Scout Picks

Scout Picks features Manchester United triple-up for FPL Gameweek 2

It is the red side of Manchester that the Fantasy Football Scout editorial team are targeting for Gameweek 2 of Fantasy Premier League.

Despite the return of both of the city’s clubs, only one of them has taken our fancy. While Manchester City face the division’s best defence since Gameweek 25 in Wolves, we have avoided their assets entirely, to facilitate a triple-up on Manchester United instead.

As ever, the best XI has been chosen using the Scout Squad submissions from earlier this week, this time lining up in a 3-4-3 formation and coming in at £81.0m, £2.0m underneath budget.

Goalkeeper

Illan Meslier (£4.5m) gets the nod in the Scout Picks XI this weekend as Leeds prepare to host Fulham. The Cottagers offered little in their Gameweek 1 meeting with Arsenal, while Leeds are likely to be boosted by the return of club captain and key centre-back Liam Cooper. The last time Fulham visited Elland Road they were seen off by a 3-0 scoreline as Marcelo Bielsa’s men kept more clean sheets against last season’s Championship opposition than any other side.

Defenders

Lucas Digne’s (£6.0m) impressive display against Spurs has drastically increased the attention on  him for Gameweek 2, especially with newly-promoted West Bromwich Albion coming to Goodison Park. The Baggies did not offer much threat against Leicester last time out, while Carlo Ancelotti’s signing of Allan appears to have had an instant impact on Everton’s defensive credentials. As a result, every member of our Scout Squad panel selected Digne as the best defender for Gameweek 2.

Luke Shaw (£5.0m) is the pick of the Manchester United defenders as they prepare to host Crystal Palace. The Eagles were the Premier League’s second-lowest scorers in 2019/20 while Ole Gunnar Solksjaer’s men have kept nine clean sheets since Gameweek 25 last season, the joint-second-best in the division. Shaw played in a recent friendly against Aston Villa, so looks likely to retain the first-choice slot at left-back this term.

James Justin (£4.5m) rewarded his owners and the Scout Squad panel in Gameweek 1 with a nine-point haul in the win over West Bromwich Albion. With another favourable fixture coming up in Gameweek 2, a home meeting with Burnley, it’s as you were for his berth. While his colleague Timothy Castagne was more adventurous throughout the game, Justin grew into proceedings in the second-half, winning one of Jamie Vardy’s penalties.

Midfielders

using-the-top-10000-ownership-to-increase-your-fpl-rank-andys-article 9

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£12.0m) was overwhelmingly the most popular midfielder in the Scout Squad selections this week, chosen as the best option in this position by all four pundits. 16 of his 27 attacking returns (59.2%) came at home last season, while 22 of them were recorded against sides outside the traditional top-six. Ever reliable at the Emirates Stadium against so-called lesser opposition, Aubameyang faces a West Ham defence that conceded 10 shots in the box against Newcastle, the joint-third-worst of any other side in Gameweek 1.

Bruno Fernandes (£10.5m) comes straight back into the Scout Picks XI at the first time of asking. After just 14 Premier League appearances, he already has 16 attacking returns to his name and averages 8.4 points per game. It was a tight contest between the Portuguese and colleague Marcus Rashford, each Manchester United asset receiving two votes each. In the end, we went with the former, on account of the fact that he comes into Gameweek 2 with greater ownership, as well as his role in penalty kicks.

James Rodriguez (£7.5m) looked impressive for Everton in their first match of Gameweek 1, creating more chances than any other midfielder on the opening round of action. West Bromwich Albion come to Goodison Park having conceded the second-highest number of shots so far this season, perhaps the perfect match-up for Rodriguez to get his first attacking returns of 2020/21.

Jack Harrison (£5.5m) is our chosen Leeds attacker for the meeting with Fulham. He caught our eye in the defeat at Anfield, registering more touches in the final third than any of his colleagues, as well as finding the back of the net. Harrison scored and assisted the last time Fulham came to Elland Road too.

Forwards

 1

Jamie Vardy (£10.0m) received three votes from our Scout Squad panel for Gameweek 2 after his double-figure haul against West Bromwich Albion. While the Leicester forward was largely quiet outside of the penalties that came his way, Gameweek 1 highlighted the benefit of owning a spot-kick taker in a team with pace and threat in wide areas. The last time Burnley visited the King Power Stadium, Vardy was on hand to find the back of the net.

Anthony Martial (£9.0m) was a big fan of home comforts last season, 11 of his 17 goals scored at Old Trafford. Throwing seven assists into the mix, it meant that 18 of his 26 attacking returns (69.2%) came in home matches. That led to three of our Scout Squad pundits handing him a place in their selections for Gameweek 2, when Crystal Palace come to town.

