Scout Picks

Gameweek 9 Scout Picks built on Chelsea and Everton attacking double-ups

Attacking double-ups for Chelsea and Everton form the spine of the Gameweek 9 Scout Picks XI.

They face Newcastle and Fulham respectively in two of the most favourable fixtures this weekend.

As ever, we have chosen our team from DavidNealeTom and Andy‘s Scout Squad submissions, released earlier this week.

We line up in the traditional 3-4-3 formation, coming in bang-on our budget of £83.0m.

Goalkeeper

Vicente Guaita (£5.0m) gets his first Scout Picks appearance of the campaign ahead of a Monday-night trip to Turf Moor. Will it prove to be his happy place? Well, Burnley remain this season’s lowest scorers after eight Gameweeks and, over the last four, are bottom of the league for shots on target (eight).

Defenders

During that same period, no club has registered fewer total attempts on goal than Newcastle (27), boosting Chelsea’s clean sheet chances in Gameweek 9. The Blues themselves have secured shut-outs in three of their last five while no Premier League defender can match Ben Chilwell (£6.0m) for key passes since Gameweek 5.

No team has conceded fewer big chances in the last four matches than Manchester United, which is why we’ve chosen Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£5.4m) for the Gameweek 9 Scout Picks. He stands in for Harry Maguire, who we initially chose but had to replace due to an injury doubt. Either way, Wan-Bissaka still stands to benefit from United’s improved defence and the fact that West Bromwich Albion are bottom of the league for big chances of their own since Gameweek 5.

Aaron Cresswell (£5.1m) went close to match Chilwell’s creativity output over the last four matches, registering just one fewer key pass than his Chelsea counterpart. A role in corners and free-kicks for West Ham is good news considering upcoming opponents Sheffield United have given up the most chances from set-plays and the second-most headed attempts since Gameweek 5.

Midfielders

Naturally, the Gameweek 9 captain poll winner Bruno Fernandes (£10.6m) makes it into the Scout Picks for a home match against West Bromwich Albion. Since Gameweek 2, no midfielder created more chances than Manchester United’s key man and he remains a persistent shooter, registering the third-highest number of shots over the same period.

Hakim Ziyech (£8.2m) has made a blistering start to life in the Premier League. In just two starts he already has four goal involvements, three of those assists. That output has looked sustainable too, considering that, in the last four matches, Ziyech is joint-top of the league for big chances created – and he’s only started two in that period. Meanwhile, he faces a Newcastle side in Gameweek 9 that has conceded the third-highest number of chances from set pieces in 2020/21.

James Rodríguez (£7.9m) could be back with a bang in Gameweek 9 as he faces a Fulham defence that has conceded at least twice in three of their four home matches this season. Crucially, no team has given up more headed attempts than them since Gameweek 5, perfect for Everton’s corner and free-kick taker.

Only Son Heung-min and Mohamed Salah have more points among midfielders than Jack Grealish (£7.5m) this season and we expect him to continue his impressive form against Brighton. The Seagulls’ possession-based style means they don’t give up many chances, but their susceptibility to the counter-attack means they still only have two clean sheets from a possible eight this season. Meanwhile, Grealish has created the joint-highest number of big chances in the last four matches and is joint-third for big chances of his own.

Forwards

Jamie Vardy (£10.1m) could benefit from Liverpool’s defensive shortages in Gameweek 9. The Reds are missing key personnel at the back right now while Leicester’s main man is joint-top of the league for big chances in the last four matches. On top of that, only two players have registered more shots on target than Vardy in that time.

Timo Werner (£9.4m) is really starting to find his feet at Chelsea. In the last four matches, just two players have boasted superior xG non penalty figures than the German international, who has recently secured spot-kick duty anyway. He faces a Newcastle side that has averaged two goals conceded per match since Gameweek 5 and who have given up more chances down their right-hand side than any other Premier League club in that time, 

Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£7.8m) could have an enjoyable Gameweek 9 meeting with Fulham’s defence, which looks tailor-made to suffer at his hands. as already mentioned, the Cottagers have conceded the joint-most number of headed attempts in the last four matches, while the majority of Calvert-Lewin’s shots this season have come from the air.

Substitutes

Selected by three of our Scout Squad pundits for Gameweek 9, top-scoring FPL goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez (£4.8m) takes a place on the bench.

Matt Targett (£4.5m) is a cheaper alternative route into the Aston Villa back-line. None of his defensive colleagues has matched his five key passes over the last four matches.

Vladimir Coufal (£4.5m) is another way to invest in West Ham’s defence for a trip to Sheffield United. He is second-only to Cresswell for crosses among all Hammers players over the last four matches.

Diogo Jota (£6.5m) looks more nailed-on to start than ever with Salah absent from Liverpool’s Gameweek 9 plans. The former Wolves man has found the net in each of his last three Premier League matches at Anfield.

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 9:

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.

THFC4LIFE managed 62 points for the Community Champions in Gameweek 8 but the Scout Picks went 6-2 up for the season with a healthy score of 78.

claretparrot takes us on for Gameweek 9, opting for a 3-5-2 line-up of Guaita; Zouma, Cresswell, Wan-Bissaka; B Fernandes (vc), Rashford, Grealish, Richarlison, Ziyech; Calvert-Lewin (c), Vardy.

