Scout Picks

Gameweek 8 Scout Picks retains faith in Salah

We have kept faith in two of Liverpool’s most attacking players for the Gameweek 8 Scout Picks.

The visit of Leicester to Anfield has concerned some invested in Jurgen Klopp’s men but are still expecting a positive result.

The Scout Picks has been carefully put together using David, Neale, Paul and Geoff’s Scout Squad submissions from earlier in the week.

For this weekend we line up in a 4-3-3 formation and come in £0.5m under our budget of £83.0m.

Goalkeeper

Nick Pope has a favourable fixture this week as well as good form at home in 2019/20

Nick Pope (£4.6m) was a simple inclusion in the Scout Picks this week ahead of Burnley’s meeting with Everton at Turf Moor. The Clarets have already kept two clean sheets at home this season, against Southampton and Norwich, while Marco Silva’s men have found the net just once in three road trips. Meanwhile, Pope is currently fifth in the league for saves (24).

Defenders

Trent Alexander-Arnold has been a regular inclusion in the Scout Picks this season

Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.2m) remains a favourite of the Scout Squad panel, chosen as the best option in defence by three of them this week. Liverpool may not have kept a Premier League clean sheet at Anfield this season but they have conceded the fewest big chances of any side in the last four matches. Meanwhile, Alexander-Arnold remains the top defender for chances created in that period, fashioning eight more than any other player in his position.

Nicolas Otamendi (£5.5m) continues to be the most nailed-on Manchester City defender, which should see him do well against Wolves this weekend. The visitors had another exerting Europa League encounter on Thursday night and had to play nine of the players who beat Watford in Gameweek 7. That is far from the ideal preparation for a trip to the Etihad Stadium when Wolves have had troubles in front of goal this season. Only four teams have scored fewer goals than them on the road in 2019/20, while Manchester City have conceded the fewest number of shots in the last four matches.

Matt Lowton (£4.5m) joins the Scout Picks as part of a Burnley defensive double-up. We’ve already covered the Clarets’ clean sheet potential in Gameweek 8, why it’s the right-back getting the nod is his creativity. Erik Pieters may have more assists of any other Burnley defender this season but Lowton has created more chances than any other colleague bar Ashley Westwood. 

Despite graduating from the £4.0m bracket, John Lundstram (£4.5m) can still offer plenty of value in Gameweek 8. Watford remain in the bottom three for big chances this season while Sheffield United kept a clean sheet on their last away trip. Meanwhile, Lundstram continues to be a creative force for the Blades, only four players in the whole league fashioning more big chances than him in the first seven matches.

Midfielders

Salah has been reliable in home matches in all competitions this season

The Scout Squad have retained faith in Mohamed Salah (£12.5m), even ahead of a tricky meeting with Leicester City. The Foxes defence has been in good shape in recent weeks but Salah has done very well at Anfield this season. Every Premier League match there in 2019/20 has seen him produce attacking returns and if we factor in the latest Champions League outing, he has six goals in all competitions in front of his own fans this season.

A midweek rest for Raheem Sterling (£12.1m) should put him in a good place for the visit of Wolves to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Not only did the midfielder get most of the Dinamo Zagreb off, he also provided a goal and assist when he took to the pitch as a substitute. As already mentioned, Wolves have not had the best preparation for this trip and have conceded in each of their last two away matches. Gameweek 8 was another one in which we also like the prospects of Aguero but we could not quite squeeze him and Sterling into the line-up, the latter definitely a much more likely starter this weekend.

Two goals in two for John McGinn (£5.8m) has firmly placed the Aston Villa midfielder on the Fantasy radar once again. So far this season, only two players have registered more shots on target than McGinn, which bodes well for a trip to Norwich this weekend. The Canaries have conceded 15 goals in the first seven matches, only Watford have shipped more, and are yet to keep a clean sheet at Carrow Road in 2019/20.

Forwards

Fresh from a midweek rest, Aubameyang is back in the Scout Picks once again

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£11.0m) is still yet to blank this season so it is hard to see his scoring run ending in a home match against Bournemouth. The Cherries have conceded five times in their three away matches this season and have historically struggled at the Emirates Stadium.

Tammy Abraham (£7.6m) looks in a good place to reward his owners’ patience in Gameweek 8. In the last four matches, he is behind only Aguero for shots in the box and tops the league for efforts on target. A continuation of that trend at a Southampton side without a clean sheet at home this season should see Abraham do well.

