Scout Squad

The Scout Squad picks for FPL Gameweek 3

The Scout Picks ‘prequel’ sees our four-man panel propose a long-list of the standout Fantasy Premier League assets for Gameweek 3.

For those who are new to this feature, Fantasy Football Scout editor David, deputy editor Neale, video content manager Andy and Pro Pundit Tom each put forward an 18-man squad of players for the coming Gameweek and explain their notable inclusions and omissions below.

The nominations listed will then be narrowed down to a squad of 15 (with the starting XI not exceeding a total cost of £83m) for the weekly Scout Picks selection ahead of Saturday’s deadline at 11:00 BST.

There are requirements for at least one goalkeeper costing £5.0m or less, at least one sub-£5.0m defender, at least one midfielder listed at £6.5m or below and at least one forward priced at £7.5m or lower.

Each panelist is restricted to no more than three players from the same team, as is the case in FPL.

We will again be adding a captaincy to the Scout Picks, with details of that revealed on Friday.


 DavidNealeTomAndy
GKEmiliano MartinezVicente GuaitaRui PatricioDavid de Gea
 Rui PatricioEmiliano MartinezHugo LlorisHugo Lloris
 Vicente GuaitaDavid de GeaEmiliano MartinezAaron Ramsdale
DFLucas DigneReece JamesTrent Alexander-ArnoldTrent Alexander-Arnold
 Trent Alexander-ArnoldMatt DohertyLucas DigneAndrew Robertson
 Reece JamesGeorge BaldockReece JamesReece James
 Romain SaissAndrew RobertsonRomain SaissRomain Saiss
 Stuart DallasJimmy DunneCharlie TaylorChris Basham
MFMohamed SalahKevin De BruyneMohamed SalahMohamed Salah
 Kevin De BruyneMohamed SalahKevin De BruyneKevin De Bruyne
 Son Heung-minSon Heung-minSon Heung-minRaheem Sterling
 Kai HavertzJack GrealishJames RodriguezSon Heung-min
 Daniel PodenceDaniel PodenceDaniel PodenceDaniel Podence
FWTimo WernerTimo WernerGabriel JesusTimo Werner
 Gabriel JesusChris WoodTimo WernerGabriel Jesus
 Harry KaneGabriel JesusHarry KaneHarry Kane
 Dominic Calvert-LewinRaul JimenezDominic Calvert-LewinChris Wood
 Ollie WatkinsDanny IngsChris WoodAleksandar Mitrovic

Most popular picks: Reece James, Mohamed Salah, Kevin De Bruyne, Son Heung-min, Daniel Podence, Timo Werner, Gabriel Jesus (four), Emiliano Martinez, Romain Saiss, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Harry Kane, Chris Wood (three)

DAVID SAID…

I have been unequivocal in my backing of Emi Martínez in recent days following his debut for Aston Villa. I think he is comfortably the best £4.5m goalkeeper right now, combining his excellent Project Restart saves record (28), with Aston Villa’s recent defensive improvement. I am expecting the Villans either to keep a clean sheet at Craven Cottage or, if they don’t, Fulham’s busy attackers will present the former Arsenal man with plenty of opportunities for additional points.

Lucas Digne could be a key man for Everton this week. As captaincy writer Jan Sienkiewicz pointed out in his most recent article, Crystal Palace have proved weakest on their right-hand side recently. Manchester United were too unprepared for the season to cause any issues there during Gameweek 2, but Everton are a different animal right now. No player received more passes in the final third than Digne in their 5-2 win over West Bromwich Albion so if the Toffees can get him on the ball, it could cause the Eagles some issues on Saturday afternoon.

Wolves’ defence may have been picked apart by a re-shaped Manchester City team on Monday night, but they are still one of the Premier League’s best defences since Gameweek 25 of last season. I would love to be able to select Ruben Vinagre ahead of a Gameweek 3 trip to West Ham but that would be dependent on a very specific injury update from Nuno Espirito Santo on the injured Marçal. Therefore, I’m playing it safe with Romain Saïss, who has more touches and shots inside the box of any Wolves defender in 2020/21.

While I am not completely convinced by Leeds’ defence just yet, I think a trip to Sheffield United represents their best chance of keeping a first clean sheet of the campaign. The Blades are yet to trouble anyone’s back-line this season and looked questionable defensively themselves. I’ve gone with Stuart Dallas over Luke Ayling, purely based on more touches inside opposition boxes for the former so far this season.

