Scout Squad

The Scout Squad picks for FPL Gameweek 6

The Scout Squad team have submitted their selections ahead of Gameweek 6.

In this piece, our four regular panelists – editorial staff Paul, David and Neale plus community manager Geoff – each submit an 18-man squad of Fantasy assets (with the focus on the coming Gameweek) and elaborate on their notable inclusions/omissions.

The 72 nominations listed below will then be narrowed down to a squad of 14 (with the starting XI not exceeding a total cost of £83m) for the weekly Scout Picks selection ahead of the Gameweek 6 deadline at 19:00 BST on Friday night.

There are requirements for at least one sub-£5.0m goalkeeper, at least one £4.5m or cheaper defender, at least one midfielder priced £6.0m or below and at least one forward priced at £7.0m or lower.

Each panelist is restricted to no more than three players from the same team.

We will also be adding a captaincy to the Scout Picks this season, with details of that revealed on Friday.


 DavidNealePaulGeoff
GKMartin DubravkaVicente GuaitaMartin DubravkaMartin Dubravka
 Vicente GuaitaAngus GunnVicente GuaitaVicente Guaita
 Mathew RyanMartin DubravkaMathew RyanMathew Ryan
DFLucas DigneLucas DigneTrent Alexander-ArnoldLucas Digne
 Trent Alexander-ArnoldTrent Alexander-ArnoldLucas DigneTrent Alexander-Arnold
 Ainsley Maitland-NilesSead KolasinacNicolas OtamendiNicolas Otamendi
 Patrick van AanholtNicolas OtamendiFabian ScharAinsley Maitland-Niles
 Lewis DunkDan BurnGary CahillJamaal Lascelles
MFRaheem SterlingKevin De BruyneRaheem SterlingRaheem Sterling
 Kevin De BruyneMohamed SalahMohamed SalahSadio Mane
 Mohamed SalahDwight McNeilRicharlisonNicolas Pepe
 James MaddisonRicharlisonManuel LanziniTodd Cantwell
 Todd CantwellDani CeballosDwight McNeilManuel Lanzini
FWSergio AgueroSergio AgueroSergio AgueroPierre-Emerick Aubameyang
 Pierre-Emerick AubameyangPierre-Emerick AubameyangPierre-Emerick AubameyangTeemu Pukki
 Teemu PukkiAshley BarnesTeemu PukkiAshley Barnes
 Tammy AbrahamJamie VardyCallum WilsonJoshua King
 Ashley BarnesTeemu PukkiChris WoodSergio Aguero

Most popular picks: Martin Dubravka, Vicente Guaita, Lucas Digne, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Sergio Aguero, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Teemu Pukki (four), Mathew Ryan, Nicolas Otamendi, Mohamed Salah, Raheem Sterling, Ashley Barnes (three)

DAVID SAID…

As I mentioned on Tuesday’s episode of the Scoutcast, I am not that inspired by many defensive assets on offer right now.

I fancy Newcastle, Crystal Palace and Brighton to have a decent chance of keeping clean sheets in Gameweek 5 which is why I’ve gone for Martin Dubravka, Vicente Guaita and Mat Ryan.

As for defenders themselves, I’ve tried to keep it all about attacking potential given the generally poor clean sheet potential around the league.

Lucas Digne and Trent Alexander-Arnold have both offered plenty of threat from set-pieces in recent weeks, and are the two top options for chances created in the last four Gameweeks among defenders.

The Everton man seems the more likely of the two to keep a clean sheet though, given Sheffield United have misfired a little of late and Liverpool face a Chelsea side with goals in them.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles has had more touches in the box than any Arsenal defensive colleague and has two assists so far this season ahead of Aston Villa’s trip to the Emirates Stadium.

Patrick van Aanholt faces a Wolves side that has largely uninspired following European commitments in 2019/20 and has had the joint-most shots in the box of any Palace defender.

Finally, Lewis Dunk poses a threat from set-pieces against a Newcastle side that has generally struggled against dead ball situations since the start of last season.

I am keeping faith in the Manchester City midfield by selecting both Raheem Sterling and Kevin De Bruyne for the visit of Watford.

The Hornets may be under new management, but their defence has been woeful since January and I can’t see Sanchez Flores being able to affect that too much in his short time back at the club so far.

Rested from the Norwich game, De Bruyne should be back in the side, while Sterling was unfortunate not to get something against Norwich.

I’m backing Mohamed Salah over Sadio Mané for Liverpool’s trip to Chelsea as last season he was the more reliable asset away from home.