Callum Wilson (£6.5m) has been blessed with two of his favourite opponents at the start of his time at Newcastle. The former Bournemouth man has an admirable scoring record against West Ham, which he extended by netting at the London Stadium in Gameweek 1, in a match which could have yielded more rewards. Brighton are the perfect side for Wilson to face next. In four Premier League starts against the Seagulls he has recorded three goals and two assists.

SUBSTITUTES

Emiliano Martínez (£4.5m) could be an excellent addition to the ranks at Aston Villa. During Project Restart, only Tim Krul managed more saves than him, while Dean Smith’s men were in the division’s top five for fewest big chances conceded across the same period.

Luke Ayling (£4.5m) looks to be a key outlet for Leeds, which could come in handy in a game they are more likely to be on the front foot in. Against Liverpool, he received seven passes in the final third, the joint-second-most among his colleagues.

Jamal Lewis (£4.5m) impressed in Newcastle’s 2-0 win at West Ham, as the Magpies limited the quality of their opponents’ chances. They were one of just four teams not to concede a big chance in Gameweek 1.

Ryan Fraser (£6.0m) got his Newcastle career up and running by scoring a key EFL Cup goal midweek and, after coming off in the second half, looks ready to be involved against Brighton. His link-up with Wilson at Bournemouth was well-documented, and there’s no reason they cannot continue that at St. James’ Park.

THE CAPTAIN

Who are the best captain options for FPL Gameweek 36+?

The Scout Picks captain is chosen using a four-way vote between our Scout Squad pundits.

Because the use of Fantasy Football Scout data is used so heavily in this process, the skipper we choose each Gameweek is known only to those with a valid Fantasy Football Scout subscription and revealed to the public only when the deadline has passed.

Here’s how we voted for Gameweek 2:

THE COMMUNITY CHAMPION

Each week, one of the Fantasy Football Scout community takes on the Scout Picks by pitting their chosen XI against ours.

The Community Members who beats our team by the biggest margin over the course of the campaign will win a £100 Amazon Voucher and a place in our Moderators and Contributors League for the following season.

Boleyn Boy was the first to take on the Scout Picks this year, losing out by a scoreline of 66 points to 34. That means a 1-0 lead for the editorial team after Gameweek 1, but it’s AA33 up this time around.

They have gone for a 3-4-3 line-up of: Martínez; Tierney, Ayling, Dallas; Mané, Rashford (vc), Son, Willian; Lacazette (c), Jesus, Calvert-Lewin.

GET IN-GAME DATA AT LIVE FPL

Check your own rank and in-play FPL stats on LiveFPL.net every Gameweek

1,040 Comments Post a Comment
  1. rokonto
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Justin looked good last week, but will he keep playing when Pereira returns,?
    Please advise/opinions.

    1. The Senate
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      probably gets phased out when Pereira returns (due back end of October)

  2. sparticas7
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Any thoughts please

    McCarthy
    Digne, Walker-Peters, Justin
    Aub, Salah,Willian,Greenwood
    Vardy, Wilson, Lewin

    Subs, Forster, James, Bissouma, Mitchell

    Aub to De Bruyne next week, Not sure on Greenwood.

    1. FPL_trail_runner
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      WC?

      1. sparticas7
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Yes pal. Had Vardy, Salah, Auba and defence. Had a few beers and pulled wildcard trigger. Probably not best decision.

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

    Son + Adams -> Greenwood and DCL? (-4) or just save the transfer idiot

  4. MJ6987
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    AA33 - that doesn’t spell anything funny!

    1. AA33
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      😆

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

    Is Martial (CRY) a good captain option this week? If i don't get him in i captain Salah (che).

    1. The Senate
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      both decent options

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

        Cheers. Would you do Pulisic, Nketiah to Soucek, Martial (C) -4?

        1. The Senate
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          if Puli is still doubtful, and soucek could be a 4.5 bench player instead, I'd consider it

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

            Pulisic is not fit according to Lampard. Would play two out of Mitchell, Soucek, Justin.

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

      the best one after Auba

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

        Read on article he likes to score at home.

    3. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Of course. But don't you have Aubameyang?

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

        No, but i do have Nketiah as "cover". Lol

        1. Rasping Drive
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Ouch. Me too, in Fanteam.

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

            Bad call so taking the hit straight away probably best move? Still think he could get a goal in a 20min cameo against West Ham.

            1. Rasping Drive
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              I'd hold one more week. As you say, he could well come on and score.

