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. Neevesy
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    There hasn't been a lot of FH teams on here, so thought I'd put mine in!

    Thoughts?

    Lloris

    AWB - Stones - Cancelo

    Son - Bruno - Saka - KDB

    Wilson - Kane - Laca

    Forster - Saiss - ESR - Buur

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Safe

    2. stu92
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Almost identical to mine blow! Looks good to me, maybe go AWB to Maguire if you have the extra 0.1? I think he looks like getting a goal soon.

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

        Yeah I can do it. Just feel Burnley will sit back and they may be space on the wings so AWB in play for an assist (I know stats don't back this up, just my guy).

        Yet to decide.

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

      My front 7 are the same.

    4. Saka Rice
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Isn't Tierney a better option than AWB?

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

    WC final slots: Dallas or Justin for DGW and beyond?

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

      With Leeds game postponed you have to go on Justin..

      1. Top Lad Dakes.
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Wait... what?

          1. Top Lad Dakes.
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Could

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

            "could be postponed"

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

            COULD be postponed to allow the Saints to rearrange their postponed FA Cup tie

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

          Yeah, what?

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

        Wtf? Is it confirmed?

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

          Not yet but its going to..

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

        LEE game postponed?

      4. stu92
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I've missed this, what game is postponed and why?

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

        Be careful with these posts

    2. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Easily Dallas imo

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

      Dallas

    4. stu92
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Dallas? 50/50 really

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

      Thx folks - Dallas is my preference as well

  3. stu92
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Thoughts on this FH guys?

    Lloris
    Cancelo Dias Tierney
    KDB Bruno Son Saka
    (K)ane Laca Wilson
    (4.0 Yedlin Mitchell Burke)

    Thanks in advance!

    1. thegaffer82
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Looks tip top to me

      1. stu92
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers sir

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

      Very good

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

      Solid

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

      Pretty much template.

      1. stu92
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Pretty much. Any suggestions to mix it up?

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

          Don't be tempted into doing something daft. Whatever % of people are using a FH this week, it's small enough that even if all FHers had the exact same team, they can all take a big bite out of their league leaders leads.

          Who are you captaining?

          1. stu92
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            I'm pretty happy with mid and attack. I'd be tempted to go Darlow over Lloris, but with Dubravka back that is maybe a risk. Otherwise downgrading someone to Stones, or even to Maguire to spread the CS risk across more games. Nothing wild, but I'm fairly happy with who I have generally speaking so will probably stick.

            Unsure on captain. Started on KDB, but with Fulham's short turnaround I'm now considering Kane. But then Fulham might sit in deep and defend more, which swings me back to KDB. Classic captain conundrum! Who are you captaining?

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

      I have the same team except Darlow and Dire rather than Lloris and Tierney. And my bench is Rowe, AWB and Clark.

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

      Brighton will score

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

    I'm going without Arsenal attack, crazy?

    2x Man City (Sterling, Gundo)
    2x Manu (Bruno, Rashford)
    2x Spurs (Kane, Son)

    Only Tierney for ARS

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

      ERS for the additonal spice?

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

        no space, playing 352 with Gundo as 5th mid

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

      No quite sound, I think that will be lowest scoring game, I did start with double Arsenal defence actually but have since added Saka due to cost

    3. thegaffer82
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I wouldn't be overly worried. Laca is a good pick, but unlikely he's going to get more than a goal, two max I would think.

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

    Are we confident Foden starts!? Could switch to Gundogan.

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

      No one knows! Damn you Pep! But with Sterling fit, I'm thinking Gundo more likely to play... but who the hell knows!

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

        But maybe double city defence instead?

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

          Would love to but just covering all the bases with my four defensive slots.

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

    Which one?

    A) Lloris, Tierney, AWB, ESR
    B) Leno, Dier, Maguire, Saka

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

      A

  7. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    WYR:
    A) Kane Gundogan
    B) Sterling Saka

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

      A

      1. Top Lad Dakes.
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers, that’s the current picks

  8. Yuhz89
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Any thought on Davies(Spurs)?

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

      Avoid. Always prefer nailed on on BGW or at least look for higher potential imo!

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

      Not nailed with Reguilon around

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

      I've got him... not sure if its a mistake though :/

  9. thegaffer82
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Have no idea what to do with my team. The Spurs game getting added to GW18 helps, but I'm still holding 2 Villa. I don't want to play any chips this week and I have no idea what to do with my FT... Team is:

    Cancelo - Dier - Holding - Mitchell
    KDB - Bruno - Sterling
    ...Kane - Brewster
    1 FT & 0.5 to spend (as saving cash for Sterling > Salah next week)
    Not playing: Martinez, Justin, Grealish, Soucek, Bamford
    I could do:
    Martinez > DDG
    Grealish > up to 8.0
    Justin > Shaw

    'All looking pretty weak transfers to me though. Anyone got a suggestion to improve my side?

