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

    Listening to the team news scoutcast, suddenly wondering whether to TC De Bruyne?

    Almiron, ASM "struggling"
    Lascelles with a sore ankle

    1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      It's probably as good a time as any. Well rested vs a very weak defence.

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

      Newcastle are capable of anything.

      They could get smashed 5-0 by City or do what Southampton did on Sunday.

    3. Hairy Potter
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      No Hayden or Longstaff to do the running in central midfield is more concerning from a defensive point of view.

  2. Jet5605
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Arsenal to keep cleanie v Leicester?

    1. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      No

    2. The Mighty Hippo
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      No, Vardy will score.

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

      Yes, please, cos I’m starting Martinez.

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

    Martinez
    Sais taa kiko (lascels taylor)
    Kdb mane puli son bruno
    Green rash (jimi)

    Which ?.
    A) martinez to 6.6 gk
    B) roll ft

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

      Roll

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

    Salah > Foden for a hit?

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

      No

    2. JJO
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Only for -8

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

      Madness

    4. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Yes

    5. GOTHAM City F.C.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Done

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

        Good lad.

  5. Jet5605
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Martinez or Patricio?

    Already have Boly

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

      Martinez I think

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

    Bottomed,

    Mahrez or Martial if ML opponent has Martial. (I also have Bruno, Foden, Kdb)

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

    Start DCL or Jimenez?
    Start CTaylor or Saiss? Have Doherty.

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

      Im doing DCL

  8. EL tridente
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Alonso benched

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

      source?

      1. EL tridente
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Ben Crellin

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

      Cheers mate. 🙂

      Just switched out for Azpi.

    3. Bring the Cavalry
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Cheers mate got my transfer done in time with that news

  9. cescpistols111
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Is this bench order for the draft team correct?

    DDG
    Doherty Kabasele Zouma
    Sterling Barnes McNeil Pepe Bergwijn
    King Firmino

    Lloris Grealish Mina Ayew

  10. Sun Jihai
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Alonso to Azpi for free?

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

      Yes

    2. EL tridente
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Yes Alonso benched

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

      Yep, That's a no brainer mate

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

      no brainer

    5. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Yes

  11. RussWells89
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Last min advice needed!

    McCarthy or Martinez in goal??

  12. One Wheels Enough
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Benching Pope, Rash, Pulisic and Salah 🙂

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

    Deeney triple cappo? 😀

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

      Why not?

    2. Legendary!
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Im in

  14. EL tridente
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Reece James a good punt for this GW

  15. Sim Simma
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Son(TC) here we go 🙂

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

      You must be joking

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

      If you got nothing to lose dont see why not

  16. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Pulisic starts

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

      Abraham? Any Watford news?

      1. EL tridente
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Abraham benched

      2. Miguel Sanchez
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Giroud starts, no Abraham

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

      source?

    3. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Fact or hope?

  17. Manani
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    holgate>Garcia or save FT?

    my starting defenders currently are TAA Dohetry Aurier

  18. Dannyb
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Captain
    De Bruyne
    Kane
    Bruno

    1. Stef rocks
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      The best pkayer

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

    Start Pope or Martinez?
    And start Doherty or Jimi?

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

      I'm on Pope. But it's close.

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

        Ty. Me too. Pope will make more saves I think but Martinez has a marginally better chance of a clean sheet.

  20. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Dat guy welbz triple c?

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

      Can't go wrong

    2. JJO
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Why not?

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

    Doherty to Azpi -4?.

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

      no

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

      Nope, Chelsea not that solid at thr back

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

        Thanks

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

      Stop posting the same thing! it's a definite no.

    4. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      No

  22. panda07
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Start Holgate or Ward?

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

      Holgate

  23. Don Kloppeone
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Scenes!!!

    Actually no scenes whatsoever

  24. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    no cantwell in the squad?

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

      injured

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

      Can't end well.

  25. Snapes on a Plane
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Pulisic>Mahrez for a hit? Long term move

    1. @persecuted_by_mods
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Not good short or long

        Find another way

      • Tempestic
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        why tf would u decide that now

    2. Earn your Spurs
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Only 1 player tonight (Deeney) - you?

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

        Kiko

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

        Martinez, Foster and Pulisic (bench boost)

      3. It’s gonna Ben Mee
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Pulisic and Kiko

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

        snap.. good luck 😀

      5. HashAttack
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Azpi and Foster

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

        0. Kiko on bench i guess is something

    3. Max City
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      3 minutes TO GO!!

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

      Kepa christensen barkley willian zouma mount pulisic james azpi gilmour giroud

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

      Kdb Bruno son foden Mahrez
      Vardy Kane greenwood

      I’m chasing ML’s and reckon everyone has green

      Bench greenwood or Mahrez?

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

        bench greenwood

      2. It’s gonna Ben Mee
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Mahrez

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

      Sterling or Mahrez to get? Please help

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

        Sterling

      2. GOTHAM City F.C.
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Mahrez

      3. Sid1891
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Mahrez