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

    Pick one for (C) please:

    A)Mahrez
    B)Bruno
    C)Rash

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

      Probably B

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

      B

    3. dylano21
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Bruno

    4. Peter Ouch
      • 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

      B

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

      B

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

    Hi guys, thoughts on who to start out of the following please
    A)Femenia Watford home to Norwich
    Or
    B)Jiménez Wolves away time Sheff U
    Wouldn’t think twice but for their respective opponents

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

      B

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

      B but then again I'm starting both.

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

    Bench one:

    KDB
    Foden
    Bruno
    Son
    Mahrez
    Vardy
    Greenwood
    Kane

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

      Damnnn thaz hard ._. Kane?

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

        brought kane in as a diff.. debating greenwood as I think everyone has him this week

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

          Maybe mahrez doesn't start?

    2. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Foden

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

      Greenwood

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

        thinking this, Ive had him last two weeks when no one else did, reckon hes in 85% active teams this week.

    4. Flynniesta
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Very tough. Vardy for me

    5. Hart-ake
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Greenwood. So tough though.

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

      Vardy

    7. skeeb14
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Vardnaark

    8. Volley127
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      GW

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

        I benched Vardy last GW. Bit me in the bum. Benching him again!

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

      Kane out of those or Mahrez as I am not sure he starts.

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

      No players tonight. Hmm

  4. michaelington
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Do you think VVD is immune from rotation?

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

      is that the new Covid ?

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

      yes

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

      He'll be the last to be rotated imo. But I don't think he's immune per se.

    4. Conor1
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I think so. Matip injured, Lovren still injured and not playing well. Young lads too inexperienced in that position. Unless Fabinho was to drop back beside Gomez but I don’t see it happening.

    5. Peter Ouch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      No

    6. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Yup. And Gomez. no fit cover.

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

    I miss suarez

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

      Such an easy captain pick

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

      And
      RVP

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

      I miss Michu and Guy Demel.

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

        I miss Ronaldoooooooooo

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

    Mad to be considering Son for captain?

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

      He has my arm band

      Got some chasing to do in my league

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

      spurs are just so bad at mo

    3. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Looked the best of spurs attack v Everton, early benching so good shout

  7. Conor1
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Aubamayang to Harry Kane (-4 points) Kane would be a potential captain, KBD otherwise. Good move?

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

      I don’t think so

      1. Conor1
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Ok. Cheers. Probably going to stick with my team, just keep recalling the glory days of old when Kane basically won me a load of mini leagues and I will definitely bring him in before the end of the season.

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

    Who is gonna win Golden Boot and how many goals will they win it with?

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

      Vardy has it locked imo. Might reach 25.

    2. Twisted Melon
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Vardy 25

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

    Digne, Mendy, Aurier or Dawson?

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Mendy

    2. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Aurier

    3. Conor1
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Dawson not a bad bet. Great chance of a clean sheet and very good at set piece attacks.

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

      Aurier

  10. Chief Break-Everything
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Mane & DCL > Martial & Kane (-4) ?

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

      no

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

      No - just do Mane-> Martial or wait a week. what would you do in my position (see below)?

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

      I'd do it. If there's any week Kane's going to haul, it's this week.

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

      why

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

        martial is a sensible pick, but kane for a hit? 9th most transfered out...
        I have Kane and will keep him, but would not transfer in. Def. not for a hit

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

    Would be very grateful for your thoughts on this…

    Which one should I bench?
    1. Saka (LEI)
    2. Foden (NEW)
    3. DCL (SOU)
    4. Jimenez (shu)

    Which one should I bench?
    A. Maquire (av)
    B. Kiko Femenia (NOR)

    Finally which goalie should I bench?
    X. Foster (NOR)
    Z. Martinez (LEI) (despite worse fixture Arsenal have kept a lot of clean sheets…)

    Thanks!
    (bottomed)

    1. @persecuted_by_mods
        3 years, 8 months ago

        1
        B
        Z

      • Chief Break-Everything
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Ta. I'd do

        3AZ

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

        1
        B
        Z

      • Dee Lixon
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        1:1
        B
        Z

      • CC22
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        1BZ

      • Flynniesta
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Bench DCL, Fem & Martinez

      • DAVESAVES
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        1BZ

      • Pedersen
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        1 B Z

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

      Jimenez to Kane for free and benching Ings or play Ings?

      1. @persecuted_by_mods
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Play Ings

        • The Hoff
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Only if you tehn (C) Kane.

          what would you do in my position (above)?

      2. CC22
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Are either of these worth a -4:
        a) Salah to Son
        b) ASM to Foden

        The second one would mean benching Jiminez to start Foden.

