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

    A) Lloris + Saiss
    B) DDG + Dier

    1. Feed tha Sheep
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B

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

      A

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

      Both keepers have a great clean sheet chance. Dier more likely to clean sheet than Saiss, but less likely to score. They are so even. I feel like Saiss is the more exciting option. I would favour the lower ownership if you can, or ownership the differentiates you from your mini league rivals.

  2. Feed tha Sheep
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Final FH team..any changes needed?

    DDG
    Cancelo Dier Tierney
    KDB (C) Bruno Son Gundagon
    Wilson Laca Kane

    ESR Kilman Mitchell

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

      g2g

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

    Will Jesus start?

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

      most probably

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

      Nobody knows

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

      See your name

      *too obvious I know... sorry

    4. VINS
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      jesus or martial?

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

        (just asking for my own team as a 1 week punt!)

    5. RUUD!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      50/50

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

    Leno
    Cancelo, AWB, Stones
    KDB, Bruno, Son, Rash, Saka
    Kane (C), Wilson

    Steer, Yedlin, Brewster, Mitchell

    Would you swap AWB for Tierney?

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

      If you did switch change leno to ddg or lloris aswell

      1. Muscout
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Wouldn’t be able to afford them unfortunately!

  5. popcoin
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Afternoon all. Not playing any chips over here.

    A)
    Dunne -> Dias
    Vardy -> Laca (-4)

    B)
    Raphinha -> Rashford
    Vardy -> Wilson (-4)
    Chilwell -> Cancelo (-4) ~ worth a hit i.m.o

    C) just Chilwell -> Cancelo

    Martinez (Peacock)
    Stones Saiss (Chilwell Coufal Dunne)
    KdB Bruno Son (Soucek Raphinha)
    Kane Brewster (Vardy)

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

    Cutrone punt anyone? Just added to the game.

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

      he should start against everton so could be good

  7. R.C
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    All news done, safe to FH now????

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

      give it another hour

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

    Guys Wilson fit enough to start?

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

      Where did you read he wasnt?

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

    Lloris
    Cancelo, Dias, Tierney
    De Bruyne, Fernandes, Saka, Son
    Kane, Lacazette, Wilson
    (4.0) (Burke, Mitchell, Douglas)

    Is the best use of 0.4, Doulgas to Kilman? Or is there something else

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

      Burke to ESR

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

        3 Arsenal already

      2. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        4 Arsenal

  10. BenDavies
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone else punting on Ait-Nouri? Can't afford Saiss/Dier and feeling Wolves can keep a clean sheet against Everton.

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

      I'm on Ait Nouri atm.

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

    How would you shave 1.3 off this FH team? Bench all fodder

    Ramsdale
    Stones Clark Holding
    KDB Sterling Bruno Son Saka
    Kane Lacazette

    1. northernmuppet
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Saka to ESR and downgrade Clark a bit..

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

      Ramsdale and Saka to ESR?

    3. southernrocker1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Lacazette to Wilson or Sterling to Rashford

      It's 1.3m over because you are being too greedy 😉

      1. southernrocker1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Bizarrely, Clark isn't in the starting 11 under 'Team News' on the site. I noticed that earlier and wondered if it was an error.

  12. KaBoZ: Kids,don't Drin…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Play 1:
    A) Saka
    B) Smith Rowe
    C) Wilson

    1. northernmuppet
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A is in form.. C for fixture... Saka I think for me..

    2. fish&chips
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Saka

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

    Final decision guys..

    A) Gung / Tierney / Loris (the scout pick!)

    B) Rash / Stones / Leno (double city def and Rashy)

  14. fish&chips
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    A) sterling, AWB, ESR
    B) Rashford, cancelo, saka

    1. northernmuppet
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Very tough... B is stronger all round but it depends on your view on Sterling. I've been back and forth on it.. currently on B myself (see above)

      1. fish&chips
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Yes I'm thinking B looks better as a package

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

    Main rival used his free hit in GW11(!?!) And only has seven going without a hit today..

