Scout Picks

Gameweek 7 Scout Picks features left-sided assets with favourable match-ups

There is a left-sided theme to the Scout Picks for Gameweek 7 as many of our key assets face sides boast weaknesses on their right-hand side of their defence.

Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea and Spurs are all represented with a double-up, as we picked the best players for the next round of action from our most recent Scout Squad article.

We line up in the usual 3-4-3 formation for Gameweek 7, coming in at £82.1m, £0.9m under our budget of £83.0m.

Goalkeeper

Edouard Mendy (£5.0m) has made quite the impression since making his Chelsea debut and, in the most recent Scout Squad article, he earned top billing in this position from David, Neale and Andy. The Blues have always been a team that keeps their opponents at bay under Frank Lampard, they have simply lacked a quality goalkeeper to capitalise on that. In the last four matches, only one team has conceded more big chances than them, encouraging news ahead of a trip to Burnley, who have the second-worst goal conversion rate in the Premier League this season.

Defenders

While we have legitimate concerns about Liverpool’s defence this season, Andrew Robertson (£7.1m) looks best-placed to benefit from the slight chink in West Ham’s armour. Yes, they have been defensively strong during their tough run of games, but the Hammers have conceded nearly double the number of chances on their right-hand side compared to their left this season. 

João Cancelo (£5.4m) looks primed for a double-digit haul in Gameweek 7. With Aymeric Laporte potentially back this weekend, Manchester City’s clean sheet potential is about as good as it gets, considering they face a Sheffield United side with just three goals in six matches this season and the division’s worst goal conversion rate. Meanwhile, the Blades have conceded more chances down their right-hand side than any other team, perfect for whoever plays on the left for City on Saturday afternoon. Enter Cancelo, who has become a firm favourite of Pep Guardiola on the left-hand side of his back-four recently and has created more chances than any other Manchester City defender in 2020/21.

Kurt Zouma (£5.1m) is the second member of our Chelsea defensive double-up, mainly as one of the more nailed-on starters in Lampard’s defence. Ben Chilwell certainly got a lot of support in the Scout Squad article but we would be lying if we did not admit there is a chance of a benching, considering the fatigue he showed midweek and the fact that Reece James was rested. Zouma, meanwhile, has more shots on target than any Chelsea defender this season, Timo Werner the only player in the whole squad to have outperformed him in that department.

Midfielders

In keeping with the left-side theme of this article, Sadio Mané (£12.0m) has managed to earn a place in the Scout Picks over colleague Mohamed Salah. As already mentioned, West Ham’s right-hand side has proved twice as vulnerable as the left this season, which is perfect for Mané who, without penalties, has managed to best Salah for minutes per expected goal involvement (xGI) over the first six Gameweeks.

Son Heung-min (£9.5m) simply cannot stop racking up the attacking returns this season. One of the main reasons behind that is that no player has been afforded more big chances than the South Korean thus far. Against a Brighton outfit that likes to play expansive football with their full-backs bombing on, there is sure to be space for Son to be handed a few more high-quality opportunities by his colleagues on Sunday.

Phil Foden (£6.6m) fills in as our Manchester City representative once again, thanks to his value price and chances of a start. While he played 90 minutes midweek, the fact that Foden was benched for the Gameweek 6 draw with West Ham suggests that he may feature from the beginning against Sheffield United. The youngster also remains top of the charts or joint-top among Manchester City players for shots in the box, big chances and shots on target this season.

Jack Harrison (£5.5m) is yet another left-sided attacking asset to earn a place in the Scout Picks for Gameweek 7. This week really is the one for great match-ups on this side of the pitch, as Leicester have conceded 25 chances from the right this season, second only to Sheffield United. 

Forwards

Top 10k FPL managers and FFS poll voters disagree over Kane's captain credentials

Harry Kane (£10.9m) remains an auto-include for the Scout Picks considering he managed to come out of a cagey trip to Burnley with a 13th attacking return in six matches. The Spurs man is also still top of the league for shots on target and big chances created this season, highlighting his all-round appeal and potential for goals, assists and bonus in equal measure.

Raúl Jiménez (£8.5m) remains as reliable as clockwork this season, with attacking returns from four of his six matches thus far. He has found the net in two of Wolves’ three home matches while Crystal Palace have kept just one clean sheet all season, none on the road.

Callum Wilson (£6.5m) has largely crept under the radar this season but he has managed to score four goals and provide two assists in the first six matches. That has taken him into the top-five points scorers among forwards, backed up by the second-highest number of big chances among Premier League players in 2020/21. Wilson can certainly continue that form in Gameweek 7 as Newcastle host Everton, who are without a clean sheet since Gameweek 1.

Substitutes

Sam Johnstone (£4.5m) earned support from three of our Scout Squad pundits this week as West Bromwich Albion travel to Fulham. The Baggies have made improvements at the back over the last two Gameweeks, conceding the third-lowest number of shots in the box during that time. Meanwhile, Fulham have blanked in two of their first three home matches this season.

