Scout Picks

Gameweek 34+ Scout Picks focus on Manchester clubs

The Gameweek 34+ Scout Picks has double-up on Manchester City attacking assets for their meeting with Newcastle.

We are expecting a reaction from Pep Guardiola’s men after their defeat at Southampton, which should produce big points for key FPL options.

As per usual, the editorial team have chosen this XI, this week lining up in 3-5-2 once more, coming in at £0.3m below our £85.0m budget.

Goalkeeper

Despite something of a blip against Arsenal in Gameweek 33+, Wolves’ defence is still one of the best over the last four matches, recording the lowest expected goals conceded (xGC) score in that time. For that reason, Rui Patrício (£5.3m) was an easy inclusion in the Scout Picks as Nuno Espirito Santo’s men travel to Sheffield United.

Defenders

No defender has created more chances than Cesar Azpilicueta (£6.0m) over the last four matches while Crystal Palace have conceded more shots in the box than any other side in the same period. Meanwhile, the Eagles have scored the fewest goals at home this season, potentially setting Azpilicueta up for a double-figure haul at Selhurst Park.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£5.5m) is our choice from the Manchester United defence as they hope to right the wrongs of conceding twice against Bournemouth. Aston Villa have lacked too attacking threat since they made the switch to a more conservative defence, while United have clean sheets in six of their last nine matches. Meanwhile, Wan-Bissaka has found some creativity recently, denied a third assist in as many matches by the offside flag in Gameweek 33+.

Craig Dawson (£4.8m) has registered the joint-most shots in the box of any defender over the last four matches and also tops this chart among all Watford players, including the attacking midfielders and forwards. That gives him the advantage against a Norwich side who still have not scored since the Premier League restarted.

Midfielders

 1

Mohamed Salah (£12.6m) and Liverpool may have struggled in their last two matches, but there were some glimmers of hope in the second half against Aston Villa. We’ve gone with the Egyptian as he tops the charts for shots on target and chances created among his colleagues over the last four.

Kevin De Bruyne (£10.8m) has delivered attacking returns in every match he has started since Gameweek 30+. In such outings, he has produced three goals, two assists, two double-digit hauls and an average of 12 points per game. Considering the rest he had at the weekend, the Belgian looks ready to start against a Newcastle side that could not keep clean sheets against Aston Villa, Bournemouth and West Ham.

Son Heung-min (£9.8m) forms part of our Spurs double-up against a woefully out-of-form Bournemouth defence. The Cherries have conceded more goals than any other side since the Premier League restarted (12), while Son was the more dangerous Spurs asset in their win over Everton.

Bruno Fernandes (£8.9m) has been on fire recently. Even handing a penalty to Marcus Rashford against Bournemouth, the Portuguese international was still able to make use of his direct free-kick and creativity abilities to score and assist twice. Since the Premier League came back, Fernandes has averaged 10.5 points per Gameweek, more than any of his colleagues. That’s why we have him down as the most likely Manchester United player to breach Aston Villa’s improved defence.

Phil Foden (£5.4m) also gets to face that brittle Newcastle defence in Gameweek 34+, the Englishman equally as dangerous as De Bruyne in recent times. He has returned points in every home game since the restart, racking up four goals, an assist, two double-digit hauls and 34 points.

Forwards

Harry Kane (£11.0m) may have put on a sub-par display against Everton, but that Bournemouth defence is too good an opportunity to turn down. Despite appearances, Kane has still been afforded the second-highest number of big chances since the Premier League came back. If the Cherries continue in their current form on Thursday night, he could be handed even more than usual.

Mason Greenwood (£4.6m) has quickly become an auto-include budget option for Fantasy managers. He has started the last three matches in a row, impressing in all of them. With his place in the side finally locked down, Greenwood’s two double-digit hauls in as many outings are enough to warrant inclusion even against Villa’s improved back-line.

Substitutes

Ben Foster (£4.9m) is an alternative route into the Watford defence as they prepare to host a toothless Norwich side.

Joe Gomez (£5.3m) is still a budget-friendly route into Liverpool’s defence that got back on track with a clean sheet against Aston Villa at the weekend.

Eric Garcia (£4.5m) is a cheap route into the Manchester City defence who could repay those who take a punt on Pep Roulette midweek. The Citizens have conceded the joint-fewest number of goals in home matches this season (12).

But Dwight Gayle (£5.0m) also offers potential even against Manchester City. Since the Premier League came back, he has received more big chances than any other player, registering a goal or an assist in each of his last three outings.

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 is usually known only to those who have signed up to Membership for the 2019/20 season and revealed to the public only when the deadline has passed.

Here’s how we voted:

3,147 Comments Post a Comment
  1. JELLYFISH
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    I can see Azpil pickers being left shot changed...

    1. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Had him on my FH in GW33 so have already pocketed his points haul

      1. JELLYFISH
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Nice

    2. Chip fat
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      im gonna resist the -4 hit for him, tho he did look sharp as on motd.