        1. @persecuted_by_mods
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Not worth it for me

            1. CC22
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Think you’re probably right, in terms of the Salah one, I’m weary of no Spurs against a leaky Bournemouth!

          • The Hoff
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Definitely not for a -4 (esp you won't captain Son or Foden I suspect). What would you do in my position (Above0?

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

          Pope (Martinez)
          TAA Doherty Saiss (Lascelles Chilwell)
          KDB Pulisic Bergwijn Bruno (ASM)
          Rashford Greenwood Jimi

          A) Chilwell > Aurier
          B) Chilwell & ASM > Aurier & Foden
          C) Other?

          1ft 0.2itb

        3. @persecuted_by_mods
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Firmino captain let's go

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

              Go where? 😀

              1. @persecuted_by_mods
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  To get some points!

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

                Prefer a captain who assists and scores goals for himself. Maybe that's just me.

                1. @persecuted_by_mods
                    3 years, 8 months ago

                    Just a gut feeling, he's certainly not incapable of hauling

              3. Peter Ouch
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 5 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                Rashford will outscore Bruno this gw

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

                  That’s why I’m not selling

                  Waiting for his hauk

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

                    Same here, next week Rashford to Vardy

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

                  Hope so matey

                3. Balls of Steel
                  • 8 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  Agreed

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

                  Generally when I upvote comments they end up happening, so fingers crossed...

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

                  That's what they said last week too.

              4. 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) puli to antonio/mahrez/foden (next gw son to 1 of them)
                C) roll FT

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

                Patricio Martinez
                Doherty TAA Maguire Ritchie Aurier
                Pulisic Fernandes Son Willian Saka
                Kane Rashford Jimenez

                2.0 itb 1 ft.

                Rashford and Saka to Greenwood and KDB (c) for a hit or just Son to KDB (c)? Don't want to get rid of Son before Bournemouth but I can't be without KDB tonight right?

              6. Big Ping
                • 6 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                Didn't realise Jimmy's mrs was due...Worth playing Traore over Jimmy then?

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

                  ha she been due for about a month now

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

                  doubt she'll drop in the next few hours mate so you should be ok this week

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

                  Naa just play him. He won't be in squad if he having a baby

                4. Big Ping
                  • 6 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  Thanks all

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

                Play Kabasele or Garcia this week?

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

                any of these worth it I feel like it is?.

                Jimenez ➡️ Ings -4?
                DCL ➡️ Deeney -4 ( would mean benching Jimenez)

                1. Sgt Frank Drebin
                  • 7 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  No way

              9. 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.

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

                Mane to son for free?

                1. Chief Break-Everything
                  • 8 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  I would

              11. Sgt Frank Drebin
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                Why the hell did I transfer Greenwood in, now I have a benching headache. Who would you play out of Jimenez, DCL and Greenwood?Somehow I doesn't feel confident on playing neither of them...

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

                  Play greenwood. Definitely bench DCL. Do what u want with Jimmy

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

                  Not DCL if that makes it easier.

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

                  I'd play DCL personally

              12. 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 and tjen Jimenez - > Vardy Next week

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

                Which one?

                A) DCL

                B) Cantwell > Foden -4

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

                Evening all, struggling on a decision.

                A) Rashford to Greenwood, Saka to Foden (-4)
                B) Rashford to Greenwood, Saka to Mahrez (-4)
                E) No transfers!

                Thanks!

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

                Remove Lascelles or Holgate?

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

                  Lascelles

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

                GW34+ clean sheet odds %

                MCY: 60%
                MUN: 49%
                CHE: 47%
                WOL: 43%
                WAT: 42%
                LIV: 41%
                TOT: 38%
                WHU: 37%
                EVE: 34%
                SHU: 29%
                ARS: 28%
                BUR: 25%
                LEI: 24%
                SOU: 22%
                NOR: 19%
                CPL: 16%
                BOU: 16%
                BRI: 15%
                AVL: 12%
                NEW: 7%

                Not much in it for Pope vs. Martinez GK pickers

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

                  Helpful - thank you

              17. Fit_to_drop
                • 4 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                This is my team with 2 Free Transfers and .4ITB

                Im chasing a 50 pt lead

                Patricio,
                TAA, Holgate, Doherty,
                Salah, KDB, Bruno, Martial, Saka
                Jiminez, Rashford,

                Button, DCL, Lascelles, Robinson

                I literally don't know what 2 moves to make!

                1. John Nerdelbaum
                  • 11 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  Foden in?
                  I'd swap Robinson for Lascelles on your bench