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

3,825 Comments Post a Comment
  1. ZeBestee
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    What are the chances Rashford starts?

    I don't trust Ole.

    1. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Pretty high I’d say

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

        Is it a matter of Ole trying to make a lie so that Rashford can be seen as really injured when he is not?

        1. The Suspended One
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Gamesmanship

    2. thegaffer82
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      You trust us? 😉

      No idea with Rashford. My gut says yes, for what it’s worth

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

        I think if he starts, he would be a really nice option to have.

    3. Peter Ouch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      He said he feels ok and its up to him.
      No footballer says he won't play even if he feels meh

      He is my C so he should better play

    4. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      very likely

  2. The Suspended One
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    WC

    A) Son Ziyech Watkins Kilman KWP Martinez
    B) Son Bruno Brewster Williams Targett McCarthy
    C) Bruno Ziyech Brewster Kilman KWP Martinez

    1. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Nailedness*

    2. tom2224
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      C

  3. School of Poch
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Best way to lose 0.5 from this defence on WC?

    Chilwell Cancelo Lamptey Justin Coufal

    A: Justin > Ferguson (told he would be back soon)
    B: Lamptey > Mitchell (Will he play still with PVA back?)

    Open to any other suggestions

    1. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Justin out

      Neco same shirt term nailed was and better value

      1. The Suspended One
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Nailedness*

      2. School of Poch
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Seems to be the popular choice. Is Justin definitely going to lose his place? He's played 90 every game even alongside Castagne.

        How long will Neco be expected to have his place?

        1. The Suspended One
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          2 or 3 weeks, Ricardo should be full strength by then too. 3.9 is the key

          1. School of Poch
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Has Klopp confirmed it's his place, could he not play Milner there?

    2. thegaffer82
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Justin > Mitchell

      He’s going to be a risky pick soon anyway with so many DFers back for Leic soon. You’ve got enough cover in DF if Mitchell ends up being dropped

      1. School of Poch
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        That's a fair point. Horrible how much I'm stressing over what will most likely be a 2nd or 3rd spot on the bench every week.

  4. Saka_me_sideways
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Is grealish captain too much reliance on villa if I’ve got Barkley and Martinez?
    DCL and Bruno the other options

    1. thegaffer82
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Bruno definitely.

      I’m a big fan of Grealish mind you - but just not risking the armband on him

      1. nico05
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        This

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

    Martinez
    Lamptey Bellerin Balbuena
    Son Sterling Zaha Grealish
    DCL Brewster Kane

    Keep this lot or use FH and get the following:

    Mendy
    AWB Digne Robertson
    Grealish Jota Bruno Rashford Son
    DCL Werner

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

      Keep 100%..

    2. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Don’t wc that

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

        I was just gonna use FH. Feels annoying to have Salah on the bench while guys like Bruno have a lovely home fixture and double Spurs v City/Sterling v Spurs seems dodgy too but I suppose FH will be handy later in the season.

        1. The Suspended One
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          FH is valuable, I’d hold

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

    Bench order correct?

    Bissouma (avl)
    Justin (liv)
    Mitchell (bur)

    ...Mitchell most likely 1 pt cameo?

    Cheers.

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

      I'd put Justin first. He's a goal threat.

    2. Sloane426
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      You have it the wrong way

  7. Connor's Calling
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    A) Salah -> KDB. Then either Son to Ziyech or Kane to Vardy next week
    Or
    B) Salah -> Ziyech. Then Son to KDB next week (and forget Vardy)

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

      Thats my last minute problem

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

    Black Box link?

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

      not live at the moment but here is the channel

      https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGJ8-xqhOLwyJNuPMsVoQWQ

    2. Peter Ouch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Not happening today

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

      Cheers guys

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

    Saiss owners, are you starting him?

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

      Yea

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

        Has he a chance of a start?! He currently third on my bench!

    2. ajk1211
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Yep. Last game before Cancelo next GW

  10. tom2224
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Here is my WC team, what do you guys think?

    Martinez
    Chilwell Kilman KWP
    KDB Ziyech Fernandes(c) Grealish
    DCL Bamford Kane

    McCarthy Lamptey Justin Bissouma

    1. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I’d be tempted for Werner or Vardy over Kane

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

    Which one week punt (WC in GW10) would you fancy the most with an FT?

    A) Robertson > Telles
    B) Son > Rodriguez
    C) Jimenez > Richarlison

    1. tom2224
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      C

  12. Wheyyyy
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    I will 100% be taking one of these boys into GW9 for a -4 and will have them for the next 4 weeks as a punt.. which one would you pick:

    A) Tielemans
    B) Jota
    C) Maddison

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

      B.

    2. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B

  13. Iceball
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Asking for a friend...will Rashford play?

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

      Yes

    2. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Hope so as he is my C this week so far lol

  14. Bobby
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    ok guys, who would you rather have - grealish or J Rod?

