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. Athletic Nasherbo
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Cantwell > Foden -4 Or

    Play DCL instead?

    1. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Just play dcl for me

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

    Scenes if KDB benched ...

    1. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Surely not

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

        My cap 🙁

        1. Steve The Spud
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Mine to!

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

      He is rested and city look like s*** without him.
      He we surely play at least I hope so.

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

      Not even worth considering

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

      Antonio buyers... who is he replacing?

      1. BrutalLogiC
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        fail

  3. OptimusBlack
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Pick one to play
    A- Aurier v.s BOU (A)
    B- Dawson v.s NOR (H)

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

      This is the only fixture to play Dawson in lol

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

    Who would you captain?

    A. KDB

    B. Bruno

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

      A

    2. OptimusBlack
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A

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

      read the article above

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

        Read the question above

    4. JfA
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      KDB, Villa have improved massively in defence and Man U can't keep scoring three to five goals every game, could be a cricket score against the toon missing Lascelles and our two other CB's, no St max or Hayden, unless we manage a Soton it's going to be the Alamo and our luck is due to turn 🙁

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

      Cheers guys

  5. King Kun Ta
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Looks like i've picked the wrong ManU-players on WC last week.....

    Willing to take -4.....AWB & Nketiah out for Greenwood & Aurier? Will Mahrez play? Or save the FT?

    Martinez Ryan
    AWB C.Taylor Doh Holgate* Robinson
    Salah Mahrez KdB Pulisic Bruno
    Nketiah Jimi Rashford

    0.3 ITB

    Ta for the feedback lads!

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I wouldn't do that move

      1. King Kun Ta
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Other suggestions? Or save?

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

    Got 2 FTs... what would you do...

    A - Rashford & Jimi -> Greenwood & Kane
    B - Mahrez & Jimi -> Foden & Kane
    C - Saka -> Foden & save FT

    1. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A) for me

  7. eamonhegg
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    GTG?

    Martinez
    Aurier / Docherty / TAA
    Mane / KDC (C) / Fernadez / Son
    Vardy / Jimmy / Greenwood

    Steke / Lamptey / Lascell / Hayden*

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

    Should I just save an FT can't make up my mind on whether to get Sterling and Kane. Shall I roll an FT instead?

    Pope
    TAA Maguire Aurier Doherty
    KDB Salah Bruno Mahrez Martial
    Jimi
    Martinez DCL Nketiah Fernandez

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

      If in doubt hold

      1. Rinseboy
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        cheers mate bench look right?

  9. Differential C (Mark)
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Foden (c) gang anyone?

    1. BrutalLogiC
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      brave

    2. super zlatan
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      brave. But could work

  10. DukeBen
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Trades already done for this GW, but have a question.

    Ederson
    Maguire TAA Doherty ______?
    Willian De Bruyne Foden Fernandes Martial
    Jiminez _______?

    Play 4-5-1 with Saiss
    or
    Play 3-5-2 with DCL

  11. DARE TO BISCAN
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Who to start?
    a) Saka
    b) Saiss (also have Doh)

    Captain?
    a) KDB
    b) Kane
    c) Fernandez

    1. DARE TO BISCAN
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      *c) Fernandes

  12. OptimusBlack
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Best two or 3 strikers for just this GW ?

    1. gers23
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Kane ,Greenwood and Auba imo

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

      Kane
      Rashford
      DCL (*gulp*)
      Greenwood

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

      Kane Deeney Greenwood

      1. super zlatan
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Kane, rash, greenwood

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

    Soz important question bottomed x

    Can’t get KDB/Sterling without a hit so who would you captain out of these? Tempted by Jesus after pep comments lol:
    A) Jesus
    B) Mahrez
    C) Bruno

    1. OptimusBlack
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      C

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

      C > B > A

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

      Yeah nice one guys

    4. DARE TO BISCAN
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      C

    5. tm370
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      c

  14. jorgenoj
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Pope - (Martin)
    TAA - Saiss - Aurier - (Lascelles - Simpson)
    Salah - KdB - Bruno - Martial - (Guendouzi)
    Rashford - Jimenez - DCL

    A) Guendouzi --> Foden (Bench DCL)
    B) Save FT

    1. DARE TO BISCAN
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A (unless you have multiple transfers in mind for next GW)

  15. OptimusBlack
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    For this GW only Son or Sterling ?

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

      Sterling

    2. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Sterling

      1. super zlatan
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        sterling

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

    How many players for you today? Only Pulisic here ... boring!

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

      Puli and Kiko. Tammy also on mine and probably Chelsea's bench!

  17. Saxe-Gotha
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Stuck on what to do. Would you make any changes?

    2 FT and 0.3 ITB:

    Martinez
    Doherty - Maguire - VvD
    KdB - Bruno (c) - Mane - Son
    Jimi - Rash - DCL

  18. Deeney-is-a-god
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    jimmy, doh-> kane, boly?

    Rather have kane than jimmy, and dont really know if doherty is even worth it atm

    1. tm370
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      If you are losing a Wolves defender based on their lack of clean sheet potential is it wise to bring in Boly? If you think they have that potential it is best to keep Doherty imo, in view of this run of form.

