Scout Picks

Blank Gameweek 33 Scout Picks features Liverpool triple-up

A Liverpool triple-up forms the spine of our Blank Gameweek 33 Scout Picks XI.

After David, Neale, Tom and Andy submitted their most recent Scout Squad selections, we chose our best line-up for the upcoming round of action.

We are in the usual 3-4-3 formation with a team that comes in at £82.6m, £0.4m inside our budget of £83.0m.

Because Leicester host West Bromwich Albion in the final match of Double Gameweek 32 on Thursday evening, this team is subject to change due to any unforeseen circumstances that take place at the King Power Stadium.

Goalkeeper

Sheffield United are still the Premier League’s lowest-scorers with just 17 goals in 32 matches this season. Over the last six, they are bottom of the division for goal conversion rate (4.8%) while Robert Sánchez (£4.5m) and the Brighton defence have the second-best figure for expected goals conceded (xGC) and three clean sheets.

Defenders

Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.5m) is back to his best, supplying 52 points over his last seven outings, working out at 7.4 per match. During the last six, he is top among all defenders for key passes and no Premier League player has created more big chances than him.

Only Sheffield United have landed fewer shots on target since Double Gameweek 26 than Crystal Palace suggesting there is clean sheet potential for Timothy Castagne (£5.7m) this weekend.

Since Gameweek 21, Luke Shaw (£5.4m) has provided four assists, a goal and four clean sheets for a total of 66 points and 5.5 per match. Manchester United are still inside the top four for xGC in the last six matches, a period in which Alexander-Arnold is the only defender to have created more chances than Shaw.

Midfielders

Fresh from a Gameweek 32 rest, Mohamed Salah (£12.6m) is in line to start for Liverpool when Newcastle come to Anfield. The Egyptian has scored in each of his last two Premier League starts and, over his last six matches, is behind only Harry Kane for total shots in the box.

Bruno Fernandes (£11.6m) may only have two attacking returns in his last seven matches but facing Leeds in Blank Gameweek 33 could be the ideal chance for him to get back in the goals. The Portuguese international has dispatched eight penalties this season, while Leeds have given up the joint-highest number of spot-kicks in 2020/21 (eight).

With three goals in his last four league appearances, Diogo Jota (£7.0m) could exploit a weakness in Newcastle’s defence on Saturday lunchtime. Newcastle rank second-worst for headed attempts conceded over the last six matches and, during the same period, Jota is second-highest among Liverpool midfielders for aerial efforts while no colleague has matched his eight shots on target.

Jesse Lingard (£6.6m) cannot stop scoring, still only blanking in one start since joining West Ham on loan. During the last six matches, Lingard has accumulated the second-highest number of big chances among all Premier League players, while only two have mustered more shots on target than him.

Forwards

The best Neto replacements and whether FPL managers should stick with Fernandes

Jamie Vardy (£10.1m) has been outperformed by his strike partner of late but there is still plenty of reason to believe he can reward his 19.8% ownership in Blank Gameweek 33. Over the last six, Crystal Palace rank inside the Premier League’s three worst sides for xGC while Vardy is joint-top for big chances created. Effectively, if Leicester do pierce the Eagles’ back-line, the centre-forward stands a strong chance of having assisted it.

Which leads us to Kelechi Iheanacho (£6.1m), who has seven Premier League goals in his last five outings. He has produced maximum bonus in four of those and, across his last six, is joint-top of the Premier League for big chances and joint-third for shots on target.

Ahead of facing Sheffield United, Danny Welbeck (£5.5m) earns a place in the Scout Picks. The Blades still have the Premier League’s worst xGC figure over the last six matches while budget enabler Welbeck has three attacking returns in his last five.

SUBSTITUTES

  • Emiliano Martínez (£5.4m)
  • Conor Coady (£4.9m)
  • Joël Veltman (£4.4m)
  • Bukayo Saka (£5.1m)

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 33:

GET IN-GAME DATA AT LIVE FPL

Check your own rank and in-play FPL stats on LiveFPL.net every Gameweek

407 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Vjm6891
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Free hit team

    Sanchez
    Veltman Saiss TAA
    Greenwood Salah Mane Bruno Martinelli (or another
    Nacho & Vardy

    Webster from Brighton as backup

    Should I put Jota in for Mane and upgrade a few people / have a better bench? My reason for Mane is he does sometimes go on a run of good games, maybe less so this season.
    Should I keep Lingard in (I haven't actually swapped him out yet)? Chelsea's defence is fairly "mean"
    Do I want a leicester defender?
    Burnley seem to have scored in their last few games so should I swap Saiss out for my other brighton defender?

