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. estheblessed
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    a) AA & Coady
    b) Robertson & Swiss

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

      *Saiss

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

      B

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

      B and bank 0.4

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

      B

    5. Rocky FPL
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Why not TAA and Saiss.

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

        I'm short by 0.1!

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

    Is this WC team GTG?
    Martinez
    Van Dijk, Saiss, James
    Salah, KDB, Son, Rodriguez, Podence,
    Calvert-Lewin, Jimenez

    Forster, Lamptey, Mitchell, Brewster

    Really want Robertson, but 0.3 short!

    1. George Agdgdgwngo
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Downgrade james

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

        Do you think that is a good decision?

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

      You have DCL, so downgrade Hames to Foden/Barnes, and you can fit Robbo in

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

        Ok thanks will consider that!

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

      Rodriguez to Foden.

  3. George Agdgdgwngo
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A. Play 4-4-2 Digne,

    B. Play 3-5-2 Foden,

    C. Play 4-3-3 Mitro

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

      C

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

      C but your bench is far too strong

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

        He's talking about different formation i guess.

        Not have all these players.

      2. George Agdgdgwngo
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Wow didn’t think it would be C

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

      Lol u should play them all. What is your team?

    4. Konstaapeli
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B

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

    can someone link to a trusted resource talking about the Jesus issue.

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

      check his twitter

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

      https://twitter.com/StatCity/status/1309444347285385216

      Don't know if its trusted

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

      Check his twitter account

    4. COLLIN QUANER
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      He posted on his own twitter page

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

    Last part of WC! Please help:

    1) DCL & Foden (£0.8 ITB) triple City midfield for now...
    2) Jimenez & Mitrovic (£0.0 ITB) No Everton

    Have Podence

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

      Think Jiminez is must have for the next 5 games, so B for me

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

    On WC would you have:

    A) Sterling Justin
    B) Salah Lamptey + 0.4 ITB

    I have KDB

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

      B !

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

      A without a doubt

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

      Sterling & Lamptey

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

        Correct.

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

    Would you wildcard to extinguish a 12 point hit?

    A. Yes
    B. No

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

      A

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

      It depends what you’ve done.

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

        I have removed 4 bad players in exchange of 4 good players

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

          Play wildcard and plan long term. -8 is max I would go.

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

      Do you see more essential/urgent transfers in the next few weeks?

      Its Friday evening, so you'd benefit more from price changes + time, if you wait til next week. You'll have the whole international break to tinker your team and gain price rises.

    4. Rocky FPL
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Yes

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

      B

  8. Radzio
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Last decision on my WC:

    a)TAA + Son
    b)Sterling + Keane? Mainly for the next 2?

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

      A

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

      A

    3. COLLIN QUANER
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B

  9. Torres76
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Cheapest way into Wolves defence? Vianigre?

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

      Yes but add some salt too

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

      Saiss

      1. Torres76
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Cheapest way in. Can’t afford Saïss at 5.1m

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

          Ok Coady then

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

      Coady is probably the cheapest assured starter. You're taking a gamble with Vinagre's minutes.

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

    Which two on WC?

    A) Reece James
    B) Siass
    C) Digne

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

      A and B

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

        Sorry, I meant B and C

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

          Cheers

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

      I got B and C

  11. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Saiss or James to score at least 6pts this gw?
    And who do prefer in general as a long term pick?

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

      Long term saiss

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

      Saiss if at 5. Probably still Saiss

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

    Any 4.4 mids worth getting?

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

      there arent any?

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

      Nope

  13. BobbyV
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Final pieces:

    A. Klich & Brewster or
    B. any 4.5 mid & Bamford

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

    Who should I start out of:

    A) Soucek (who's blanked in each fixture so far but has a better fixture than Justin)
    B) Justin (who's on form with attacking returns in each fixture, but has the hardest possible opponent)

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

      A

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

      Soucek - returns will come

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

      Thanks both for responding... anyone else want to share their opinion please?

  15. M2.0
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Pretty template but..gtg?

    Martinez
    Taylor - Robbo - Saiss
    Son - KDB - Salah - Foden
    Werner - DCL - Mitro

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

      Looks good. Good luck

    2. Alan Hansen's Emu
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Looks good

  16. Tsssst
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Ready to roll?

    Martinez (Steer)
    TAA Robertson James (Vinagre Mitchell)
    Havertz KDB Sterling Foden Podence
    Jimenez DCL (Brewster)

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

      WC ?

