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. Sarri-ball
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Rashford to kdb 2night or miss rise?

    Only reason worried last week went son to rashford to save 0.1 and know how that went.

    1. Livinginapool - Top 100 Any…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Yep - and captain him.

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

      That same thing could happen again.

      1. Sarri-ball
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Agree so let 0.1 go was hoping kdb wouldnt rise

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

    Folks, how long is Vinagre a starter? Does Marçal play left back ?

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

      Next two probably, that being said, Semedo could play LWB with Traore RWB

      1. Ginkapo FPL
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I doubt it, surely they want Traore unleashed?

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

    Anyone gonna punt on semedo?

  4. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Can’t believe Mahrez being overlooked..

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

      I'm moving that way Tony, Mahrez Werner Ings Son all between one slot and it may just be that low ownership that sways me

      1. Champions League Varane
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        It really could work out..

        Decisions decisions ..

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

      Could be a good pick but doesn't fit the structure of my team. Might be the same for others.

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

      He looked awful vs. Bournemouth.

  5. HAMMERTIME107
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A | Martial & Diangana

    B | DCL & Foden ???

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

      B

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

    Drop one:

    A) Foden
    B) Traore
    C) Podence

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

      b

    2. Livinginapool - Top 100 Any…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Podence for me.

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

        Tempted to choose Traore over Foden too in another draft

        1. Livinginapool - Top 100 Any…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Easily Foden for me.

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

      C

  7. Livinginapool - Top 100 Any…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    1) van Dijk & Rodriguez

    2) James & Son

    Already got TAA.

    1. Robson-Canoe
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      2 for me

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

      1

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

      2 looking goos

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

    Please rate my wildcard team! TIA.

    McCarthy
    VVD, James, Saïss
    KDB, Rodriguez, Havertz, Son
    Jimmy, Ings, DCL

    (Nyland, Podence, Justin, Dunne)

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

      4.8 cabbages. Why Nyland? Solid if asking for trouble without Mo or Mane.

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

        I really want Son and KDB. Can’t make space for another double digit mid;(

    2. Sarri-ball
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Forster for 4.0 bavk up if want McCarthy

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

        Good call. Thank you!

  9. Eleven Hag
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    G2G?

    Martinez
    Robbo Digne James Saiss
    KDB Sterling (C) Bruno Podence
    Jimenez DCL
    - Justin Bissouma Brewster

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

    Basically it's a matter of if Werner is worth having a shite bench for a week or two.

    Werner/Dunne
    Martial or Richarlison/4.7 and up defender

    Starting Mitchell as my 4th defender in short term if A

  11. DRIZ ✅
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    All this tinkering when Leicester will probably win

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

      -0.0% chance

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

    Only 4 players for me tomorrow. With a hit taken, If i end up with a green arrow tomorrow it'll be decent surprise ...

    1. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Who are you going with the C mate?

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

        Kevin

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      How you shaped up pal? GL

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

        Took another hit.
        Johnstone
        Taa VVD Saiss Taylor
        Salah KDB Harrison
        Werner Martial Mitro

        1. RAFA THE GAFFA
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Nice. Enjoy it

  13. CAPA
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Would you rather have Bruno and a 4.5 def or 7.0 mid and TAA? Thoughts appreciated. Thanks

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

      7.5 mid sorry!

    2. Livinginapool - Top 100 Any…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      TAA and Barnes long-term.

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

        Thanks for the suggestion

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

      I have a similar question and can't decide. I have Robertson. But should i do Trent + Ings or Bruno + Saiss

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

        Not like for like positions?

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

          Yes it changes my formation from 3-5-2 to 3-4-3

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

            TAA and Ings for me Zimo

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

              Thanks!

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

      I think TAA and 7 could well get more. I wanna keep bruno too but it's looking like i won't.

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

        Would just feel more exposed without TAA I think

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

          Yeah probably

  14. Pep's Money Laundry
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A. Robbo, James, Wood (in 343 formation)
    B. TAA, Taylor, Barnes (352)

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

      A

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

    El capitano?

    a) Werner
    b) Salah
    c) Son

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

      B

    2. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B

  16. kevchenko
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    On my WC....

    What do you guys think?

    Martinez / Forster
    TAA / Robbo / Saiss / Lamptey / Dunne
    KDB / Son / J.Rodriguez / Foden / Podence
    DCL / Richarlison / Jimenez

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Too much Everton 🙂

      Rich >> Ingsy and enjoy

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

        I think Ancelotti's Everton will be really good attacking this season though, and for an easy run....

