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. Mr. O'Connell
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Under old Pep, that would be Cancelo not starting another game until GW33.

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

    Burke -> Smith Rowe worth a -4?

    Thinking Burke probably won't start, and would be good to have ESR for the long run.

    Yay or Nay?

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

      Yes

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

    Folks, have McCarthy. Recommend a GK for BGW18 and DGW19, please.

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

      DDG

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

      Would probably have to be De Gea if you want a DGW19

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

      Did consider De Gea but not sure liking the fact of spending extra cash.

    4. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Leno? No DGW but plays Newcastle so decent CS chance

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

    Darlow or Leno?

    Cheers

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

      Leno

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

        cheers

  5. Pi
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Who would you prefer to have? Why?

    A) Wilson (bri)
    B) Cavani (bur)

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

      A is likely to start.

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

      B. Better fixture and differential. Don't like Wilson this week

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

      A

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

        Cheers

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

    Bottomed. 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. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Probably the Laca one

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

        Cool, thanks

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

          A i think i like Rashford this week. All his points are away

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

            Yes, that is something to consider. Thanks

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

      Laca mainly because Saka is a better option than ESR

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

        Fair, thanks. Bench better with Laca too.

    3. Live Lad
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      My team is exactly your Laca team. So, Laca 🙂

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

        Cheers!

  7. S.Kuqi
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Wood instead of Kane for me. What could possibly go wrong

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

      I have both 🙂

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

    Best of luck to all this GW.

    Well done to green arrows last week, but red arrows this week is your chance to make amends!

  9. Van der Faart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Play AWB or Saiss on FH?

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

      Saiss

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

    Is Yedlin likely to play?

    1. Traction Engine Foot
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yes

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

      yes

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

    Pick 1:
    A) Saka + McGoldrick (to bench)
    B) Smith Rowe + Wilson (Bench One of them)

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

      A

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

    any playing 4.2 def? Other than mitchell for 18? Kilman maybe?

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

      He could get some minutes, but prob won't start. Can you stretch to yedlin 4.3?

  13. bitars
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Last decision: Dallas or Dier on wildcard?

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

      Easily Dallas for me

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

    Bench combo
    A) Saka Mitchell 3.9
    B) ESR Yedlin Ampadu

    Tempted by B just to cover the starting XI with playing players more

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

      B cause I'd be playing Saka if I had him tbh. Maybe Bogle over Ampadu

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

        Bogle has to be the sub

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

        Cheers lad. Yeah I hate benching Saka but have got a front 7 of Kdb Bruno son Gundo kane wilson Laca

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

    Stones or Gundo? Gundo or Stones? I've got to stop. Someone choose for me.

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

      Gundo

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

        Crunchie. I'm coming for you if he plays 5 minutes lol. Thanks you. Good luck!

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

      I'm on the same. But it's Dias or Gundo for me... Same difference. Stones more reliable, Gundo higher ceiling

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

        That's it. Let's go with Crunchie, sounds confident to me

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

      Def Stones and def Dias

      Reply both above

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

        No Binny. I can't take it. Take it back. (you don't think Gundo will start?)

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

      Gundo first goal scorer nailed on

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

        Phew

  16. Crunchie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    A or B please, (i have answered a few) 🙂
    Lloris (4.0)
    Stones, Cancello, Saiss (Mitchell, 3.8)
    ESR, KDB, Bruno, Son, Rashford
    Kane, Laca (Davis)

    B.
    Lloris
    Dias, Cancello, Tierney (Mitchell, 3.8)
    Saka, KDB, Bruno, Son, Rashford
    Kane, Wilson (Davis)

    A. Stones Saiss, ERS, Laca
    B. Dias, Tierney , Saka, Wilson

    Thanks, guys

    1. Traction Engine Foot
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B

    2. mowgli26
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A
      Very similar to mine

  17. Traction Engine Foot
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Anything wrong with this FH team? Fairly boring but should do the job..

    DDG
    Cancelo, Dias, Tierney
    Saka, Son, KDB, Bruno
    Lacazette, Wilson, Kane

    Areola, Yedlin, Anguissa, Mitchell

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

      Yep G2G

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

    A) Leno, Wilson

    B) Tierney, Lloris

    1. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B

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

        B

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

    Dias or Gundo? First to 3 wins

    1. S.Kuqi
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Dias

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

      Gundo here

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

      On a FH, gonna aim for the higher ceiling. Gundo

    4. The Habib Beyes
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Gundo

  20. ccarmi2208
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Does this look OK.

    Darlow
    Tirerney/Stones/Dier/Dias
    Saka/KDB/Fernandes/Son
    Lacazette/Kane

    KDB captain

  21. S.Kuqi
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Wildcard team. No Kane but 11 bgw players and with one hit next gw should get 11-14 bgw players for bench boost.

    Areola (Martinez)
    Cancelo-Stones-Awb-Holdin (Coufal)
    Kdb-Son-Rashford-Bruo (Soucek)
    Laca - Wood (lol) (Bamford)

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

    KDB = Benched
    Jesus and sterling are the only attacking assets to get in from City.

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

      🙂

    2. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      KDB benched?

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

    Saka or Gundo?

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

      A

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

      Gundasaka

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

    Who would you prefer for DGW19 and beyond -

    A) Kane (shu) + Rashford (liv ful) free

    B Laca (NEW) + Salah (MUN BUR) -4

    1. S.Kuqi
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Tough one. Probably A

  25. mowgli26
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Pope
    Cancelo Saiss Tierney
    Gundogan Bruno Rashford KDB SmithRowe
    Lacazette Kane

    Forster, Brewster, Struijk, Mitchell

    Please let me know your thoughts? Stick with Rashford or swap to Sterling?

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

    Get Whom ??
    A- Dias
    B- Stones
    C- Cancelo But may he not play

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

      A

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

    Presume Tierney is still a safe starter despite playing 120 mins against Newcastle?

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

    You’re either a Gundogan or a Dias person this week.

    I am punting on the former. Means no Saka either. Oh boy.

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

    Where are these “Cancelo may not play” rumors coming from? Non-owner dross?

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

      Quoting from someone else's post earlier:

      'Cancelo - Looks as likely as ever to play, no?

      Pep in todays press conference:
      " He's a guy whose physicality is incredible, he could play again the day after a game and this is so important us to have players consistently fit. Last season he struggled a little bit with a new club and new ideas but now he has had more time and he is playing good. He was tired in the last game but hopefully tomorrow if he tries to play he can be better than the first 45 minutes against Birmingham but he was outstanding. "

      https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/man-city-press-conference-live-19608408'

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

    Thoughts? Thanks
    Plan is Robbo-> AWB/Maguire -4 GW19-> Adams and Son -> Antonio and Salah +1.3 -4

    (Martinez) (Foster)
    (Robertson) Cancelo Mitchell Stones (Targett)
    KDB Bruno Son (Soucek) Burke
    Kane (Adams) (Bamford).