Scout Picks

Blank Gameweek 18 Scout Picks built on Man City and Arsenal’s FPL assets

Manchester City and Arsenal form the spine of the Blank Gameweek 18 Scout Picks.

Ahead of matches against Brighton and Crystal Palace, we have chosen three players from Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta’s squads respectively.

We line up in a 3-5-2 formation, which comes in at £80.4m, £2.6m under our budget of £83.0m.

Goalkeeper

Hugo Lloris (£5.6m) strikes an appealing balance between clean sheet and save potential for Blank Gameweek 18. Spurs have six clean sheets in their last 11 Premier League outings while Fulham have failed to find the net in three of their last five. Meanwhile, Lloris’ 53 saves this season is the sixth-highest in the division and the most of any so-called ‘big six’ goalkeeper.

Defenders

Signing Cancelo a week before fixture swing can give FPL owners the edge

João Cancelo (£5.8m) is our chosen Manchester City defender considering his managed minutes in the FA Cup and the fact Kyle Walker played a full 90 minutes against Birmingham City. Pep Guardiola’s men have conceded just three goals in their last 12 matches in all competitions and, over the last six Gameweeks, Cancelo ranks top among all FPL defenders for expected goal involvement (xGI).

Fresh from back-to-back clean sheets, Kieran Tierney (£5.4m) has explosive potential in Blank Gameweek 18. Discounting their 5-1 win over West Bromwich Albion in Gameweek 11, Crystal Palace have just six goals in their seven remaining away matches this season (0.9 per game). Meanwhile, no Arsenal player has created more chances than Tierney in their last four matches.

With Dominic Calvert-Lewin out injured for Everton, Romain Saïss (£5.1m) has potential at both ends of the pitch in Blank Gameweek 18. The welcome return of Leander Dendoncker should further boost Wolves’ defensive potential considering they have no clean sheets without him this season and four in matches when he played 90 minutes. Meanwhile, Saïss ranks top among all defenders for attempts on goal over the last four matches and Everton are inside the bottom four for highest number of headed chances conceded.

Midfielders

A more advanced false-nine role for Kevin De Bruyne (£11.8m) against Chelsea helped him to a third double-digit haul since Gameweek 10. While we expect him to be a number 10 against Brighton, a home match against another possession-based side looks perfect for the Belgian to post another big score. No Premier League player has created more big chances than him over their last four matches while only one Blank Gameweek 18 midfielder has managed more attempts on goal than De Bruyne in the same period.

Bruno Fernandes (£11.3m) is that midfielder, having registered 16 shots over his last four. With just one blank away from home this season, trusting the Manchester United man on the road has been easy in 2020/21. No Premier League player has been afforded more big chances than the Red Devils’ penalty taker over their last four matches either.

Son Heung-min (£9.8m) is our chosen representative from the Spurs attack as they face a hastily arranged meeting with Fulham. The South Korean offers a cheaper route into this match than Harry Kane and a better balance of goal and assist potential based on recent form. Over Spurs’ last four matches, Son is ahead of his English colleague for big chances, key passes and big chances created and level with him for efforts on target.

Ilkay Gündogan (£5.4m) could provide excellent value for his owners in Blank Gameweek 18. The midfielder has enjoyed a new number eight role recently, which has helped him outperform both De Bruyne and Sterling in several key areas over the last four matches. During that time, the German international has registered more shots in the box and big chances than his colleagues and his five efforts on target are level with De Bruyne and one more than Sterling, despite less pitch-time than the Englishman over the selected data period.

Bukayo Saka (£5.3m) can benefit from a weakness in Crystal Palace’s defence on Thursday night. Over their last six matches, the Eagles have conceded the joint-fourth-most number of chances down their left-hand side. Saka has operated on the right of Arsenal’s attacking midfield in each of their last three league matches and has two goals and two assists to show for it.

Forwards

Alexandre Lacazette (£8.3m) is also in excellent form as he prepares to face a Crystal Palace side with the worst expected goals conceded (xGC) score over the last four matches. The striker himself ranks joint-top for big chances since Gameweek 14 and is behind only Anwar El Ghazi for efforts on target during that time too. Despite playing 217 minutes in the selected period, Lacazette has produced four goals.

