Scout Picks

Salah returns to Scout Picks for FPL Gameweek 19

Mohamed Salah (£12.2m) makes an immediate return to the Scout Picks team for Gameweek 19.

After a week off, the Liverpool man comes back to the team ahead of a trip to Leicester.

We have also selected a Sheffield United double-up and chosen two players who will feature at Villa Park on Boxing Day.

With such a tight turnaround between Gameweeks, there was no Scout Squad article this week.

Instead, the Scout Picks XI was chosen by the Fantasy Football Scout editorial team.

We line up in the classic 3-4-3 formation, coming in at £82.0m, £1.0m inside our budget £83.0m.

Goalkeeper

Dean Henderson (£4.8m) is the first of our Sheffield United defensive double-up. Over the last four matches, no side in the Premier League has allowed fewer big chances than the Blades while Watford are still in the division’s bottom three for shots in the box, big chances and shots on target in away matches this season.

Defenders

Djibril Sidibé (£5.3m) is our representative from the Everton defence as they host Burnley. The Clarets come into Gameweek 19 bottom of the league for shots on target in away matches this season. Furthermore, over his last four outings, Sidibé has played the same number of key passes as colleague Lucas Digne but two of these have led to big chances while none have come from the left-back. His propensity to fashion higher quality chances may be why Sidibé has three assists since Gameweek 11 while Digne has just one.

John Lundstram (£5.2m) completes our Sheffield United double-up ahead of Gameweek 19. We’ve already covered the clean sheet potential for the Blades but, as we know by now, there are always opportunities for returns at the other end of the pitch with Lundstram. He has produced an attacking return in three of his last four at Bramall Lane.

Martin Kelly (£4.4m) is our chosen representative from the Crystal Palace defence on Boxing Day, who also offers greater spending elsewhere. They have kept three clean sheets in their last five and face a West Ham side that has blanked in three of their last five road-trips.

Midfielders

The Complete Guide to FPL Gameweek 18

Salah looks ready to burst back onto the Fantasy scene in a big way in Gameweek 19. Over his last four matches, the Egyptian is top of the league for shots in the box, joint-second for big chances and second for shots on target. That impressive form has yielded back-to-back double-figure hauls and we could see something similar on Boxing Day. Leicester’s defence has done well this year but we saw in Gameweek 18 that they are capable of conceding a few times when playing elite-level competition – a category that Salah certainly falls into.

Kevin de Bruyne (£10.4m) has been in exceptional form over the last two matches, producing four attacking returns in that time. Even dropped back into a slightly deeper role on paper when Manchester City hosted Leicester, the Belgian often pushed up behind the front-three acting as a number 10. Having recorded the third-most shots on target in the league over his last four, as well as the second-highest number of key passes, de Bruyne is showing the sort of form that suggests he can still deliver against a mean Wolves defence.

Dele Alli (£8.8m) has become the go-to Spurs attacking asset after Son Heung-min’s ill-judged actions against Chelsea. While he blanked on Sunday afternoon, a home meeting with Brighton is the perfect opportunity for Alli to get back in the goals. The Seagulls come to north London having conceded at least twice in four of their last six away matches. Meanwhile, Alli is still averaging 6.8 points per game under Jose Mourinho.

Jack Grealish (£6.3m) has been a solitary bright spark for Aston Villa in recent weeks, adding his third goal in five Gameweeks in the 3-1 defeat to Southampton. Also in the mix for penalty kicks, Grealish faces a Norwich defence with one clean sheet in nine. Furthermore, in that time, they have conceded at least twice in all but two matches.

Forwards

Adding his 17th goal of the season against Manchester City, it’s getting harder and harder to leave Jamie Vardy (£10.1m) out of the Scout Picks. After rewarding us with nine points in Gameweek 18, the Leicester man receives our backing once again as Liverpool come to the King Power Stadium. Over his last four, Vardy is inside the top four for shots in the box, big chances and shots on target, suggesting once again that his form is sustainable. Meanwhile, Liverpool’s defensive potential may take a slight knock from the travelling required to participate in Qatar’s Club World Cup competition and they are still yet to keep a clean sheet against any other side in this season’s top four anyway.

Tammy Abraham (£7.9m) may have blanked in four of his last five starts but a home match against Southampton looks like a good chance for him to get back in the goals. The Saints come to Stamford Bridge without a clean sheet since Gameweek 5 and Abraham himself has registered 13 shots in the box over his last four, second only to Salah.