James Maddison has been somewhat unfortunate not to produce more attacking returns in recent weeks. Over the last four Gameweeks, he has been afforded the same number of big chances as Pukki, Haller and Mané, whilst creating seven of his own. While Spurs were heavy winners against Palace, I expect Leicester to cause a few more problems.

Finally, Todd Cantwell has to be included in my submission given that he is in the process of being promoted from a fifth-midfielder to a fourth after another attacking return triggered more price rises this week. It’s Burnley up next for him.

Up front, I’m sticking with Sergio Aguero for this week as I’d expect him to get some minutes against Watford – and you’ve already seen what I think of their back-line.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is yet to blank this season and a home match against a Villa side with no clean sheet on the road so far this season looks unlikely to stand in the way of that trend continuing.

Meanwhile, Teemu Pukki and Tammy Abraham are both inside the top five for shots inside the box over the last four Gameweeks, which suggests their goal-scoring form is sustainable for at least another round of action.

NEALE SAID…

After the euphoria of the victory over Manchester City, who better to bring Norwich City back down to Earth than Sean Dyche’s no-nonsense Burnley side.

The Canaries conceded one headed goal last weekend and a lot more chances in the air besides, continuing a season-long trend: no Premier League team has allowed as many headed opportunities as the Canaries or have allowed more crosses from their right flank.

With that in mind, I’m backing Burnley left-winger and cross-machine Dwight McNeil to collect another assist, with the likes of Chris Wood, Ashley Barnes and the Clarets’ two centre-backs to aim at.

As a Raheem Sterling owner, I have glass-half-full concerns over the City winger’s game-time against Watford after his ninth successive start for club and country in Ukraine on Wednesday.

Kevin De Bruyne and Sergio Aguero have both had breathers in the last seven days, however, and I’m backing the league’s leading big chance-creator and joint-leading shot-taker against a Watford team without a clean sheet since February; Quique Sanchez Flores has miracles to work if he is to steer his Hornets side to a shut-out at the Etihad.

Chelsea’s left-hand side could be seriously weakened if Mason Mount and Emerson Palmieri are sidelined for the visit of Liverpool and the thought of Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold up against Marcos Alonso is enough for me to overlook Sadio Mane and Andrew Robertson on the opposite flank.

Arsenal’s defensive problems are well-documented but in Aston Villa, they are up against one of the limpest attacks in the division.

Dean Smith’s side have conceded the second-highest number of chances and crosses from their right flank, too, so there are prospects of returns at both ends for Sead Kolasinac.

On top of that, no side has conceded more attempts from set plays than the Villans – so I’m backing Dani Ceballos to end his three-game drought in a game that should suit his skill-set a lot better (i.e. Arsenal bossing possession) than the Watford fixture did.

Whether he’s stationed at left wing-back (as in the Burnley game) or marauding forward from centre-half, Dan Burn has the potential to deliver against Newcastle.

The Magpies have the lowest xG in the division so far this season and only Norwich have allowed more headed opportunities, so the 6’7″ stopper – who has had more attempts on goal than Shane Duffy and Lewis Dunk combined – could prosper at either end of the pitch. He’s a Geordie, too, so Fenton’s Law dictates that a goal is inevitable.

PAUL SAID…

A distinct lack of resilience throughout the Premier League means my five defenders are mainly selected for their attacking potential.

Fabian Schar – if fit – can be an ideal differential with a mere 2.1% ownership ahead of a visit from Brighton & Hove Albion.

The Newcastle United centre-back scored three goals at home last term and found the net in his previous fixture at St James’ Park.

Schar claimed 16 points over Gameweek 3-4 prior to the Magpies’ loss at Liverpool last weekend.

A return to form earns Richarlison a place in midfield for Everton’s home clash with Sheffield United.

The Brazilian has two goals and an assist in the last two Gameweeks, including a 15-point haul in his previous match at Goodison Park.

Since moving to the right flank and playing as an inverted winger from Gameweek 29 last season, Richarlison has recorded 31 shots in the box – level with Sadio Mane and bettered only by Raheem Sterling and Mohamed Salah among FPL midfielders.

Burnley pair Dwight McNeil and Chris Wood also get my backing at home to Norwich City.

The Canaries’ weakness in the air is a big factor in choosing Wood over his fellow frontman, Ashley Barnes.

Daniel Farke’s men have conceded 23 headed efforts, at least eight more than any other side.

That also bodes well for McNeil, whose share of set-pieces raises his potential for assists.

The winger’s ten successful crosses rank top for the Clarets and have been bettered by just four other midfielders.

