Scout Picks

Gameweek 8 Scout Picks features Chelsea and Spurs triple-ups

Chelsea and Spurs are the key sides at the heart of our Scout Picks XI for Gameweek 8.

They face Sheffield United and West Bromwich Albion respectively in two of the most favourable match-ups of the weekend.

This team has been chosen following the Scout Squad submissions made by David, Neale, Tom and Andy earlier in the week and, as ever, we are in 3-4-3 formation, coming in at £82.9m, £0.1m under our budget of £83.0m.

As a result of the 16:00 GMT deadline today, we are putting this article out earlier than usual. Therefore, these selections were made before Friday’s main bulk of press conferences, not something we normally like to do!

Goalkeeper

Chosen by three of our pundits, Alex McCarthy (£4.5m) nails down a spot in the Scout Picks for a Gameweek 8 meeting with Newcastle. £4.5 goalkeepers are proving harder to get excited about than ever before, but the Southampton man has been solid if not spectacular this season. Only Emi Martínez (7.1) and Karl Darlow (6.6) have managed more than McCarthy’s six points per million spent in 2020/21 thanks to clean sheets in three matches, and additional save points on the same number of occasions. 

Defenders

Ben Chilwell (£5.9m) looks set to benefit from a favourable match-up in Gameweek 8 as he faces a Sheffield United defence that has conceded more chances down their right-hand side than any other this season. Chelsea’s left-back has created more chances than any other defensive colleague this year so looks poised to involve himself in the Blues’ goals. And don’t forget Frank Lampard’s men are the third-best for expected goals conceded (xGC) over the last four, while Sheffield United have the second-fewest shots on target in that time.

Meanwhile, West Bromwich Albion come into Gameweek 8 with the Premier League’s lowest goal conversion rate over the last four matches. That certainly boosts the clean sheet potential of Sergio Reguilón (£5.6m), who has provided an assist in two of his three Premier League starts this season.

Aaron Cresswell (£5.1m) was the most popular West Ham defender among the Scout Squad pundits for Gameweek 8 as their appealing run of fixtures finally gets underway. The Hammers host Fulham this weekend, who have the second-worst shot accuracy since Gameweek 4 (27.8%). While a considerable amount of the Cottagers threat comes from Aleksandar Mitrovic’s aerial ability, David Moyes men conceded the fewest amount of headed attempts of any Premier League team over the last four matches. Cresswell’s role in set pieces means he has created the most chances among West Ham players since Gameweek 4.

Midfielders

Fantasy favourite Kevin De Bruyne (£11.5m) could do well against Liverpool in Gameweek 8. We know the Reds were struggling defensively even before Virgil van Dijk’s long-term injury anyway and his absence has only made things worse. However, the key factor that underpins De Bruyne’s FPL credentials at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday is how Pep Guardiola uses him in games against the so-called bigger clubs. In such matches the Manchester City manager likes to deploy the Belgian a more advanced midfield role than usual and, when they Liverpool during Project Restart, he ran the show and came away with two attacking returns.

Son Heung-min (£9.6m) has been the king of away matches this season, registering 74.6% of his FPL points on the road so far. We are expecting the South Korean to find space behind West Bromwich Albion’s defence at the Hawthorns, especially as chances conceded on the right-hand side of their defence has increased since their recent switch to a back-four.

Hakim Ziyech (£8.0m) has made a significant improvement to Chelsea’s attacking flow since returning from an early season injury. In three starts in all competitions, the former Ajax man has two goals and one assist and, with a shared hand in set pieces alongside Chilwell and Mason Mount, he could benefit from Sheffield United having conceded more headed attempts than any other side this season.

It was a tough call choosing between Jarrod Bowen (£6.3m) and Pablo Fornals from the Scout Squad submissions, each earning two votes each. While we think both assets have decent potential for West Ham’s upcoming run, we have gone with the former for Gameweek 8 based on a specific favourable match-up. Bowen could be afforded a chance to play centre-forward but if he is used on his usual right flank, that will put the winger against a Fulham defence that has conceded the second-highest number of chances on the left flank in 2020/21.

