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. Cojiro
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Play McCarthy (LIV) or Johnstone (ARS) this week?

    1. Sasquatch Slayer
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I’ve gone with Johnstone in same scenario

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

      Johnstone

    3. Cojiro
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Cheers

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

    Have Cancelo now, would you double up with Stones or go Justin ?

    1. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Stones but wait for Pep presser at 1.30 for news on the Covid situation

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

        There’s a presser at 1:30? Why has no one else mentioned this when speculating lol. Been racking my brains last 2 days on what to do with Cancelo

        1. The Ilfordian
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Same here. Worried that we won’t hear anything but probably waiting until 3.55 to give myself every chance!

    2. Basil1977
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      stones, if you have a full playing bench, but don't treble up on city

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

      Justin.

  3. Lev Yashin
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Bench one:

    A) Coufal (eve)
    B) Dias (che)
    C) Dallas (tot)

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

      Coufal. Richarlison back.

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

      B

  4. swanseag55
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Ok as an experienced FPL player I am still needing to ask this questions as seen different information and can’t find it in the rules. If I save a transfer this GW and have 2 the next, if I then use those free transfers and then do the Free hit do the transfers still stand? I thought not but someone posted here today rules must have been from last year saying the free transfers stand but any hits do not but I cant see that now under the rules.

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

      No, they'll get reversed and banked FT disappears.

      1. swanseag55
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers

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

      No fh reset. You will only have 1

      1. swanseag55
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Ok so if you use one this will stand but anymore will not? Thanks in advance

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

      Any transfers u do in the gw where fh is enabled do not apply. If it did it would be a system glitch.

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

    Taylor + James -> Maguire + Stones -4 pts
    giving me 4 dgw defenders and 2 gw18 defenders + Mtichell

    yay or nay ?

    1. Cojiro
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I think stones is risky. Rotation bound to start, especially with laporte fit

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

        Might wait on City defender , just James to Maguire then perhaps

  6. Come on you Kante
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Saka or Barnes ?

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

      Tempted to bring in both, currently on Saka due to price

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

    Best route here?

    A) Use remaining FTs to get 11 starters for GW18, then FH an optimal team for GW19.

    B) Use remaining FTs to get 11 starters for GW18 and GW19 and save FH. This will mean having non optimal DGWers in GW19 such as McCarthy & Watkins

    MCCARTHY, Forster
    CANCELO, Dier, Bellerin, TARGETT, Douglas
    SALAH, KDB, BRUNO, Son, Martinelli
    BAMFORD, Wilson, WATKINS

    Bank 0.1m, 2FTs

    1. Black Knights
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      You don’t need FHs. FTs will do you for now. Who knows what’s to come.

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

      B

  8. rozzo
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Pieters likely to be nailed for the double games week?

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

      Depends on the grade of hammy injury for Taylor

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

      Think it depends on when Taylor is back. Lowton a safer bet

  9. DAZZ
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Not sure about the captain. I disagree with the (c) and (vc). I think the 3rd is the best option myself! Time will tell

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

    I'm looking for a DGW 4.6 replacement for Taylor (probably stay away from Lowton due to the game may not go ahead) Any suggestions to consider? Thanks

    A. Stephens (SOU)
    B. Targett
    C. Furlong
    D. Other suggestion

    FH18? BB19
    1FT 0.1itb
    Martinez
    Taylor* Robbo Cancelo
    Son Bruno Salah Raphinha
    Bamford Kane Rodrigo
    (Johnstone Soucek Coufal Balbuena)

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

      Hause at 4.4?

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

        How long is mings suspended for?

    2. Here's Tom with the We…
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      D Holding

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

        Hmm not sure on Arsenal yet. Preferably want a player playing in both 18 and DGW19

        1. Here's Tom with the We…
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Arsenal have 3 great fixtures. Better than any DGW19 IMO.
          If you think Taylor deffo out, then might as well get Pieters.

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

            Better going with Lowton since he is nailed when Taylor is back but it's the uncertainty of the Fulham game

  11. Berimbolo
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Will Maddison play this GW?

  12. Paqueta Rice
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I couldn’t make a decision on captain so I based it off my 2 mini league rivals that are ahead of me having no Kane.

    Martinez
    Dias, Mitchell, Taylor
    Salah, Bruno(vc), Son, Raphina
    Kane(c), Vardy, Bamford

    Forster, Cresswell, Amartey, James

    Good luck peeps. Hopefully 2021 is the kickstart to my fpl season.