    1. zotter
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Martinelli abit of a risk as not sure what team arsenal put out in the league. Maybe Pereira?

      I would go for Mane. He is more likely to start than Jota I would say. Though both should

      1. Vjm6891
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Thanks. I like Mane, and hes more of a differencial. Just didn't want to jeapondise other areas. I think the point below re Maddison will be good if he seems to be OK tonight.

    2. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Like it

      Think I'd go Welbeck up top and Maddison in midfield if Maddison looks okay tonight. There's really not a lot to back Vardy selection up over him - Mane by contrast is getting the chances and TAA does typically improve him and that's perhaps why he's getting lots of big chances recently.

      Dunk over Saiss for me

      1. Vjm6891
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        This is true. Vardy seems to be not finishing very well at the moment either. As you say, wait and see tonight re Maddison. Welbeck is a good call as Sheff utd aren't very good at the back. WIll have to just have 2 Brighton defenders which isn't a bad thing as 3 is a bit of a risk!

  2. Ian Davis
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Which 2 to bring in?:

    A) TAA
    B) Greenwood
    C) Jota
    D) Vardy

    1. OLD Rafiki
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      TAA and Jota

    2. Alex_thekid
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      A&B

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

    Does anyone think Vydra will start this week, not sure to add another hit to my team which would total -8

    Thanks

    1. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I'd expect his was benched because of the strong opponents - think he'll start this week

      (or at least, I hope....)

    2. Vjm6891
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I'm guessing he could as he seems to have started the previous 6 or 7 games and i'm guessing Burnley just wanted an extra midfielder vs Man Utd?

    3. OLD Rafiki
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      by now you should be avoiding hits, but if it's worth it go for it.

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

        Agree with the hits, but like so many here I WC in Mendy, so was thinking of:

        Dias > Dallas or Veltman/Dunk
        Mendy > Martinez
        Neto > Maddison (depending on tonight's game.

  4. zotter
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Son to who?

    Or roll FT and play Dallas or Brewster

    1. OLD Rafiki
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Arsenal assets

      1. zotter
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Very risky with their focus on Europe

        1. OLD Rafiki
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          what are your thoughts on WARD-PROWSE

          1. zotter
            • 14 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            Surely better options out there.....

            They have a double though right?

    2. House Frey Wedding Planner
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Keep Son, Roll transfer, Play Dallas

  5. Sharkytect
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Is lacazette OUT out? (to quote flannagan) or just out for this week?

    1. Pariße
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Hamstring injuries usually take about 2-3 weeks depending on the intensity of the tear.

  6. JBG
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Which option is the best, for the long term :

    A) Areola + Lucas to 3.9 + Greenwood/Pogba (-4)
    B) Lowton + Lucas + DCL to Phillips + Greenwood/Pogba + Ihenacho (-8)
    C) Dias + Lucas to Coufal + Pogba (-4)

    1. zotter
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      A with Greenwood

      1. JBG
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Thanks

  7. El Presidente
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Guys which one please;

    A) Shaw + Maddison
    B) Castagne + Greenwood

    Thanks

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

      A if Maddison is nailed to start

    2. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I like A but Maddy might be a touch early.

  8. Weak Become Heros
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Why Castagne over Ricardo? Im on FH so want to nail this, am I missing something?

    1. zotter
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I would have suggested Ricardo too

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Probably not fit

    3. Vjm6891
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      FItness doubt. - "saying that Ricardo Pereira took a blow to his calf and would continue to be handled "carefully""

      My guess would be he will be rested tonight and start Monday, but who knows?

      1. Rotation's Alter Ego
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Sounds it. Sam is usually dead on the money.

        https://twitter.com/SmuelMartinFPL/status/1385107736669589504?s=20

  9. beetlejuice
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Which one to get rid first?

    A) Alonso
    B) James

    1. zotter
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      James

  10. Muscout
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Martinez
    Shaw Dallas Rudiger Cancelo
    Salah Lingard Raph Gundo
    Nacho Watkins

    McCarthy Kane Son Dier

    5m itb, 2 FT

    Cancelo/Dier and Gundo to TAA and Greenwood?

