fraser Pérez
    Wilson Jota

    Bench Fodder
    2ft, willing to take a hit, 0.0itb

  24. S.Kuqi
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Scout picks are boring nowadays. Where are M.kean, Haller, Son etc.

    1. FPL Blow-In
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I’d get Kean only for most saying he won’t start

    2. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Dullards have taken over. Mark would have had some fun picks in there for sure

    3. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I think you have to judge them on their results rather than their boringness, but I agree they do seem to be the "template" players. Always likely to be the case with the group consensus of how they are picked.

      If Son or Kean were chosen and then benched there would be complaints I guess.

      I think spot the differentials could be expanded to have more options and perhaps fill the void.

      1. Licious Lizard
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        I agree that it will likely almost be the case when four people have to agree. They also have to try to perform consistently rather than too many ups and downs given how they are ridiculed and criticized once their picks fail. People are basing their picks on it and slaying them if it fails.
        Would also like spot the differential to be expanded to show a few more interesting picks

  25. maford14
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Cantwell or Trossard?

    1. Big Hands Barry
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      tross

  26. M.I.A.
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Bench one:

    A) Lundstram
    B) Dendoncker

    1. BobbyV
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      B

  27. Gringo Kid
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    A) Laporte/Mane
    B) Zinchenko/Salah

    Thanks guys

    1. BobbyV
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A

  28. OptimusBlack
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    For Long term which is better to have ?
    A- Rashford
    B- Martial

    1. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      What's long term?

      Martial better value for now.

  29. CarrollsPonytail
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Correct players on the bench (and in the right order)?

    Pope (Heaton)
    Robertson TAA Digne
    Salah Sterling Martial Trossard
    Pukki Barnes Jota
    (Dendoncker Lundstram Fredericks)

    1. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      The keeper decision this week is a b*tch. Not a clue.

      1. how now brown cow
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        I have Heaton and convinced there's no clean sheets in the offing. Go Pope.

  30. xHaTr
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Who scores more over next 2 weeks?

    Wan Bissaka, De Bruyne, -4 hit

    Robertson, Martial, no hit

    1. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      b

    2. Big Hands Barry
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A

    3. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      B, 4 pts up & Robbo can easily outscore Wan.