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. ididnt
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    for -4:

    SAM to

    A. Pulisic
    B. Willian
    C. Foden (have Kdb and Mahrez)
    D. Antonio

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

      Who's Sam?

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

        I assume ASM

    2. JohnnyRev7
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Pulisic

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

      ASM apologies

  2. The Tinkerman
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    G2G? any news on Jiminez?

    Patricio
    Doherty, TAA, Maguire
    KDB (C), Bruno (V), Son, Mahrez
    Vardy, Jiminez, Greenwood

    First Sub: Kiko

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

    2FT:
    A) Salah + Nkithia -> Mahrez + Vardy

    B) Saka -> Foden (save 1 FT)

    Pope
    TAA / Doherty / Kiko
    Salah / KDB / Bruno / Martial (Saka)
    (Nkithia)/ Rash / Jimmy

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

      B

  4. grennans2
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Who to bench?

    A) Jimenez (shu)
    B) Greenwood (avl)
    C) Rashford (avl)
    D) Pulisic (CRY)
    E) Mahrez (NEW)

    1. Champions League Varane
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      D

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

      none of those. surely you have someone else.

      1. grennans2
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I have a very good attack so have to bench someone - the other 3 are KDB, Bruno and Salah...

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

      Jimmy (tough)

    4. BobbyDoesNotLook
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A

    5. The Tinkerman
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A, but none of them.

      1. grennans2
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I have a very good attack so have to bench someone - the other 3 are KDB, Bruno and Salah...

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

      A

  5. AC Yew
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Start Taylor or Stevens?

  6. JoeSoap
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    A. Rash/Guen>Green/Foden
    B. Salah/Guen/DCL>Antonio/Foden/kane (-4)

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

      A

  7. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Who to start?

    A...dcl v saints

    B...jiminez at Sheffield

    Thanks

    1. Champions League Varane
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Same dilemma and unsure but I think start B

    2. Oooo Matron
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Jiminez

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

      b

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

      jimi

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

        Cool

    5. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      B

    6. sully29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      B

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

      B

  8. wagner is king
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    captain?

    kane
    or
    KDB ??

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

      KDB easy

    2. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Kev

    3. sully29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      KDB

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

      KBD

  9. Wılly
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    A. Holgate
    B. Lascelles

    Out for Azpi (-4)

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

    Play one
    A) Pope at whu
    B) Martinez vs LEI

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

      Pope 1000000%

    2. Sgt. Schultz
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Pope

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

      q

    4. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A

    5. sully29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      pope

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

    A) dcl and traore - Deeney and Foden
    B) dcl and traore - Pulisic/Willian and greenwood

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

      B

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

    Guendouzi & DCL to Antonio & Greenwood?

    Means playing both over Ings

    Could do Will, Pulii or Antonio

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

      I would do as planned

    2. Flaming Flamingo
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Wouldn't recommend getting rid of DCL

  13. CostaCoffee
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Tonights Chelsea lineup is probably the most predictable it's been in months considering Kova and Kante are out + off the back of a 3-0

    Kepa
    James Christensen Zouma Azpi
    Barkley Jorginho Mount
    Willian Giroud Pulisic

    Only other possibility is Jorginho > Gilmour

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

      If jorginho starts, then who will take the penalty?

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

        Probably Willian

    2. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Reckon DCL to Giroud is worth it?

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

      U say that but i think its wrong, i'd say Gilmour over Jorigho

    4. seanie3
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Have a feeling ruben loftus cheek could play instead of Jorginho, if he does then we know Jorginho is as good as gone this summer to Juve

  14. Viper
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    A. Start Ritchie

    B. Ritchie -> Digne (-4)

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

      B, just

  15. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Crazy?

    Jimenez ➡️ Ings = -4?

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

      Yes. Close your laptop, relax!

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

        This

  16. AC/DC AFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Any hints from Pep about playing Mahrez or Foden from the press conference?

    Or KdB.

    What I've read on the Manchester Evening News is that he is sticking with Jesus, appreciated his performance at Southampton and that the goals will come.

    1. kamdaraji
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      not convinced Jesus will start

    2. MOZIL
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      so Mahrez Jesus foden will be the front 3?

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

        It could happen. Sterling's had 4 games in 10 days I think?

        1. seanie3
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          yep mahrez will start he came off last game on 58 mins, think sterling will be benched..

  17. Origal73
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    worth doing mahrez and jimmy -> kane and fodden for -4?

    Team is:
    henderson (martin)
    TAA Saiss Maguire (Justin, Holgate)
    KDB (C) Fernandez salah martial Mahrez
    Vardy Jimmy (Connolly)

    Appreciate any feedback!

    (2)

    1. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      just Mahrez to Foden

  18. buttsy9
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    When's best to use my remaining chips FH and TC?

    58pts behind in mini league and don't have KDB and can't get him in without at least a -4 hit.

    1. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      City at home to Bournemouth or Norwich ... pick whom ever was rested the game before

  19. Dr. Rog
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Bench 1 of

    Sterling, KdB, Son, Bruno, Foden
    Rashford, Greenwood, Jiminez

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

      jimi or foden

    2. mearley14
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Jiminez

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

      Jimi?

  20. TAT
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Worth captaining KDB if he's likely to be a differential captaincy in mini leagues? I expect my main rivals will all captain Fernandes – and I'm chasing.

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

      Yes

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

        Could backfire massively of course, if Fernandes hauls against Villa.

  21. Vazza
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Repost -

    Who to start this week -

    A. Holgate vs SOU *
    B. Taylor vs whu

    * Holgate is currently an injury concern

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

      Please help out guys....

  22. Mattador
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    2ft Jimi and Armstrong to Kane and 4.9 mill enabler yes or no?

  23. HD7
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Sell DCL or Jimmy?

  24. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Will kiko start lads.

  25. mgilbert86
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Something screams sterling is gonna go big this gw , salah seems so dull to hold on to

    1. Up the tics
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I feel this, really considering getting rid of son for sterling...

    2. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I’m tempted but -4 is a bit extreme for me, considering Salah did well in the reverse fixture...

    3. Abra Dubravka
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I think I’m chickening out. Can’t bring myself to do it

  26. mearley14
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Kdb triple captain this week the best use?

  27. dandalf
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Henderson or Martinez in the net this GW?

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

      Hen

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

      Hendo

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

        Thanks, feels a bit weird when i own both Doherty and Jimenez. Might as well Hope for save points.

    3. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      H

  28. BobbyDoesNotLook
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Bench:
    A) Ings
    B) Greenwood
    C)Foden

    Why have I done this to my team.

    1. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Foden for me...

  29. Atters
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Sart Pope or Mccarthy?

    1. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Pope

  30. KrisMCFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Patricio
    TAA, Doherty, Aurier
    KDB, Sterling(C) , Bruno, Foden
    Kane, Jota, Greenwood

    (Martin) pulisic, lascelles, Lundy

    Chasing ML leader by 100 points:

    1. Correct to bench Pulisic?
    2. Good captain differential?

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

      1. Pulisic over Jota all day
      2. Yes

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

      Bench Jota. Captain is fine.

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

      Maybe swop Jota out for Pulisic?
      To chase 100 pts you gotta go against the grain a bit, so yeah. 🙂

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

      Bench Jota

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

        Jota benched for pulisic confirmed that was my main inclination