Scout Picks

Sterling and Aguero tipped for big scores by Gameweek 5 Scout Picks

We have spent the big bucks on our Manchester City attacking assets this week as they face a Norwich defence in dire straits.

This week the Scout Picks XI features three players priced over £12.0m but we have still managed to stick to our £83.0m budget.

Our 3-5-2 formation comes in at £82.9m, £0.1m inside the limit.

Goalkeeper

Liverpool goalkeeper Adrian has an appealing fixture this weekend

Adrian (£4.6m) was not selected by any of our Scout Squad pundits this week, but we’ve brought him in as an enabler. There was overwhelming support for a double-up on the Liverpool defence but we only had enough in our budget for one of their premium options. With Alisson still out injured, Adrian should keep his place in goal.

Defenders

Alexander-Arnold remains our chosen Liverpool defensive option ahead of Gameweek 5

Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.1m) was the most popular Liverpool defender among our Scout Squad pundits. David, Paul and Geoff all selected him as the best option in this price bracket, Neale choosing him in second place. The right-back heads into an appealing meeting with a goal-shy Newcastle side and three assists in his first four matches. The potential for a double-figure haul, made up from returns at both ends of the pitch, continues to be high for Alexander-Arnold.

The inclusion of Matt Lowton (£4.5m) was a way of granting the request from our Scout Squad for Burnley defensive cover. Nick Pope was a popular choice but we had to go with Adrian in goal. Lowton comes in based on Burnley’s clean sheet potential for a trip to Brighton, and having created more chances than any of his defensive colleagues so far this season.

John Lundstram (£4.2m) continues to make a useful budget enabler for Fantasy managers. Sheffield United remain one of the tightest-looking defences in the Premier League, having allowed just 22 shots in the box across the first four Gameweeks (fifth-best). Meanwhile, Lundstram himself is behind only two players in the top flight for big chances created.

Midfielders

Sterling should enjoy his trip to Norwich on Saturday afternoon

Despite a blank against Brighton, Raheem Sterling (£12.3m) is straight back in the Scout Picks. After the first four matches of the season, the Manchester City midfielder is still just one behind the current Golden Boot front-runner with five goals and during that time, no player has been afforded more big chances. Meanwhile, Norwich’s defence looks in tatters for Gameweek 5. They have conceded more than any other side so far and are likely to be without at least three centre-backs in Ben Godfrey, Christoph Zimmermann and Timm Klose this weekend. Furthermore, right-back Max Aarons has been ruled out, Grant Hanley is unlikely to be able to feature from the beginning and Tim Krul is also a doubt to start now.

Mohamed Salah (£12.5m) was the most popular midfielder for Gameweek 5, tipped as the best in this position by three of our pundits, David selecting him in second place. In both of his Premier League matches at Anfield this season, the Egyptian registered a double-figure haul and he will be fancying his chances against Newcastle. The Magpies might have the ability to frustrate top six sides, as they did at Spurs in Gameweek 3, but Salah still got three attacking returns against them last season.

Mason Mount (£6.4m) is one of a handful of mid-price midfielders who appear to have the ability to offer decent value this season. He has two goals so far and could have arguably had more than that. Ahead of a trip to Wolves, the Chelsea midfielder has registered the same number of shots on target as Sterling, and more than any other option priced at £6.5m or below.

The absence of some key personnel for Manchester United should both help Daniel James‘ (£6.1m) chances of starting and increase the need for him to deliver. In the last two matches, the value midfield option has had seven shots inside the box, the second-most in the whole division. With Leicester yet to keep a clean sheet on the road so far this season, James looks a good bet for more attacking returns this weekend.

John McGinn (£5.6m) is the final member of our value midfield trio as he prepares to face West Ham on Monday night. With attacking returns in two matches so far this season, the box-to-box option will fancy his chances against a Hammers’ defence that has conceded more big chances than any other side so far.