Despite Arsenal’s recent defensive improvements, I think Mohamed Salah will be back in the goals on Monday night. 65.5% of his attacking returns came at Anfield last season, including two goals against the Gunners.

Kevin De Bruyne’s new number 10 role appears to have already made him a better Fantasy asset than last season. It is early days, of course, but after just one game, he is in the division’s top four for key passes and only four players have registered more shots on target. And that was recorded against the Wolves defence, which has been incredibly solid for some time. On that basis, it doesn’t even matter who Manchester City face next… expect big things from Pep Guardiola’s penalty taker.

I had no choice but to include Son Heung-min after he scored four times in Spurs’ 5-2 win at Southampton. However, this selection does come with the slight caveat of where Jose Mourinho deploys him against Newcastle. Under the former Chelsea boss, Son has mostly been used as the left-winger in a 4-2-3-1 when Harry Kane is fit and largely suffers because of it. But operating in a slightly more central role at St. Mary’s and facing a high-line, the South Korean was on fire. If Mourinho plays him through the middle again, we could be in for another big haul for Son.

Kai Havertz owners, myself included, have had a frustrating start to the season, but now is his time to shine (hopefully). In the first two matches of the campaign, I have watched the German international ghost into pockets of space against both Brighton and Liverpool – there has just been nobody to find his insightful runs. He has also been shifted about the Chelsea team across those games, first as a right-winger, then as a false-nine. Then, finally deployed as a number 10 against Barnsley, he came to life, scoring three times. No team has conceded more shots than West Bromwich Albion in the first two matches of the campaign, so provided Chelsea can get Havertz on the ball, and get Christian Pulisic or Hakim Ziyech into the team too, he should reward his patient owners.

Meanwhile, Timo Werner should also benefit from the Baggies’ defensive issues so far this season. He has already won two penalties in as many outings, the same number Slaven Bilic’s men have given up.

Daniel Podence has the potential to be a useful cheaper midfielder based on his initial performances in 2020/21. With an assist in both games, he has created more big chances than any colleague and has been unfortunate not to score. Despite the signing of Nelson Semedo, he should hold off competition for his place for at least one more week based on merit thus far.

As has been mentioned before, when Gabriel Jesus is nailed-on to start, he is a great Fantasy option. Thanks to De Bruyne’s new role, he was a busy part of Manchester City’s attack on Monday, deservedly getting on the scoresheet after Rui Patrício had mostly kept him at bay.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Ollie Watkins are my cheaper strikers for Gameweek 3. The former is an obvious choice based on his form and underlying statistics, while Fulham’s defensive issues thus far should be perfect for the pace and power Watkins can offer for Villa.

NEALE SAID…

This was perhaps the toughest Scout Squad selection of the season to date, with a so-so set of fixtures and last weekend’s goal bonanza clouding my thoughts.

Questions over defensive competency and confidence have to be asked of a number of teams after Gameweek 2, while separating the “flash in the pan” attacking assets from those who can sustain their output is an ongoing assignment.

Son Heung-min, for example, won’t score four goals against Newcastle United this weekend. Steve Bruce may be maligned by some sections of the Magpies’ support but he is savvy enough not to take a leaf out of Ralph Hasenhuttl’s suicidal playbook when his side head south on Sunday. Saying that, this is not the backs-to-the-wall Newcastle of yesteryear and they will show enough attacking ambition to give Son sufficient space to carve out a chance or two.

Staying with the Lilywhites, Matt Doherty has done little so far to warrant my interest in him. But having seen the joy that Tariq Lamptey got down Newcastle’s left last weekend, with the attack-minded Jamal Lewis not helped by a half-arsed Allan Saint-Maximin, then I’m willing to give the former Wolves wing-back another shot.

I remain to be convinced that Kevin De Bruyne is going to start every game as a number 10 after Monday’s win over Wolves, as this is a tactic Pep Guardiola has frequently reserved for the “tougher” games.

With David Silva gone and Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan sidelined, however, perhaps Guardiola will stick with that 4-2-3-1 set-up for now – especially if he still sees Phil Foden more as an option on the flanks rather than as a number eight.

Arsenal funneling most of their play down the left – and possibly pushing Trent Alexander-Arnold back, as happened in Gameweek 1 – convinces me to go with Andrew Robertson, while Leeds United’s vulnerability from that same flank and over-achievement in terms of goals scored has led me to a curveball pick in the form of George Baldock.