GEOFF SAID…

Hosting Brighton in Gameweek 6, I look to Martin Dubravka and Newcastle for my first goalkeeping spot. With clean sheets in both home games this season, Vicente Guaita hosts Wolves, and though we’ve only had three games end 0-0 this season I predict a fourth, with Brighton’s Mathew Ryan picking up clean sheet points.

While Everton are on a three-game run without clean sheets, Sheffield United at home looks promising for Lucas Digne at both ends of the pitch. I again include Trent Alexander-Arnold, before looking for a response from Manchester City, where Nicolas Otamendi has some threat from corners. With the most assists for Arsenal this season I’m hoping for more from Ainsley Maitland-Niles, and I’m doubling down on the Newcastle defence with Jamaal Lascelles.

While Raheem Sterling once again finds the top midfield spot I back Sadio Mane over Mohamed Salah this week. Nicolas Pepe assisted in his last home game and a home game against Aston Villa could be the week he breaks out for a big score. Budget darling Todd Cantwell plays Burnley, with Manuel Lanzini following behind in fifth position hosting Manchester United, who have yet to keep a clean sheet away from home.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has attacking returns in every Gameweek and has five of the eight goals scored by Arsenal players, while Aston Villa have yet to keep a clean sheet away from home. Teemu Pukki is close to an automatic pick due to his form, while Ashley Barnes and Joshua King are selected due to their favourable fixtures. Occupying a perhaps surprising fifth position, Sergio Aguero must look at those ahead of him with mounting motivation. Writing before Manchester City’s Champions League fixture, I fear Aguero won’t get a full 90 against bottom-of-the-table Watford. Though always a dangerous option, I see value in other, less expensive forward options this week.

The Community Champion

Representing the community against the Scout Picks in Gameweek 6 will be irfansheikh, who is currently sitting very nicely at 3,929th in the world.

Last week, we had an unusual occurrence: Warby84 drew 43-43 with the Scout Picks with a 4-3-3 line-up of Adrian (2); Alexander-Arnold (2), Otamendi (1), Maitland-Niles (4), Lundstram (2); De Bruyne (1), Salah (c – 18), McGinn (3); Aguero (6), Haller (2), Vardy (2).

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.

InsaneFC‘s Gameweek 4 winning margin of 75-64 is the score to beat for the 2019/20 campaign.


Lessons learned from Gameweek 5

1,362 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Tsparkes10
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Still struggling. Stuck between saving and a - 4

    Hendo
    VVD Digne TAA Diop
    Salah KDB Sterl Ceballos
    Wesley Pukki
    (Stek, Montoya, Greenw, Dendon)

    1. Tsparkes10
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      1.0m itb 🙂

    2. XABI 15
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Thats a save for me. No need for a hit

    3. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Wildcard? Huge issues are Diop, Ceballos and Wesley. Not liking the double Liverpool defence with their fixtures and that bench needs work

      1. Tsparkes10
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Will use it next week as looking at Vardy and Son and removing Sterling and Salah but like their fixtures more this week.

        Diop has got an 8 pointer and a 6 pointer so v happy with, that tbh. Ceballos good fixture, unless he plays 90 today. Agree with Wesley though

        1. IRBOX ⚽
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          I would strongly advise you to keep both Sterling and Salah. Ceballos is a rotation risk and playing too deep.

          1. Tsparkes10
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            If I was to WC I'd want Son, Mane and Vardy/Aubam tbh. Would have to lose Sterling or Salah. No point wc if I'm just going to change 4 players imo.

            1. IRBOX ⚽
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              Forwards just can’t compete with midfielders.. learnt this the hard way re: Kane. Clean sheet points and extra point for goals is far too much of an advantage.

    4. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      lose vvd or taa then upgrade wesley to abraham following week?

      1. Tsparkes10
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Thought about that. A cleansheet against Chelsea wouldn't surprise me tbh so could maybe save and do it next week. Could do a simple VVD to Aurier/Soyuncu/Chillwell and Wesley to Abraham.

        1. Ajax Hamsterdam
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          in any case i wouldnt wc this team. gl

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

      Diop rotates well with Soyuncu....worth noting when you wildcard .

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

    Repost:

    Saw something about some arguments between the bench (especially Poch) and the outfield XI at the UCL game. Haven't done much research to this and didn't (also can't) watch the match or replays

    Any truth or context to this here, please?

    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      replied

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

        Thanks 🙂

    2. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Poch being Poch, seems to shout at his players these days and portray an image he isn't happy and needs more money etc etc

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

        Thanks a lot. I guessed it was just this, but love to have feedback from those who saw the game themselves

  3. XABI 15
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Currently playing Dendoncker and Mount. Have KWP first sub and 0.5itb.