Forwards

We’re backing Aguero to have another enjoyable afternoon in Gameweek 5

Our Scout Squad panel was unanimous in selecting Sergio Aguero (£12.1m) as the best forward option for Gameweek 5. That decision was reached even before the Norwich defensive situation got worse on Friday afternoon. The Argentinian has scored in every match this season, currently leading the Golden Boot race, and is likely to deliver even if he has his minutes managed in light of Gabriel Jesus’ return from fitness simply because Norwich’s problems at the back are so bad.

Sébastien Haller (£7.5m) completes our line-up ahead of a trip to face Aston Villa on Monday night. Dean Smith’s men have allowed more shots than any other side so far this year, while Haller has three goals in his last two matches.

Substitutes

Nick Pope (£4.6m) was the most popular budget goalkeeper in our Scout Squad submissions but we had to bench him to accommodate our Liverpool defensive double-up.

We were also able to work in some Manchester City defensive cover so Oleksandr Zinchenko (£5.6m) has to be content among the substitutes. With Norwich unlikely to park the bus against them, there is perhaps still a slight chance that they find a way through.

Manuel Lanzini (£6.5m) gets a place on the bench as a cheap alternative West Ham’s centre-forward. The midfielder has created more chances than any of his colleagues so far this season.

Ashley Barnes (£6.7m) has impressed in the early part of the campaign but we ran out of money to get him in the Scout Picks starting XI. 

The 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 5 is Warby84.

They have gone for a 4-3-3 of Adrian; Alexander-Arnold, Otamendi, Maitland-Niles, Lundstram; De Bruyne, Salah (c), McGinn; Aguero, Haller, Vardy.

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 defeat for the Scout Picks in Gameweek 4 as InsaneFC won by a 75-64 scoreline.

That makes his winning margin of 11 points the new score to beat for the 2019/20 season.

5,594 Comments Post a Comment
  1. R.C
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Till GW10 Ceballos or Dilva?

    1. Rash
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      What could you do with the extra?

    2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Probably not that simple since ther is a big difference in price?

      Dilva

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

      Dilva

    4. HurriKane
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Dilva

    5. Super Nashwan
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I’m mulling on this now too.
      I can get silva but it would mean I can’t get barnes

  2. Rash
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Martial replacement..

    David silva
    Mount
    Harry wilson
    Other up to 8.2

    Pope
    Trent digne lundy montoya
    Salah sterling martial kdb
    Barnes pukki

    Button cantwell mina greenwood

    1. CRO KLOPP
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Mount

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

      Dilva or Siggy

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

      Save, play Mina

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

        Or this - it’s my play but can’t afford Siggy and I’m blocked by Kun Raz KdB from Dilva.

    4. HurriKane
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Dilva

    5. Eddie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I like that team.

      1. Rash
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks a couple of tweaks needed but with wildcard intact I feel I'm in good shape.

  3. CRO KLOPP
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    1 ft 1.9 itb
    Pope
    VVD Digne Otamendi Lundstram
    Sterling Mane KDB Mount
    Haller Pukki
    (4.0 Cantwell AWB 4.5)

    A) AWB to TAA (4-4-2)bench Pukki
    B) AWB and Wickham to 4.0 def and Barnes (3-4-3) for a hit
    C) save

    1. Stef rocks
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      A

  4. Hazz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Hudson-Odoi assist, Lawrence goal. 1-0

    😉

  5. aidmata
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Play KWP or Lundstram?

    1. HurriKane
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Lundstram

    2. hogree
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      KWP

  6. hogree
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Start Montoya or Greenwood?

    1. HurriKane
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Montoya

  7. Sir_Durs8
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    What to do with Martial? (1 FT, 0.2 ITB)

    A) Transfer to Mount
    B) Transfer to James
    C) Hold (Cantwell 1st sub)
    D) Other

    1. Nelson Vivas Fan Club
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      B

    2. Prison Mike
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      A

    3. HurriKane
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      A

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

      C

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

      Not A - two poor fixtures coming up and no telling about CL

      C for me

  8. Prison Mike
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Who to play?

    A) Pukki

    B) Lundstram

    1. Sir_Durs8
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      B

    2. Pumpkinhead *non-expert*
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I'm on B

  9. Salah’s Sonnet
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Eurgghhhh, head is messedtrying to pick between Salah and Sterling for (c).