    Any other suggestions?

    1. zotter
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Sounds perfect. Get rid Dier given your bench strong and can suffer Cancelo benchings

    2. Alex_thekid
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I would

  11. Ibralicious
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    So that DCL is no longer flagged. Is he confirmed fit again?

    1. Ibralicious
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Saw*

    2. Mr Bird
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Yes fit and available for tomorrow

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

    Martinez
    Dallas Shaw Rudi Targett
    Saka Salah(c) Jota Lingard
    Iheanacho Watkins

    Areola Dias Kane Son

    2.0itb 1ft

    A) Dias > TAA
    B) Save FT
    C) Other?

    Any opinions please guys

    1. zotter
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      A is the obvious one

  13. Gunners in Haaland
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Son -> Salah for free?
    Own Kane, TAA and Jota

    1. zotter
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Yeah I would. No brainer

      1. Gunners in Haaland
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Cheers

  14. Pariße
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Zaha or Mount on WC?

    1. Tshelby
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Mount?

      1. Pariße
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Chelsea plays the FA Cup final soon, and might be in for a DGW, and Zaha has one upcoming too.

        1. pingissimus
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          I'd be really wary of Zaha

          Palace are not at all the same team as the first half of the season where they were creating chances and were good for goals in the right sort of match up. There's not just been a drop off in goals but a complete change in approach - RH had dialled it back to 2019.

    2. zotter
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Neither tbh.

    3. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Mount

  15. LewanGOALski
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    A) play Digne (ars)
    or
    B) Dias to any defender for (-4)
    ..?

    1. zotter
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      A. Unless defender you get in is Trent

      1. LewanGOALski
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        It could be Trent

        1. Alex_thekid
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Get Taa

  16. Silecro
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    How would you fit DCL here? (should I?) I'm on WC.

    Patricio
    TAA, Veltman, Konsa, Fofana
    Salah, Greenwood, Jota, Lingard
    Watkins, Nacho

    Meslier, Dallas, Son, Kane
    0.0 itb

    1. Garth Marenghi
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I wouldn't

      1. Silecro
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Yeah, i'm not inclined to downgrade from either of current players to fit him...watkins/nacho is a bit sideways move for DCL, and surely wont downgrade Kane

      2. zotter
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        This. Worry about Everton double later if needed

    2. Boxwoods
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Whether you bring him in or not, I would downgrade one attacker. You can’t play all 8.

      *haven’t scanned the fixtures, so if there are obvious weeks to rotate, my apologies.

      1. Silecro
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        actually its more for trying to avoid taking any hits until end of the season

        1. Boxwoods
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          What about the hits you might need to take to free funds tied up in a relatively expensive asset who’s sat on your bench?

          *not taking the piss. It’s a strong team you have. The benching headaches would drive me mad, tho.

    3. Pariße
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I’m selling Son, keeping Kane. No use to have so much tied up for a guaranteed zero that could be spent elsewhere.

    4. Pariße
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Palace, Everton, Southampton, and Villa definitely have a DGW at some point...might want to plan on that too. Chelsea and Leicester also play a cup final so might have one too.

  17. winchester
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    is maddison fit? could he be a solid replacement for son?

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

      Bit too early to say. Risky imo

  18. jdp219
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Here's how I am lining up for gw33:

    Mendy
    TAA, Rudiger, Holding, Coufal
    Salah, Lingard, Bruno, Jota
    Vydra, Nacho
    (Forster*; Amartey, Kane*, Son*)

    2FTs -- Nothing in the bank hinders my options for using just one FT, unless I drop Son or Kane. Maybe just replace Mendy? Use both FTs?

    1. zotter
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Yeah replace Mendy I would say. Maybe Martinez with the double in mind. A good set and forget

      1. jdp219
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Would love that, but unfortunately cannot afford Martinez any longer. Mendy at 5.2 and Emi at 5.4. Nothing in the bank for me.

        Was thinking Sanchez, perhaps ...?

        1. jdp219
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          *if I'm only going to use one FT, that is. Otherwise, Son could become Maddison, Greenwood, etc.

        2. zotter
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Hmmm not sure. Maybe Guiata or Pickford then with doubles in mind

          1. jdp219
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            Have I missed an announcement of the doubles? Or just that they'll still have one forthcoming?