    Do KWP to Otamendi and bench Dendoncker?

    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I'd certainly sell KWP but sure Otamendi is the best alternative

      1. Wild Rover
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        *not sure

    2. BigAsGiroud_
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      yes

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

    Please help me make decision guys

    My team:
    De gea
    VVD Digne Zinchenko
    Salah Sterling KDB Mount McGinn
    Abraham Pukki

    Button Lunds Kelly Wickham

    A. Sterling, Wickham -> Cantwell, Auba
    B. Save FT

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

      Van Dijk and Haller to Soyuncu/Lascalles and Auba

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

        Sorry my fault

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

        Im 0 itb, and take -4 hit for 2 transfer, i think cant do that

    2. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      See what’s happening with mount first. Your worst case scenario is zinchenko doesnt start, Sterling doesn’t start and mount out injured.

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

        This. Im just have 1 player at the bench, so what should i do ?

  5. popcoin
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Purely for interest, this week’s full Auto-Pick squad:

    Gunn Fabianski
    Vestergaard Matip Engels Diop Fredericks
    Richarlison Dilva Buendia Hughes Djenepo
    Abraham Aguero Aubameyang

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

      Hughes and Djenepo become Son and 4.5m when realistic subs are put in

  6. Bucket Man
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Best of 1FT 0.5ITB. Thinking Dendoncker to Cantwell and hope Sterling and Jota play this week. If Mount out longer term him to Cantwell?
    Heaton
    Robertson, Digne, Lundtsrum
    Salah, Sterling, KDB, Mount*
    Pukki, Haller, Jota*
    Rico, Dendoncker, Cathcart*

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

    Struggling to make changes here. Any suggestions welcome.

    Adrian
    TAA, Zinchenko, Lundstrem (Montoya, Kelly)
    KDB, Sterling, Mane, Mount, Cantwell
    Pukki, Kane (Greenwood)

    I'm on 311 points so not doing badly.

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

    Hi guys,

    Would you wildcard my current team to one of the following WCs or stick with my CT this GW but transfer King>Abraham?

    Current team:
    Ryan/Button
    AWB, VVD, Digne, Zinch (Kelly)
    Salah, Sterling, KDB, Mount (Donker)
    King, Pukki (Greenwood)

    Wildcard team 1:
    Pope/Button
    Lund Rico Mings TAA Soy
    Salah Sterling KDB Cantwell Mcginn
    Wilson Abraham Pukki

    Wildcard Team 2:
    Gunn/Button
    Lund Rico Digne VVD Engels
    Salah Sterling KDB Cantwell Donker
    Auba Greenwood Pukki

    Thank you for any help!

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

      I'd stick with your current team, not a lot of changes needed

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

      I am in a very very similar position with Son&Barnes instead of KDB&King and some slight shuffle in the defense.

      The decision is killing me. see my current WC team below. I like your WC team 1. Although I went for a more premium defense over McGinn

  9. Tmel
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Best defender 4.6 or under for the foreseeable?

    1. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Soyuncu

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

    Pope Button
    TAA Zinchenko Lundstram Dunk Rico
    Salah KdB Mount Cabellos Dendoncker
    Aguero Pukki Haller
    1 FT 1.1 ITB. What should I do?

  11. Maddi Son
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Pope
    Otamendi, Mina, Aurier
    Mane, KDB, Son, Cantwell
    Pukki, Aguero, Abraham

    Button / Guilbert, Tomori, Hayden

    Anything you'd change?

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

      I wouldn't change much. Great starting 11. The bench is weak but if you're okay with it, doesn't matter

      1. Maddi Son
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers.

    2. Offs!de
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      similar to mine. It's TAA vs Ota, Digne vs Coleman

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

    Start Lundstram or Kelly ?

  13. seaside
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    wildcard madness...

    Pope Button
    TAA Digne Lascelles (Soy) (Lundstram)
    Salah Sterling KDB Cantwell (Hayden)
    Pukki Barnes Tammy

    with 0.5 ITB

    I was on KDB and Son before and had Greenwood for Tammy. maybe not the best idea for a WC, although I really like the idea of Son...

    I could always downgrade Digne or Salah>Mane to free up some cash to upgrade Hayden to something like James/Mount in the future.

    Thoughts?

  14. Recovering from a slow start
    Rotation's Alter Ego
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    It was mentioned on the Scoutcast, but it seems to be a fairly common issue this season - lots of people are struggling with a poor start. With some high GW ranks (including a fair few high 5mil / low 6mil gameweeks) floating around, how do you recommend people go forwards?