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

                Cheers. Would you do Pulisic, Nketiah to Martial, Soucek -4 or just Pulisic to Willian/Mahrez for free?

  6. Manani
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    only 1 scout pick in my team (Auba)

    probably the lowest ever since I play FPL

    1. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Guaranteed more points now good on you

    2. davidfromkent
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Fortunately i only have 1 also, Wilson.

  7. ViperStripes
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Ryan/Walton
    VVD, TAA, Davies*, (Mitchell), (KWP)
    Auba(C), Foden, Fernandes, JWP, (Saka*)
    Werner, DCL, Adams
    1.0itb

    G2G?

    Give Davies another week and go into GW2 with 2FT's so I can do Auba to say Sterling and use the extra cash on the other transfer.

    1. SerieD
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Davies started week game as did doherty. Spurs gives me headache.

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

    McCarthy(Steer)
    Davies, Justin, Taa (KWP,Ferguson)
    Son, Burke, Salah, Auba, Soucek Mitro, Werner, DCL

    A) Save Ft
    B) Werner+Son--> Martial+ Bruno
    C) Son+Davies--> Bruno+Lamptey
    D) Other 1mil itb

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

      I won't be selling Werner..

      1. SerieD
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Yep. Hard one. But if Son comes 0.1 down.

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

    when is PvA back in... how long will Mitchell hold his place for in terms of gameweeks?

    1. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      About 3 more weeks

  10. Niho992
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Liverpool is by far best team in the country again.

    1. Threat Level Midnight
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Based on what

      1. Niho992
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        On the players they have. United fans shouldnt discuss about that

        1. Threat Level Midnight
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Why shouldn't we discuss? Was just a question it isn't our fault you have a little one.

    2. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Lol In your dreams

      1. Niho992
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Ok?

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

      They should make a league of teams and have them compete against each other for a full "season". Then at the end of the season the team with most points is crowned champions.

      1. Rasping Drive
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Nah, that would never catch on. What a stupid idea.

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

          Really? I would call it "Premier League".

          1. Rasping Drive
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Sarcasm doesn’t carry well online, I guess.

  11. I Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Might as well play Steer over McCarthy and hope right?

    1. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      That’s what I’m doing, here come the auto subs

    2. Threat Level Midnight
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Lets ride!

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

      Yes. It's what I'll likely do.

    4. SerieD
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      True. No regrets, worst scenario is that u get points from bench.

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Technically the worst scenario would be Martinez getting injured and coming off for a Steer one point 😛

        1. Threat Level Midnight
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Would probably be 1 more point than McCarthy will get LOL

          1. Bubz
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            You know McCarthy is playing Spurs right? Clean sheet and 3 bonus incoming

            1. Threat Level Midnight
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              Hope you're right!

        2. SL8
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          That might not be too bad if your #1 is McCarthy!

  12. Will J 256
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Hi guys. On FPL statistics it says that Pulisic will drop tomorrow? I thought prices were locked after tonight for GW2?

    1. SerieD
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I guess only teams that have not played are price locked.

    2. Better off with a pin and a…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Prices aren't ever locked, though maybe the gameweek deadline resets the number of transfers that are taken into account. We don't really know.

  13. Dynamic Duos
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Harrison over Klich of course, the scouts know.

  14. SHOWSTOPPERRR
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Guys an interesting thought/suggestion..

    Ryan
    Taylor taa kwp vinagre Ferguson
    Salah auba son asm souchek
    Martial Werner

    Justin is rising and vinagre dropping..so is it wise to do vin to justin for a hit especially he has good fixtures and be playing until October end.Vinagre needs to go anyway..whats your thoughts?

  15. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    In Gw4, which, need to decide now cuz it will affect my transfers now

    A) asm soucek -4 to bisouma barnes
    B) asm/soucek to podence

    1. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Neither this week

  16. Stupendous
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thiago and Jota for a fiver ffs.

    Meanwhile over at the Etihad.

    Smdh. Well played Klopp. Ugh.

    1. Stupendous
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Does Jota become an option at Pool?

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

        Definitely not.

        1. Stupendous
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Fair

      2. Wılly
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Not even an option at Wolves

  17. bangers and M*A*S*H
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Who is the best 4.5 midfielder except Bissouma?

    1. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I have Elneny for some reason

    2. DV8R
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Reed (Fulham)

      1. Wılly
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        +1

  18. Wılly
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts on this team right now?

    McCarthy
    Robertson Digne Justin (Mitchell)
    Salah Aubameyang Bruno Soucek (Bissouma)
    Werner Wilson Mitrovic

    Aubameyang to KDB next week will give me the 0.5 to get either TAA back for Robertson (if I want him back) or an upgrade for Soucek

    1. SerieD
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I think g2g. Nice team!

  19. Dynamic Duos
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    3 picks here

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

      Just the 4 here.