Callum Wilson (£6.6m) may be without a goal since Gameweek 14 but his record against lesser opposition this season suggests he can get something at Sheffield United. In seven meetings with teams inside the bottom nine since joining Newcastle, the former Bournemouth man has accrued four goals and four assists, producing 7.1 points per game in such matches.

SUBSTITUTES

  • Karl Darlow (£5.0m)
  • Luke Shaw (£4.8m)
  • Federico Fernández (£4.7m)
  • Chris Wood (£6.2m)

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 Blank Gameweek 18:

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.

Due to the short turnaround, there was no Community Champion for Gameweek 17, although the Scout Picks had an impressive week with an 85-point score.

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

2,514 Comments Post a Comment
  1. NachoMan
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Thoughts on this WC;

    DARLOW

    SHAW/ CANCELO/ TIERNEY

    SMITH ROWE/ SON (C)/ FODEN / KDB/ RASH

    KANE/ LACA

    SUBS : MESLIER / BREWSTER / DALLAS / COUFAL

    1. Simon69
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Too loud

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

      good, bb in 19?

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

        Thats right. Will bring in Antonio.

  2. FPL Doctor
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Should I FH? This team is -4

    DDG
    Cancelo Dias
    Rashford Son KDB(c) Bruno
    Wood

    1. FER FUSCH AKE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Kane will Kill you. Get Kane for -8.

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

    Gundogan or Saka?

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

      Saka

    2. Philosopher's Stones
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Saka

  4. Heisenberg W. W.
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    FH Team

    DDG
    Tierny-Cancelo-Reguillon
    Saka-Kdb-Bruno-Son
    Kane-Wilson-Lacca

    Still pondering the following changes:

    1. DDG to Lloris - YES OR NO

    2. Swap Reguillon for:

    a) AWB
    b) Maguire
    c) Stones

    1. In a Rush
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Pondering the exact same a little worried reg doesn’t start but I think a higher upside If he does it’s a tough one!

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

      1. Yes
      2. C

  5. Danno - Emre Canada
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    What about this for a no budget, leave the defence FH team?
    Ramsdale/4m
    Cancelo/Clark/Tierney/Mitchell/Ampadu
    KDB/Rasgford/Son/Gundogan/Bruno/Son
    Kane/Wilson/Brewster

    Cheers, good luck all.

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

    So... Does Sterling play today? Eyeing him as a differential...

    1. Krafty Werks
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Wait for any Pep clues in presser in 15 mins maybe?

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

    Other than Mitchell (3.9m) who is the cheapest defender who could possibly start this BGW18?

    1. boombaba
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Bernardo possibly if your lucky.

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

        Everton fella? Cheers....

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

          Sorry BHA...

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

          Brighton

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

      Plenty of 4.3's. Ampadu, Yedlin, Bogle

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

        Needs to be about 3.9m 😀

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

      Kilman, but not guaranteed to play

  8. Genji3lade
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Having doubts about Rashford and opting for Gundo would allow upgrades elsewhere - thoughts?

    A.) Rashford, Smith Rowe, Yedlin, De Gea
    B.) Gundogan, Saka, Dias, Lloris

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B

  9. C_G
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    DDG & Stones

    OR

    Darlow & AWB

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

      A dead easeh

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

    Must we all FH ? Is there no way to get away without using it ?

    1. Sarri-ball
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Depends on your team im not and think team solid this week

      Degea
      Stones/dias/dier/bellerin
      Saka/kdb/son/rashford
      Kane

  11. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    What time is Pep’s presser?

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

      16 minutes

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

        Cheers Pukki....

  12. The FPL T
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    FH Final draft:

    De Gea
    Tierney, Cancelo, Stones, Aurier
    Son, Rashford, Saka, De Bruyne, Bruno
    Kane

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

    A) Stones ESR Rashford (4-5-1)
    B) Saka Gundogan Lacazette (3-5-2)

    1. Boly Would
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

  14. Thomas Shelby from Birmingh…
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Foden safe pick for FH Team ?

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

      No

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

      As safe/unsafe as any of City mids (other than KDB)...I’m punting on him

    3. Krafty Werks
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Worth a punt if you have half decent bench back-up (i.e - Smith-Rowe).

  15. In a Rush
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    xxxx
    Cancelo tierney xxxx

    To complete my defence please?
    A. de gea & reguilon
    B. Lloris & Awb/Maguire

    Cheers

    1. The FPL T
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

      1. In a Rush
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers that’s the combo I’m on just a bit worried about regs game time!

