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

    Looks like Pulisic could drop tomorrow not tonight!

  2. Make United Great Again
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Looks like Telles is signing for United

    1. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Would love him at Wolves, now they have the Jota money...

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        That’s a jota money.

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

      Apparently UTD need to sell deadwood first to make it happen.

  3. Pedram
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Any reason why Shaw has such a low ownership (1.5%)?

    1. Dacra
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Blank and everyone getting attackers with ft?

      I have him benched last week, hope they draw 0-0.

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

      low confidence pick

    3. Frucke
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Is he starting?

  4. Lestat
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    I currently have Son and Antonio and dont know whether to bring in Bruno Fernandes and Brewster or Rashford and Wilson, both are a 4 pt HIT.

    PS. I really want Wilson as he has scored three goals and two assists in his last four appearances against Brighton but scared of not having Bruno also.

    Which option would you recommend??

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

    Mad how there’s 1.5m price difference between Sterling (11m) and KDB (12.5m) in fanteam and they’re the same price in FPL

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      What would you price them at Bubz?

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

        Hi Rupert! I’d price them the same. I think Sterling has the potential for enormous an season score. His stats last season were amazing for ages but he was massively underperforming on points, until coming good at project restart. If he continues project restart form all season he could match or beat KDB. But KDB is KDB and he also probably has pens so it’s close between them

        1. Rupert The Horse
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          They are both capable of 30+ scores so think that’s fair.

          1. Rupert The Horse
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            *20

  6. The_FF_King
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Am I ok not not having any City or Utd cover?
    Plan is to asses this week, save free transfer, and make 2 free transfers next week

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

      I'm doing the same thing.
      Letting the team ride and assess after this GW

    2. Diedhiou See That?
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I’m also going into GW2 with no Manchester cover. Plan to get a City player for GW3 and watch and see on Man U.

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

      Good plan if no major issues.

    4. The_FF_King
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Thanks chaps! 🙂

    5. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      No Manchester players in my team! But surely getting KDB/Sterling for Auba in GW3. Unsure about United assets right now!

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

    Salah to Bruno anyone ?

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

      Nope

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

      No

    3. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Just done it.

  8. Diedhiou See That?
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Draft FPL question -

    For week 2 only, start Meslier (Fulham) or Ryan (Newcastle)?

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

      Meslier

      1. Diedhiou See That?
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks. It’s decisions like this that make me realise why I don’t like rotating keepers in standard FPL! Feel like whoever I bench will our score the other!

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

          I have Pope and Guaita in my draft team so will have a lot of those 50-50 desicions.

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

          Thoughts on my post below?

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

    Narrowed it down to these 3 options.

    Johnstone
    TAA Robbo Justin
    Salah Son Pulisic* Greenwood
    Jimenez Richarlison Nketiah*

    Button Bissouma Mitchell Vinagre

    A) Pulisic, Nketiah to Martial, Soucek -4
    B) Pulisic, Nketiah to Reed, Werner -4
    C) Pulisic to Willian

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

      C

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

        Thanks.

    2. JoeJitzu +42
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Nice team!
      What about Pulisic to Rodríguez and Nketiah to Wilson?

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

        Don't fancy a Everton double up just yet, think Richrlison will benefit most from James creativity.

        1. JoeJitzu +42
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Yes, I liked how attacking Richarlison looked. If he can deliver the end product you’re laughing!

          Then for week only C but Arsenal’s fixtures turn sour.
          A&B tie up so much money in your Forwards leaving your Mid a little light

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

            Agree. Doing C and hoping i can reverse the transfer next week if Pulisic fit.

    3. Diedhiou See That?
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      C

  10. RedJive79
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Would you WC this team/squad?

    McCarthy
    TAA / Taylor / Justin
    Salah / Bruno /Son / Havertz / Soucek
    Wilson / Werner

    Steer / Adams / Mitchell / Burr

    1. Diedhiou See That?
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      No looks pretty good

    2. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Playing souceck instead of Adams is brave

  11. Dacra
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Any chance Saliba plays?

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

      Think he played for u23 this week

  12. JoeJitzu +42
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    If you had the time I’d greatly appreciate it?

    A. McCarthy
    TAA Holding Justin DIGNE
    Aubameyang Salah RODRIGUEZ
    Werner Mitrovic INGS

    B. McCarthy
    TAA Holding Justin
    Aubameyang Salah HAVERTZ SOUCEK
    Werner Mitrovic MARTIAL

    1. Diedhiou See That?
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A.

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

      Are these wc drafts? A, but Jimmy over Ings if on wc. Thoughts above?