  13. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Has any news come out as to whether The Bur - Ful game is going ahead?

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

      Parker presser at half 1

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

        Cheers

      2. Well you know, Triffic
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Gulp

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

      Not as far as I know

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

      No

  14. zes
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Is cancelo > stones, nyland > Martinez (2nd keeper) a good move? Currently got McCarthy in goal who blanks in 18 whereas Martinez doesn’t and also has a DGW in 19 (I’m bench boosting ), also Cancelo rumoured out. Feels a bit sideways tho. What do people think? I have 2 FTs btw

  15. Brosstan
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Parker's press conference is about now right?

  16. LIARS POKER
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Play Johnstone (ARS) or Meslier (tot)?

    Currently on Johnstone

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

      Of course

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

      Yup Johnstone

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

    A,B or C first to 4 votes wins

    A- Semedo to Maguire
    B- Save
    C- other?
    Martinez Forster
    TAA Robertson KWP Semedo Dias
    Salah Son Fernandes Bissouma Burke
    DCL Wood Bamford

  18. Dele
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    -8 worth of hits worth it for a bench boost in GW19?

    1. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      yes

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

      Depends on the bench

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

      I'm happy with 11 DGW starters and 3 SGW on bench.

      No hits taken

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

      A. Kane (sheff utd away) or B. Vardy -4 (fulham a, chelsea h) for gw19?

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

        Ignore

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

        Vardy

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

      Should be low risk if you feel okay owning them longer.

  19. anish10
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Play Dallas or mitchell

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

      Dallas - guaranteed starter

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

      Dallas

  20. Klopp For The Kopps 😆
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Start 3
    A) Dias
    B) Stones
    C) Dallas
    D) Coufal
    E) Kilman

    1. The Mighty Hippo
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      ABD

  21. 1justlookin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Considering playing my FH in GW 19 just so I have Liverpool coverage, seems crazy but I'm in FOMO.

  22. Lord Flashheart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    is holding nailed?

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

      Should be. Mari and Gabriel are left footers so only has Luiz as competition.

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

        Also, has done well recently.

    2. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I'd say he's nailed enough for a 4.4 defender

  23. FantasyTony
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Grealish + DCL to which combo >

    A: Rashford
    B: Son

    +

    1: Antonio
    2: Adams

    First to 3 gets it

  24. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    The Pep rotation during these games doesn’t bear thinking about

    1. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Absolutely. I’d still like KDB but I may just stick with Dias. Too much additional worry!

  25. Don Kloppeone
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    G2G? Unsure if I’ve got the bench right? Armband is a toss up. Keep switching between Salah, Son and Bruno!

    Martinez
    Robbo, Dias, Dallas
    Salah, Bruno (v), Son (C), Raphinha, Soucek
    Kane, Bamford
    (Forster) (Coufal, Adams, KWP)

    Plan to FH in 18 and BB in 19. Will either bring in Vardy and Rashford for Kane and Son or find a way to get in KDB depending on how he looks.

    Cheers and GL!

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

    A. Kane (sheff utd away) or

    B. Vardy -4 (fulham a, chelsea h) for gw19?

    Tia 🙂

  27. yanky
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    happy new year from NYC!! It may be the champagne talking but thoughts here...FH18 leaving me to either force or burn a transfer this week...

    a) Adams > Wood
    b) Justin > James. Hear me out—can play Adams this wk and bench James. James will drop in price but I will be setup nice for gw19 chelsea double gwk and great fixtures after.
    c) Stick with Adams Justin and burn transfer

    FH 18, BB19 after Son > KDB

  28. Garlana
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Assistance required!

    Struggling to use my ft this week...thoughts? Plan was fh18, and im between maybe TC 19 or BB 19.

    Martinez, Johnstone
    Dallas, taa, robbo, coufal, Mitchel
    Salah, kdb, Bruno, lookman, bissouma
    Dcl, Adams, bamford

    1ft 0.4 itb

  29. Mo Mo
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Martinez, Forster
    Robbo, Coufal,Dallas, Stones
    Burno , Salah , Son ©,Soucek
    Kane , Bamford
    (Adams, James , Bissouma )
    GTG ?

  30. pstokes2010
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Hey everyone, I’m looking to get rid of Taylor. I have 5.3m to spend. Is Creswell a good option? Everyone picking Coufal even though he has 20 less points.

    1. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Cresswell an excellent option. I only have Coufal as I downgraded to him to raise funds couple of weeks back