An absence of Everton assets is probably the main surprise in my selection but I am indirectly paying them some deserved respect by nominating Vicente Guaita – I can see the Palace shot-stopper racking up the save points when the trigger-happy Toffees visit Selhurst Park, even if Carlo Ancelotti’s side do breach the hosts’ defences.

A word on Jimmy Dunne, too. With James Tarkowski nursing a reported toe injury that may or may not be shorthand for “I want a move elsewhere”, £4.0m-rated Dunne could offer us a cut-price route into the Burnley defence in the short term.

While the Clarets’ injury woes perhaps weakens their clean sheets prospects, Sean Dyche proved adept at cobbling together a competitive XI after the summer restart when his side were hit hard by unavailability.

Dunne also seems to offer a bit of threat, registering five penalty box touches and two chances against Leicester last Sunday – one of which found the back of the net.

TOM SAID…

A home tie against Arsenal sees Liverpool assets take the top spot in two categories, which may surprise a few.

However, the Gunners were again outshot at the weekend, this time by West Ham United, by 14 to seven. It wasn’t a one-off either. It’s been happening more often than not since Mikel Arteta was appointed, and despite defensive improvements since moving to a back three, I still think Liverpool will have too much for them and record a comfortable home win on Monday night.

My picks, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah, already lead the way in their respective positions for shots, while Liverpool have given up just one big chance so far this season – a penalty at Stamford Bridge.

With arguably the standout fixture of the round, I’m also backing Tottenham Hotspur, but maybe not to the same extent as others. Despite comfortably beating Southampton in Gameweek 2, let’s not forget they were poor heading into half-time and failed to register a shot till Son Heung-min’s equaliser just before the break. In the second half, Saints high defensive line gifted them another four goals, but on Sunday, I don’t expect Newcastle United’s backline to be quite so obliging, which is why I rate Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea’s attacks higher.

James Rodríguez was a bit good on Saturday, wasn’t he? If he ends up on penalties, he’s going to be hard to ignore. I’m also expecting Lucas Digne, who created five chances against West Bromwich Albion and whipped in a massive 13 crosses, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, to provide a source of points at Crystal Palace.

Elsewhere, I’ve included Kevin De Bruyne, who looked sharp in a more advanced role at Molineux, teammate Gabriel Jesus, Chelsea duo Reece James and Timo Werner, plus Wolverhampton Wanderers assets Rui Patrício, Romain Saïss and differential Daniel Podence, whose pathway to the starting XI, at least for now, looks clearer now Diogo Jota has departed for Liverpool. 

Savings will be needed with so many premium options selected, which is why I’ve turned to Burnley and Aston Villa, who both look good for bargain hunting this week. Charlie Taylor and Chris Wood, who has scored in each of his last four starts, look particularly enticing, while Emiliano Martínez looks the pick of the £4.5m keepers right now.

ANDY SAID…

Chris Wood is probably one of the most un-sexy picks in all of FPL which is why he often gets overlooked. But already against Leicester, he’s shown what he can do with two big chances and a non-penalty expected goal (nPxG) total of 0.65. No forward under £7m had a higher nPxG than Wood last season, and he’s up against a side that has just shipped goals for fun.

I’m still unsure about what to make of Sheffield United defensive assets this season. My instinct is they’ll be worse than in 2019/20 but it’s been hard to tell after a good Wolves performance and a match down to 10 men. Leeds have already scored seven goals in just two Gameweeks, but that’s come from just 1.69 xG which is the fifth lowest in the league; even Marcelo Bielsa has commented on the high conversion from limited chances. This is why both Aaron Ramsdale and Chris Basham are in the squad.

As well as stats, I’m looking at player sharpness this early in the season. I don’t think there have been many better opening matches than Manchester City’s performance versus Wolves. Both Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling looked sharp and it’s hard not to include them. Leicester may have Jonny Evans back but City will have too much for them and it’s hard to leave out the main goal threat (Sterling), and the penalty taker (De Bruyne).

I was pleasantly surprised to see Reece James start for the second match in a row and am hoping this is a start of a continued run of matches with César Azpilicueta potentially being given more of a squad role. With a new goalkeeper arriving at Chelsea, it may not be long until we see clean sheets return and for £5.1m James represents something of a bargain when you look at his attacking potential as well.

