Scout Picks

Chelsea, Liverpool and Everton double-up for Gameweek 3 Scout Picks

Chelsea, Liverpool and Everton are the key teams for the Gameweek 3 Scout Picks XI.

Each of these clubs has provided two players to the latest selection, chosen from the Scout Squad submissions made by David, Neale, Tom and Andy.

It’s a 4-4-2 formation this time around, coming in at £82.9m, £0.1m inside our budget.

GOALKEEPER

Emi Martínez (£4.5m) was the most popular budget goalkeeper on our Scout Squad panel this week, as Aston Villa visit Fulham. The former Arsenal man is fully capable of producing points from a range of different avenues. Only Tim Krul made more saves than him during Project Restart, while Villa were inside the division’s top five for fewest big chances conceded during that period (despite playing more matches). Dean Smith’s men got off to the perfect start this time around, keeping a clean sheet in their 1-0 win over Sheffield United.

DEFENDERS

There was plenty of support for Liverpool defence ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Anfield and, due to budgetary reasons, we have selected Andrew Robertson (£7.0m). So far this season, the left-back has created more big chances than Trent Alexander-Arnold, and two more shots in the box than him. The Gunners have also conceded more chances from their right flank than their left during the first two matches of the season.

Lucas Digne (£6.1m) could be in for returns at both ends of the pitch against Crystal Palace. The Eagles were the lowest scorers in home matches last season while Everton are currently in the Premier League’s top five for expected goals conceded (xGC). Meanwhile, Digne was heavily involved in the 5-2 win over West Bromwich Albion and unfortunate not to come away with attacking returns. No Everton player was the target of more passes in the final third for that match and he hit the crossbar with a second-half direct free-kick.

It might be another week before Chelsea start becoming more reliable for clean sheets, as Eduoard Mendy has only just arrived. However, Reece James (£5.1m) is yet another defensive asset capable of drawing on several different avenues for points. Even if the Blues can’t keep out West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, the versatile full-back already has a goal and assist to his name this season and, as we’ll explain in more detail shortly, the Baggies’ defence has been poor so far this season.

Romain Saïss (£5.1m) remains one of the most nailed-on Wolves defenders ahead of a trip to West Ham. Despite conceding three goals to Manchester City on Monday night, Nuno Espirito Santo’s backline remains the most productive since Gameweek 25 of last season, recording a league-high 10 clean sheets in that time. Meanwhile, Saïss has more shots in the box than any Wolves defender so far this season.

MIDFIELDERS

Mohamed Salah (£12.1m) looks a sure inclusion for Gameweek 3 as Arsenal visit Anfield. The penalty-taking Egyptian netted a hat-trick in his last home match and is already joint-top of the league for shots in the box and goal attempts on target so far this term. Salah scored twice the last time the Gunners came to Liverpool as he registered 19 of last season’s 29 attacking returns (65.5%) in home matches.

One match into the season and Kevin De Bruyne (£11.6m) already looks like a must-own asset. Freed from defensive duties in midfield, the Belgian excelled in a number 10 role at Wolves on Monday night shooting straight into the division’s top 10 for key passes and shots on target, despite playing fewer matches than most. 

Son Heung-min (£9.0m) was the man of the moment as Spurs thrashed Southampton 5-2 in Gameweek 2. After two matches this season, no player has registered more shots on target than the South Korean, who has also been afforded the joint-most big chances in the division during that period.

Daniel Podence (£5.6m) has the potential to offer decent value as Wolves travel to West Ham on Sunday evening. He has assisted in both outings so far this season and, even if competition for the front-three might increase soon, the Portuguese winger has done enough to start again on merit – and Nuno Espirito Santo has already hinted that new right-back Nelson Semedo will take some time to settle at Wolves. Thus far, only one Premier League player has fashioned more big chances than Podence.