    How would you plan to turn a 1.5m OR start into a top 10k finish?
    Will you be changing the players and/or premiums you target with transfers?
    Will you changing your captaincy strategies?

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

      Currently 1.3m OR, finished 11k last year so it's a very frustrating start. But still confident in my team and my way of playing the game.

    2. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I honestly think chasing to try and catch up and buying differentials will be detrimental. If we compartmentalise the season into different brackets (eg 4-6 week intervals), doing really well and consistently in each of those will naturally vastly improve rank. Captaincy variance is huge in this game

      1. Rotation's Alter Ego
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        So doing consistently well will improve your rank? Who'd a thunk it eh 😉

        1. IRBOX ⚽
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          I’m referring to the future 4-6 GW brackets. No point going for big unnecessary risks when consistency will be key

          1. Rotation's Alter Ego
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Yeah I'm just teasing 🙂

            Tends to be my strategy - much happier to be dull and let others make the mistakes rather than try and get too smart myself, because it rarely works 😉

            1. IRBOX ⚽
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              For example, who is to say you can’t score the most points of all players in the game from this very instance until the end of the season? Obviously won’t be enough to finish OR 1, but top 10k is easily achievable if a bit of luck starts to go your way

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

                It would easily be enough to win the whole competition 🙂

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

                  If the margin was big enough 😉

      2. Bury94
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Took me far too long to be able to read the word 'compartmentalise'

    3. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Have a fairly template backbone to your team with the likes of TAA, Digne, KDB, Pukki, Salah. Then get some strong differentials like Son and Auba (if Auba is a differential), captain those differentials.
      Be patient with your team don’t go hit crazy at all

      1. Rotation's Alter Ego
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah like it. When is too early to start targeting differentials for you?

        1. have you seen cyan
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Just go safe ones imo with proven records like the two I mentioned, don’t go for anyone like Kane or Zaha who are too risky.
          Son for instance so lowly owned, but you know everyone wants him they just can’t find a way without a wc or hitting him in. Or even someone like Richarlison, certainly not saying to captain him but a lot of managers will have ditched him by now yet he still has great fixtures to come and he looks ok to me. I guess just try find good players who perform season in season out who just aren’t popular picks at the moment (as long as they have demonstrated some form so far)

          1. have you seen cyan
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Or even Wilson is nice to have and once again a bit of a differential tbh

            1. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
              • 10 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              I'm thinking of bringing back the Fraser/Wilson axis for some good fixtures

              1. have you seen cyan
                • 4 Years
                4 years, 6 months ago

                Could be a smart move that

          2. Rotation's Alter Ego
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Getting ahead of the curve with proven point scorers is something that I think is often overlooked - especially if they're approaching a period where they have good fixtures. Doesn't always work of course - see Siggy at the start of the season - but it's never a bad bet.

            1. have you seen cyan
              • 4 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              Yea they need to have the fixtures but more importantly have indicated some form. Not just a total stab in the dark like zaha for instance

            2. Baps hunter
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 6 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              Everyone said here that Siggy is a slow starter and his hauls are impossible to predict. So I strongly disagree with this statement. Or at least he is not a good example.

        2. FPL_Crisis
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          The other question is when picking differentials, how long do you give them to perform before you jump ship?!? Can’t be too loyal in this game
          I’m trying to hang onto WC for another month if I can whilst my rank is “ok”
          Currently OR 470k which is 60pts per week.
          The fine margins this early are evident where a goal or CS fewer per week and your OR is +2m
          Not easy to remain patient especially with the flood of price changes too

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

      I’m just so tempted to jump on Son and Aubameyang next week

      Current team
      Pope
      VD Trent Digne Mings /Lund
      Salah Sterling DeBruyne Cantwell /Mount
      Pukki Haller /Greenwood

      I have 2 FT next week to do
      Sterling/Haller/VD —-> Son/Aubameyang/Otamendi or even Soyuncu... -4

      It’s a massive risk but think it’s worth a punt I’m only 400k atm but I’m worried about losing sterling so might back out last minute...

    5. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      It's very early...big rank hikes are likely. Keep calm and carry on...

      1. Rotation's Alter Ego
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Think a big part of it is that we're off the back of a season where the template started very,very well whereas this one has been below average - that relative difference has freaked a few out.

        1. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          If the big City assets blank again this week there will certainly be panic.

          1. Rotation's Alter Ego
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Definitely if other premiums score well. Hits and WCs flying every which way!