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 member who beats our picks by the biggest margin over the campaign will win a £100 Amazon Voucher and a place in our Moderators and Contributors League for the following season.

They’ll have to go some distance to beat last week’s champion: AA33 walloped the Scout Picks 96-43 and his 53-point margin is now the benchmark.

Our next Scout Picks article on Friday will have further details on who is representing the community this week.


998 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Kizza_10
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Can I get peoples thoughts/advice/transfers on this wildcard team please.

    Martinez
    Justin Robertson Trent
    Rodriguez Salah KDB Son Foden
    Mitrovic DCL

    Subs:
    Steer, Mitchell, Dunne, Davis

    1. PapaWengzz
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      i would downgrade one of Trent and Robbo, and get Jiminez for Mitro

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Justin vs City doesn't look great on paper.

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

    Which looks better?

    A: Salah and Foden

    B: Son and Rashford

    1. PapaWengzz
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      a

  3. Glad He Ate Her
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Let's try this again

    1) Foden + James

    OR

    2) Hamez + Mitchell

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

      Your name and picture make me uncomfortable

      1)

    2. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      1

    3. Egg noodle
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      1. Although the inevitable surprise James benching will come soon

      1. Glad He Ate Her
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Who else can play RB for them? Azpi?

        1. Egg noodle
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Yep

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

    Semedo is added at 5.5! Surely getting him in GW4!

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

      Wolves have brought in quite a few players. Not sure the consistency is going to be there.

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

        Given their fixtures and form, it's too hard not to double up or triple up on them!

    2. Ser Davos
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I'm really finding it tough to eliminate one.

      The 5m defender bracket has crumbled a tad and getting Saiss is 5 incredible value

      5.5 Semedo

      5.5 Podence - looks excellent

      Jimenez - can't believe I'm considering this, but I may bypass Jim for Jesus and Werner...

  5. The Finnisher
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Will try again without the whole team attached haha

    Who you taking?

    A. Havertz/Brewster (3-5-2)
    B. Ings/Burke (3-4-3)

    1. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Very, very close but B

    2. ElChapo
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B - by a wide margin for me.

    3. Fit of Pique
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B, but with Jimenez

      1. The Finnisher
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        What if Jimenez is one of the other strikers already?

    4. stat sifter 888888
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B. Jimmy

  6. Ask Yourself
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A wee WC reshuffle

    Martínez/McCarthy (nice rotation - I know)
    TAA James Saiss Lamptey Mitchell
    KDB Son Havertz Foden Anguissa
    Jesus Jimmy DCL

    1. The Finnisher
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Like it. Have flirted with no Salah/Mane too but it just frightens me too much

      1. Ask Yourself
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks 🙂 I think I can stomach it just about with his run of fixtures

    2. Egg noodle
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I went without salah in GW1. Trust me its not fun

      1. Ask Yourself
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        That was Leeds though. Now it’s arsenal, Villa, Everton, SHU until I get him back. All good defences. Happier with the others than I would be with spending 12m on someone I’d hesitate to Captain

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

      Juicy city triple-up could really pay off

    4. stat sifter 888888
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Thiago signing is why Salah/Mane is too risky rn imo.

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

        do you mean no Salah/Mane

  7. No Professionals
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    who for this week

    A) Werner
    B) Jesus

    either would become Jimenez next week (so C) just go with Jimenez)?

    1. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I’d just go with Jimmy vs whu

      1. No Professionals
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        yeah that's the sensible move isn't it. sadly i like moronic moves.

        1. Ask Yourself
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          My moves last GW cost me 45 points, I’m a man who likes them more than no other

          1. No Professionals
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            i took out kane and asm for fernandes and wilson. 🙂

        2. Egg noodle
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Jesus is the more player more suitable for morons.

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

            A nailed City striker with nearly a return every 90 and great fixtures, lmao.

    2. The Finnisher
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I'd just go Jimenez, assuming you're on a WC?

      Can invest the 0.5-1m straight away and if the plan is Jimenez next week anyway then just get him in IMO

      1. No Professionals
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        yes, i agree.

        the thing that nags me most is i don't think KDB is enough city (everyone will have him).