FORWARDS

A trip to West Bromwich Albion is the perfect match-up for Timo Werner (£9.5m), who is yet to find his first Premier League goal. While the Baggies have conceded the joint-most number of shots in the box over the first two matches, they have also given up two penalties. During that time, Werner has won two of his own, and may even get the chance to take one considering Jorginho missed a spot-kick against Liverpool and could lose his place in the team for Gameweek 3.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£7.3m) has recaptured the form he boasted when Carlo Ancelotti first arrived at Everton, scoring four goals in the first two matches of 2020/21. Crystal Palace should pose a sterner test than West Bromwich Albion did, but they have conceded four big chances so far this season – only five teams have given up more than that over the same period. If any Everton player is going to score at Selhurst Park, the fact that Calvert-Lewin is joint-top of the league for shots on target suggests it will be the mid-price forward.

Substitutes

Vicente Guaita (£5.0m) could be the man to frustrate owners of Everton assets in Gameweek 3. He is the early season-leader for saves (eight) and has the second-highest expected goals prevented (xG Prevented) score after the first two matches.

Jimmy Dunne (£4.0m) is the latest budget defender to emerge as a starting option. Injuries to James Tarkowski and Ben Mee have seen him thrust into the first-team picture alongside Kevin Long.

Only West Bromwich Albion have conceded more shots on target or chances from set plays than Fulham thus far. That could work out for Jack Grealish (£7.0m) who was unfortunate to blank against Sheffield United on Monday night.

Ollie Watkins (£6.0m) gets onto the Scout Picks bench for the same reasons. His pace and power is likely to cause Fulham all sorts of problems in Gameweek 3.

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 3:

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 team by the biggest margin will win a £100 Amazon Voucher and a place in our Moderators and Contributors League for the following season.

AA33 was the first to vanquish the Scout Picks this year and may take some beating, winning by 96 points to 43, a whopping 53-point margin.

That result was the equaliser for the community champions, who are currently tied 1-1 with the FFS editorial team after the first two Gameweeks.

DAZZ takes on the Scout Picks for Gameweek 3, opting for a 3-5-2 line-up of Lloris; Doherty, C Taylor, K Long; De Bruyne (vc), Son, Mahrez (c), Havertz, Grealish; Werner, Jiménez.

1,598 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone starting Lamptey?

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

      I'm (c) Bruno 🙂

      1. Top Lad Dakes.
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        One of us will be happy 😆

        1. Drop Dead Tsimikas
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Not necessarily. Bruno may blank while Martial and Rashford score.

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

        Set of luck with that. Looks soooo leggy. Plus played deep when Donnie came on. Could well be a big disappointment this season.

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

        I like him, plan to buy him when he’s at 9.5

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

      Yup.

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

    Best option on a WC?

    A. Jimenez + Bamford(bench)
    B. Werner + Brewster(bench)

    Martinez Forster
    Robbo Saiss RJames Lamptey Mitchell
    Salah KDB Son Podence Foden
    DCL x x

    1. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B imo

    2. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Jimenez & Brewster

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        then Robbo > TAA and Saiss > Samedo.

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

          Ha ha

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

          Ha, similar to your WC i'm guessing?

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

      B

    4. That Was Easy!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Going to avoid Jimmy? Feels like any way ya slice it, there's 1 player missing that ya want. Good variety and a good season ahead. Lovely team

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

        Cheers mate, yeah i might end up moving Werner to Jimi at some point anyway if i dont get him now.

    5. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Jimenez is that annoying fly that won’t stop scoring when you don’t own him?

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

    This is the GW of Werner.
    © KDB purely for having 2 * City assets.
    But I'm sure Werner will haul in this GW

    1. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I hope so fella. I'm risking it with Werner(c) instead of KDB. Haven't moved it from him at all so maybe it's just gut, which I told myself I'd trust more

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

        He'll score 10+ surely

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

    saiss is 100% nailed isnt he?

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

      Yeah

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

        thanks dynamic and gl

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

          GL mate

  5. That Was Easy!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Back to 2 Pool at the back and the team I am now happiest with...thoughts?