Surprise, surprise, another left-sided player makes it into the selection for Gameweek 7. Provided Liam Cooper returns to the side, Stuart Dallas (£4.5m) will share that side of the pitch with Harrison when Leicester come to Elland Road on Monday night.

Branislav Ivanovic (£4.5m) is another route into the West Bromwich Albion defence for Gameweek 7. Despite only playing two matches for the Baggies, the former Chelsea man is already second only to Grady Diangana for shots in the box among his new colleagues this season.

However, if anyone is going to find the net for Fulham, we are confident that Ademola Lookman (£5.0m) will have some involvement. In the last two Gameweeks, only four players have attempted more shots in the box than his total of five and, of course, he hit the post last time out.

THE CAPTAIN

Who are the best captain options for FPL Gameweek 36+?

We chose the Scout Picks captain 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 7:

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

karsworde managed 40 points for the Community Champions in Gameweek 6 but the Scout Picks went 4-2 up for the season with a score of 45.

Riot takes us on for Gameweek 7, opting for a 4-5-1 line-up of Meslier; Chilwell, T Silva, Ayling, Dallas; Salah, Mané (c), Mahrez, D Jota, M Pereira; Werner (vc).

AA33 is the current leader, defeating the Scout Picks by a 53-point margin in Gameweek 2.

1,761 Comments Post a Comment
  1. NoThomasNoPartey18
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    1FT 0itb

    A) Castagne to zouma
    B) castagne/mitchell to chillwell/3.9def -4
    C) castagne/rodriguez to chillwell/grealish -4

    Martinez
    Saiss Targett castagne* mitchell* dunne
    Son salah foden fernandes james*
    Dcl kane brewster

    Bottomed, sorry

    1. wilsonito
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Same dilemma, think I might do C but to zaha instead as I’ve got Watkins

  2. el polako
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Tempted to go J Rod to Pulisic but I know I will want Columbian back for Fulham and will have to pay extra to get him since originally got him for a starting 6.5m price.

    1. Hulk Smash
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      If you have a solid bench it's worth keeping him. Many either don't have good bench options this week or have 2ft to burn.

    2. Sean
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Same, and its a transfer that has to me made at a time I want to be using them on bringing in city players..

    3. leo_messi
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      true, but money is not everything in this game and if you buy Pulisic now you still can do Puli -> Hames in GW9 and keep like 0.4- 0.5 inb for the next moves

    4. el polako
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Decisions decisions, thanks all.

  3. janlu0
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    McCarthy or Martinez in goal?

    1. Neves say Neves
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Martinez

  4. Neves say Neves
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Who to start?

    A) Justin (lee)
    B) Soucek (liv)
    C) Brewster (MCI)

    1. Bubi
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B

  5. Luton_Fan
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Am i the only one with sterling?

    1. GOTHAM City F.C.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Ya pretty much the only person.

      1. Luton_Fan
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Thought so thanks

      2. Pompel
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        o/

    2. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      And me

  6. corderz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Martinez Forster
    Robbo Chilwell Reguilion Dallas Mitchell
    Salah Son Rodriguez Grealish Soucek
    Kane DCL Maupay

    A) Maupay + Hamez > Bamford + Pulisic
    B) Maupay > Bamford (Hold Hamez and play Dallas)
    C) Maupay > Wilson

  7. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    No fires this week, 2FT and £1m ITB, so a week punt for Podence to ?

    A Bowen
    B Barkley
    C McGinn
    D Harrison
    E Lookman

    Can't afford Foden 🙁

    1. FPL_BUCCANEER
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B

    2. Dirtymeercat666
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I like A

      1. SmasherLagru
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Bowen n stick for ages

  8. RamaJama
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Who to get?

    A) Bamford
    B) Wilson
    C) Rashford

    1. Big Ronnie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      C

    2. SmasherLagru
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      C

    3. Dirtymeercat666
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Rashford

  9. The Yorkshire Pirlo
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Best move?

    A) Hamez > Grealish

    B) Hamez, Jimmy > Lookman, Kane -4

    1. Big Ronnie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A

      1. SmasherLagru
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        A

    2. GOTHAM City F.C.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A

    3. Dirtymeercat666
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A

  10. Jimjam
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Is it crazy to consider Bowen over Foden as a JRod replacement?

    Should play 90 mins, hasn't played midweek, Liverpool without VVD and Fabinho...

    1. Drogba Legend
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Absolutely not. WHU look better, saves you money, good fixtures after LIV, etc.

    2. Puntillimon
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Good shout but might be a blank this week. Great after pool

    3. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Foden may not even start. Bowen a better option from next week. Foden is tempting but what's point in risking 1 pointers . Let the a James owners make that mistake

  11. Bishopool
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    What do you think, Podence will be benched or starter?.

  12. Puntillimon
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Feeling a bit frisky and going trent capt. Anyone with me?

