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

    Fabianski & Stones or Johnstone & Cresswell for the DGW?

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

      Fab and Stones

    2. KEN YA DIG IT
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      The former

    3. Over Midwicket
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      First

    4. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah fab and stones also

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

    Defence looks like this

    Robbo Cancelo Ayling Taylor Lewis

    Transfering out Lewis this week to a 4.5 def. Currently on Holding as i don't need a dgw player as long as two of Ayling/Cancelo/Taylor are fit for 19. Too risky to get Holding? Would you look at Balbuena/Alioski/Lowton rather?

    Thanks

    1. Over Midwicket
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Lowton

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

        Good fixture for Burnley this week but kind of risky as it's against Covidham

  3. Over Midwicket
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I have Pope and Taylor and 2FTs. Do I remove both in case the But Ful game is cancelled? Won't have a playing keeper otherwise.

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

      Do you have money itb to get the other keeper upgraded?

      1. Over Midwicket
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I do yes.

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

          I'd do that.

    2. OLLY G
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Maybe upgrade your backup keeper if you are going to BB GW19?

      1. Over Midwicket
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Was thinking of TC. Don't have that many DGW players.

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

    Right which 3 scores more to win my cup tie then? Pope Coufal and Raphinia VS Leno (whichever 5.3 def he brings in) and Wijnaldum

  5. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Would you do this? Stones could be Lowton.

    GW17; KDB+Taylor >> Son(C)+Stones
    GW18; FH
    GW19; BB; Son >> KDB

    McCarthy
    Robbo, Dias, Coufal
    Salah, KDB, Bruno, Raphinha
    DCL, Bamford, Adams
    (Johnstone, Dallas, Soucek, C.Taylor*)

    1. kennethrhcp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Planning transfers in these times Rafa... I wouldnt

      1. kennethrhcp
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I mean I know we all plan... but alot can happen os what I mean

      2. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        What would you do with my team then mate? 2FTs

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

      It's tough as I've no spurs and I have kdb but feels like a wasted transfer...but if son plays he's your captain. Proper hokey cokey and who knows what else will go wrong between now at gw19

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

      Solid yep

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

    Play

    A. Soucek
    B. Adams

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

      B

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

      Soucek

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

    Who would you replace Taylor with? 1.7ITB but may need money for Son > KDB in dgw19

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

      I'm getting Holding

    2. Flair
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I went to Holding, great fixtures and Arsenal are decent defensively at the moment purely to due to parking the bus.

    3. Over Midwicket
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Lowton, Dias or Maguire

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

    Would you FH if you can get this team for 18 with a hit?
    I thought there was no need but Cancelo possibly having covid would confuse me

    Martinez, Holding, Cancelo,Dias, Grealish,Son, Fernandes,DCL and Riedewald (1-pointer)

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

      No keep the free hit for later

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

    Maguire in for zouma?

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

      I'm tempted to do Zouma > AWB. My only issue is the value I have tied up in Zouma.

      1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I'm in the same boat here, I'd still be making a profit of 0.4m on Zouma but not sure if I really want to do away with him going towards gw20 onwards.

  10. Saka Punch
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    How likely is Mitchell to start again?

    1. The Train Driver
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I have him starting but I doubt he'll start, worst case scenario is he'll get a couple of minutes while Cresswell stays on my bench...

  11. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Starting Stones over Adams.. good idea? Have Robertson and Trent.

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

    Bench one?

    A) Soucek
    B) Watkins
    C) Adams

    1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Adams - I think Soucek and Watkins will get more chances.

    2. OLLY G
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Adams

  13. King Kun Ta
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Best wishes for 2021 lads!

    Martinez Martin*
    Ayling Robbo Chilwell Coufal Justin
    Son* Grealish Bruno Salah Soucek
    Vardy Bamford Adams

    0.1 ITB & 1 FT (*no DGW)

    FH in GW18 & BB in GW19

    Want to downgrade Grealish this GW to free up some cash for a second goalie. Think i will keep Son during the DGW.

    Grealish ->

    A El Gazi (never thought i would write this down as an Ajacied)
    B Madisson/Barnes
    C better DGW option? Who?

    Ta!

    1. King Kun Ta
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Anyone?

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

    Right I’ve changed my mind. You have got to be in it to win it. Cancelo in!

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Will be out with Covid?

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

        Well the things im seeing and hearing point towards him not being out with covid imo

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

      Think I'm with you. Taylor > Cancelo it is.

      1. Wicked Weapon
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Could easily be a master class in disaster. I say this as some one who owns both at the moment.