    2. Wılly
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      5! 🙁

  20. Garfield1001
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    1FT and 0ITB

    McCarthy
    TAA Doherty Justin
    ASM Auba Son Havertz
    Adams Vardy Werner

    4m KWP Bissouma Mitchell

    A) Roll
    B) Havertz -> James
    C) Adams -> DCL and Son -> JRod -4
    D) Something else

    1. SerieD
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      C might be best.

    2. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B

  21. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Just 3 out of those 11. Good!

    1. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      same

  22. nozza
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Mitrovic to Bamford for free?

    1. SerieD
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Not yet. Save ft

    2. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Hell no

    3. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      No

    4. Wılly
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Never

    5. nozza
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Well that was emphatic!! Thanks for your replies

  23. Kodap
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Two questions.. 1, should I move Son out for someone else if he’s due to drop .1?

    Also, is it worth bringing Podence in for ASM this week? Both would be for a -4.

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Neither

    2. SerieD
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I'm thinking about moving son also.. Hard one. If he wouldn't drop I would keep for sure. How we know? Should be some alert for price drop.

    3. SerieD
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      What are you going to do?

  24. Joey Tribbiani
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Have I missed something, why do people seem to prefer Podence over Neto so much? I'm seriously curious
    Has NES shown/suggested in any way that Podence would play more than Neto, because you can't really tell from their previous minutes.
    Wolves paid pretty much the same amount for both. Is it because Podence is the newer signing, probably little bit "bigger name" and 4 years older? Or is it because Podence seems to play on the left wing and Traore likely to take Netos right wing?

    I saw Neto taking some set pieces and is the only left footer of the forward players (not that NES cares but maybe he does).

    So why Podence over Neto? Any Wolves fans?

  25. FOO FIGHTER
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Reckon I am settled with this now.

    Martinez Steer
    TAA VVD Justin
    Salah Auba Bruno Klich
    DCL Wilson Watkins

    Steer Lewis Biss Mitchell

    1. Pedersen
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Have you played wc?

      1. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Yep

        1. Pedersen
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Take Digne over vvd, downgrade watkins and get james rodriguez or greenwood. With the downgrades you could potentially get pulisic or other 8.5 when fit

          1. Pedersen
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Sorry, 7.5 miscalculated

    2. FPL_trail_runner
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Given you are on WC ( i am too)

      Would you not take some more advantage of fixture swings. Salah will not score a hatrick each week. ( Im selling after he was my captain last week)

      I would for sure drop double liverpool defence, for the season its ok, for next 2-4 weeks they will most likely be outscored.

      I am currently on this :

      Meisler
      Digne, Shaw, Justin, Ayling
      Hamez, Auba, Rashford
      Martial, Vardy, Jimi
      4m, Saiss, Podence, Bissouma

      Werner (c) will come in for Vardy next week, and will then decide what to do with Auba. I see value in turning Werner and Martial back into Salah and TAA after Everton away. .

      1. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Salah is set forget for me.

        1. FPL_trail_runner
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          But realistically every year when he scores 20+ goals, he blanks in 50% of matches. You could even simply do Auba to Salah next week if you want him.

          Chelsea have been very tight at home in past months. They will go 5 3 2 with azpi man marking him I reckon . I dont see him scoring this weekend or against Arsenal, (again they will play 5 3 2 and double up on him with Tierney and AMN)

    3. Threat Level Midnight
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Way too much invested in Pool IMO.

  26. Pedersen
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Play Mitchell or KWP this gw?

    1. Wılly
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Who do you prefer United or Tottenham?
      Spurs just travelled to Bulgaria so I'd opt for KWP

      1. Pedersen
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Playing 2 united players, so I agree. Just the pre gw knee jerking and uncertainty

        1. Wılly
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          If that's the case, definitely go for KWP and hope United hammer Palace

  27. The Red Devil
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Alli to Harrison or save ft?

  28. MikeRyko
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Evening all.

    I imagine this has been asked a lot this week, but what to do with Vinagre?

    a) Play him
    b) Bench him for Mitchell or Bissouma
    c) Sell him for a -4

  29. Garfield1001
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    What are Che Adams owners doing?

    1. ViperStripes
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Keeping this week.

  30. waltzingmatildas
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    GTG? Right bench order?
    Mccarthy
    TAA James ayling
    Auba(c) Mané Bruno soucek
    Werner Adams Wilson
    (Button bissouma ctaylor Mitchell)