Forwards

As we have mentioned before, Harry Kane (£11.0m) is still an auto-include in the Scout Picks, selected as the best forward by all four of our Scout Squad pundits. West Bromwich Albion’s defensive improvements of recent weeks proved to be something of a false dawn in their poor 2-0 defeat to Fulham and, if anyone is poised to pile on the misery right now, it’s Kane. He carries an elite level all-round threat into Gameweek 8, top of the league for shots on target and big chances created this season, as well as being Spurs’ designated penalty taker. 

Like Chilwell, Timo Werner (£9.4m) should benefit from Sheffield United’s well-documented problems with the right-hand side of defence ahead of Gameweek 8. Whether the Chelsea forward is deployed to the left of Tammy Abraham or is handed the central striker’s role himself, this is an area of the pitch in which he specialises. Throw the German’s recent claiming of penalties away from Jorginho and we could be looking at a big haul for him at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Crystal Palace’s defence is not what it once was and Patrick Bamford (£6.0m) looks poised to capitalise on that. He may have blanked immediately after his Villa Park hat-trick in Gameweek 7 but that was not for the lack of trying. In fact, no player has even come close to Bamford’s 18 shots in the box over the last four matches, while away matches have proved more fruitful for him this season. As he prepares to visit Selhurst Park, the Leeds man has banked 62.7% of his FPL points on the road, despite playing 57.1% of his matches at Elland Road.

Substitutes

Lukasz Fabiański (£5.0m) is an alternative route into the West Ham defence for their appealing run of games. Naturally a nailed-on starting option who has earned enough saves for additional points in four of his seven matches so far this season.

Following his well-deserved first goal of the season last time out, Tariq Lamptey (£4.7m) has plenty of potential at both ends of the pitch for Gameweek 8. Burnley are the Premier League’s joint-lowest scorers and while only three defenders have managed more touches in the box than Brighton’s right-back this year.

Luke Ayling (£4.5m) has been a little unfortunate not to get more attacking returns in recent weeks, offering the highest expected goal involvement (xGI) of any defender in 2020/21. A trip to Crystal Palace could be just to time for him to get involved as the Eagles have conceded more chances on the left than any other side after the first seven Gameweeks.

Crystal Palace and Sheffield United are also the only two sides to have given up more chances on the right-hand than Leicester, who host a resurgent Daniel Podence (£5.5m) in Gameweek 8, a man who benefitted from playing in front of a more recognised full-back last time out.

The Captain

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

We choose 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 8:

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.

Riot managed 50 points for the Community Champions in Gameweek 7 but the Scout Picks went 5-2 up for the season with a healthy score of 67.

THFC4LIFE takes us on for Gameweek 8, opting for a 3-4-3 line-up of Mendy; Zouma, Bellerín, Coufal; Mané, Son (c), Ziyech, Zaha; Kane (vc), Jesus, Adams.

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

1,872 Comments Post a Comment
  1. mr. inconspicuous
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Benching headache this week, which 2 to bench out of these -
    A TAA
    B Rodrigues
    C DCL
    D Podence
    E Greilish
    D Bamford

    1. mr. inconspicuous
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      G Bamford. Got it on D and G at the moment

      1. g40steve
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Bamford is like Vardy away form, go check it out?

  2. space
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Should I bench TAA, AWB or Foden?

    1. Jones Town
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Can't see any clean sheets, so would bench AWB due to the less attacking threat

  3. Jones Town
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Those with Kane and Son, who are you captaining?

    1. The Gambler.
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      If you have the balls go with Son. Extra point for goal, cs, basically only penalty/penalties will kill you

      1. Jones Town
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        I do have it on Son right now - seems overwhelming majority here preferring Kane though! Sure I'd seen Son had been more effective away from home so far?

        1. The Gambler.
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Correct. And wba weak down the right.

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

      I'm going Kane. West Brom will sit back and defend. So I don't expect Son to run into spaces quite often. Whereas Kane will be the main threat and also penalties.

      1. Pegboy
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Agree with this. West Brom will defend deep. Kane edges it for me.

    3. space
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Think it's almost a coin flip, but Son just edges it for me

    4. The Road to Turfdom
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Kane

    5. Offside Trapattoni
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      TC Kane, thinking back to GW1 when Vardy had a brace from the spot at the Hawthorns. Could be a very good day for him.