Gameweek 8 should be the week that Teemu Pukki (£7.2m) returns to the Fantasy conversation. While Norwich have struggled on the road this season, they have been full of goals at Carrow Road. Pukki himself has averaged 13.3 points per game there in 2019/20 while Aston Villa have conceded seven goals across their three away matches so far.

Substitutes

Given that we fancy Sheffield United’s clean sheet chances this weekend, it makes sense to include Dean Henderson (£4.5m) on the bench. He was selected by three of our Scout Squad panel.

Harry Maguire (£5.5m) came close to making it into the final XI based on Newcastle’s problems in front of goal this season. Ahead of hosting Manchester United, the Magpies are yet to score more than once in a match this season and have blanked twice at home already.

John Fleck (£4.8m) could be a tidy differential for anyone looking to capitalise on Sheffield United’s favourable trip to Watford. He is joint-top among his colleagues for chances created over the last four matches and is second for shots inside the box.

As we discovered earlier this week, Chris Wood (£6.2m) stands a good chance of continuing his scoring run when Everton come to Turf Moor. In the last four Gameweeks, only three players have been afforded more big chances than the Burnley striker.

The Captain

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.

Community Champion

Representing the community against the Scout Picks in Gameweek 8 is Vobinho in Wengerland.

They have gone for a 3-4-3 of Dúbravka; Holebas, Schär, Alonso; Zaha, D Silva, Willian, Saka; Firmino, Aguero (c), Kane.

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 win for the Community Champion in Gameweek 7 as The Greenback Boogie won by a close 54-52 scoreline.

irfansheikh‘s winning margin of 16 points from Gameweek 7 is the latest score to beat for the 2019/20 season.

Lessons Learned from Gameweek 7

5,269 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Freshy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    TEAM - GW8 - £0.8m Bank
    Pope / (Button)
    TAA / Otamendi / Tomori / (Lundstram / Kelly)
    Salah / C-Sterling / Mount / McGinnn / (Cantwell)
    VC-Aubameyang / Abraham / Pukki

    Tomori and Mount are my differential from Scout picks.
    Hoping thats a good thing

    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Nice team

      I'd play Lundy over mcginn but that's just me

      1. emyoueffsee
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        No way. McGinn every day of the week.

    2. Ange Ball
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      I cap Pukki over sterling be interesting

  2. weaver93
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Start Cantwell or Lundstram?
    Cheers

    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Sorry too hard to call. Toss a coin

      1. weaver93
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        thanks mate

    2. emyoueffsee
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Lundstram can get cs points so him. He is less likely to get attacking returns of course but still retains a slight edge according to my algorithm.

      Seriously though go with your gut.

  3. davies
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Best midfielder/forward for one week only?

    6.5 maximum...

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

      Lamela maybe if there's early team news. Buendia, Yarm, plenty to pick from, not so much up top.

  4. batmaniac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Missed the price rise while in the US with work 🙁
    Any advice on this...

    2 FT and looking at maybe keeping one for the IB.

    A) Timori & Yarmalenko
    B) keep Digne and Cantwell
    C) Other (Save 1 FT)

    Pope
    Digne, TAA, Otta, Lund
    Sterling, Salah, Mount, Cantwell
    Pukki, Tammy
    (Button, KDB, Greenwood, Soyuncu)

  5. emyoueffsee
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Fellow Aguero owners how concerned are you with him been benched again?

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

      Slightly worried with the KDB injury and a couple of others and a light bench. Fingers crossed.

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

    Any advice on this lads?

    Lloris 4.0
    Lundstram Söyüncü dunk Digne VVD
    Salah KDB* Son Cantwell Mount
    Pukki Abraham Ayew

    A) KDB, Ayew > Auba, Yarmolenko (-4)
    B) KDB, Ayew, VVD > Auba, Mahrez, Cresswell (-8)
    C) KDB, Ayew, VVD > Auba, Mahrez, Tomori (-8)

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

      A

    2. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Very similar team ro mine. Fwiw im benching kdb and playing Ayew

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

    All correct here? Thanks

    Pope
    TAA Lundstram Kelly
    Sterling(vc) Son Mount McGinn
    Aguero(c) Aubameyang Abraham

    (Button Cantwell Rico Dunk)

    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Nice kun c over raz

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

        It’s on Kun at the moment

  8. JonSnow
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    I have a bit of an injury crisis with KDB, Cantwell and Hanley. Pretty poor bench so i am tempted on a -4 to ensure i get 11 players.
    Thinking of Cantwell -> Jorginho (currently 0.2itb) but open to other suggestions. I have tammy/tomori & Pukki currently.