        1. The Finnisher
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Go with your gut. Better to follow your own instincts and be wrong than to follow others and get it wrong anyway

        2. PapaWengzz
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          + Foden

          1. No Professionals
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            foden over rodriguez?

            1. PapaWengzz
              • 4 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              Im going 352 with both

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

      This kind of move rarely works out.

    4. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Just go JImmy - don't book in a transfer on a WC, I did last week and regret as I may now have to make a hit this GW

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

    One question from noob 😀
    Do price fall and rise everyday on same time or its just whenever enough transfers happen for some player to rise or fall also?
    BTW for W4 Jimenez and Semedo or Werner and Ayling, though if i use first option i need to take -4 hit?
    Semedo should be good option?

    1. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      same time every day... think it is during the middle of the night.

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        About 2:30 am UK time

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

          Ok tnx fellas about that, however he should be more dangerous than Saiss right ?

    2. ElChapo
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      http://www.fplstatistics.co.uk/ for price changes

      Yet to be convinced by Semedo, 2 goals in 82 apps for barca, and has only ever played in a back 4 at Barca & Benfica.

  9. doppelganger
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Do you think Semedo will start next game?

    Guaita + Saiss or Martinez + Semedo ?

    1. Egg noodle
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Semedo should play GW4 I reckon. Saiss the better shout for now

  10. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Werner and havertz too much on wc ? Thanks

    1. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      based on what we have seen so far, yes. but i'm sure there will be a point in the season when everyone doubles up on chelsea attack.

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Which one do you prefer ? Could have Jesus instead or Werner for instance. Or Barnes / zaha / James for havertz

        1. Ajax Hamsterdam
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          And thanks

        2. No Professionals
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          i would probably give werner this week and switch to Jesus or jimenez

          and james over havertz

          1. Ajax Hamsterdam
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Thanks

  11. niaz1982
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Help Please!!!
    Current team

    McCarthy
    Justin TAA Doherty
    Salah Aubs ASM JRod
    Werner Adams Wilson

    Subs= Steer, Mitchell, KWP, Bissouma
    £1.4 ITB, 1FT

    Do I:
    A= Swap out Aubs for KDB only
    B = Above + ASM to Podence
    C=Any other options?!

    1. niaz1982
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Or just WC??

    2. ElChapo
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Aub > KDB

      Bench Justin & ASM, start Mitchell and KWP.

      Done.

  12. The Mighty Whites
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts on WC team?

    Martinez, Button

    TAA, Saiss, Justin, Taylor, Mitchell

    Salah, KDB, Son, Rodriguez, Reed

    Jimenez, DCL, Bamford

    1. niaz1982
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Nice

    2. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Not sure about bamford to be honest.

      1. The Mighty Whites
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Got to have one Leeds player in there 😉

        1. Ajax Hamsterdam
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Haha didn't even pay attention to your nickname go for it then 🙂

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

      Justin, Bamford > Lamptey, Mitro if possible

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        That wouldn't work unfortunately

      2. stat sifter 888888
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Mitro's not necessarily a better pick than Bamford, especially considering 0.5.

    4. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      i have the exact same team. it is the best team based on the 2 weeks we have seen. i have no doubt we will be scrambling to change it in 2 weeks.

    5. Fit_to_drop
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      That is a decent team

  13. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Mitrooooo!!

  14. Camzy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    The thing I've found that's helped me the most with building a good GW1 or WC team, is to make a list of priorities.

    Have a list of candidates, and then rate them based on how important they are to you. That can be for personal reasons - i.e. I'm a Spurs supporter, I want Kane. That can be for pure stats reasons i.e. Barnes has the most shots in the box among all mids in the past two GWs. I think he's a priority. Or a combination based on liking a players' history, stats, fixtures etc. But the point is, you want to distill it down and build a list of priorities.And then basically go through it and rank them based on how important they are to you.

    At the beginning, do it irrespective of price. Pure value. That should quickly narrow down the guys you want. For me for example, KdB is top because he's borderline essential with his more attacking role and PKs. But after him, it's Son because he has strong fixtures, and is a world class player that has extremely high PPG.

    Once you start going down the list, people can begin to differ in their opinions to yours. Like nobody is going to dispute that KdB is the best player to own in the game on WC right now (I think?). But once you get down to Barnes vs Zaha it starts to get a bit dicey.

    As long as you have your priorities in the right order and can rationalize why for example you like Barnes more than Zaha, no one can take that away from you. Just keep going through the lists, decide who is more important and what that could mean for your team. Obviously you can't have all the top guys. So pick the first 2 or 3 and then try to balance around it with other options that are high value.