    6. Tshelby
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Think I might just stick to the template of last week and hope Digne, TAA, Haller, Barnes, ect. Start delivering and become differentails again. While most people seem to go for other players on their wildcard like Son, Auba and weak defense

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

        Lol. Finished 780th last season, dropped from 400k to 1.8m the last 3 wks....
        WC activated..

        1. Tshelby
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          ?

      2. The Left Duke #3
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Going Barnes and Haller on my WC with Pukki Abraham and Wilson all getting double digit hauls was an absolute killer for me. Keeping the faith though

        1. Tshelby
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Yeah same for me.
          Going to give them another week and don't take chasing points hits for Pukki, Abraham and Wilson. Next week I will have 2FT's and than I might switch things up.

    7. The Left Duke #3
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Finished OR 6K the past 2 seasons. Current rank 2.5million.

      I've been unlucky with a few things like Lundstram's double digit haul sitting first on my bench and things like that. Have always seemed to be on the wrong side of my C/VC selection as well.

      I think taking hits etc to get differentials is not a good move and will be detrimental to my team and OR. The thing is there isn't a massive points gap between where I am and where i need to be so I just think i need to be patient and keep playing the way I have the past few seasons. Chips still in tact too so will crawl my way back up the ranks.

      1. IRBOX ⚽
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Feel exactly the same. 7k last season, never finished worse than 28k. Current rank: 2.1 million

    8. Baines on Toast...
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      The league is more complicated than it was. We're all anchored in the few-big-hitter-dominated seasons of the past. Genuinely believe there's more goals, more variety, more options around this year.

      A few trends that caught many here out: Liverpool defence weakening due to Allison; City the same with Laporte; Chelsea becoming a goal-hungry vibrant side (everyone top of my leagues had Abraham early); Norwich being good; Mane keeps improving and scoring worldies.

      Personally I'm having a torrid start due to a lack of patience - believing that if I can just get 'the perfect team' I'll rocket up the ranks. But with so many options, the perfect team changes literally every week, so those who have kept the faith with their original squad are probably better off than those who WC'd early.

      1. Rotation's Alter Ego
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Spot on there.

        Patience is hard though - nobody wants to be sat around doing nothing whilst their rivals rocket up the league, but sometimes you just have to. Of course, that's less fun though...

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

        Yes, have an up-vote.

        The other big factor here is price falls/rises which is why patience is so hard. When Wilson is plummeting in price it's so tempting to jump ship, but there he sits 6th in the points table for forwards. I'm happy that my TV has risen to 102.3m but the 2m OR really stings

      3. Rasping Drive
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Nice post. I would be 35 points better off had I simply stuck with my GW1 team and made no transfers at all. Quite a sobering thought and one that makes me ask myself wtf am I doing playing this game 😀

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

      I've been constantly around top 50k last three seasons. Right now I'm rank 3m. I've had only solid picks in my team every week, no real punts. Frustrating because it doesn't really feel like I've played poorly. Actually feels like I've played better than previous seasons where I constantly brought in speculative punts that seldom paid off.

    10. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Don't panic - seen many blow their WC when their team is fine just because of their OR. It's a marathon, not a sprint.

    11. Bird Raymond
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      No need to panic. My rank has doubled in each of the last two weeks, but it's reassuring when I see that many experienced, quality FPL players are in the same boat.

      They aren't going to rip their teams up and take silly punts and captaincy risks to try and catch up, so nor am I.

      The cream always rises to the top.

    12. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Same as with every season. Take good players with good fixtures. Have a core to your team that is flexible. Don't punt on captaincy since it causes wild swings. Climb the ranks instead with players with strong fixtures but low ownership even though they might be inconsistent or injury prone. They don't have to score 200 points in the season to get you good points in the 4 or 5 weeks you have them.

      1. Baines on Toast...
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        I think your final sentence is something it's very easy to forget during the off-season.

        When presented with the new player list, people spend their time looking at those full season 200 point totals, points per million, etc. (hence 'let's play 5 at the back!')

        Then the moment things kick off it looks very different.

        1. Eze Really?
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          One has to use an engine to move. I understand looking at previous high scorers, but it is fairly simple to pull out a "Fraser" looking at points per minute. There are a few around like that atm and it is up to people to work them out.
          People will get burned, picking the Ceballos and Pepe types. A good number of players fail no matter what their previous record were in other countries or divisions.
          Pukkis are rare. Frasers are not.

    13. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I will be stop listening to sites that offer advice.
      It is not the sites' fault. It is mine from not going with my calculations.
      Anyway, The game is tighter this year and the reason we are having bad results is because we are all following the same path.
      Dead easy to move up the rankings if you are not a sheep.