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

      g

    2. FPL FAN
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Grealish, long term

  15. corderz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Bottomed

    GW 9 - Salah + Reguilion > Fernandes + Cancelo

    GW10 Kane + Son > Vardy + KDB (-4)

    Martinez Forster
    Robbo Chilwell Reguilion Coufal Dallas
    Salah Son Rodriguez Grealish Soucek
    Kane DCL Bamford

    Good plan?

  16. FPLGeezer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Trying to catch up on the press conferences today. Is the consensus Callum Wilson plays tomorrow? Could save myself not having to do a hit

    1. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Possibility he plays

    2. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Trained two days without issue, wants to play

    3. Peter Ouch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Very likely to play
      He trained without pain the last few days

  17. how now brown cow
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Martinez
    Robbo Chilwell KWP
    Bruno (c) Son Ziyech Zaha
    Kane DCL Wilson

    Steer Dallas Mitchell Bissouma

    Used my FT already. Stick with Wilson or take a hit?

    1. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Play him, you’re fine

  18. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Thoughts on Reece James over Chilwell?

    1. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Surprised how little Azpi has played... may be his spot to lose..

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        This is my thinking, arguably just as attacking as Chilwell too

    2. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Chillwell is better for attacking as he & Werner are on the end of of James & Ziyech's crosses. (Chilwell is half-decent aerially too.) He's also fair more nailed-on.

      I think James is better BAPs-wise. FYI I currently own both, but may ship James next week.

  19. EgyptianKing
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Telles or Cancelo?

    1. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Cancelo

    2. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Cancelo all day

    3. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      C

  20. Better Call Raul
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Start KWP or Kilman ?

    1. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      KWP

    2. Peter Ouch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Kilman

    3. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      KWP
      kilmans dad just passed may not play, although the Conner Cody situation may push him..

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

    Unfortunately 0.1 short of Salah Son Saiss-> Bruno KdB Cancelo overt the next 2 weeks.
    Where to sacrifice then?
    1) Salah-> Bruno and get 5.2 def instead of Cancelo
    2) Salah -> Rash and get Cancelo next week with KdB

    Martinez
    Robbo - James- Saiss-
    Son - Bowen - Grealish - Ziyech
    DCL - Kane - Brewster

    Salah - Mitchell - Justin

    1. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      2

  22. FPLMACKEM
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Which wildcard team?

    A) The Keep Salah draft
    Mccarthy, Forster
    Coufal, Targett, Lewis, Cancelo, Chilwell
    Salah, Ziyech, Grealish, KDB, Fernandes
    Bamford, Brewster, Watkins

    B) The Salahless draft
    Mccarthy, Forster
    Dias, Targett, Bernardo, Cancelo, Chilwell
    Bissouma, Ziyech, Grealish, KDB, Fernandes
    DCL, Vardy, Watkins

    1. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A but swap Salah for someone else and bring him in next week?

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

        I have considered that. But its a risky strategy.

  23. nico05
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Would it make sense to do Salah - KDB instead of holding Salah this week to give me 2 transfers next week? And then do Son-Salah next week rather than holding Salah this week as I was going to do Son - KDB next week anyway?
    Sorry if that's difficult to understand or a silly question

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

      Paragraphs will do mate

      But I would just do it this week

      1. nico05
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Haha sorry about that. So you'd do salah-KDB this week and Son-Salah next rather than holding Salah this?

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

          If you have no other issues to solve in your team...I would, why not

          1. nico05
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Cheers I've been contemplating doing Rashford - Salah for the past hour but then id want to transfer Salah back when he's fit and its only just occurred to me to do that

  24. jg7u
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    On a WC is it worth spending 0.4 extra for Soucek instead of Bissouma? Going to be a fodder anyway.

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

      not imo

    2. Peter Ouch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Not really

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

      Best first bench player available. Definitely worth .4 extra. Amazed more people aren't getting him.

    4. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      No I wouldn't

  25. Begbie.
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Captain DCL or Grealish?

    Salah being out and Spurs and City playing each other has made captain choices such a headache this week.

  26. Alli
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Salah, Wilson > Bruno, Werner/Vardy for free? Maybe Son > Grealish for a hit also?

    McCarthy - Nyland
    Zouma - KWP - Justin - Dallas - Mitchell
    Mané - Salah - Son - Zaha - Stephens
    Wilson - DCL - Jimé

  27. Bonus magnet
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    For a hit (-4)

    Wilson-> DCL

    Yay or Nay

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

      Probably yes

    2. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      No

  28. FPL_WILDCARD
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Deciding to risk it without Bruno and keeping Salah, rolling a FT to next week and then bring in KDB and Cancelo. But my headache is who to captain

    A) Ziyech
    B) Rashford
    C) Kane

    Thanks

    1. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B. I think he is a nice differential this week

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

      Rashford hut not convinced with his mins. Could start he pull up inured since he knky started training today

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

      No new news then.

  29. sentz05
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    WC

    Martinez Button
    Cancelo Chilwell Digne Justin Coufal
    KDB Bruno Ziyech Grealish Jota
    DCL Watkins Brewster

    1.7m itb to bring Salah in when he’s back