    TAA Robbo Saiss James
    Mo KDB Foden Podence
    Jimmy Werner

    Forster; Reed, Davis, Mitchell

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

      v good BUT you could easily have podence and foden benched

      1. That Was Easy!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Yep, way she goes. I am going to try to get a better sub.

  6. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Podence v Klich v Mitrovic

    Keep flip flop flopping

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

      Might be able to forego Kilch for next few gws

      1. You've got red on you.
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Mit

  7. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Podence or a 6 million forward?

    1. Drop Dead Tsimikas
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Short-term, probably Pod.

    2. The Handsome Hunk
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Mitro

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

    Abraham worth a punt?

    1. Drop Dead Tsimikas
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      God, no.

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

    Which three do you prefer?
    1: C Taylor, Robertson, Rodriguez
    2: R James, Robertson, Zaha
    3: R James, VVD, Rodriguez

  10. FredrikH
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Rmwct
    Martinez
    TAA Saiss R.James
    KDB Sterling Zaha Rodriguez Podence
    Werner Jimenez
    Steer Lamptey Mitchell Davis

  11. sully29
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts on JRod vs DCL on wildcard?

    1. Drop Dead Tsimikas
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I ended up with DCL simply because if I had JRod, I wouldn't have Salah.

    2. Drop Dead Tsimikas
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Actually, I lied. I ended up with Richarlison because I couldn't figure out what to spend the extra 0.7 on 😀

    3. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I have both but I'd go with JRod if I could pick only one. Spot kicks would clinch it.

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

      DCL. Good options to jump if he's a flash in pan.

      JR has nobody in a million cheaper or expensive around that excites me.

      Also James play deeper for me. DCL for me

  12. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Reece James won't start ever week - PSA

    1. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      everyyyy*

    2. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Starting the next 3 would be worth the risk.

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

      is that meant for me below? thanks

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

    a chillwell and saiss
    b james and semedo

    i may as well flip a coin right?

    1. Drop Dead Tsimikas
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Is Chilwell fit?

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

        i think so. in contention anyway. its wc so i m thinking a bit more long term though.

    2. The Handsome Hunk
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

  14. BigBillyBass
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    WC done. Thoughts?

    Martinez (Steer)
    TAA Digne Saiss (Lamptey Mitchell)
    KDB(c) Salah Son Foden Podence
    Jiménez DCL (Brewster)

    1. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      My team is basically the same on wc, but i’m scared of not including werner, not including him yourself?

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

        You can’t have everyone mate! Think Jiménez can outscore him, I hope!

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

        those who have Werner dont have Son (or are missing 1 of the other key premiums you have). they are worried the other way around.

    2. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      awesome team.

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

        Thanks

    3. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      How’s that affordable?
      With Robbo but not Trent?

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

    KdB shown in recent City training pics. I think he's fit and will play.

    https://twitter.com/ManCity/status/1309556068389982212?s=19

    1. Drop Dead Tsimikas
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Was this ever in doubt?

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

      Thanks

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

      Paul McCartney style look alike replacement. Won’t be as good as the original KDB RIP

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

      Good spot, stays in team then

  16. Oringer7
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Ramsdale (steer)
    TAA Doherty KWP (Mitchell Egan)
    Salah Auba ASM Pereira Greenwood
    Werner Adams (Brewster)

    A) Auba + ASM > KDB & Foden
    A) Auba + ASM > KDB & Podence
    C) something else

  17. Hangman Page
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Scout Picks & Captain Sensible were good reads.

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

      I'm glad you liked it 😉

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

    Guys initial plan was to do auba to kdb -4 but what about this?

    Soucek taa to foden saiss for -8?? Next week auba to kdb or sterling??

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

      Losing Alexander-Arnold as part of a hit which involves getting a non-nailed midfielder looks like something you'll regret. Coupled with a -8 and no KDB. No thanks.

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

        So just auba to kdb is fine. Right?