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

      Play your FH chip. You've been given a great opportunity to make up some points with lots of info. Waiting for the mythical perfect gameweek may never come.

  10. amonito
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Lloris/Saiss or Darlow/Dier?

    Rest of the team:
    ......
    Tierney Stones ......
    KDB(c) Bruno Son(v) Saka Gundogan
    Kane Laca

    Ramsdale Wilson Clark Lowton

    1. Mo Mane Mo Salah
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Lloris Saiss, easy

  11. seewhyaxe
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Almost template FH gtg?
    -3 spurs
    -3 city
    -3 arsenal
    -2 united

    Lloris
    Cancelo, Dias, Tierney, AWB
    KDB, Bruno, Son, Saka
    Kane, Laca

    Bench with Brewster, Mitchell and Kouyate.

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

    FH team! GTG?

    Leno
    Stones Dier Yedlin
    KDB(C) Sterling Bruno Son ESR
    Kane Wilson

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

      Yes, very nice!

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

    On FH18 -- which would you prefer? Currently on A

    A)
    DDG -- Tierney -- R.Dias -- Saka -- Lacazette

    B)
    Leno -- Dier -- J.Cancelo -- Rashford -- ESR

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

      Tough one, similar to me. Maybe A there

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

        Thanks, would like Lloris on first one but can't find the 0.3m cash anywhere

    2. Tsparkes10
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

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

        Thanks, TS, good luck.

    3. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      WWLLW for A in comparisons imo. A

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

    Saiss or Dier?

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

      Dier

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

      Dier

    3. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I’d have thought Saiss quite easily. Much higher ceiling

    4. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Saiss

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

    Essentially: Rashford or Laca?

    Rash team:
    DE GEA
    Cancelo Stones Tierney
    KDB Bruno Son RASHFORD SMITH ROWE
    Kane Wilson

    Laca team:
    LLORIS
    Cancelo Stones Tierney
    KDB Bruno Son SAKA
    Kane Wilson LACA

    Which one please?

    Thanks

    1. Mr.K
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Rashford

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

        OK, cheers

  16. ludaslol
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    A) ASR, AWB

    B) Saka, Yedlin

    who scores more?

  17. OverTinker
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    on wildcard
    pick one
    1. Smith rowe + Wan Bissaka
    2. Saka + Holding

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

    Who to bench?
    A Saka (Cry h)
    B Saiss (Eve h)

    Thanks

  19. Arsenal97
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    RMT and suggestions on FH :

    De Gea

    Stones Saiss Tierney

    Son Bruno KDB Rashford Saka

    Kane Wilson

    subs; Steffen Yedlin Mitchel Brewster

  20. eririi
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Which one?
    A) Neto + Stones
    B) Cancelo + Gundogan

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

      B

  21. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Surely Saiss a better option than Dier

  22. Bad Kompany
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Is Yedlin nailed?

  23. Ronny Sandstone
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Is Son to Sterling madness? none of my rivals have Son btw I'll still have Kane too

  24. Tsparkes10
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Gtg? Tempted by Wilson or Gundogan but think this is me.

    Lloris
    Shaw Dias Stones Tierney
    Son Bruno KDB Saka
    Kane Laca
    (Ramsdale, Brewster, Kilman, Burke)

  25. Z
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Laca or Matrial?
    AWB or Stones?

    Have Bruno and Cancelo

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

      Laca and Stones

  26. TSN
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Can only pick one.
    A. cancelo
    B. Dias
    C. Stones

    Cheers!

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

      B

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

      B

    3. thegaffer82
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A) by a country mile.

      He might miss one game in twelve, but his attacking threat for those other eleven games is off the charts compared to any of his teammates

  27. thegaffer82
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I love that Sterling is fit. I made a risky early transfer just before Salah dropped to save that 0.1. Nearly blew up in my face when I saw the Sterling flag.

    Gunna have to be the last early transfer now. It's just silly to do them this season above all others

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

    Who to get
    A- Rashford
    B - Wilson + Gündogan

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

      Plzzzzzzx

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

      I'd go with B

  29. *Reformed-Character*
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    A) Sterling & Wilson
    Vs
    B) Kane & Foden ???

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

      A
      Foden risk of not playing full game

      1. *Reformed-Character*
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        27 point swing listening to you....

  30. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Either one will be on my bench for Gundo - but would you take ESR over Saka on the bench to enable another playing defender (Yedlin/Holding) on the bench in case of a surprise rest for Cancelo/Wilson?

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

      Yes