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. JustPark
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Hopefully I did hit "save" after pulling out actual notepad and figured out this is the only perfect gw for my team to BB.

    1. Bruce Lee
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      What you draw on your notepad?

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

        Sexy moves obviously.

        1. Bruce Lee
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Can I see?

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

            Your perv!

            1. Bruce Lee
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              You're the one drawing your hot BB moves on paper

  2. GRIBB FC
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Does anybody know if I was to have 2 free transfers going into game week 36, then free hit, would I still have 2 free transfers for 37? Thanks

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

      don't think so

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

      No soon as you use FH you lose any extra transfers

    3. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      No you will have 1

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

    The game should update instantly. It's 2020 for god's sake... The amount we all pay a year and we are waiting almost an hour for the update it's ridiculous.

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

      The game deadline should be 2 hours before the first match to prevent early team news.

      1. Coys96
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah maybe for fairness.

        Early team news is fun though. Doubt they would change too

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

          It can be fun but yeah just unfair for those in Eastern Asia, etc.

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

        I played some Bundesliga this year and in that game, you can switch around your lineups after the games start, but can only add a player to you lineup that has not played yet (game hasn't started). Really a lot more fun than sweating a deadline and seeing someone benched in the first game.

        1. Pep bites Kun
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          The Mirror had/have an FPL game with the same rules

    2. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Doesnt really matter though

    3. Simon69
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      We pay nowt Fudgey

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

        Why did you bite?

        1. Simon69
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          He's lonely

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

            Don't say that again

            1. Simon69
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              We all know

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

      fpl draft does, just play that instead 😉

    5. Bruce Lee
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      The level of service compared to the money we pay is an absolute joke

    6. The Train Driver
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      It's an outrage, you should just quit!!

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

      LoL

  4. Karan14
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    McCarthy
    TAA Doherty Aurier
    Bruno Martial (K)DB Mahrez Foden
    Rashford Jimenez

    Ended up with 7.1m in the bank

    Good luck all!

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Looking great

      1. Karan14
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Cheers!

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

      You sold Mo for Foden 😮

      1. Baron Penguin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Me too!

      2. Karan14
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Haha yes I can only blame myself if it goes wrong.

        But I believe Foden is not an inferior pick when compared to his City compatriots it's just his price that makes him look like that.

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

          GL bro

  5. The Train Driver
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    My rival laughed at me for going triple Man United. I see most people have done this and are scoring great. Let's see him laugh when Matic, Fred and James tear it up...

    1. Simon69
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I like this.

    2. Bruce Lee
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Lol you got Fred? What a casual - get Mata as he plays further forward

    3. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Could of got Lingard for Matic. Less nailed but higher ceiling!

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

      Matic got you a nice little assist last match then I see! Nice!

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

      Yeah would probably get dalot in for defensive cover, he scored against tranmere so should be gold

  6. SuperMane Returns
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    I'm chasing the leader in my ML by 78pts, so I've just gone for a different kind of FH for GW34. What's your thoughts?

    Pope
    Trent/Aurier/Azpilicueta
    Pulisic/KDB(c)/Fernandes/Martial
    Vardy/Auba/Giroud
    1st sub:Foden

    Sh*t or bust. Had to make a move.

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

    A large part of me wishes I'd have started Kiko tonight.

    Norwich fans on Twitter very happy with their line-up tonight, so hopefully the benching pays dividends.

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

      They've been happy all season.

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

    Dear Pulisic
    Enough of assisting Willian.
    Bring them scoring boots on !

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

      Amen brother

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

    Scout picks Salah away against Brighton over Sterling home to Newcastle. Not sure I agree.

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

      Both should sit out for Pulisic
      You'll see why in some time 😉

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

        Pulisic can kill me this GW. No players today.

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

          I need those points

    2. Bruce Lee
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      They have Foden and KDB

    3. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Almost did this move. Save FT though

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

      Maybe the scouts think Sterling is due a rest.

  10. Simon69
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Would you bother playing again if you came #1 overall?

    1. Bruce Lee
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      No I would just resort to gloating here as the undefeated champ

    2. Surfeit of Lampteys
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Actually maybe not. Completed it, haven't you?

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

      Yes because you can join the former winners league

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

      No

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

      Absolutely not

    6. Old Schoolᴼˢ “disa…
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I come first every time and always want to play again

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

      Ask me at the end of this season.

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

      I'd accept that trade off in a heartbeat

  11. davies
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Is this defence good enough going forward?

    TAA Doherty Aurier Saiss Taylor

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

      That’s fine

    2. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Clearly more than good enough

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

        Hahaha loving the sass, cow.

        1. how now brown cow
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Hes not having to field kiko. Lol.

  12. how now brown cow
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    In an evening featuring vardy, auba pulisic, willian all I have you... kiko femenia

    1. Buck The Trent
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Ditto

    2. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Foster here

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

      Ditto ditto

    4. the snazzy viking
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      with so many similar teams it could be the make or break point in the GW

      come on Kiko

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

      I have nussing.

  13. Babit1967
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Can’t wait for a party at emirates tonight

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Perez and Vardy on the dance-floor

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

        Some nice attacking football, something your club won’t be seeing for a couple of years

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

          😉

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

      Boom Saka Laca playing?