The Christmas party you attend this year could very well be hosted by Teemu Pukki (£6.6m) as he continues to show some resurgence. Over his last four, the Norwich striker is in the Premier League’s top five for shots in the box, big chances and shots on target, with two goals to show for it as well. On Boxing Day, Pukki faces an Aston Villa defence in disarray that has allowed more shots in the box and big chances than any other top-flight side in the last four Gameweeks.

Substitutes

Vicente Guaita (£5.1m) is an alternative route into the Crystal Palace defence.

Serge Aurier (£5.1m) could be an important outlet for Spurs against Brighton in Gameweek 19.

While Aston Villa’s defence has been hugely lacking in recent weeks, Matt Targett (£4.4m) has shown signs of offensive potential which could be brought to the fore against Norwich’s equally poor back-line.

Todd Cantwell (£4.8m) represents a cheaper route into the Norwich attack which we expect to have plenty of joy against Villa’s out-of-form defence.

The Captain

The Scout Picks 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.

Here’s how we voted for Gameweek 19: 

Community Champion

Representing the community against the Scout Picks in Gameweek 19 is FPL_SMR.

Their team will be confirmed in due course.

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.

Community Champion Mince n Tatties was defeated in Gameweek 18, the Scout Picks winning by a 49-39 scoreline.

The current winning margin of 17 points recorded by irfansheikh in Gameweek 7 and AK in Gameweek 10 remains the score to beat.

616 Comments Post a Comment
  1. The Man Pastore
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    G2G?

    Henderson
    LundstramTargett Kelly
    Mane KDB Maddison Alli
    Vardy Rashford Abraham(c)

    Button Cantwell Chilwell Lowton

  2. HollywoodXI
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Maddison benching correct?

    Pope
    Aurier Lundstram Kelly
    Salah KDB Alli Mount
    Vardy Rashford Abraham

    Button Maddison Söyüncü Rico

    1. estheblessed
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Yes

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

    7/11. That's going to go well!

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

    Son is actually ruining my christmas so far, i've spent hours now pondering over a replacement and still dont like any of them! I was all set to roll the transfer this week as well

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I'm still rolling the transfer, will take whatever Soyuncu returns. Better than making wrong decision.

      1. Tempestic
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Fair, i'll lose 0.1 today tho if he drops which is annoying. I've also got Soy benched, honestly fed up of trying to come to an answer at this point so might join you. Very uninspiring set of players to choose from!

    2. JT11fc
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Moura

      1. Tempestic
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Honestly i might just do Moura, which is ridiculous having spent so long since hes the most obvious choice. Have Alli already tho

        1. Jafoole_88
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Harry Kane will absolutely jizZ it this gameweek. You heard it here first

          1. Tempestic
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            I think he might but i cant get him in without serious surgery so gonna have to avoid

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

    Ings to Abraham?

    I'm reluctant as Ings has been on fire but his fixtures look pretty tough and Abraham is due.

    Thoughts...

    1. FPL ElasticO
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Keep Tammy

      1. estheblessed
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        What I mean is transfer Ings to Abraham

        1. CheesyZoot
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          I did this move and am planning on captaining him

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

    Aurie or Digne/Sidibe/Holgate?

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Digne

      1. FPL ElasticO
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Sidibe played better last couple of GWks....

        1. Holmes
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Yep but Coleman lurking

    2. tucaoneo
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I am a huge Digne fan but I feel Holgate could be the new Soyuncu. That said I might still go Digne.

    3. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Digne

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

      Digne for me

  7. FPL ElasticO
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Is it worth doing flip flop with Cantwell for Son then Richarlison / Maddison for Cantwell??

  8. HNI
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Who would u remove for Salah
    1) Alli
    2) Maddison
    cant have all as playing 3-4-3 and cant think of removing any from Cantwell, grealish, rash ,abraham, vardy

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Alli

    2. FPL ElasticO
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Maddison if u have to get rid otherwise wait this week then move Rashford out

    3. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Abraham

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

    Any help on who to bring in with this midfield to replace Son and why? I cant decide at all.
    Current lineup is Mane KDB Alli Grealish - max £9.9
    A) Pogba
    B) Rich
    C) Maddi (would have to start this week anyways)
    D) Moura
    E) Other

    1. WVA
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Rich, reliable returns, good fixtures and new manager to impress!

      1. Tempestic
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        My worry is the majority of his big chances come from headers.
        1) Will he even start up front
        2) Burnley dont concede a lot of headers and then its newcastle and city after that.. doesnt look brilliant to me.
        3) Everton managed 0 shots on target vs arsenal! I didnt even know that was possible?!

        Still definitely an option tho.

    2. CMJC
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I’m backing Pogba but it’s risk...how about Zaha against Roberto?
      Moura feels like a safe if perhaps slight sideways move.