  2. DandyDon
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    spurs double up. gulp. no spurs for me....

  3. Tonyawesome69
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    I should go with my gut and do Jimenez to Kane (-4)?

    1. DandyDon
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      jimmy brace incoming

  4. nikornla
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    For -4

    Saint-Maximin, Kane ->

    A) Salah
    B) Mane

    1) Connolly
    2) Nketiah

    1. nikornla
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      OR Keep

    2. Chip fat
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      you mean u want St-M and Kane in, for I'd say A2

      1. nikornla
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        No, St-M and Kane out for some combo

  5. SHOWSTOPPERRR
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Guys any chance of team leaks through fpl rockstar today?

  6. Distinctly Average
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Start Wolves or Sheffield defence?

    1. The Strokes
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Wolves

      1. Distinctly Average
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        My thoughts too tbh.

        Tough call though - could easily go the other way

    2. Cruz88
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Depends if you read into stats. According to xGC (expected goals conceded), Sheff are bottom of the league over the last four, and Wolves are top.

      So yeah...3-0 Sheffield I suppose 🙂

  7. The Strokes
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Play Jimmy (shu) or Aurier (Bou) ?

    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      In isolation Jimmy, SHU conceding chances a lot. But if wanted to join Spurs (BOU) party and not having any other Spurs players then Aurier ...

  8. Magic Zico
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Greenwood 22% EO Top 10K last week, what is he now around 60%?

  9. otisss
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Anyone considering KDB triple captain?

    Or is it best to hold it for a better GW?

    1. jdp219
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      gw36 seems a decent use of TC.

  10. DIMITRIS
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Sould I go -4 to get Foden and bench or DCL/Rasford ford this GW.
    I'm chasing 50 point lead ...

  11. BENOIT
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Jimi ---> Jesus worth -4?

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

      Absolutely not for me, don’t think it makes any sense - but based on this season it’ll probably go great!

    2. The Strokes
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      If that can help I have both and last week both brought me amazing figure 2 and 1

  12. Camzy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    I'm surprised the scouts didn't include Tomas Soucek as a defender this week. He's so clearly the best option. OoP defender playing against a Burnley team who have shown nothing going forward from open play and are slightly vulnerable at the back without Ben Mee.

    Salah as well with his awful away form and Brighton's fantastic xGC so far this season. Don't like it. Would rather have had Mane or Martial again frankly.

    1. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Soucek is a midfielder?
      Salah is a strange choice though I agree

      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Ah hmm you're right. Dunno why I thought Soucek was misclassified as a defender. Still a decent option for this week though.

    2. Bartowski
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      He's listed as a mid though?

    3. mixology
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      He’s listed as a midfielder. Immediately checked after his first goal 2 weeks back

    4. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I am surprised they do not have TAA. Son looks lost too.

    5. HammersXI
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Why would they list him? He is a midfielder in the game and not a defender. He isn’t going to flood in with points just cause he scored in the last 2

      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah I made a mistake. Thought Soucek was an OoP defender for some reason.

    6. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Scouts living on past glories.

    7. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      😆

  13. woodles
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Sarr to Foden worth a -4 or hold Sarr for one last game??

    1. DandyDon
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I would for one week

    2. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Sarr has Norwich does not get any better?

    3. Bobby_Baggio
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      keep Sarr

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

      I did it this week, Sarr's value has been plummeting

  14. Ask Yourself
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Dawson or Keane for the rest of the season? Both decent attacking threat on average defences with fairly okay fixtures

    1. cutch
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Yes, Keane was a very good attacking asset yesterday, lol.
      Just joking, of course. Seriously, I would go with Keane.

  15. Eagleowl
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    I’m on a Wild Card chasing the 50pts lead on my ML and planning to use BB on 35+.
    Any improvement ideas?

    Pickford
    Digne - Azpi - Laporte
    Martial - Bruno - KDB (c) - Son
    Greenwood - Kane - Deeney

    Subs: Martinez, Pulisic, Boly, Diop

    1,1m in the bank.

  16. YuvalFPL
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Should I bench boost?

    McCarthy, Nketiah, C.Taylor, Kiko

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

      I would not personally

    2. Patron
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      No

  17. cutch
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Tempted about a double hit:

    A) Saka and Jiménez
    B) Fernandes and Greenwod (-8)

    I would sell Cantwell and Jiménez, Saka would be mi first sub, exact money

    Another option would be selling Vardy instead of Jiménez, but there is Bournemouth in the way next GW...

    Thanks in advance!

    1. Red Rock
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I think keep Saka and sell Cantwell if you can.

      Both transfers should make up the -8 in theory

      1. Chip fat
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        sold saka last week 🙁 he's gonna be buzzin after that goal

  18. KennyKickIt127
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Hi Peeps, a little bit of friendly advice needed.

    I'm thinking whether its worth using the FH this week as I can see a number of changes that could be beneficial.