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

      (K)ane for me. Think WBA suits him better and there is always the chance of a penalty.

  4. The Gambler.
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Is Reguilon not out with flu?

    1. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      He missed last night but Jose said he could have played but didnt want him mixing with the other players.

    2. KGFC
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I'm also looking for an answer to this. Hopefully, we'll get something before deadline.

  5. FPL Notebook (John)
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Still don't Kane.

    Would you bring him in this week if you didn't already have him?

    1. The Gambler.
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      No mate. You’ll want rid of him straight away. Get Bobby Linn instead 🙂

      1. FPL Notebook (John)
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        I'd definitely have Bobby as my 4.5 midfielder

        1. The Gambler.
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          He’d be £8m easy

          1. FPL Notebook (John)
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Maybe by the end of the season!

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

    Anyone considering Aguero from GW10?

    1. ElliotJHP
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Think the Jesus factor is getting bigger and bigger

      1. Boss Hogg
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Worst TV singing competition ever.

        1. StayoutheSpiceZone
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          This is excellent. What a reply!

        2. Twisted Saltergater
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          😀

    2. Boss Hogg
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      If he's fit, a straight swap with Kane looks good.

  7. Parsnips
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Is Saiss > Coufal a good option?

    1. Eightball
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I did that move. Wolves fixtures turning and west ham's look to be getting better.

    2. Pegboy
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Yes.

  8. vanillasky639
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    2FT to use - wanting to get spurs attack

    martinez,
    robbo, dier, lamptey
    sterling mane foden grealish pulisic*
    jiminez DCL

    Subs: nyland, justin, mitchell, brewster

    A) Robertson, Pulisic > Son, Chilwell
    B) Robertson, Pulisic, Jiminez > Cresswell, Ziyech, Kane (-4)

    I think Kane is the better option this week (and overall) but perhaps Son has more threat on counter in the more difficult fixtures to come?

    1. Pegboy
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A

  9. Boss Hogg
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Bench two of these:

    a. TAA
    b. Dallas
    c. Zouma
    d. PVA
    e. Coufal

    ???

    1. vanillasky639
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      PVA and Dallas

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

    2 scout picks. Massive green arrow incoming

    1. The Gambler.
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      5 here, even massiver green incoming

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

        I had 11 one week and had a shocker

      2. cheekumz
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        whoosh

  11. Kodap
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Jimmy > Werner
    or
    Podence > Bowen/Fornals

    Both for free, both cost the same!

    1. Boss Hogg
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Werner.

    2. vanillasky639
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Werner

    3. DAZZ
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Ive done Jimi + Podence > Werner + Bowen. If i had to choose 1 i’d do Jimi > Werner

    4. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Werner move

    5. John Nerdelbaum
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      werner

  12. michaelington
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Only Son and Ziyech from the scout picks. Fully prepared for a bad week.

  13. vanillasky639
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    PVA and Dallas.

  14. Fiorentina
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    TAA > Chilwell for rest of season?

    1. Ian J
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      why not both?

  15. DAZZ
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    That chilwell piece tempts me to (c) him. If all those facts are true. But Kane is sensible (c)

  16. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    RMT
    McCarthy (Steer)
    TAA KWP Justin (Saiss)(Mitchell)
    Salah Son Grealish Rodriguez (Bissouma)
    Kane Ings Maupay

    Ings, TAA to Werner/Vardy, Chilwell with 2FT's?

    I'm not able to decide Werner or Vardy,I prefer Vardy longer term but I might WC GW10 so Werner might be better for next 2

    1. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      If WC10 then Werner now and Vardy later.

      1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers!
        Do you think the GW10 WC might be worth it?

        1. Van der Faart
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Not really. Team looks good. If you're happy with it still then I wouldnt. Very much a form over fixtures type season so far

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

      I’ve gone vardy. Guaranteed starter when fit. Talisman. Fancy him against that Liverpool defence.

    3. davies
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Need to decide on whether you’re wildcarding or not

      No wc = Vardy
      Wc = Werner for 2 weeks

      1. davies
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Otherwise the transfers looks good imo

      2. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers, I agree!
        So confused whether I should WC or not, would you consider using WC in my situation?