      Also is this for free or for a hit?

      1. Deeney-is-a-god
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        for free. Doherty is much more exspensive than boly (already have saiss), so my thoughts here is that it is not worth if if he gets the same amount of points as the other wolves defenders. Wolves does not look good in attack so not sure if doherty will get anymore goals/assists and he has to get some or else he is bad value when you have options like saiss or boly. Still rate a defensive double up since wolves are ususally solid defensively

  19. Apwilkin
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    That holgate injury blew my plans for this week...

    Current squad:
    Pope
    TAA-Doherty-Lascelles (Chillwell, Lascelles, Guendozi)
    Martial-Pulisic-KDB-Salah
    Rash-Jiminez-Greenwood

    2FT and 2.6M in the bank.

    Was originally going to downgrade rashford to a decent bench option like deeney, and upgrade guendozi to Bruno, then play a 3-5-2. But with Holgate, Chilwell and Lascelles all picking up knocks my defense is dangerously sparse.

    Stick to the plan and hope one of them come on the pitch? Or take a -4 and bring in a new defender as well?

    Or table the double transfer plan till next week and just bring in one new defender?

  20. reo19uk
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Sorry comment lost on last page

    So last decision to make on my FH.

    A) Martinez, Aurier, TAA with Taylor as my back up player on subs bench
    B) Lloris, Azpi, VVD with no back up sub on the bench

  21. Chucky
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Deeney Captain save my season please...

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

      I brought Deeney in last season ahead of Watford's game against Arsenal when Watford were banging and Arse were crap and Deeney got himself sent off. So, moral of the story is give up hope right now.

      1. Chucky
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        lol that was quite unfortunate... expecting a brace today 😀

  22. tm370
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Could do with some advice!

    This is my team
    Pope
    Trent, Maguire, Kiko,
    Salah, KDB, Pulisic, Saka, Fernandes
    Jiminez, Rashford,

    Martinez, Doherty, Nketiah, Justin

    I have two frees and 0.2 ITB and I'm thinking of one of three options.
    A Foden in for Saka and Justin for 4.0
    B) Maguire, Saka, Nketiah for Garcia, Foden, and Greenwood (-4)
    C) Maguire, Saka, and Rashford for VVD, Martial, and Greenwood (-4)

    I guess A is the most sensible?

  23. Teror
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Pulisic > Foden?

    Already have Sterling and KdB

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

      No way Jose

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

        Assuming you are talking about doing Pulisic -> Foden!

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

          Yes I am Dragon man sir

  24. WE GO FOR IT
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Planning to do Salah + Traore to KdB + Foden for a hit.

    Is it worth it? I have Mahrez already. I'd have a benching headache if I did this though. Would have to bench one of the following:
    A. Greenwood
    B. Jimenez
    C. Pulisic
    D. Mahrez (since he is a risk to start)

    Or do I just do Salah to KdB for free and bench Traore?

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

      The free option

  25. FC nelo
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    I have 2 FT.
    Would you punt on Maguire to Mendy in order to bring Greenwood in next week?

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

      I took Martial out for Greenwood thinking I was guaranteed a CS, that went well, I wouldn't go a Man City defender though, too much risk for too little reward. But I'm now thinking of taking a hit to bring in Martial back in and swapping Maguire for VVD or Azpiculeta?

  26. lewis1290
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Pulisic or willian?

    1. stu92
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Pulisic, reckon he'll haul soon

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

    Bench Saiss or Jimenez?

    Have Doherty.

    1. stu92
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Bench Saiss

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

      Somehow I’m playing all 3 :/

  28. stu92
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Pope
    TAA - Saiss - Taylor
    Salah - KDB - Bruno - Foden
    Jimi - Vardy - DCL
    (3.9 - Traore - Holgate - Lascelles)

    A) Vardy & DCL > Greenwood & Ings
    B) DCL > Greenwood, roll transfer
    C) DCL > Ings, roll transfer
    D) DCL & Holgate/Lascelles > Ings/Greenwood & AWB

    I've 2FT and 1.2ITB so scope to play about, especially if I come off Vardy or bring in Greenwood.

  29. boroie
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Current team:

    DDG
    Gomez Holgate Saiss
    Salah(C) KDB(VC) Fernandes Mahrez
    Rashford Jimi DCL

    Button; Saka Taylor Lascelles

    2FTs, 1.4m ITB

    What would you do?
    Would you do Mahrez & Jimi to Foden & Kane?

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

    Rash -> Greenwood is such a dumb move I almost want Rash to score a hatty to punish sellers even though I dont own him. Almost..

    1. stu92
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Why's it a dumb move?

    2. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Greenwood sooo the much better option right now

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

        Greenwood the better option due to price of course

        But Rashford will outscore Greenwood for rest of season. Look at their xG

    3. tm370
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      It's not dumb if the money is invested elsewhere. Rashford likely outscores Greenwood but is double the price.

    4. JfA
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I swapped Greenwood for Martial instead of Maguire, ouch

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

      not if it allows you to get in higher price striker like kane or 5th decent midfielder like I did. Agree he is perhaps slightly better option long term but we know he's not taking next pen now and I fancy greenwood to keep up his little run with a goal.