    My free hit team.

    Leno
    Tierney. Cancelo. Saiss
    Fernando. Son©. KDBruyne. Gundogundogan.
    Kane(v). Wilson. Lacazette.

    /

    Forster. Dunk. Burke. Douglas

  16. Elly88 > KTR (Kevin The …
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Would we expect Gundogan to start this week? If yes, is he likely to score more than Rashford?

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

    Any views on whether Struijk (£3.9m, Leeds defender) will maintain his place after Cooper is back? Looks like he did a good job during his 3 games and he's the only other fit central defender, though Bielsa does play Ayling as CB too. Thanks!

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

      No. Cooper and Ayling will play there.

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

        Cool, thanks mate.

  18. Eleven Hag
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Did Pep say anything about Cancelo being a doubt for the game?

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

      Pep Guardiola: "He was tired in the last game but hopefully tomorrow if he tries to play he can be better than the first 45 against @BCFC but was outstanding..."

      1. Eleven Hag
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Oops

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

          A weird statement. In a way. he's basically confirming he's playing. But also he's saying he's tired... and finishes by saying he's outstanding... So, 59 minutes then?

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

    "Raheem Sterling passed fit" on MCFC website.
    Does he start then?

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

      Cameo off the Bench then plays DGW

  20. sozopol
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Richarlison too risky to FH with unspecified injury concern? What's the latest

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

    Put me out of my FH misery please

    Hugo
    Dias Stones Tierney
    Kdb Bruno Rashford Saka Neto
    Kane Laca
    4m Saiss McGoldrick Mitchell

    Keep Rashford or not?
    Sticking to my guns of no Son this week

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

      Who would you switch rash to?

      Team looks good

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

        Pretty tricky
        Son obvious choice or cheap 5th mid and go Sterling and one city DEF

        1. southernrocker1
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Quite similar to mine but I have Wilson. He's due a goal against a ropey Sheff U imo. I also have Son and not Rashford.

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

            No reasoning but have a feeling SHU will finally win. Doesn’t mean Wilson won’t score...
            I’m fearing a Sterling hatty but the Spurs fixture threw me out, need at least one

            1. southernrocker1
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 6 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              I agree re: Sheff U but the most dangerous player on the pitch is Wilson by some distance. Sterling could be frightening but he is too damn expensive. I'm trying to be greedy.

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

                Couldn’t decide between Neto and Saka so going both
                Wilson on pens too, hoping for another blank
                Good luck

                1. southernrocker1
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 6 Years
                  3 years, 2 months ago

                  yoo too!

  22. Ruinenlust
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Cancelo a doubt now?

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

      Where you heard that?

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

      Why???

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

      Ban

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

    1 week punt only as out for salah gw19 triple city/spurs already

    A)james rod
    B) pogba
    C) neto
    D other

  24. tarantino2005
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Can somebody explain what happens when you use the free hit chip after making a transfer?
    I transferred in KDB instead of Salah but now decided to use FH chip so,
    will Salah be back in and KDB be out of my team for next GW?
    and if so
    will I have two free transfers for next week?
    Thanks

    1. fish&chips
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Salah will be back and only 1FT

      1. tarantino2005
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        thanks.

    2. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      you get your team from the previous game week back and you have one free transfer the next week

      1. tarantino2005
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        cheers

  25. drughi
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Closer we get to deadline the more similar evry team looks lol

  26. Ady87
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Armband... KDB, Kane, Son?

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

      Kevin

  27. shirtless
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Scout Picks have copied me bar two players 🙂

  28. Mackans
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Is De Gea a secure starter?

    1. northernmuppet
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      yes

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

        Yes I agree. It's worth checking the United website on match days. Today they have an interview with David De Gea. Worryingly, Daniel James and Van De Beek are also featured heavily.

  29. Eastman
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    If I have confirmed transfers but then decide to free hit does this cancel my transfers? Thanks

  30. Boss Hogg
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    For a set and forget keeper:

    a. DDG
    b. Ederson
    c. Lloris

    ???