          2. jdp219
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            Also, thank you for the feedback!

  19. Pukki Blinders
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Jota wasn’t spotted in training today... can things get any worse ffs

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      This time last year was worse!

  20. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Hi....what would you do here please? No chips.

    Thinking alonso and vydra to Watkins and castagne - 4.......

    Mendy (forster)
    Taa alonso shaw holding (dawson)
    Salah jota lingard greenwood (son)
    Iheanacho vydra (kane)

    Thanks

  21. AC/DC AFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    On a wild card would you pick Pulisic or Mount for Chelsea attacking assets?

    Or someone else?

    Cheers.

    1. Alex_thekid
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Pullisic

      1. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Thanks.

        It looks like he's coming back well.

    2. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      None

      1. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Which midfield do you recommend?

        Chelsea a form team overall.

        1. Pukki Blinders
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          They are no good attacking wise and are a rotation nightmare. Plenty of other good mids such as Madds, Greenwood etc

    3. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Neither

      1. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Because of nil nil v Brighton?

        1. waltzingmatildas
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          No, because I don't think you can rely on pulisic and I think there are better options than mount

  22. Alex_thekid
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Team for this gw is
    Mendy
    Coady Shaw Targett Veltman
    Lingardino Bruno Salah c Jota
    Nacho Watkins
    Kane Cancelo Son
    Would you do
    Cancelo and Son to
    Greenwood and Taa -8

    1. zotter
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I wouldn’t given your starting eleven all good. -8 too much.

      1. zotter
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Can you do Mendy Cancelo to Sanchez Trent ?

        1. Alex_thekid
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Na only 0.1 itb 1m short

          1. zotter
            • 14 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            Anyone who plays instead of Sanchez ?

      2. Alex_thekid
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Ye that's what im thinking + Liv play Utd next gw so would have 6 players in that 1 game but really want to get Taa in some how

    2. Alex_thekid
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Other keeper is 3.9 non starter fodder

  23. gonzalocampos
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    I have double Chelsea defense (Azpi & Rudiger). Would you change Azpi to Dunk and get some money?

    1. zotter
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Yes

    2. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Yep

  24. jtreble
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Do we know when the Leed's press conference is?

    1. jtreble
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Got a text from Bielsa: 09h30 Friday.

  25. waltzingmatildas
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Really want to to do moura to greenwood, but bearing in mind man u blank in 36 (and no FH) is one of these a better option ?
    A) siggy
    B) trossard
    C) JWP
    D) keep moura

    1. zotter
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      A given he seems nailed now

    2. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I'd punt on Greenwood and transfer out or use your bench.

  26. 03farmboy
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    James or Castagne?

  27. #Swish41
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    What to do about Mendy:

    1. Keep (risk it)
    2. Schmiechel (4 great fix)
    3. Pickford (double to come)
    4. Martinez (hard fix, but has a double, and chasers at 2-4 in my ML all have him)

    Pragmatic head says 4...

    1. zotter
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      4

      1. #Swish41
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Cheers man, I think that is where I will end up!

    2. moment
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I'm leaning 5. Sanchez

      1. #Swish41
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        I looked him but his fixtures are awful after this week though, so too short term for me...

    3. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Patrício

  28. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    When is Grealish back?

  29. boc610
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    josh kroenke Q and A taking place at the moment with REd Action Gooners. check out this doosie

    JK : we asked ourselves, what is worse : ESL, or ESL without Arsenal? Also asked ourselves what do the fans want? The global fan wants AFC v Barca as often as possible. English fans want to see more big matches, but you still want your cold nights in Stoke. We got it wrong"

    how patronising can you get??

    1. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      There was a quote from Perez of Madrid earlier saying how unfair it was that the 14 were making money and the 6 were losing money!!!

      1. boc610
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        what brand of glue are they huffin is the crucial question here

        1. pingissimus
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          The other thing he said was the protests were clearly orchestrated and they ESL was unfairly ambushed and had no time to prepare a response!!!!!

    2. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Idiot.

      Stoke aren't in the Premier and it would have to be a Tuesday night!

  30. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    So do we think Mendy isn’t nailed anymore?

    1. boc610
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      my feeling is he is building back the confidence of a player who has been through the ringer and who cost a lot of money but mendy is still no 1 .