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

    Shame no double rise for TammyA but time to set the final wc team and go to bed. Really wanted Auba but in the end it's a pray on Ceballos!

    Wishing good luck to all but not as much as to me!!!

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

      😉 that’s the way to do it!

      A sterling haul, decent return for Salah and good scores from the rest of my players whilst the ones I don’t own (Kun, Kane, Auba etc) blank or score low, and it’s happy days!

  2. FC Hakkebøf
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Captain

    A) Sterling
    B) Aguero

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

      Kun

    2. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Probably B, though I hope to god A outscore him!!

      Both could have managed minutes tho

    3. KUN_DE_BRU_YNE
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Kun 4 goals

    4. Lingard’s Shin Guards
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Agueroooooo

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

    For one last time!! On WC! GTG?

    Adrian
    TAA Digne Otamendi Lundstram
    Salah(vc) Pepe DSilva
    Aguero(C) Haller Barnes

    Button Guendouzi Cantwell Rico

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      A bit risky in attack but decent.

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

      Remove dilva and Pepe try to fit in kdb imo

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

      GTG, not the midfield of my choosing, but it’s still good and as ling as you’re happy with it, all good bud.

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

        Long*

    4. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Pepe -> KDB imo

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

      Aguero 4 goals incoming the only reason I like Ur team so much.

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

    Eurrghh, literally so lost and undecided for captaincy, so i’m just gonna put absolute faith in you guys on who you think i should go with, and going with that.

    Captain: Salah or Sterling.

    Help much appreciated guys.

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

      Salah

    2. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Sterling.. Norwich play attacking football, Newcastle will park the bus

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

        I agree, god damn it though i hope he starts haha, thanks matey

    3. KUN_DE_BRU_YNE
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I don't fancy early kickoff captaincy so sterling for me only for this reason,anyway both would haul with pretty similar score
      So go with Ur gut mate GL!!!

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

        True both could score very well, just City against that depleted Norwich defence is mouthwatering isn’t it. Cheers bud

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

      Raz captain, Salah vc- someone on reddit shared a post regarding Sterling's usage after int break matches in recent years, if he is Benched , he has just come on like once or something..worth d risk for me

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

        This is good to know cheers mate, i’ve also noticed that he’s rarely brought on as a sub when he’s not started 🙂

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

      Ooo looking like Sterling then so far, and i promise not to moan and throw a tantrum today if things go wrong haha.
      Kind replies guys many thanks.

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

      It's a headache. I just switched to Sterling as someone made the case that Salah will go out of his way to make-up-assist Mane.

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

        Haha yeah some words could of indeed been said about that, i still think he may be his usual selfish self but may make purposeful efforts to ‘make it up’ to Mr Mane

        1. ‘Tis the Season
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Sh1t now I am having second thoughts. Dammit!

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

            Hehe, i just can’t resist that City game and people have made compelling cases

    7. MINUS FOUR
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      It's because of this I've taken a hit to bring in Aguero (C). It could be a cricket score and I can't cope with a Sterling benching or cameo while his teammates go nuts. It just feels right.

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

        If i hadn’t already taken a hit i would if brought Aguero in to swerve this conundrum haha! If Sterling is benched, he should in theory stay benched, but Aguero defo feels right for sure 🙂

  5. Kroos Kontrol
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Best 3 week MF punt at 7.5 or under?

    I'm thinking Ceballos due to Silva's probable CL rotation and Mount's two hard fixs

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

      Could also look at one of the Bournemouth boys in Fraser or Wilson

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

    Set?

    Yes benching Pukki
    Yes starting Ayew as I fancy palace win

    Pope
    Digne Lundstram TAA Ota
    Sterling Salah(c) Mount KDB
    Ayew Abraham

    Heaton Montoya Pukki Dendonker

    1. Yankee Toffee
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I'd play Pukki over Lund but seems like you have your mind made up already.

  7. Yankee Toffee
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Play?

    A. Montoya (BUR) 442
    B. D Luiz (WHU) 352

    1. The Gobstopper
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      That's a tough one, but I'd probably go Montoya. Better chance of clean sheet and possible attacking returns. Luiz might get attacking returns but not likely and fewer points for a clean sheet.

      1. Yankee Toffee
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        cheers

  8. SuperDan
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Pick one:

    A) Lowton
    B) Söyüncü

    1. The Gobstopper
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Lowton for me.

    2. Yankee Toffee
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      a

    3. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      A

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

      A for fixture

  9. FPL Doctor
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Would you?

    A) Kane + Trossard —> Ceballos + Auguero (c) for -4
    B) trossard —> Ceballos for free only and captain sterling?

    1. The Gobstopper
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I don't take a lot of hits, but A looks pretty good.