      1. JoeJitzu +42
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        No unfortunately, A is for a hit

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

          Getting Ings in? Check wolves fixtures after this week.

          1. JoeJitzu +42
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            No, I’ve had him from the start. Yes GW3 transfer looks good for Aubameyang and Ings to ManCity and Jimenez.

            Thanks

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

    Werner + Bavies -> Martial + Digne for -4?

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

      No both Werner and Davies still good options imo.

    2. Gunners in Haaland
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      No

  14. Hakaei lali
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Best 4.5 def long term

    1. Mr Dave
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      J.lewis?

    2. Blues for Salah
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      If end of October is long term enough, Justin (LEI)

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

        I know this should be clear to me by now, but who is replacing Justin?

        1. Blues for Salah
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          He is cover for the injured Ricardo Pereira. Brendan Rodgers reported in his presser today that Pereira is out until the end of October, so that's a decent choice for now.

        2. _Ninja_
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Pereira

    3. Blues for Salah
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Otherwise, Charlie Taylor gets you into the Burnley defense for 4.5

  15. Mr Dave
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Is this WC team lacking too much upfront?

    Steer McCarthy
    Robbo James Mitchell j.lewis walker-peters
    Salah sterling William Fernandez j.rod
    DCL bamford Brewster

  16. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    With Bale joining Spurs, do you think it is now worth holding onto Kane?

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

      Bale will be playing golf.

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

    Son to James or keep ?

    1. Frucke
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Im keeping

  18. 1314
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    bench Saiss or Lamptey ?

    1. Every Dog Has Its Day
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      bench reed or salah?

    2. Soto Ayam
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Saiss

  19. PeteMorr
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    On WC with 0.5 ITB, would you:

    A) Upgrade any of Lamptey, Ayling, Justin -> Saiss (which one?)
    B) Upgrade Martinez -> Pickford
    C) Save 0.5

    1. sirmorbach
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Out of those options, C. Unless you want to ditch Justin already considering Pereira will take his place come October.

  20. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Just seen the Jota news.
    Guess Podence is a safe pick now.

    1. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      It looks that way, could be a great asset for run of fixtures coming up.

  21. Dr. Rog
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Drunkenly ended up with this team after a couple hits.
    Looks alright though as long as taa doesn’t start firing.

    McCarthy 4
    James Justin Ayling 4 4
    Salah auba(c) Bruno soucek 4.5
    Werner martial dcl

    1. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Weak defence and bench but rest looks good.

      1. Dr. Rog
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I will be able to squeeze a bit out of Auba and dcl in the coming weeks. If I ever want liv defenders then Bruno has to go for the sake of balance.

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

    So who fancies (S)alah vs Kepa?

    1. FFSbet.com
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I am 70% Salah 20% KDB 10% Bruno

      Not worried about decline? 😉

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

    All set?

    Really annoying to see Son about to drop but I'm gonna keep for the weekend.

    McCarthy
    Taa Robbo Holding
    Son ASM Auba(c) James
    Ings Werner Wilson

    Martin Justin Bissouma Mitchell

    One more week for Ings too

  24. AD105
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Anything worth a free transfer here (or -4)? 0 ITB

    McCarthy
    TAA Davies Egan
    Salah Auba(C) Son ASM
    Werner DCL Mitro

    Steer KWP Ferguson Bissouma

  25. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Who is a better option for the next two?

    a) Fleck

    b) McNeil

  26. Pedram
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    KDB or Salah if you're on wildcard?

    1. Garth Marenghi
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      There’s goals in the Chelsea game. Salah

    2. FFSbet.com
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Salah season keeper for me

    3. Disputatious Dissident
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Sterling

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

      salah brace coming up at the weekend, kepa won't know his arse from his elbow

  27. drughi
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    ings falling in price tonight ?

  28. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Is this team in need of a GW3 wildcard?
    Ramsdale
    TAA,Dier,KWP
    Salah,Auba,Havertz,Barnes
    Mitrovic,Werner,Adams

    Fabri, Taylor,Mitchell,Bissouma

  29. Feanor
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    WC team is now

    McCarthy (Nyland)
    Digne, Gabriel, Saiss, Justin (Mitchell)
    Auba (c), Salah, Bruno (Podence, Bissouma)
    Martial, DCL, Wilson

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

      Looks good - i'd probably play Podence over Saiss

      1. Pep Roulette
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        This

  30. FFSbet.com
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Place holder for Pulisic?

    A) Greenwood

    B) Hames

    1. Garth Marenghi
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B