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

        This is a HUGE point for me. I have a 90 minute commute so spend 3 hours in the car every day which I fill with listening to.....you guessed it....FPL podcasts. WGTA, FPL Tips, FPL Cougars, FMLFPL, FPL Family, Always Cheating, Planet FPL, Elite FPL and of course our very own Scoutcast (plus god knows how many more). It's too much. Information overload.

        The fact is you DO get influenced by these and if everyone is doing or saying the same thing it's so tempting to follow suit.

        So here I sit, bottom of my 'Family' FPL mini-league with my 7yr old and 12 yr old sons ahead of me, and my wife top of the league. If I didn't remind them of the deadline they would have forgotten to make changes and set captains. I guide them a little with transfers but they generally come to their own conclusions without following the sheep mentality.

        So I think the lesson for me, and probably many of us, it to cut down the information intake. Listen to just a couple of faves but even then tryu not to be swayed and go with your gut, and your own stats analysis.

        1. Now I'm Panicking
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Blimey - you listen to all that and don't fall asleep at the wheel? 😉

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

            ....somehow yes. Not any more though. Just unsubscribed from all but a few faves. Feels fantastic!!!!!

    14. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      grow some balls.

      Sell Salah.

      1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Or Sterling

    15. cravencottage
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I have been in the top 10k for the past 5 years ( but never in the top 5k) and now sit at 700k. I have made poor captain choices, and went for an expensive defense in a 4-4-2. Trying not to take many hits or WC , but I dont love my team. Having Pukki and Cantwell early has helped.

    16. Boris Bodega
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Having the completely opposite issue, although I am actually ok with where I currently sit, just outside 500k.
      GW1 I was just outside 10K, and have had red arrows ever since. Kane (C) blank against Newcastle, and Sterling (C) blank against Norwich have been my main issues.

    17. tisza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      dropped a million in GW 4 and picked up some key injuries.
      Wildcarded for GW5. 38 pts and dropped another million.

      Going to hold off this week (unless Mount injury news is bad), try and roll a FT and then have a rethink. Luckily a lot of price points in new side

      Point gaps still manageable. You can't get it back in a week or 2.

    18. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Nice hot topic. Reading the responses to this, I’m not sure the seasoned players are reacting quick enough. The number of times in previous seasons where sitting on your hands patiently paid dividends.. it just seemed so lucky to me. This season, you’ve had to move and move quick:

      - forget double Liverpool defence when Alison was injured
      - get Aguero when Jesus was hamstrung
      - get Pukki after the Liverpool game
      - get Abraham & Mount rather than worry about rotation
      - don’t keep patience with Siggy/Richarlison when Everton couldn’t score pre-season

      There is just one defender in the top 20 scoring FPL players so far, and I think this is where seasoned players earn their steady points. They just haven’t been able to this season.

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        To elaborate on my “lucky” point, good managers rely on impulsive managers jumping from bandwagon to bandwagon, burning points as they go. The logic being, if you pick good players and are patient with them then you’ll reap the rewards.

        Thing is, this season - with the exception of Martial - I don’t think a bandwagon has failed yet? As a result, the more conservative manager is suffering.

        It should all balance out though 🙂

    19. Chemical76
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I have a very itcy WC trigger at the moment.
      I want Auba and Augero in but will mean dismantling my defence.
      Currently 130k or so OR

    20. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      It is coming up to crunch time where you have to decide where the season is heading:

      - Do you think Liverpool and City will dominate?
      - Can Norwich and Chelsea keep up their goalscoring form?
      - Who will be best of the rest out of Spurs, Chelsea, Man Utd and Arsenal?
      - Who will be a relegation candidate?

      Once you get a clearer idea of the above it will help your wildcard decisions.

  15. DavidKent
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Thinking of Donkey+Zouma to Cantwell and Rico. That will give me:

    Zinchenko, Digne, Lundstram, Montoya, Rico. These latter 3 will be rotated.

    Salah, Sterling, Martial, Mount, Cantwell

    Agüero, Pukki, (Greenwood)

    What do you think?

  16. No_Mo_Salah?
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    TC on Kun a little premature?

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

      Save for DGW.

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

        Traditionally I have done that but it has never really ended well (players rested, injured etc...).

  17. sebidani1990
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Is this worth a -4?
    I am afraid of Sterling will be benched and don't want to miss Aguero's potentially haul, and he would be the C of course.

    Sterling and Ayew -> McGinn and Aguero

    Pope (Button)
    TAA Digne Otamendi (Lundstram Mings)
    Salah KDB Mount Cantwell (McGinn)
    Aguero Pukki Barnes

    1. Flynny
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      In a similar situation

      Think looking forward you may regret losing sterling...