  17. Van der Faart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    TAA, Pulisic to James and Sterling (free)

    Or

    TAA, Pulisic, Adams to James, Grealish and Vardy (-4)

    1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      2 but can you do Zouma instead of James?

      Also, could you let me know what you think above

      1. Van der Faart
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        .2 short of affording Zouma

        1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Ouch, Bellerin then?
          I don't like rotation risk with James mate

          1. Van der Faart
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Cresswell maybe? Find it difficult to trust Arsenal

            1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 4 months ago

              Good option as well yes, Arsenal do look solid yeah but Cresswell also a good shout

  18. davies
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Anything worth a hit or GTG?

    (1.6 ITB)

    Forster
    Chilwell Lamptey Kilman
    Salah Sterling Son (c) Grealish Soucek
    Kane DCL

    Martinez Mitchell Brewster Dunne

    Cheers.

    1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      G2G

      Could you let me know what you think about my team above?

  19. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    With all these defensive transfers done looks like PVA has slipped under the radar.

    1. The Gambler.
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      So has his incoming 1 pointer

    2. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      not this week with Leeds full of goals but next week...

  20. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Would you WC in GW10 just to catch fixture swings even if your current team is not too bad?

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

      No I wouldn’t necessarily. If you’re team looks good for gw 10 then just hold on to it

    2. The Gambler.
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Yeah, get ahead of the curve

    3. 2999 - Lady of Legend
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      At the moment I want to in 9 or 10 to try and load up on City.

  21. Kodap
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Whos my best captain option this week? Final decision and I'm G2G...

    1. Son
    2. Kane
    3. Werner
    4. Salah

    1. LewanGOALski
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      2

    2. The Road to Turfdom
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      2

  22. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Hi...What to do in this scenario please?

    A....start foden (who may be benched)

    B....start reece james (who will probably be benched. Already got chilwell)

    C......foden to bowen - 4 (not going to have an ft to move foden for weeks and this is a good week for the hit with bowen playing West ham)

    Thanks

    1. The Road to Turfdom
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B

    2. ElliotJHP
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I'm doing B, I think he starts

      1. Flynny
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks

  23. LewanGOALski
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Play:
    A) Robertson (mci)
    or
    B) Dallas (cry)
    ..?

    1. The Road to Turfdom
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A

    2. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A

  24. Magic Zico
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    4 picks, sounds about right? 😆

  25. Bury94
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Hope this 4pm deadline is one-off. Nightmare trying to keep up with the press conferences whilst I'm in work

    1. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      It's ridiculous right?

      1. Bury94
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Yeah, really don't want to miss any big news. Still got a transfer to make yet as well

  26. HaffNanner
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Martinez
    Robertson Chilwell Dallas (Saiss* Mitchell*)
    Salah Son Pulisic* Grealish (Stephens)
    Kane DCL Bamford

    2FTs, 0.6ITB. Ideally want to roll 1FT into IB.

    A. Pulisic > Ziyech
    B. Saiss > WHam defence (bench Dallas)
    C. Robertson > WHam defence (banking money for future KDB switch)
    D. Both A and B

    1. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Very similar position myself. If Lampard says anything negative A is perfectly straightforward. If not, go B.

      C is dependent on future plans, you do need a City big boy in a few weeks so how you get there is the plan.

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

    Only 3 scout picks. It's gonna be a good weeek!

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

    Any lampard presser?

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

      this

    2. The Gambler.
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      1:30

  29. Mr_Barbs
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    A) TAA or Robbo > Cresswell/Lamptey
    B) Save FT

    Ramsdale
    TAA, Robbo, Chilwell
    Salah, Son, Grealish, Soucek, Podence
    Kane(C), DCL

    Steer, KWP, Mitchell, Davis

  30. Spg76
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Is there a danger of Saiss coming off bench for last 5 minutes. Actually playing up against a strong on form Leicester. Just doesn’t seem a great option. Transfers already done. I’m tempted to put him third sub. Keep him off the park

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Tempted to switch for Cancelo.

      1. Spg76
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Liverpool will score against City