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

      I did kdb cantwell to mount and yarmalenko

  9. NABIL - FPL otai
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Wish I can get Sterling for kdb but can only do that by dropping Salah, kun or son. And taking a hit. Mad to do it this week so hopefully it's a blessing in disguise.

    Come on Ayew vs Fabless hammers!

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

      Would probably be wanting to buy him back next game week anyway and lose the 0.2, i am in the same boat. Especially with Kun uncertainty.

      1. NABIL - FPL otai
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Yeah, I'm sure I'd be scrambling to bring him back later. Unless we know for certain that he's out for long. Gambling it atm

        Kun better repay my faith in him

  10. Man Chest Hair United
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Is callum Hudson worth a shout over mount? I want to bring one in. The 1 million saved is significant.

    Will mount start?

    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Mount has played all minutes. Lamps pst boy. CHO is a maverick pick, could work but mount is too good to ignore

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

      Mount should be good long term, but I have him and have a feeling he will start on the pine tomorrow...pressures of getting Pulisic minutes doesn't help

  11. Ange Ball
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    What's everyone doing with KdB? I got him in 9.6m I'm getting 9.8m his 10m. Will he drop to 9.7m in the next 3 weeks? Bringing in Son or Pepe for hit seems so backwards If KdB only out for one week, but saying that he might get managed mins for Palace.

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

      I’m in the same boat! I would need him to drop to 9.8m in order to get him back as my itb is 0

      Will he drop twice is the question.. surely people won’t keep dropping him during international break?

    2. Arctic monkeys
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Not sure it's worth two transfers + whatever value you'll lose.

      Bought him for 9.5 and keeping for the moment.

    3. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Probably keeping, coz i already got son, and not feeling like taking a hit

  12. Firefoxed
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Play 1.

    Lundstram
    Digne

    1. Ange Ball
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Digne

    2. Nabs Kebabs
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Digne

  13. Ógie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    When pictures of KDB in training emerge tomorrow moving like a graceful ballerina right before his flag is lifted and his price protected will be some smack in the face of all the sellers.

    I honestly reckon Pep plays fpl and manipulates us suckers for his own ends.

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Sounds like a dream.

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

      Imagine 😆

      Even for Pep, thats too far!

      1. Ógie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        He is setting everyone up,i can smell it.

        He said on Friday that "No, tomorrow is not fit" but did not say if he might be ok for Sunday at 2pm when City play.

        KDB being left out of the Belgian squad is all what Pep really wanted.

    3. Lukey27
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Keep dreaming mate

    4. Ange Ball
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Lol that be brilliant

  14. Kane Train
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Do we think Aguero will start?

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

      I think so

    2. Ange Ball
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Benched my thought

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

      There u go...gl

    4. OptimusBlack
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      🙁

    5. emyoueffsee
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      In the corresponding fixture last season Jesus started and bagged a dbl. I am an Aguero owner too but anything could happen.

    6. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Yeah but hard to trust him with armband.

  15. Pigeon
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    On wildcard would you consider Cantwell as 4th mid?

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

      I would try to get to mcginn...but if you are going very heavy attack, and can run 3 in the middle from time to time, could be work out nicely

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

      Only if you plan to start 3 mids most weeks.

  16. mazkills
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Tough call here.

    Rank these 3

    1)Cantwell
    2)Lundstram
    3)Pieters

    1 will play for sure (KDB)

    1. kysersosa
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      If Pope isn’t your keeper 3, 1, 2

      If he is, 1, 3, 2

  17. kysersosa
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Managers, Right subs/set up?

    Pope
    Ota, Lundstram, Tomori
    Sterling, Son, Cantwell(I know a doubt), Mount
    Pukki, Abraham,(A)ubameyang

    Button, Diop, Soy, kdb

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

      Ready to roll

      1. kysersosa
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks

  18. Nabs Kebabs
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Good to go?

    Pope
    TAA Digne Lundstram
    Sterling(c) Son Mount Cantwell
    Wilson Abraham Pukki

    Henderson Tomori Soyuncu KDB(!) (-4)...1.5m ITB

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

      I'd consider Tomori in the starting 11

      1. Nabs Kebabs
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Ahead of Lund who has 2 double figure hauls and racked up plenty of bonus points? There's every chance Tomori may come on or Cantwell anyway.

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

          Nah, Cantwell would make way for me...I only said consider, it's a tough call. I would play Cantwell at 100%, but now not sure.