      1. sebidani1990
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        yeah that's my only concern as well.

        i'' tending to ST and hope for the best

    2. Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      prior to gw 4 i wanted to do kun in for a hit but was mostly talked out of it so i missed on his biggest haul so far. Now im again in this thinking to lose raz for kun at a minus 4. will make up my mind after EL games

  18. Lev Yashin
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Starting XI and bench order OK?

    Ryan
    VvD, Digne, Lund
    Salah, Sterling, Son, Iwobi, Cantwell
    Pukki, Barnes

    Button, Haller, Mings, Diop

    1. drughi
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      would play haller over cantwell

      1. Flynny
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        This. Who is your Capt?

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

      Why would you bench Haller??

  19. ishmailc
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Struggling to make changes here. Any suggestions welcome.

    Adrian
    TAA, Zinchenko, Lundstrem (Montoya, Kelly)
    KDB, Sterling, Mane, Mount, Cantwell
    Pukki, Kane (Greenwood)

    1. Tshelby
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Just save?

  20. vincentwsho
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Cantwell or Lundstram as first bench player? And why?

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

    (A) keep current team

    Pope Button
    TAA Digne Zinch Ward Lunds
    Salah Sterling Son Martial Dendocker
    Pukki Barnes Greenwood

    or

    (B) wildcard to

    Pope Button
    TAA Digne Lascelles (Soy) (Lundstram)
    Salah Sterling KDB Cantwell (Hayden)
    Pukki Barnes Tammy

    with 0.5 ITB

    or

    (C) wildcard to

    Pope Button
    TAA Digne Lascelles (Soy) (Lundstram)
    Salah Sterling KDB Son Cantwell
    Pukki Barnes Greenwood

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

      I'm similarly tempted with similarish team, would get me
      (B) Pope Button
      TAA, Soy,Guilbert, Rico,Lund (2 from 4 rotation avoids top 6)
      Salah,Sterling,KdB,Mount,Cantwell
      Abraham,Pukki,Haller

      Looking at hitting the big red on Friday evening

  22. Emp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    anyone know if simon francis beiung back is bad news for ricos starting chances?

    1. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Shouldn't matter, they play on different sides.

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

        good to hear

  23. EgyptianKing
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Hi mates.

    Is KDB a good (C) option this GW, in your opinion? Have Sterling too.

    Cheers!

    1. Tshelby
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      It's between Salah and KdB for me. KdB has an amazing home record this season so yeah why not?

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

        Yep, agree.

        Might be a nice choice!

  24. Tshelby
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    If Mount is out this weekend what should I do?

    A) Play Hayden - BHA (H)
    B) Play Lundstram - EVE (A)
    C) Play Soyuncu - TOT (H)
    D) Get rid

    1. drughi
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      A or B

      1. Tshelby
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Currently on A but B might have a higher ceiling this GW?

        1. drughi
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          B higher ceiling for sure

          1. Tshelby
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            So B it is? Probably both will get 2 points

    2. jimmy.floyd
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      A

  25. Blue Gaffer
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Haller, Sterling, Wan Bissaka to Maitland-Niles, Son, Aguero -8. Worth it?

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

      Last week of course.
      This week rather doubt it

  26. balint84
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    captain Kane or Pukki?

    1. Tshelby
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Kane

      1. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Captain Kane vs Leicester at home?

        1. Tshelby
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Between Pukki and Kane? I would pick Kane

    2. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Kane based on his record vs Leicester, but Pukki has the form

    3. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Kane is so bad

  27. The Yorkshire Pirlo
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Who to leave out on WC? Still no idea 🙁

    A) Auba
    B) Salah/Mane
    C) Son
    D) Sterling
    E) KDB

  28. FOO FIGHTER
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    So a week or so ago I suggested that I would stick with TAA and VVD double up. How quickly things change.

    Now TAA and midfield double up of Mane and Salah.

    Only thing is I now have Rico and Greenwood in my team but have Rico at the moment in back 3 with Dunk Lund and Greenwood as subs.

    My aim now is to find a way of upgrading either Rico or Greenwood. Wonder if Greenwood might be called up because of James being a doubt?

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

      Greenwood plays tonight - if he scores well there is a good chance he gets more playing time in the league.

      1. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Hopefully...

  29. grumpyman
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Best fifth mid for a 3-4-3? What say you FFS?

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

      Cantwell unless he's your 4th mid

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

        He's my 4th 😉

        I thinking Hayden, Guendouzi, Stephens or Romeu.

  30. mikess
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Who Rotates with Villa?

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

      Brighton.