    2. Yankee Toffee
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      a

    3. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      A

  10. The Gobstopper
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Who to play from two bad options?

    A) Greenwood (LEI)

    or

    B) Cantwell (MCI)

    Got Martial and Hanley on the bench, so it's got to be one of those two...

    Thanks!

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      B

    2. Yankee Toffee
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      b as not sure on Greenwood starting

    3. KUN_DE_BRU_YNE
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      1 pointer Vs 2 pointer
      B if pukki snatch a goal then may be cantwell assist in best case scenario.

    4. The Gobstopper
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Thanks all!

  11. rodragon
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Martial +awb to David silva+zinchenko?

    1. Yankee Toffee
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I like Zinchenko but Dilva will be rotated when UCL starts. Possibly Zinc as well

    2. The Gobstopper
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      How about just AWB to Zinchenko? Silva might pay off for this GW, but I'd want Martial long term.

  12. aarrgghh
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    TC Kun anyone?

    1. Yankee Toffee
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Not a bad shout

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

      4 goals incoming
      Too early to TC but yes for me pointwise

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

        last two seasons failed when played on dgw so might try and yeah 4 goals minimum

  13. rodragon
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Martial replacement under 8 mil thanks

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

      wh mid, mount, mcginn, pedro even

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

        Nice shout on Pedro
        But after 2 weeks

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Lanzini

  14. Lingard’s Shin Guards
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    That’s a first - all 15 of my players are playing tonight

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

      Ridiculous

  15. yer old da
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    3 questions...

    1. Heaton or Pope?

    2. Captain Salah or Sterling?

    3. Play Jota or take 4 point hit to swap to Haller/Barnes? (If so which one)

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

      Pope
      Sterling just
      Play Jota definitely

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Popesalahjota

  16. Bruno Commando
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Which is the better option:

    A) Haller + Cantwell
    B) Barnes + Ceballos

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

      A.

  17. Hotdogs for Tea
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Ederson
    Matip, Dinge, Pieters
    Salah, De Bruyne, James, Mount
    Vardy Firmino Tammy

    Pope Guendouzi Lundstrum Soyuncu

    any changes ?

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Looks good

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

        thanks

  18. EMERGING STAR
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    In a single non WC week I took 3 MANU players out for a hit (lol, first time something like this for me)

    Martial+Rashford+AWB to Pepe + Haller + Pieters.

    Adrian
    Digne Pieters Zinchenko Lundstram
    Salah (C) Sterling KDB Pepe
    Pukki Haller

    Button Cantwell Wickam Kelly

    Hoping for a good week.

  19. zizoo10
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    I have martial on field, who to put first bench?

    A) KWP
    B) Greenwood

    1. Optimus.
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      0
      1

      1. zizoo10
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        I don’t speak binary sorry

        1. Optimus.
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Well you had better start

  20. NoName
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Play Cantwell or Greenwood?

    Pope
    Digne Lundstram Mings
    Salah Sterling KDB Mount Cantwell
    Kun Pukki

    (Button, Greenwood Soyuncu Rico)
    1FT 0.3ITB

    1. Wally711
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Cantwell

  21. Wally711
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Ederson
    Taa - Robo - Digne- Lundstram
    KDB- Salah- Sterling- D.Luiz
    Pukki-Barnes

    Is this gtg? Or needs a -4 hit?

    Thanks

  22. Alisson WondHaaland
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Best short term mid at 6.3 or less? Looking for a Trossard replacement

    1. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Mcginn

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

      Harry Wilson?

  23. Pukki Blinders
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Bring in McGinn (WHU) or Otamendi (nor) this week?

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

      Ota.

  24. SHOWSTOPPERRR
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Barnes flagged in fpl site..in my wc now..is he gonna start?

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

      Official club site says he's ok to start.

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

        OK thanks

  25. SantaCruz87
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Triple Captain Aguero

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

      Justifiable.

    2. SantaCruz87
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Anyone doing the same too?

  26. VardysParty
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    A) Ederson, AWB and Martial -> Pope, Lundstram and KDB (-8)

    B) AWB -> Lundstram

    1. Optimus.
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      A, easy

  27. MOZIL
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Predicted score for:

    Wolves vs Chelsea - 1-2
    Spurs vs Crystal Palace - 3-1

    1. Optimus.
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      1-1
      2-1

    2. Wild Card this!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      2:2
      0:1

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

      2-1
      2-0

  28. Rihanovic
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    WC.
    Pope
    TAA(VC)-Ota-Lunds
    Salah-Eriksen-Pepe-Lanzini
    Aguero(C)-Abraham-Ayew
    Button-Cantwell-Prodl-Hanley
    G2G???

  29. SHOWSTOPPERRR
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Two questions
    One
    A) abru and mcginn/ceballos
    B) Barnes and Mount

    Two

    Barnes or pukki already have cantwell.

  30. Bonita
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Play Ceballos or opt for Mings.