      1. Tempestic
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Just sold zaha, the guy doenst shoot. Took my 8 points and ran. Having said that Roberto is awful and palace do have lovely fixtures but i'm not going there again i dont think, it'd be triple palace again also.
        Tempted by Moura but uncertain over how spurs will lineup/perform without Son

    3. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      There is no perfect fit. I think we have to accept that you have to pick a favourite punt and reverse it when it goes wrong!

      1. Tempestic
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Yeh i'm really struggling with that i think. I always try find someone i have little to no doubts about when transferring in someone but theres so many question marks over every option atm, i'm definitely over thinking things.

        1. Fpl Richie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Maybe just pick someone fun. It's Christmas etc 🙂

  10. Dazzrb
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Trent and Son > Digne and Salah for free?

    Already have Mané and KDB...

    1. ArseneAllTheWay
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Yes

    2. WVA
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      You got Alli?

      1. Dazzrb
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        No... Although he could haul against Brighton.. I have enough funds for Salah

        1. Tempestic
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          But only if u sell TAA?

        2. WVA
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Keep TAA
          Son > Alli

          1. Tempestic
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            I agree

  11. ArseneAllTheWay
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Rate my wildcard team?

    Guaita (Button)
    Evans, Soy, Lund (Kelly, Rico)
    Kdb, Salah, Mane, Grealish (Cantwell)
    Jimi, Abraham, Vardy

    Only thing I’m not keen on is two double ups in defence. Thoughts?

    1. JT11fc
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Gomez instead of Soy

      1. ArseneAllTheWay
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Nailed?

        1. Tempestic
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          He is rn with matip and dejan out, i think he might nail his spot in the team long term as well. My MOTM against flamengo.

  12. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Final call before Santa comes... possibly go Salah(C) in B.

    A. Son >> Richarlison
    B. Son+TAA >> Salah+Kelly (-4)

    Pope
    Lundy • Aurier • TAA
    Mané • Son* • KDB • Alli • Grealish
    Vardy • Tammy
    (McGov. Greeny. Soy. Rico*)

    1. Tempestic
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I'd want to keep Trent tbh, liverpool just starting to keep a few cleansheets and i live the gomez VVD partnership. How come u've decided on Rich?

      1. Tempestic
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        like*

      2. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Best of a not so great bunch

        1. Tempestic
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Yeh he probably is. As i just said above my worry with Rich is the majority of his big chances come from headers.
          1) Will he even start up front
          2) Burnley dont concede a lot of headers and then its newcastle and city after that.. doesnt look brilliant to me.
          3) Everton managed 0 shots on target vs arsenal! I didnt even know that was possible?!

          Still definitely an option tho.

    2. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      If you can afford to keep Son this week I would consider Tammy & Son to Maupay & Salah for GW20.

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Would mean playing Greenwood??

    3. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      What happened to Pogba? 🙂
      I'm completely baffled too. Overthinking as usual. There is no perfect fit. I think I only really like -4's which get me either Grealish and Kane (for Son Jimi), Rash and Rich (same out's) and Pogba Digne (for Son Soy/Rico).

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        I’m not going Pogba haha. Too risky. Silly really. So which of these pal?

        A. Son >> Richarlison
        B. Son+TAA >> Salah+Kelly (-4)
        C. Save and play Greeny

        1. Fpl Richie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Losing TAA for a player who only has 3-4 weeks of nailedness isn't smart overall. A I guess but like you I hate them all really. Is it him or nobody now?

          1. RAFA THE GAFFA
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Him or Pogba. I think he might do well for 2 weeks then switch to Maddy?

            1. Fpl Richie
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              Good idea. Pogba same issue!

  13. LIARS POKER
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Start Ings (CHE) or Cantwell (avl)?

    1. Romford Pele - Don't w…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      ings

      1. Here's Tom with the We…
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        I’m starting Cantwell, as I think Ings will be rested

    2. CMJC
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Cantwell for me against that villa defence

  14. Romford Pele - Don't w…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    I have two free transfers, so instead of burning one, i may do Heaton --> Ramsdale two gw's earlier than planned. Or should I stay with Heaton?
    Is there another GK for £4.6 or under I should consider?

    1. WVA
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Get rid of Heaton

    2. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Keeping Heaton this week myself.

    3. Relaxing
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      How much is Ben Foster?

      1. Dennis System
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Theres no way of telling

  15. Cant fit my Willian
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Pope (Button)
    TAA Lund Kelly (Soy, Rico)
    KDB Mane Alli Grealish (Maddison)
    Ings Vardy Abraham

    GTG for this GW? Debating transferring out Pope for Ryan or Guaita for free this week. Thoughts?