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

      DDG, Stones. Or A if you have double city mid.

  16. Sarri-ball
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Can smith rowe match saka longterm? 0.8 could come in handy later down line

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

      Hard to say. He could outscore him, in truth. I can see him being more involved in front of goal, but I think Saka is more nailed/established for now, and soething of a driving force in the team, so he's still the safer option. I'd be tempted to save the money though.

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

        Should ESR start at least Palace game? I consider playing him in first 11

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

          Seems very likely

  17. fantasist
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    DCL out for Lacazette or Wilson??

    Its quite the dilemma

  18. Foresting
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    FH team, I' quite happy (I think)
    Any concerns?

    Darlow
    Conello Clarke Stones
    Son Bruno KDB Saka
    Lacazette Kane Wilson

    Steer, Smith Rowe, Bogle, Mitchel

    0.2ITB. Just don't like leaving Smith Rowe on the bench.

  19. Gazpilicueta
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    can anyone tell me how free hit works in conjunction with free transfers?

    I have 2 free transfers, can I use them now, so they will be in my team next week, after I free hit??
    any advice appreciate, thanks.

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

      You will be back to 1 free transfer if you use your free hit or wildcard

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

      Nope, any transfers made disappear and 1FT after free hit

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

      Answered on last post

    4. Gazpilicueta
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      damn, so my only option to get rid of DCL without watching him fall in price, is to not free hit!?

      1. sunzip14
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        yes

  20. The Left Duke #3
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Right lads, I think i;m set on my FH team. Low TV.

    Lloris (Areola)
    Tierney Cancelo Shaw (Mitchell Kilman)
    KDB Son Bruno Saka Gundogan
    Kane Lacazette (Brewster)

    I had Wilson 343 but downgrading to Gundogan 352 enables me to have a backup GK and better bench.

    Thoughts?

    1. No Totti No Party
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Same concerns here, Wilson against Gundo and 1m in defense.

  21. Simon69
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Brighton will play ball vs City whereas Burnley could easily sit back and frustrate United. Depending on what Pep says, I wonder if Raheem is worth the extra 2m or so.

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

      I'm getting Sterling

    2. I Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I definitely prefer double City attack and double United defence to double United attack and double City defence.

      1. Simon69
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        With you on the double City attack but United are shaky af at the back

  22. Kane Train
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    So many people prefer Salah over Rashford despite Salah not playing this week and probably having harder fixtures over the next 5 weeks

    1. Simon69
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      DGW

      1. Kane Train
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        They both have DGW

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

    Rashford can beat both Wilson +
    Gündogan points ?

  24. b91jh
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Have a gut feeling that SHU may win tonight.

    1. Simon69
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      It's just hard to see where that goal would come from.

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

      Yup I agree

  25. zelio78
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I can only afford one double up. Which should it be?

    Kane and Son or Bruno and Rashford.

    In other words:

    1) Kane, Son, Bruno
    2) Kane, Rashford, Bruno

    Thanks

    1. Nolberto Solano
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      1

    2. sunzip14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      1

  26. Nolberto Solano
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    My opinions for to allow upgrades elsewhere in your FH team:

    1st. Stones instead of Dias, if you are going with two City Defenders (Cancelo being the other).
    2nd. Smith-Rowe instead of Saka
    3rd. Martial instead of Rashford

  27. sergioaguero67
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    There's no reason to bench Kane right?
    Given his absence in the scout picks, I was a bit doubtful

    Also, how does this look

    Darlow
    Dias Stones Tierney AWB
    Son Bruno KDB (vc)
    Wilson Lacazette Kane (c)

    Bench: Areola SmithRowe Mitchell Anguissa

    Help!

  28. Deulofail
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Is Saka in your team?

    A) Yes
    B) Yes, but only my FH team

    Is Tierney in your team?
    C) Yes
    D) Yes, but only my FH team

    Is ESR in your team?
    E) Yes
    F) Yes, but only my FH team

    1. In a Rush
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      D & F with Esr 1st on the bench

  29. Jebiga
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Cancelo or Dias ?

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Dias

  30. Jimjam
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    (A) Lloris, Tierney, Saka, Gundogan
    (B) Leno, Stones, Rashford, Smith-Rowe