    Anyone just sticking it on Sterling, and any strong reasoning as to why he WILL play?

    Decision overload 🙂

    1. Eddie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Just pick Salah. He is pretty good.

      1. Salah’s Sonnet
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        It's been on salah all week 🙂

    2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Im convincing myself he will play because Pep will want to break a would record in goals scored in a game

      1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        World record*

      2. Salah’s Sonnet
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Haha, true, but he could do that with the U21's against that Norwich side

        1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Yeah probably.
          For me it feels risky not to captain Sterling. And at the same time it feels risky to do it!
          Toughest C choice ever

          1. In a Rush
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Yes proper tough have had it on Salah all week not sure now!

  10. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Good to go? Bench order correct?

    Heaton
    TAA Digne Zinchenko Montoya
    Salah Sterling De Bruyne
    Haller Pukki Barnes

    (4.0 Soyuncu Cantwell Dendoncker) 0fT 0.3itb

    1. CRO KLOPP
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      GTG,great team

      1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers!

  11. barracuda
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Is Rico ever going to play for the Cherries again?

    1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Why would he not?

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

    Barnes vs Haller is so tough!

    1. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Haller any day, not that tough to be fair.

    2. HurriKane
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Haller

    3. Manani
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      correct starting 11?

      Pope
      Lund Digne TAA Matip Stones
      Sterling KDB Salah Mount
      Haller
      (Pukki Greenwood Dendocker)

      1. Manani
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        oops rely fail

        I had to make the same decision, went Haller

    4. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Haller playing for a better attacking side and hes their main man.
      Really like the look of him playing. Zlatanesque imo.

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

      Haller. WHU is more of an attacking team and Haller is their designated striker. BUR has Barnes, Wood, and J Rod as options.

  13. HurriKane
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Interesting readings. 😉

    Last season Sterling got benched in 6 pl games (HUD BUR wat eve EVE WHU

    - Sane played 5 of the 6 on the left wing (sterling position)

    - Mahrez Played 4 on right. Other 2 Bilva played on right

    - Jesus and Aguero both started together in only 1 game

    This means last season Sane was the player who took sterling place when he was benched. However this season sane injury means sterling got no competition until sane returns

    Meanwhie Mahrez has been rotating with Bilva.

    Unless pep pulls off a fraudulence of the highest order its safe to say Steelers starts

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

      That game when Sane didn't play was a 3-5-2 setup with Mendy as LWB, Kun and Jesus at the top. Kun scored 20 points against HUD. I don't think Mendy will start just yet. By this logic there is a high chance Sterling starts.

  14. lampsblues
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Lanzini or ceballos?

    Pieters or Lowton?

    1. HurriKane
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Lanzini Pieters

    2. Beatle
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Lanzini & Lowton

    3. Pumpkinhead *non-expert*
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Lanzini and Lowton

    4. Nelson Vivas Fan Club
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      L&L

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

        This

  15. Eddie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    King dropping again. I'll suck it up. A farewell penalty wouldn't go amiss.

    1. Pumpkinhead *non-expert*
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      oh it will miss

      1. Eddie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks for the support

    2. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Hes a terrible player. Wouldnt be surprised if he gets dropped as part of a reshuffle by Howe to get H. Wilson into the team permanently.

      1. Eddie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        But before then, a penalty?

        1. Paulie Walnuts
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          No

  16. Nelson Vivas Fan Club
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Which upgrade should I make first?
    A) VVD->TAA
    B) Mane->Salah

    1. itsmeguneet
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      A

    2. HurriKane
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      A

    3. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      B

  17. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Best Arsenal option to bring in for Trossard between

    A Reiss Nelson
    B Dani Ceballos

    1. Nelson Vivas Fan Club
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      B

    2. HurriKane
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      B

  18. Berlin
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    repost: trossard replacement

    adrian,button
    otamendi,mina,maguire,lundstram,rico
    sterling,kdb,F.anderson,trossard,cantwell
    kane,firmino,pukki

    kane+trossard to barnes,pepe or auba,iwobi?
    1 ft available

  19. circusmonkey
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone going to triple captain a Man City player?
    Thinking about it.