    1. JT11fc
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Guita

  16. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Who’s your Captain people? The only time I ever like to take a hit is to get a captain I want, and this might be the week. Hmm

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Pukki

    2. WVA
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Kevin D Best player in the league

      1. Relaxing
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Snap

    3. Jullepuu
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Tammy

    4. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Probably Tammy unless I get Kane.

    5. Pinturicchio10
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Salah

      • Dosh
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Took the hit for Kane

      • diesel001
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Abraham the man.

        1. Here's Tom with the We…
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Going Mané. But he I don’t own Salah, Tammy or Kane

      • Karan14
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Rashford

      • Tempestic
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Wow amazing how varied it is this week

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

        Lundstram

    6. Nightf0x
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Buton (ryan)
      Kely lund aurier (taa soy)
      Kdb son mane grelish (dendo)
      Vardy tamy rash

      2 ft before gw20 WC, which? ( 1 gw transfers with TV 13.9)

      A) Son to:
      alli/moura - zaha - richar/siggy - cantwel - puli/mount

      B) buton to:
      hendo - pickford (if A) alli cant get him) - guaita

      1. JT11fc
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        A Moura
        B Guita

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

      Tempted to get rid of TAA. Really want KDB : Form, Fixtures and almost everyone in my mini-league have him.

      This is my defenders :

      Chillwell, PVA, Kelly, Kiko Feminia (coming in for TAA) and Lundy

      1. WVA
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Ditch PVA

    8. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Grealish captain anyone?

      1. Holmes
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        As good as any

      2. WVA
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Did it last gw and it worked nicely

    9. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      No Kane.
      Interesting

      1. Now I'm Panicking
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Own FPL team bias

        1. Weasel Boy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Seems like it

      2. diesel001
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        He's a flopster though. How many times does he fail to deliver against so called 'weak' opposition?

        1. Weasel Boy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          I had him and he flopped so ditched him and he got 2 goals and an assist vs Burnley.

          Typical

    10. Kroos Kontrol
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Gtg? Pity Cantwell is on the bench.

      Pope
      Kelly Lundstram TAA
      Mane KdB Alli Grealish
      Rashford(c) Abraham Vardy

      Bench: McGovern, Cantwell, Targett, Soyuncu

      1. Here's Tom with the We…
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Great team. No way can you bench anyone for Cantwell, unfortunately.

    11. Nightf0x
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Which? (WC gw20)

      A) taa or dendo or rash out, start ryan play 442/352/343, bench/replace rash
      B) buton out, bench ryan rash play 343

    12. LIARS POKER
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Ings to Tammy?

      Happy with all the points Ings has got be since doing the reverse move a few weeks ago, but the smart thing might be to swap them back now the fixtures are turning...

    13. BATISTUTA ®
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      G2g ??
      Hendo
      Lund-TAA-Aurier*
      KDB-Grealish-Alli-Zaha
      Aguero-Kane(C)-Vardy

      Upgrading Aurier to Digne this gw then WC next

    14. Liastro ⭐️
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      1FT, 3.9m in the bank - any glaring moves or should I save?

      Henderson Button
      Soyuncu Lundstram Mings Kelly Rico
      Sterling Mane Alli Grealish
      Vardy Jimenez Ings

      1. WVA
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Get a better defender?

    15. doppelganger
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Who to play next week?

      Schmeichel Pope
      Lundy Taa Pereira Aurier Rico
      Mane Alli Cantwell Zaha Grealish
      Vardy Rashfordinho Ings

      TAA or Pereira?
      Schmeichel or Pope?
      Cantwell or Ings?

      Cheers

    16. SheBangsTheDrums
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Anyone need shipping this week?

      Gazz
      TAA Kelly Lundy
      Mane KDB Alli Grealish
      Vardy Abraham Jimmy

      Button Dendonker Soy Rico

    17. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Bench two, play two:

      A) Kelly
      B) Maddison
      C) TAA
      D) VVD

      1. Here's Tom with the We…
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        I would play B and C

        1. Bobby Digital
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          It's a tough one, doing my head in.

    18. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Bench?

      A) Cantwell (avl)
      B) Jimenez (MCI)

      1. Holmes
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Tough, probably Cantwell

    19. CheesyZoot
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Chance of Tammy not starting this week?

      1. ThisTimeNxtYrRodney
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        I think Saturday will be the unpredictable day after the exertions of boxing day. There could be lots of rotation, especially among the big teams with larger squads.