    3. OLLY G
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Are you planning to BB or TC in GW19?

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

        TC probably but could go either way

        1. OLLY G
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          You're smashing it. Would you FH18 with:

          Martinez

          Taylor

          Fernandes, Grealish, Son

          Wilson, DCL

          Got 2FT

          Thanks

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

            No Id just try get some city players in

            1. OLLY G
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              Thanks mate

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

      Could grab a 15 pointer, could be out with Covid. Good luck

  15. timawflowers
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    play coufal or holding?

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

      H

  16. Sz21
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Who would u choose- Saka or Soucek? Same price atm.

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

      Soup

  17. Legohair
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    My team:
    McCarthy
    Chilwell-Taylor-Lindelöf
    Salah-KDB-Bruno-Son-Grealish
    Bamford-Adams

    Steer,Coufal,Justin, Brewster

    1 FT
    A. Taylor to Alioski
    B. Grealish to Soucek(leaves money to upgrade Brewster and Steer for doubles)

    ???

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

    Tommy Doyle is apparently self isolating, not sure if he’s in and around the Man City 1st team, but if he is that makes 4 near enough confirmed cases along with Jesus Walker Ederson.

    https://mobile.twitter.com/City_Xtra

    Scroll down a few posts to see the tweet

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

      Didnt pep say “3 important players”, therefore if those 3 are comfirmed surely Cancelo doesnt have it

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

        It might be 3 important players in addition to Walker and Jesus, which would be the 5 in total.

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

          But Doyle has been confirmed and hes not important

          1. Flair
            • 3 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Pep's the kinda guy to call everyone important while considering half of them unimportant

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

            Pep might see him as important - he's weird like that. He calls Foden the second coming of Christ then subs him on in stoppage time.

      2. The Train Driver
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        He doesn't see Jesus as important

        1. Wicked Weapon
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Neither does any one else tbh

  19. Wılly
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    A. Play Adams (vs LIV), possible benching as in need of a rest, also own TAA and will be hoping for a CS.

    B. Play Brewster (vs cpl), unpredictable line-up, Sheffield United have scored 8 goals in 16 games.

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

      Don't think Adams will be rested. He came off before 60 in the last game. Play Adams as he has way more goal threat then Brewster.

  20. matiakez
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    2 to bench here;

    KWP
    Dallas
    C Taylor
    Lookman

    Currently have KWP and Taylor benched?

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

    no news about taylor?

    1. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      No Burnely press conf today I don't think

    2. DMP
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Im playing him first 11.

  22. mdm
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Who to captain:

    A. Kane
    B. Son

    Thanks.

    1. Tosa86
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I have the same doubt

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

      B

  23. Pepeye
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Pep confirms 5 City first team out & can only be named tomorrow

  24. Tosa86
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Kane or son captain?

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

      Son

  25. lordkippe
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Is this good enough for 18 or should I FH ? This will be for free

    Martinez

    Dias - Dier - PVA - Taylor

    KDB - Fernandes - KDB - Son - Grealish

    DCL - Brewster

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

      Two KDBs more than enough

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

        hmm thought about getting a third one. Should be Rashford instead

    2. Wicked Weapon
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Seems good enough provided at least one KDB shows up

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

    Which 1 to bench?

    A) Martinelli (wba)
    B) Watkins (mun)
    C) Bamford (tot)

    Salah, KDB, Bruno, Son
    Wilson

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

      Martinelli

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

      Not BC

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

    A) KDB to Son(C), then get KDB back for the DGW
    B) Konsa to Stones, captain Salah/Bruno

  28. St. Joseph
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Pascal Struijk

    Or

    Phillips (Liv)

  29. THL33
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Hi, I have had Dallas for a while, but want another Leeds attacker. I am going to FH17 and maybe BB18 I need a Brewster replacement and own Adams. I was going to get Rodrigo over Bamford for financial reasons and then hopefully get kdb in for son as well as changing lewis and Forster.

    So, Soucek or use a transfer to get Rodrigo this week and start him. Thanks

    1. The Train Driver
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      But but, Dallas is a Leeds attacker..

      1. THL33
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Why not have multiple?

      2. THL33
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Is Rodrigo not the best sub 6 mil forward option.... Who would you have instead?

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

    Does this formation etc look correct?

    Johnson,
    Coufal, Robbo, Stones,
    Bruno, C,Son, Grealish, Salah
    Kane, Bamford, Watkins

    Martinez, Soucek, Zouma, Dallas