    1. HurriKane
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Aguero TC will be gold. Wouldve considerd if i had him

  20. michudagawd
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    The guy doing the injury flags at FPL Towers obviously has Martial in his team. He is confirmed out but he's only orange flagged.

    1. Eddie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Martialgate

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

      Love your grav

      1. michudagawd
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        One of my favourite FPL moments. 🙂

    3. Warblers
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      What sense does that make?

      1. michudagawd
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Take a joke mate.

  21. sirmorbach
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Now with Martial out, and with this lot

    Heaton
    TAA, VVD, Coleman, Lundstram
    Salah, Sterling, Mount , ( * )
    Vardy, Pukki

    Should I
    (a) Play Dendoncker
    (b) Play Maguire
    (c) Martial out, Lanzini in for a hit, + 1.0 itb so I can upgrade Greenwood/defence next week

    1. In a Rush
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Play maguire goal against his old team!

      1. sirmorbach
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks, mate!

    2. The Senate
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Play Maguire

      1. sirmorbach
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers!

    3. Eddie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Yeah, just play Maguire. Then probably get rid of him.

      1. sirmorbach
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        That's the plan! I'm happy with my team, BUT, that being said, Maguire was indeed a huge mistake. Thanks!

  22. In a Rush
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Wild card done 0itb
    Good to go?

    Pope
    Taa Otamendi digne
    Salah kdb sterling Ceballos
    Pukki Maupay Haller

    McGovern lundstram Söyüncü Cantwell

    Cheers

    1. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      GTG 🙂

      1. In a Rush
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers senna
        Good to hear!

    2. Eddie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Looks good, is Maupay decent? I know nothing about him. Are Brighton attacking now? Do we know who there first choice forwards are?

      1. In a Rush
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        He’s 1st choice now locadia/andone gone new manager potter very attack minded. He did very well in the championship it’s obviously a different kettle of fish in the premier league so only time will tell. Took his goal well against Watford when he came on. I didn’t fancy any of the other 6M and below so giving him a shot, fingers crossed!

        1. Eddie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Nice summary, thanks In a Rush.

          1. In a Rush
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            No worries Mr Eagle

  23. Manani
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    correct starting 11? basically decision between Lund and Pukki

    Pope
    Lund Digne TAA Matip Stones
    Sterling KDB Salah Mount
    Haller
    (Pukki Greenwood Dendocker)

    1. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      yeh im torn between starting those two.
      Having the City defender probably says bench Pukki unless you want to hedge.

  24. The Senate
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Worth Martial out for a hit? Budget of 8.4 to replace if yes...
    Foster/4.0
    Robbo VVD Digne Lundstram
    Martial* Salah Sterling Mount
    Pukki Barnes*
    (Greenwood Donk AWB*)

  25. barracuda
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    D. Silva or Ota to cover the 3rd City slot?

    1. In a Rush
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I’ve gone with Otamendi

    2. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      gone for Ota

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

      Thanks

  26. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Transfer done :- Elmo > Otamendi
    gtg?
    Pope
    VVD,Digne,Otamendi
    Salah(c)Sterling(vc)KDB,Mount
    Haller,Pukki,Barnes 0 FT 0.4m itb

    Button,Lundstram,Cantwell,Hanley 0 FT 0.4m itb

    Bench right or play Lundstram ahead of Pukki?.

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

      GTG

  27. Drip Doctor
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Robertson or VVD?

  28. SOTHPAW
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Good to go?
    Adrian
    Digne, Pieters, Lundstram
    Sterling, Mane, KDB, Mount, James
    Aguero(C), Pukki

  29. Salalalalah
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Got both AWB and Emerson, chances that one of them will play this gw or replace one of them?

  30. clueless2
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Aguero + Cantwell or Barnes + KDB ?

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

      B

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

      Barnes and KdB is the better long term option imo.