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. Oggle22
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Martinez
    Kilman Konsa Chilwell
    Salah Rashford Barkley Zaha Son
    Jiminez Rashford

    Steele Brewster Mitchell Branthwaite

    Keep Jiminez against a weakened Leicester or Jiminez and Branthwaite to Wilson and zouma?

    1. AppleDunk
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I'm considering Jimmy to Wilson myself.

      1. WVA
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Jimi home v Soton next week

        1. Oggle22
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Wilson has them this week

  2. HD7
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Michail Antonio is definitely out for this Gw ?

    1. Abra Dubravka
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Yeah

  3. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Thoughts for this week.
    Good to go?
    Martinez
    Lamptey coufal Chilwell
    Grealish Son Sterling Salah
    Wilson Dcl Kane c

    Dallas Kilman Stephens.
    1 free if I need it.

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

      G2G

      Good luck

      1. DA Minnion (Former great)
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks you too.

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

      Save, 2 FT after IB will be handy

      1. DA Minnion (Former great)
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        For sure. Thanks

  4. Abra Dubravka
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    For at least next 3-4 weeks:

    A) Ziyech?
    B) Grealish?

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

      B

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

    From Frank's comments about giving Werner a rest at some point, are the Werner owners amongst us confident that he starts this weekend? Cheers

    1. Netters2018
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Im worried now had the cpt armband on him all week to take a punt but now doubting it and thinking of switching...

  6. Abusive_Sgt_Daelrhos
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Looking for 1 free transfer to improve this lot before international break and obvious WC. Any suggestions? 0.4 ITB

    Martinez,Nyland
    TAA,Chilwell,Justin,Mitchell,Buur
    Salah,Sterling,Grealish,Son,Bissouma
    Wilson,Jimenez,Mitro

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

    Barkley>Rashford (-4)
    Or
    Play Barkley or KWP

    Have a feeling Rashford will pay the hit in the next 3 weeks. Quite good fixtures.

  8. PartyPooper
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Should I do a last minute Foden to Grealish for free this week?

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Yes

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

      hold imo

  9. Theklopp013
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    McCarty
    Zouma , Kilman, Dallas
    Son .Salah , Bruno , Grealish , Podence
    Kane , DCL

    Nyland, Saliba, Mitchell, Davis
    1FT, 2.1 ITB

    What should i do ?
    A: Podence -> Zaha
    B: Saliba -> Chilwell (bench Kilman )

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B

  10. Tonyawesome69
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Start Justin or Taylor?

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

      Justin

    2. Theklopp013
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I think Taylor

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

    Do you think Foden will start this week?

    1. Champione
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      think he might not with Bernardo and Torres showing good form. 50/50 imo

    2. The Mandalorian
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Yes he has lots of energy to track pool

  12. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Who’s got to go first Saiss @ 5.2 selling price or Davies @ 4.8?

    Thinking of getting Cresswell for a -4 to get 3 defenders out

    1. hjc1313
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Same quandary about saiss is he dropped now for sure ??

  13. giroudsgirlfriend
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    have one FT to use, 0.0M in bank

    Martinez
    Dallas-Zouma-Lamptey
    Salah-Son-Grealish-PULISIC
    Wilson-Kane-DCL

    Bench: Soucek-Kilman-Robertson

    Which alternative to do?
    A: Pulisic (confirmed injured by Lampard) OUT
    B: Robertson OUT, Chilwell IN
    C: Save the FT and play Soucek
    D: Chilwell in for Robbo and wait with Pulisic decision to next week................

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

    Will Wilson be a good replacement for Kane from gw10?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Antonio is better

    2. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Vardy

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

    pick one (for 2 gws)
    A adams
    B abraham
    and
    1fornals
    2 bowen

    1. Champione
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A2

  16. Champione
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Martinez
    TAA Robertson James Lamptey
    Salah Son Grealish Trossard
    Kane DCL

    Steer Foden Brewster Dunne

    A) Robertson > Chilwell
    B) TAA + Foden > Chilwell + Ziyech (bench Trossard)

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

    with the news that mitchell is out, risk i could have only 10 players

    Martinez
    Chilwell Lamptey Taylor
    Salah Son Grealish Foden
    Kane Vardy DCL

    Steer Saiss Alzate Mitchell
    0ft 0.5m

    is Saiss to Coufal worth it for a hit? Or just take it on the chin (all main players should play).

  18. King Kohli
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Doing Ings > Bamford.
    Which is the other move would you do for a hit?
    A. Robbo > Chilwell
    B. Johnson > Chilwell

    If I do A, have to play double Villa defence away to Ars and have no backup defender if Kilman doesn't play.
    B gets me cover if one of my defenders don't start and can probably ship Robbo in a week or two to fund KDB

    Martinez Steer
    Robbo Konsa Kilman Mitchell Johnson
    Salah Sterling Son JRod Anguissa
    Ings DCL Maupay

    1 FT 0 ITB. No WC

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

      Are you set on Bamford?
      I'm selling Ings for Wilson.

      Johnson out for Chilwell.

      1. King Kohli
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Yes Leeds create plenty of chances and Bamford gets a lot of shots away in the box.

        Will move on Maupay next gw for either Wilson or Antonio (if fit)

  19. wolves_simmo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Best £4.5 defender moving forwards?

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

      Coufal

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

      Sir Lamptey (just over 4.5)

      I still think KWP is the best of the actual 4.5’s

    3. Radebe_5
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Coufal? Fixtures and has attacking potential + West Ham look solid

  20. choco27
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Please help me to pick 2 of these 3 defenders for GW8:
    A. Dallas (cry)
    B. Kilman (lei)
    C. Justin (WOL)
    Many thanx

  21. Radebe_5
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Best Havertz replacement please?

    a) Ziyech
    B) Zaha (wouldn't usually go there but upfront, penalties and looks in form)
    C) Rodriguez
    D) Other

    Cheers

    1. choco27
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Ziyech for me

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

      C, plus he could be on pens this week with Richa out

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

      I'm in the same situation getting rid of Pulisic for one of these 3, and atm i'm going for Zaha for the reasons you mentioned + great fixtures. Also gives some extra funds to get City players later

  22. mattwroe180
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    I've got 2 FT's, is it worth doing the below?

    Current: KDB & Jimenez
    Transfers in: Grealish & Kane

    Thoughts guys?

  23. CrouchDown
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    I think Werner does start.

    If you watch the press conference he mentions that he had more options last week and hinted that he will give him a rest in future games instead

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

    Who to start?

    A...foden v lpool

    B...reece james v sheff (in addition to chilwell)

    Thanks

    1. Radebe_5
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      James

  25. tabby98
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Start 2:
    A) ASM vs SOU (A)
    B) Mitchell vs LEE (H)
    C) KWP vs NEW (H)
    D) Justin vs WOL (H)

    Help pls

  26. HD7
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Son or Kane as Captain and why?

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

      Kane - penalties

  27. Fernando Torres
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Rashford or Ziyech for this week?

    1. King Kun Ta
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Same dilemma here! Got Rashford after his superbe display against Leipzig. Him to Ziyech will cost me -4.....almost a musthave as a Ajax-fan!

  28. King Kun Ta
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Play Justin or Ayling?

  29. FFSbet.com
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Benrahma more threat to Fornals or Bowen ?

  30. -GK22-
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Start Podence or Watkins?