    My list looks like:
    KdB, Son, Salah, DCL, Foden, Jimenez, Werner, Havertz, Podence, Robertson, TAA, Richarlison, Barnes, Zaha, Klich

    I tend to do only attackers because those are the guys where the bulk of the budget is spent. Although you can throw premium defenders into the mix too because they require extra investment.

    I know my list is different to other people's. But I have my list and that means that my spine should be strong going forward.

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

      Are you applying for a job?

      1. Now I'm Panicking
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        "don't call us, we'll call you"

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

        I just occasionally write long posts because I feel like it.

    2. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Podence more essential than TAA? You are blowing my mind!

      Nice writing though 🙂

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

        He said he didnt include defenders

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

        In terms of pure value, and fixtures and all that and what he enables? Maybe. Podence is key to a lot of drafts in a way that TAA and Robbo aren't.

        1. IRBOX ⚽
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Value? Give me a player for 7.5 who will score 200 points. TAA.. and, I’ll wait.....

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

            We're not building ghost ships here.

    3. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      how are you doing after 2 weeks?

    4. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      When I select my top priorities I always end up with 3m for 2 players though 🙂

      Post your team if you want am curious to see it .

    5. DIMITRIS
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      What about Sterling? You surely can't ignore him.

      1. No Professionals
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        getting sterling as well as KDB is very difficult. I'd be tempted by the double up for games like leeds away though (drop salah out for 1 week maybe).

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

          For the next 3 or 4 gameweeks I think Raz is going to be better than Salah.

          1. stat sifter 888888
            • 3 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Pens are the unpredictable factor though.

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

      What are your thoughts on Hames? I see you rate him lower than even Klich

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

        Perhaps he/she didn't watch him enough. I guess he'll make mockery out of his price. Will end the season with a double-double ( 10 + goals and 10+ assists ).

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

        I do rate him lower than even Klich if he's not on pens.

        1 penalty area touch, 1 shot on goal vs 10 man WBA is not really that promising. Fixtures stiffen now a bit with cry BHA LIV.

        Klich has great value at 5.6m on penalties.

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

          However, this all changes if Hot Rod is on pens. With new information, obviously the list of priorities shifts. Same with form.

        2. DIMITRIS
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Rodriguez is on set pieces and he's superb when passing the ball. Also strikes the ball from far away very well. He's equal with DCL imo and better than Richarlison.

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

            That's fine! As I said, your list differs from mine. I don't dispute that he's a terrific player. Not at all.

            I gave my reasons, you have yours. Best of luck!

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

              Best of luck to you too.

  15. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Hi....please can I have a view on best wildcard option here? Thanks

    Martinez steer
    Taa saiss xxx lamptey ferguson
    Xxx kdb xxx podence bussouma
    Werner jiminez dcl

    A... james salah foden

    B..... taylor sterling greenwood

    C .....james sterling foden (3 x city mids)

    With B and C sterling becomes salah gw7 when lpool play west ham. Unlikely to captain salah till then.

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

      A for me

    2. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      how can you afford A? I have the same front 8 and can only get a 4m defender for that slot

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

        I hit the wildcard on Saturday.

        Have purchased james saiss kdb podence before they went up in price.

        May also make some wildcard money off son and Bamford if them both rise again.

        And another 0.1 if werner drops

  16. The Yorkshire Pirlo
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    KDB + Foden the sensible double up?

    Could get KDB + Sterling but would mean dropping one of Salah/Son.

    Worth it?

    1. PapaWengzz
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Foden is insane value at 6.5

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

        Agree. I'm on all 3

  17. UnitednationsXI
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts on
    A: Salah + DCL vs..
    B: Bruno + Son

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

    What do we recon then, Semedo worth the extra 0.4 over Saïss? Looks set to start straight away from what I’m reading - I don’t have any prior knowledge of the player

    Other use for the 0.4 in my team will be Bissouma to souceck for the 5th mid slot which is also important with foden in the squad

    1. PapaWengzz
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      where have you been reading? Id be keen to get him on my WC if true.

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

      I'm sticking with Saiss (for now), since I do not typically like to go for new players straight off the bat. (The likes of Werner, an exception.)

      Plan to have Guaita & James in my back line. If I -really--want him, I could shift one of them down to a 4.5m.