        I also can't afford the 0.4 for Ings.

  17. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    -8 team 😯 Good enough to go? Davies >> James next GW most likely move.

    McCarthy
    TAA, Saiss, Davies, Mitchell
    Salah, KDB, Rodríguez, Zaha
    Werner, Ings
    (Nyland, Justin, Davis, Bissouma**)

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      KEV(C), also

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

        I’ve got slow fingers.
        KDB will do well.

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

      All good.
      Are you going KDB or Werner cap?

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Kev most likely

  18. Mr. Mystic
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Lamptey or Taylor?

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Lamptey. Returns at both ends possible so can play most weeks

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

      Im starting the former with the latter first sub

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

    Play 1 of the following:

    A) Soucek
    B) Justin

    Thanks

    1. Robson-Canoe
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

  20. Ronaldo 7
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Son or Werner?

    1. Champions League Varane
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Son Heung Min

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

      Werner. But only as a requirement once Pulisic and Ziyech are fit.

  21. Ninjaa
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Current team
    McCarthy Nyland
    TAA Egan Davies Justin Ferguson
    Salah Aubameyang JWP ASM Reed
    Werner Vardy Adams

    Agreed it ain't going well so far.
    2fts this gw.

    A. Egan and Aubameyang to Sterling and Saiss

    B. Vardy and Aubameyang to Sterling and Richarlison

    C. Another ?

    1. james 101
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Close

      B tempts

  22. james 101
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Am I good to go gents?

    Martinez
    Digne Saiss James
    KDB(c) Rodriguez Zaha Sterling(vc)
    Jimmy Martial DCL

    (Steer Hendrick Mitchell Justin).

    Thanks and good luck!!

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

      Yes

      1. james 101
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers

    2. Robson-Canoe
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Brave to go 0 Liverpool! But as good as it can be without them.

      1. james 101
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I hear you. I’ll get them in sometime.

    3. Scots Gooner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Beautiful

      1. james 101
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks mate

  23. Andy W
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Richarlison or DCL?

    1. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Rich

    2. Robson-Canoe
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      If cash no issue, I'd go Rich - but DCL frees up important funds

  24. Rolls-Royce
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Which one would you pick on a WC?

    A) Digne
    B) Siass

    1. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Depends what you do with the extra 1m

      1. Rolls-Royce
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Just sits on the bank.

        1. THFC4LIFE
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Digne in that case

    2. Scots Gooner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Digne, he'll rake in the points til GW10

  25. THFC4LIFE
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Last 2 places on WC,

    Werner and Podence
    Or
    Jimenez and Foden.....

    Cheers

    1. S6 Owl
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Jimmy & Foden

  26. yalala
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Start Ayling or Mitchell?

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

      No reply a few pages back but I asked this. Reminds me a bit of when Wan Bissaka was a £4m defender at Palace and it took a while for people to start playing him. It's him or Ayling for me this week and so far Palace look much more likely of a clean sheet. Thoughts?

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

        I'm thinking I should go Mitchell btw.

      2. THFC4LIFE
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Mitchel definitely

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

        It's tough because Everton look so good as well.

        Sheffield still haven't scored this season but Leeds don't look so great at the back.

  27. La Roja
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A) Ings Lamptey Saiss

    B) Wood Robbo Vinagre

    1. S6 Owl
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Deffo A

    2. Rolls-Royce
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Vinagre too short term.

      A)

  28. S6 Owl
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A) TAA + Mane
    B) Robbo + Salah and 0.3 itb
    ?

    1. Robson-Canoe
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B, Robbo has looked better than TAA so far

      1. S6 Owl
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers Tony

  29. Eleven Hag
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Captain ??

    A) KDB for safety
    or
    B) Sterling as differential

  30. Jordan.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    37k so far so good and w/c nowhere near in play so no hits and 3 possible moves for gw3 ive done one of them
    A barnes to foden
    B wilson to wood
    C martial to jiminez
    which one would you have done????

    1. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      wood

    2. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      C

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

      lol did A
      i reckon foden is going to be integral to city going forward ,that through ball to delap last night was sublime ,hes had a couple of years learning he looks ready to go to me so time to get on board,of course pep rotation but at 6.5 its become a no brainer