      Liking bold city X3

  17. Apwilkin
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    KDB likely to be forced into a different role on the pitch with Jesus being injured?

    1. H.E. Pennypacker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Wouldn't have thought so. Most likely Sterling to CF, Mahrez and Foden either side of him with De Bruyne playing the number 10 role.

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

        That’s what I was thinking as well. Just pondering my C choice for the weekend. Gut say KDB, head says salah, heart says Werner

        1. H.E. Pennypacker
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          I favour going with whichever picks would bring you the most enjoyment. I love watching De Bruyne play and more than happy to captain him and see him play his game.

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

    1) Taa + Zaha
    2) VVD + Mahrez

    Thanks

    1. M2.0
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      a. do not not not get mahrez

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

        Understood. Thanks

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

      1

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

    VVD and Reece James or Robertson and C Taylor?

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

      First one

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

      1st combination

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

      VVD and RJ

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

        Thanks guys!!

  20. Lee8686
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A) Mitrovic and Podence
    B) Delap and Barnes

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

      A

    2. Can’t beat em so&hell…
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

    3. Dash444
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

  21. Torres76
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Is this WC team GTG?

    Martinez
    TAA, Vinigrette, James
    Salah, KDB, Son, Rodriguez, Podence,
    Calvert-Lewin, Jimenez

    Myland, Mitchell, Douglas, Brewster

    1. Can’t beat em so&hell…
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Yup, looks great

    2. Dash444
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Looks good

  22. Cynical
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Right, last tinker with the WC draft for my team and my gfs. Would appreciate any input in helping me decide!

    Barnes or Foden?
    Martinez or Guaita?
    Wood or Mitrovic?

    If going for 2/3 of the cheaper options above, worth upgrading Taylor to Reece James? Seems very popular on here

    1. gomez123
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      F
      M
      W

    2. Can’t beat em so&hell…
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      FMM

    3. Dash444
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Like Barnes but Foden right this week
      Prefer Guaita long term but went Martinez for extra 0.5
      Something tells me Wood might score 2 or 3 over next few weeks.

    4. COLLIN QUANER
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Barnes
      Guaita
      Wood

  23. gomez123
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Think I am set on this gtg Y/N
    Martinez
    Robertson/Saiss/James
    Salah(C)/Sterling/Son(vc)/Foden
    DCL/Jiminez/Wood
    Bench Forster/Anquissa/Lamptey/Mitchell
    0.2 in bank

    1. Can’t beat em so&hell…
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Lovely

      1. gomez123
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks

    2. Dash444
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Good team, good luck

      1. gomez123
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks

  24. Can’t beat em so&hell…
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Bench one...

    A) Justin (mci)
    B) Dallas (shu)
    C) Mitchell (ÈVE)
    D) Holding (liv)

    I’m on A at the moment...

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

      A

    2. Dash444
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      You must have the least attacking defence ever. Out of those the least likely to keep a CS is probably Holding.

  25. 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.

    1. nn11
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Probably not unless you think Werner will score more than 1?

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

    Welcome to my team Mason Greenwood!

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

      Reasoning?

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

      Why?

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

      Brave

    4. COLLIN QUANER
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Good luck

  27. KGFC
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    With Marcal confirmed out with a calf injury, is Vinagre an option now?

    1. Over The Mounié
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Yes but only in the short term.

  28. nn11
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Any changes needed for this?

    Ryan Steer
    Saiss James Keane Justin Mitchell
    KDB Son Salah Hamez Costa
    Werner Jimi Brewster

    Not sure I can find a way to fit Sterling in?

    1. Dash444
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Good balance, you can’t have them all!!

  29. estheblessed
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    WC attempt #2 (£0.4 in the bank)

    Martinez
    Saiss, Robertson, Digne
    Podence, Salah, KDB, Son
    Bamford, DCL, Werner

    Nyland, Mitchell, Anguissa, Dunne

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

      Looks good

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

    New member. Sorry to ask but would you go for:

    Son & Bamford(Sub)
    or
    Foden & Jiminez (Mitrovic will be sub)

    Full Team:

    Martinez. Steer
    Saiss TAA Justin Lamptey Mitchell
    Zaha KDB Salah Rodriguez Son/Foden
    Calvert-Lewin Mitrovic Bamford/Jiminez

    Thanks for your thoughts.

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

      B 100%

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

        Thanks. Appreciate it.

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

      B - all day long. Jiminez is must have the next 5 weeks

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

        Cheers guys. Thought so but after staring at the choice for too long it all becomes a bit blurry!