    1. Jay Arell
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Ballsy

      1. SmasherLagru
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Really

    2. William.gallant
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Here is me considering selling for chilwell

    3. Strongback2011
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I like it!

    4. Puntillimon
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Seems like I’m going in this alone 🙁

      1. Warby84
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Very tempted....

      2. Warby84
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        I’m in

  13. Jay Arell
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Anyone reckon Barkley could keeper up with Grealish or at least provide some good value at 6.0?

    1. Drogba Legend
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Some decent value at his price for sure. Solid fixtures as well.

    2. Big Ronnie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Think he'll do well value wise

  14. Big Ronnie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Start one of Podence, Soucek or Justin?

    1. Jay Arell
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Justin or Podence

    2. Drogba Legend
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Podence

    3. William.gallant
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Podence

      1. Big Ronnie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers all

  15. Drogba Legend
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    I think I'm set on dropping my Brighton assets with my 2FT this week. Which is the better combo:

    Maupay + Ryan >

    A) Adams + Mendy/Fabs/Darlow
    B) Watkins + Mendy/Fabs/Darlow
    C) Bamford + Mendy/Fabs/Darlow
    D) Wilson + Meslier/McCarthy
    E) Something else??

    1. SmasherLagru
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B fabs

      1. Drogba Legend
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers

  16. William.gallant
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Sorry was bottomed.
    Can currently exactly afford;
    TAA + Hamez —> chilwell + Rashford
    And 2FT,
    Thoughts?

    1. Q
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Trent COULD do well against a depleted west ham but I see more points in your transfer

    2. GOTHAM City F.C.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Worth the punt Rash

  17. CelticBhoy1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Best midfielder for 8.0 or under?

    1. Hansel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Grealish, Zaha, Ziyech

  18. Machine_Gunnerz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Rashford as differential captain?

    1. William.gallant
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Don’t seem to trust much in your teams own defence aha

    2. Puntillimon
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Think he might do better against teams that don’t park the bus

    3. Konstaapeli
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Against the mighty gunners?

  19. PascalCygan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Getting cold feet about Jimenez > Kane.

    Definitely want Kane, just don't want to lose Jimi now... even though I've watched Wolves' past three games and they've not looked threatening.

    The alternative is TAA + Maupay > Coufal/other + Kane for -4.

    Should just do Jimi > Kane for free, shouldn't I?

    1. King Kun Ta
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Jimi out

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

        Thanks. It has been my plan all along - just need to dispel those voices in my head suggesting otherwise!

  20. Hansel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Start one for Hamez cover:
    A) Bissouma
    B) Mitchell
    C) Taylor

    1. Taegugk Warrior
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A

    2. Vazza
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Bissouma

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

      C probably has the highest ceiling, chance of an assist and wouldn't rule out a clean sheet after watching Burnley v Spurs

  21. Vazza
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Who to captain this week pls -

    A. Salah
    B. Son
    C. Kane

    1. Konstaapeli
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      C

    2. Luton_Fan
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      How many times u gonna ask that?

      1. Vazza
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        My apologies, I’m really confused about captaincy this week hence the repetition.

    3. Nellis1966
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B

    4. Nightcrawler
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Solahne

    5. TLF
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Only you can decide, they are all good picks, you can't go wrong, who ever you choose won't be a bad move with those 3.

      Go with your gut.

    6. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Trent

  22. Konstaapeli
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Is james out o just Ancelotti mind games again?

    1. Vazza
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I think this time he’s being for real

  23. The Reptile
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Will Foden start?

    I was thinking of Jorginho to him or
    Mitchell to Cancelo as I have no ManCity

    1. Drogba Legend
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Should start I reckon

  24. Taegugk Warrior
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Play
    A. Killman
    B. Justin

    1. Bubi
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A

  25. fc_skrald
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    I don't understand all the Rodriguez sellers - they want him back soon, wont they? I don't have him in my team but already planning for getting him next gw, so I will be happy of course if he is 0.1 million cheaper...

    1. Luton_Fan
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Same but gw9

      1. fc_skrald
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Yes, maybe wait for gw 9

  26. Kip
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    With only 1FT and 0.0itb would you rather do:
    A) Antonio=> Bamford
    B) Jrod => Grealish/Zaha

    Both are confirmed out for the GW.

    1. Drogba Legend
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Tough call, I'd go B.

    2. Luton_Fan
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A

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

      Probably B, would want Antonio next week

      1. Luton_Fan
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Antonio out for at least 4 weeks

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

          Ah, didn’t realise. Thanks

  27. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Am I good to save ft here? 1mitb. Rank 3.8m so desperate for a good week

    Martinez James saiss (lamptey Mitchell)
    Salah (c) son pulisic foden (burke)
    Kane dcl watkins

    Thanks

  28. Peekay
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Podence still guaranteed to start?

    1. Luton_Fan
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Nope but he was sharp last game so expect him to keep place

      1. Peekay
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks mate!

  29. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Play Mitchell or Justin?

    1. Heisenberg W. W.
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Justin

  30. Nolberto Solano
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Jrod to Foden for a hit?

    1. Konstaapeli
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Nope

      1. Heisenberg W. W.
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        no

    2. Bubi
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Nah