Scout Picks

Gameweek 17 Scout Picks draws on Spurs, Liverpool, Arsenal and Palace

We have placed our trust in defence and midfield for the Gameweek 17 Scout Picks.

For the first time this season, we have lined-up in a 4-5-1 formation, coming in exactly in line with our £83.0m budget.

How many of these do you own?

Goalkeeper

Vicente Guaita (£4.8m) earns a place in the Scout Picks on account of Crystal Palace’s meeting with the Premier League’s lowest scorers Sheffield United. The Blades have found the net just eight times this season and only two teams have registered fewer big chances over the last four than them.

Defenders

Andrew Robertson (£7.4m) has great potential for a haul in Gameweek 17. Southampton have now gone three games without a goal and rank second-bottom for shots in the box over the last four matches. Meanwhile, no defender has created more chances than Robertson in their last four matches.

Romain Saïss (£5.0m) is back in the Wolves team again and doing what he does best: offering threat from set pieces. Over the last four matches, no defender can match the versatile Moroccan international for shots in the box.

Rob Holding (£4.4m) is a great budget enabler in an improving Arsenal defence with appealing fixtures. In Gameweek 17, the Gunners face a West Bromwich Albion outfit with two goals in their last five at home. Arsenal themselves have conceded the third-fewest number of big chances in their last two – Holding registering 90 minutes in eight of the last nine.

Erik Pieters (£4.3m) is our representative from the Burnley defence as they prepare to host Fulham. We fancy the Austrian to start either at left-back in place of Taylor, or even in midfield with ongoing injuries in wide areas. The Clarets have kept four clean sheets from a possible five against sides in the bottom eight this season while Fulham are unlikely to be at full-strength in light of recent positive coronavirus (COVID-19) tests.

Midfielders

Salah building up massive power in top 10k after Gameweek 14 haul

Mohamed Salah (£12.6m) has been unfortunate to blank in each of his last two outings, failing to convert a number of clear-cut chances at Newcastle. Even though Southampton have kept clean sheets in each of their last two, Salah does have attacking returns in six of his Premier League away matches this season.

Bruno Fernandes (£11.2m) has been a reliable source of points in 2020/21, blanking just twice since Gameweek 8 and registering five double-digit hauls in that time. He has seven of those in the whole campaign, more than any other Fantasy asset.

Son Heung-min (£9.7m) gets into the Scout Picks on account of his fixture rather than form. After racing to 100 points in the first 11 Gameweeks, the Spurs midfielder has just a goal and assist in the last four matches. However, during that time, games involving Leeds have yielded an average of 5.3 goals. The Whites’ expansive style is sure to open up space for Son to thrive in once again.

Unsurprisingly, Wilfried Zaha (£7.4m) is our chosen representative from the Crystal Palace attack which hosts basement boys Sheffield United on Saturday. Selhurst Park has been a reliable venue for Zaha this season, where he has scored or assisted in all but one home game he started against sides outside the top eight.

Bukayo Saka (£5.2m) has been pivotal to Arsenal’s recent mini-revival, registering a goal and two assists over the last two matches. He faces the Premier League’s worst defence in Gameweek 17, West Bromwich Albion conceding on average 2.2 goals per game this season.

Forwards

Harry Kane (£11.0m) completes our double-up on the Spurs attack for an appealing home match against Leeds. The Whites’ high-intensity setup has led them to concede 12 big chances across their last four, the third-most in the division. That should be enough to bring out the best in Kane once again.

Substitutes

  • Alex McCarthy (£4.7m)
  • Matthew Lowton (£4.4m)
  • Chris Wood (£6.2m)
  • Christian Benteke (£5.5m)

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 we use Fantasy Football Scout data 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 17:

THE 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.

Forever In Our Shadow beat the Scout Picks in Gameweek 16, their 66-58 victory pulling the Community Champions into an 8-8 scoreline for the season.

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

2,832 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Nespinha
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Pick an option for BB19

    A) soucek + KDB + martial (-4)

    B) rashford + son + watkins (-4)

    C) cancelo + barnes + KDB + watkins (-8)

    1. JBG
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

    2. Jamie_GAWA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I think someone said Cavani will be back by 19 so Martial may not be nailed

      1. JBG
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Martial will play both matches, maybe not 180min, but at least 120min imo.

      2. FPL.team
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah he only misses one premier league game.

  2. Hazardous1983
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Start dias.or.zouma

    1. Donny_Rover
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Dias

  3. Jamie_GAWA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone know when there is likely to be another blank game week?

    (Thinking about an alternative time to us FH)

    Thanks

    1. JBG
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      26 I think it was.

    2. Pipermaru
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      29 most likely, maybe 32 or 33. In terms of blanks and doubles follow Ben Crellin.

    3. Jamie_GAWA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Thank you lads

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

    Is Hause nailed for Villa?

    1. NETFLIX & CHILWELL
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      He's played very well for them over the past three game weeks.

      Villa fans think it'll be Mings that can't get back in the team following his ban.

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

        Cheers mate

  5. Jarnathan
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I need to take Matip out, 5.4 Max to spend, so should I double up on Arsenal defence (experience tells me this sounds like a bad idea despite the fixtures), or bring in Maguire?

    1. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Maguire

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

    How many BGW players is enough not to FH?

    This is my team. 8 or 9.

    AWB - Stones - Keane - Mitchell
    Fernandes - Son - Grealish
    DCL - Brewster

    1. Crunchie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I'd play that although PVA might be back

  7. Hazardous1983
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    what to do

    Mcarthy (steer)
    Dias taylor.mitchell (zouma coufal)
    Salah son bruno podence (soucek)
    Watkins kane bamford

    2.4in bank 1 ft

  8. Tabbara
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Lowton or Balbuena to replace Taylor
    (Have boufal)
    Thx

  9. Drip Doctor
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Scouts and Mark are going with Kane/Son (C). But Bruno is running away with it in the Captains poll.