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

    Strapped in for disappointment. Expecting a raft of 2pters 😉

    Pope
    TAA, Doherty, Kiko
    Salah, KDB (C), Mahrez, Bruno, Pulisic
    Rash, Greenwood
    (Martin) (Jimi, Lascelles, Simpson)

    Oh and expect Jimi hauls from the bench and stays there of course 😆

    Good luck all!

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

      Jimi is scoring this week and Greenwood is blanking

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

        Thanks mate. You’re a star 😆

  15. Dybala10
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    How long does it normally take to 'update'?

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

      60 minutes

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

      Too long.

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

    Triple City v Bournemouth essential?

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Yup. Can see another 8-0

      1. Bruce Lee
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        For Bournemouth?

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

      Definitely

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

        TC if you have it

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

    As a Willian owner I feel he’s well due a blank tonight

  18. HTL
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    My ML league evaporated (54 to 3) with a set of freakish results over the last two gameweeks, he's also still got his bench boost so can't see any way I can stay in front. Just have to hope for unlikely big things from the Wolves lads and Martial.

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

      The BB is overrated. Just don't panic.

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

        He's played his free hit. Interesting. Gone absolutely all in on his starting 11

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

          Just wait for 4 surprise benchings

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

    Am I going to do well this week (ie the gameweek starting this evening)?

    DDG
    TAA, Doherty, Saiss
    Salah, KDB (c), Fernandes, Foden
    Rashford, DCL, Jimenez

    Triple wolves and DCL doesn’t feel great....

    1. Bruce Lee
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      My crystal ball says... pubic hair

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

        Insightful as ever 🙂

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

        Stop reading it while it's in your lap.

        1. Bruce Lee
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Sorry I read the wrong ball

      3. Pep bites Kun
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        My eighth ball shows the same

    2. the snazzy viking
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      no delete your fpl

  20. Rolls-Royce
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Can't wait for a Jesus hattick to shut the haters.

    1. Bruce Lee
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      To shut the haters? Are they open?

      1. Rolls-Royce
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Some folks are going crazy over Jesus transfer, don't get it at all. Why would Pep go without a recognized striker against a team like Newcastle?

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

          Newcastle are amazing tbf

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

            The good ones are injured

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

              They’re going to lose 3-0

        2. how now brown cow
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Why wouldn't he?

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

          He already has since restart. 😉

          1. Rolls-Royce
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            And they lost? Chealea away is a totally different game to this. Pretty sure Bruce will bring his double-decker.

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

      If he does then I still won’t buy him

  21. CheesyZoot
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Those like myself who ditched Salah this week, how we feeling?

    1. Bruce Lee
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Nice name lol you might need one for the LFC game

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

        Haha I hope not

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

      Like it was the right move regardless. Many much more consistent mids available and only 5 slots.

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

        I've gone for the City triple, Mahrez, Sterling, KDB...

        Could backfire heavily with pep roulette

  22. Oggle22
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    I have pulisic ml leader is 13 points a head and has brought Willian in this week he's been trying to block me copying my team the last few weeks hoping to gain ground what you reckon? Willian looked good in open play?

    1. Bruce Lee
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Haha the old chess match - I think you will come out on top

  23. The King
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Chasing big time so thought I'd go risky and took -8

    That do you think?

    Pope
    TAA • Saiss • Taylor
    Sterling(c) • KDB • Martial • Fernandes • Pulisic
    Auba • Greenwood

    Henderson, Nketiah, Stephens, Lascelles

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

      I think you are now 8 points further behind

      Team looks decent

      1. The King
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Did Salah, DCL and Rashford --> Sterling, Auba and Greenwood so fingers crossed but had to try something and get differentials to main rivals. Good luck all

    2. Tinkermania
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Nice. I chicken out of (S)terling last minute.

      1. Bruce Lee
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        No way, were you going to saptain Sterling?

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

    Update you SOB

    1. Bruce Lee
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Shot on Box?

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

      It's updated.

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

    Rival got Salah (C) while I have KDB (C).

    Which one does better with his captain choice.

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

      You

    2. Victor6359
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      KDB

  26. Victor6359
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Haha brought Ings in for a hit at 17.59 now he’s on my bench for Robinson 🙂 this seasons been a nightmare and not winning my ML so not that bothered...how the hell did that happen though? I thought my team was set up right...obviously I didn’t have time to sort it but can that happen or have I done something?

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

      Deadline was 17.00

      1. Victor6359
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        16:59 sorry and just noticed Robison away to Chelsea!! 🙂

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

        Time zones

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

      Think the player you buy gets the position to the player you sell. If you sold DCL, on your bench, this would happen.

      1. Victor6359
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Cheers fellas, made a right arse of that 🙂 and he’s got Wolves not Chelsea 🙂 think I’ll go back to bed

  27. Old Man
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    I have taken a 4 point hit and no players playing tonight. Green or red arrow?

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

      Really bro

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

      You're team connection won't let you, but I'd suggest you to sleep early 😀

      1. Old Man
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I think you're right - it won't be good news. Praying that messrs Pulisic, Willian etc don't go bonkers.

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

          He he

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

    Did OR #2 seriously bench Pulisic for Traore?!

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

      Hopefully he knows what's what.

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

      Also just brought in TAA this week. Hopefully he knows.

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

        Funny if the rumoured TAA benching turns out to be true!

  29. Bruce Lee
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Bring on GW35... I'm ready

  30. Amey
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Updated