  19. emyoueffsee
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    If you had 2 ft would you do Aguero and Barnes to Auba and Tammy?

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

      Yep

      1. emyoueffsee
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Any reasons?

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

          Chelsea run
          Auba.
          Get Sterling instead

    2. Bring back Rafa
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Yes

      1. Bring back Rafa
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Auba can match Kun. Tammy significantly better than Barnes

  20. Ange Ball
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Cap
    A) Pukki current for rank
    B) Sterling
    C) Salah

    1. kysersosa
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Pukki

    2. Arctic monkeys
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Raz

  21. Aftermath
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Team gtg?

    Heaton
    TAA Otamendi Lundstram
    Saka Son Mahrez Yarmolenko
    Auba(C) Vardy Tammy

    Button Rico Aurier KDB

    Did Hayden-> Saka. Hope the punt pays off

    1. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Very fun team. Good luck!

    2. Stupendous
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Nice

  22. Canary_Kid
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    So is it looking likely for there to be a Bernardo Silva ban? If so Mahrez will be essential imo

    1. kysersosa
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Or D Silva

      1. EMBOLOFAN
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        whats he getting banned for? 😀

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

          "Racist" tweets towards Mendy. Was just a joke between two long time friends. The thought of any punishment is stupid but may happen

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

      Fine & educational course more likely & practical.

    3. EMBOLOFAN
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      not likely no

  23. OptimusBlack
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    I want to ask two questions
    1 - Who out to Get AUBA
    A- Abraham
    B- Pukki
    C- Kün
    D- Keep
    2- Sell Both KDB & Cantwell for -4 pts
    A- Yaaay
    B- Naaay

    1. Arctic monkeys
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      D
      B

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

      Defo D for now, Pukki at home is dangerous, Abraham should hit form again, and never sell Kun haha

      1. OptimusBlack
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Okay Thank You

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

      C
      A

  24. KEEEEEZ
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Best 1-week punt to go crazy before WC:
    KDB, Haller (-4) to:

    a: Aguero, McGinn (1.2 to spend)
    b: Auba, McGinn (2.4 to spend)
    c: Sterling, Wood (0.9 to spend)

    Have no other city cover but KDB. Open to any other suggestions. Cheers

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

      city attacking cover*

    2. EMBOLOFAN
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      nah. just do kdb to someone

  25. Canary_Kid
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Pope
    Zinch Lund Guilbert
    Sterling Mane Son *Cantwell*
    Haller Abraham Pukki

    Button Montoya Soy *KDB*

    Not sure what to do with 2FTs.

    a) KDB to Mahrez? (losing lots of value when I buy back)
    b) Button to McGovern for 2 playing GKs for a couple weeks?
    c) Funding Haller to Auba somehow with Mane out possibly?

    Any other ideas? Cheers

  26. NUFCAndrew
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Hi. A quick question please 🙂

    A: Hayden + Son > Mount + Yarmolenko (Leaves Cantwell as 5th mid)

    B: Hayden + Aguero > Auba + Saka

    1. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      I'm looking st some similar options. Prefer McGinn over Yarmo tbh though.

  27. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Would you do Cantwell > McGinn for free?

    And will Zinvcenko start?

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

      Yeah but you know the risks trusting a Scot 😉

      Should, Mendy 90 midweek and Pep said he'd be easing him back.

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

      Yes
      60/40 yes?

    3. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Cheers all

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

    at least 1 bench will play. Do you like this order if it were your team?

    Lundstram - Pieters - Cantwell (have Pukki)

    1. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Cantwell has to be first bench. I'm starting him

    2. Klein
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Yup

  29. Stupendous
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Gtg? Holding Kev...

    Pope
    Lundstram Ota TAA
    Salah Sterling(c) Mount Saka
    Wood Pukki(v) Abraham

    Heaton KDB Montoya Soyuncu

    1. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Yes ready to go imo

      1. Stupendous
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks

  30. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    4 red flags in my team plus Cantwell and Kun in starting 11. 2 free transfers so plenty of options

    Can I get away with just Hayden to saka and save the transfers for IB?

    Team would be

    Pope
    Trent Lundstram Mings
    Salah (c) Son Cantwell* Saka
    Kun Abraham Pukki

    Woodman*, KDB*, Hanley*, Soyuncu

    Any suggestions would be great. 🙂

    1. Stupendous
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Could easily score big or alternatively could be 8 maybe 9 starters and a wildcard twitch.

      Interesting weekend ahead I feel

      1. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Unfortunately I've already blown my wildcard. I agree its going to be an interesting week!