    My Current team is:

    Fab Martinez
    TAA Doch Lascelles Kiko (Ngakia .... don't ask)
    Salah Bruno Martial Traore Foden
    Rash Kane Jimi

    I have 0.9 ITB and 1 FT

    I am thinking of FH to the following

    Fab Foster
    Garcia Doch Lascelles Kiko Aurier
    KDB Bruno Martial Son Foden
    Rash Kane Wellbeck

    Is it worth this or can you see a way to just do 1/2 transfers and save the FH?

    Possibly Ngakia to Garcia and/or Traore to Antonio/Soucek

    Any help welcome, thanks!

    1. Steadzz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      PErsonally i think Welbeck is too big a punt. FH with no Liverpool against a Brighton team that could roll over also a bit risky.

      I would say hold onto the free hit token.

      1. KennyKickIt127
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks! Yeah I am not too keen on it....but can't see many more opportunities other than last GW to use it. Plus I would much rather use TC on City v Norwich last game....but not sure.

    2. Champ
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Keep until 36 imo

      1. KennyKickIt127
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah that's the only other GW I see as the possibility of using it

  19. Steadzz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Antonio or Bowen?

    1. KennyKickIt127
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Antonio for me

    2. SHOWSTOPPERRR
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Antonio

    3. cutch
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Antonio as of current form

  20. FDMS All Starz
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Who to cap?

    A) Mane

    B) Kdb

    C) Bruno

    D) Martial

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

      Theirs a poll for that

    2. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      B

    3. Bobby_Baggio
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      b

    4. joker14
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      KDB at home usually doesn't disappoint if he gets at least 70 minutes.
      On the other hand, Martial's away form is nowhere near his home form.
      I'd say B>C>A>D

  21. andy85wsm
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Drawn to Antonio over Pulisic but wish it wasn't Burnley straight up....they haven't conceded very many goals at all, at least not big hauls. City aside...

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

      Anything to stop a Pope clean sheet...

    2. andy85wsm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Or could just get Foden and then Kane up front instead of Jesus!

      1. KennyKickIt127
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        ^This

      2. SAY MY NAME
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Foden/Kane sounds better to me (although i do expect Kane will disappoint, but if there is a game where he can do it, it's Bournemouth, and he loves a goal against Arsenal - unless you go with Vardy the next match and go with the targeting Bournemouth plan)

  22. Ini
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Sarr --> Martiail for a -4? Seems like a silly questions but Sarr at home v Norwich is making me hesitate.

    1. andy85wsm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I know what you mean with that fixture.

      Long term it will pay off, but for this week.....not sure!

      I think I would make the move for my own team, but if someone else was thinking about it I'd probably err on the side of caution

      1. Ini
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Thx Andy. It's also a nice differential. I have Bruno and Greenwood, so tripling up away to a tight AVL may not be needed immediately and I intended to get him next.

    2. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Id do it

    3. FPL Theorist
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Wait and do for free next week.

  23. Revival
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Start Boly or Kiko?

    1. Chip fat
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      going with kiko, hoping he gets taken off after 1hr with clean sheet points

  24. Patron
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Salah or Mahrez out for KDB (c)?

    1. james 101
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      S

  25. megatron14
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Who to start?

    Giroud or Saka? I'm currently on Saka. Arsenal usually perform well against Leicester. Palace can be tricky...

    1. Bartowski
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Saka

    2. Patron
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Lol, Giroud

    3. megatron14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Sweet

  26. james 101
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    It’s just a coin toss between Bruno and Kev for captain isn’t it?

    1. Patron
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Its KDB for me

      1. james 101
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I’ve gone back and forth.

        I think I’m going Bruno.

        Just as they need the win more.

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

      I’d make a strong case for KDB

      Villa have definitely improved defensively and are fighting for their lives. Their issue is they can’t score a goal for love mor money. I don’t see united running up a huge number of goals vs them.

      City will be furious after losing to saints. Newcastle are usually Man City’s whipping boys (look at how they embarrassed them in the cup). City are at home. KDB is rested and key to their play. Newcastle have loads of injuries / niggles.

      KDB for me all the way (Bruno vice)

      1. james 101
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Yes. All of that rings true also!!

      2. james 101
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I just think that Man U are in that frame of mind where if you get one you just start taking the ps out of opposition and scoring at will.

        But who knows

  27. juicewagz
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Pick one pair out of these to start:

    A) Doherty / Jimenez

    or

    B) Doherty / Saiss

  28. Bartowski
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Vardy or take a hit for Martial with Greenwood and Fern already? Ta

    1. Rt505
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Vardy

  29. Oh Maddison
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Salah to
    A. Sterling
    B. Foden
    C. Hold

    Gives me tripleup KDB, Mahrez, and X

    1. Bartowski
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Hodor

    2. Rt505
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Sterling

  30. FOO FIGHTER
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Who do you have playing tonight?

    Azpi and Pulisic

    1. james 101
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Willian and Puli

      1. james 101
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Oh. Marty also. Forgot him!

    2. FPL Theorist
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Pulisic and Foster

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

      Just martinez