  19. AlternativeB
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    1. Lamptey + Jrod
    or
    2. James + Zaha
    on WC..

    1. PapaWengzz
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      1

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

    which one to start::
    A) KWP
    B) Dallas

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

    Even Mendy at 5.0 is an interesting pick!

  22. AnyoneButLiverpool
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Can someone help me please?

    Leno Button
    Digne Dier Justin Ayling Mitchell
    Kdb Auba Pereira Podence Bissouma
    Kane DCL Werner

    Did Adams + ASM > DCL + Podence for a hit. Should I wildcard instead?

  23. Dirty Harry
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Quick vote here?

    (Note: No TAA)

    1. Werner/Jesus + James + 5.0 DEF
    2. DCL + Robertson + Castagne

    1. PapaWengzz
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      2 and its not close imo

      1. Dirty Harry
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks

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

      2. but would consider James or Semedo over Castagne

      1. Dirty Harry
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        James might be an option then. I have Saiss at the moment, would you go Semedo over Saiss?

  24. rozzo
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    On a wildcard

    Which two 4.0 defenders would you choose as bench fodder?

    Currently on Mitchell and Johnson.

    Too risky picking Ferguson now? Burke likely to carry on playing?

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

      Whilst Tarkowski & Mee are still out, you might as well go for Dunne.

      Won't last very long though.

    2. The Wanton Trader
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I’ve got Ferguson, but I’ve paired him with Ward.
      Covers me both ways... 🙂

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

    Bruno happy to share spot-kick duties: "It doesn't matter if I take penalties. We have a lot of qualities in the team. Rashy was the guy who took the penalties, so I tell him, 'when you feel confident, if you want to take the penalty, it is not a problem.' I will not fight" #MUFC

    https://twitter.com/BenDinnery/status/1309110704725790721?s=19

    I guess he'll still take the majority.

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

      Does make Rash an even more exciting prospect, when they hit a bit of form he'll be the one I go for

  26. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    My head hurts ..

  27. Russell
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    I guess this week is the last chance saloon for the Chelsea players. Frank may even start feeling the heat if they don't win after their summer spending.

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

      People say that but it doesn't make sense to me. Wait until their players are all fit and playing and then decide if they're up to scratch.

  28. The Polymath
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Can we sack the person who had the idea to change the captain's poll to a Google version? I've voted 3 times for 3 different capitations and it's counted my vote every time? It still won't tell me who's ahead.

    What was the reason for the change, was the Google poll cheaper?

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

      Quite annoying format to scroll down too

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

      I dunno what's going on with that thing. I've given up trying. Hopefully someone will wake me up when it's fixed.

    3. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Gregor said earlier it is only for this week as there was a problem with the usual widget. Thank god.

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

        So they got a widget with an even worse problem. 😀

        Might as well have left it out altogether. The results, whatever they are, will not be accurate this week.

  29. fish&chips
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Assuming Marcal if fit, him or Saiss on WC (Price no issue because I already have Saiss at 5m)

  30. Hairy Potter
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    For whatever reason, I rarely watch Spurs matches, but they looked pretty poor against Everton. Did they play really well against Southampton or were Southampton just bad defensively?

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

      They actually weren't great. Saints just gave up 5 carbon-copy goals.

    2. The Mandalorian
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Sou played high line and spurs played two forward, different from previous game

      1. Hairy Potter
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks guys.

    3. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Ralph is an exceptionally poor manager. He either played that high line on purpose to make a point to the board or he just has no clue. The players would be emotionally scarred much akin to their 9-0 annihilation to Leicester last season. I think he is very overrated and was out mastered by the special one

      1. stat sifter 888888
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        That defeat was understandable considering they went down to 10 men after the first 10 minutes and Leicester were in red-hot form. The defence was always vulnerable last year but seems that with Hojgberg gone it's gone even further downhill. Drastic changes needed.

    4. The Ejiptian King
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Kane and Son played well but Southampton were suicidal.

    5. stat sifter 888888
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      They were poor again. Midfield is a shambles offensively and defensively this year, Kane looks like he is losing the ability to get chances and Alderweireld has really dipped in form. Southy's defensive tactics are another league though. I only got Son bc of the amount of times I watched Zaha and other pacy players literally just run past defenders and get put in 1 v 1. Should have been 3/4-0 to Palace that game as well.