    1. Bobby
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      tbh I am so scared that matches will be called off i might just put it on Bruno to get it done and out the way

  10. Soto Ayam
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Who to play?

    A) chilwel vs CITY
    B) Dallas vs spurs

    Thanks

    1. yakirh
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

      1. Soto Ayam
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers

  11. GinjaWhinja
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Just imagine if Aguero gets 90 vs Chelsea...

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I can't

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

    Best move?
    A) Taylor >>> Alioski
    B) Wood + Taylor >>> Stones + Rodrigo (-4)
    c) Wood + Taylor >>> Alioski + Watkins/Haller/Adams

  13. Pacer.
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Basicslly too terrified to pick a team or make any transfers

    1. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Toughen up there buck, a few hours to deadline.

  14. Pieterke30
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Start...

    A. Johnstone
    B. Martinez

    ?
    Obvious answer could be Martinez but Utd attack better than Arsenal, and Arsenal looks to me like a tea which Big Sam could manage to frustrate.

  15. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Do we think Spurs are suited to play against Leeds, or will they struggle?

    1. Pieterke30
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      They will struggle to win but I expect Spurs to score

    2. ebb2sparky
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I would expect them to score quite a few on the counter attack but I’ll probably still captain either Salah or Bruno.

    3. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      If Spurs score first they could park the bus as long as they can, though they'd be better looking for a second to kill the game. Hopefully Leeds score first and it's a classic goalfest.

  16. ebb2sparky
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Would you use your FT to sell C. Taylor for Holding and start him instead of Dallas or best to have 2 FT for next week?

    1. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Depends a bit if you plan a FH in GW18 or 19? Taylor value should definitely drop by GW18 if no positive news.

      1. ebb2sparky
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Planning to save my FH so need as many GW18 starters as possible. My gut says Taylor won’t be back for GW18 so selling him would make sense

        1. GreennRed
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Yes and you probably save money doing it now. But more PL this GW and Carabao semis, plus maybe COVID rearrange possibilities, before Tuesday week could impact your potential GW18 starters, and a slight chance CT could make a Lazaris-like recovery. I know I'm being cautious but I'd rather a price drop than take a hit.

  17. Pringle
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Not sure what to do with James. Likely to be fit for gw 19?

  18. wattalowz
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    How nailed is Stones? Willing to accept the occasional rotation. Do we think the 0.8m saving over Dias is worth it?

    1. ebb2sparky
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      If you’ve got the money in the bank I’d go Dias for sure.

  19. Bobby
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    start soucek or bamford?

    1. OptimusBlack
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Bam

    2. Pieterke30
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Bamford!

      Start Soucek or Adams?

      1. SpaceCadet
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Soucek! Start Saka or soucek?

        1. Pieterke30
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Start Soucek over Adams, sure? Pfff, it’s a tough one I really cant decide. Why do you Soucek ahead of Adams?

          Soucek or Saka - Saka for me because West Brom

      2. Bobby
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        soucek for me

        1. Bobby
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          sorry for me saka before Soucek, but Soucek before Adams

          1. Pieterke30
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            And why Soucek ahead of Adams? Can a depleted Pool defence cope with Soton’s aggressivity (if they are up for it)? Surely Adams is meant to get more goalscoring opportunities than Soucek?

    3. Bobby
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      every time i bench soucek he gets a goal, but yep makes sense to start with Bam

  20. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Am I correct benching Zouma & Dallas?

    Bench 2?

    Zouma Robbo Coufal Stones Dallas

    1. OptimusBlack
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Huum Yes

    2. Pieterke30
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yes you are right imo

    3. Catastrophe
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I think I would start Zouma. Nailed and threat. Prefer him (just about) to Stones and Coufal.

    4. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Cheers

  21. Catastrophe
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Happy new year! Best option for DGW19?

    A) Zouma, Alioski, Vardy
    B) Robertson, Cancelo, Rodrigo.
    C) Dallas, Balbuena, Vardy
    D) Cancelo, Alioski, Vardy

    Thinking D for balance (will have 2 City, 2 Leeds, 2 Liverpool + Vardy).

    Cheers.

  22. OptimusBlack
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Pick two to play with Robbo
    A- James
    B- Stones
    C- Coufal
    D- Dallas

    1. Catastrophe
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Close, A and C perhaps.

    2. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Look above, I am on Coufal & stones

  23. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Any news on Cancelo? Planning to get him or Dias.

    1. Pieterke30
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I went for Dias

    2. ChelseaGuy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      This

  24. only2
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Any news on taylor? How long will be be out?

  25. Jdpz
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Start
    a) Coufal
    b) Dier

    1. Catastrophe
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B

    2. JoeSoap
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B

  26. Mooster©️
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Is Struijk a secure starter, or is he playing beceause someone is injurde?

  27. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Kane or Son for the captaincy and why if possible?

    1. JoeSoap
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Son has the speed to get in behind. Don't think you will go wrong with either pick

  28. JoeSoap
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Pick two to start please

    A. Coufal (everton)
    B. Zouma (M CITY)
    C. Mitchell (S UTD)
    D. Dallas (spurs)

    1. ChelseaGuy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A & C

    2. Annie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Mitchell won’t start

    3. JoeSoap
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Thanks. Mitchell a risk but could be a clean sheet if he starts.

  29. Bobby
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    how long will phillips be in the liverpool team for do we think? need a quick defensive fix and hoping he may be it!

  30. as33
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Kane ir Bruno for captain?