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

        This

    2. Lets jump straight into it.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Nah,

      bench WHU

      TAA could return

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

        Thanks

  19. That Was Easy!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Who is the best 4.5 midfielder? Would like to be nailed.

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

      Wouldn't we all?

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

      bissouma

    3. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Could be Stephens at 4.4m in a few hours.

      Mendy (LEI) should be nailed till Ndidi is back, Bissouma too.

    4. Sleep Talk
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Burke

  20. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Rather have no Son or no Liverpool defence on WC?

    Won't captain either option if that makes any diff

    1. sully29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      No Son.

    2. Cok3y5murf
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      No Son

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

      No Liverpool defence

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

      no liverpool defence, in the short term.

      they are cash cows and fixtures are not good. so they are likely to get sold to squeeze in all the firing mid/fwd options. same thing happened last year.

    5. Krafty Werks
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      No Pool def.

  21. Pukkipartyy
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Is this crazy or good?

    For (-4) hit.
    Martial + Hamez -> Werner + Foden.
    Allready have Bruno,DCL,Digne. Scared what Chelsea might do against WBA.

  22. Kohort
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    1.
    Martinez
    Robbo Saiss James (Mitchell Dunne*)
    Salah Sterling* Kdb Foden Podence*
    Jimenez Wood* (4.5)

    2.
    Martinez
    Robbo Saiss James (Mitchell Lamptey*)
    Salah Kdb Son* Havertz* Foden
    Jimenez Adams* (4.5)

    Comes down to:
    A. Sterling, Podence, Wood, Dunne(bench)
    B. Son, Havertz, Adams, Lamptey(bench)

  23. Lets jump straight into it.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Sterling to go crazy ape bonkers, instead of Aubang to KDB, is Sterling a better option?

    1. Bang > KDB
    2. Bang > Sterling
    3. Keep Bang, and save a -4
    4. Other, pls describe

    Thanks in advance

    1. Mike82
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Bing Bang Booey

      1. Lets jump straight into it.
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Jitterbug bang boogey

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

      I like Bangs chances

      1. Lets jump straight into it.
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah FI. Save the -4 and lets see how Pep lines them up.

        Cheers

  24. Mike82
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    GTG?
    McCarthy
    TAA, Doherty, Mitchell, Justin
    Salah (C), KdB, Son
    DCL, Mitrovic, Martial

    Steer, Gordon, Egan, Bissouma

  25. Eat my goal!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    How to improve this lot?

    Martinez
    James Saiss Taylor (mitchell Justin)
    salah kdb greenwood foden son
    Werner DCL (brewster)

    .7itb

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

      Roll

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

      one of mid has to make way to improve dedence imo

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

      Looks brill

      Save!

  26. Abusive_Sgt_Daelrhos
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Need WC here? Or just Auba to Sterling (-4)?

    McCarthy, Nyland
    TAA,Justin,Davies,Mitchell,Buur
    Auba,Salah,JRod,Podence,Bissouma*
    Werner,Mitro,Martial

    1. Mike82
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Fine that teamz just sterling for auba

    2. Lets jump straight into it.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Aubang is gonna haul this week, everyones transferred him out ..

  27. Gazpilicueta
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A) Werner and Anguissa
    B) Delap and Son

    votes on a postcard please

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

    Which three do you prefer? On WC by the way!

    1: C Taylor, Robertson, Rodriguez
    2: R James, Robertson, Zaha
    3: R James, VVD, Rodriguez

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

      2

    2. Krafty Werks
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      2

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

    Is a City triple up of Sterling, KDB and Foden too much?

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

      Not If you think they will score loads of points, I am a fan of stacking

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

        Thinking of going with a Salah, KDB, Sterling, Foden midfield

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

          Exactly what I have currently.

  30. Drogba Legend
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    G2G? 0 FT and .9 ITB

    McCarthy
    TAA - Justin - Bavies - Mitchell
    KDB - Son - Salah - Podence
    Werner - Ings

    Nyland - Davis - Holding - Bissouma*