Scout Picks

Gameweek 37 Scout Picks built on Man United and Liverpool double-ups

Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue all feature in our latest Scout Picks.

There are some firm favourites back in form, some less-heralded squad members announcing their arrival, a midfielder on loan with a point to prove and a defender from the blue half of Merseyside who we believe is worth keeping our faith in despite a painful night at home to the Premier League’s bottom team.

With no time for David, Neale, Tom and Andy to present Scout Squad entries this week, we built our best XI players for the penultimate round of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) fixtures from scratch.

We are in the 3-4-3 formation for Gameweek 37, coming in at £82.3m, £0.7m inside our budget of £83.0m.

GOALKEEPER

Wolves restrict heavily-backed Bamford as Meslier suffers freak own goal

Leeds United have often struggled on the road in their debut Premier League season under Marcelo Bielsa, but the performance at Burnley on Saturday showed they can now offer some security away from Elland Road. With their increasingly resilient defence allowing shots on goal, but generally from distance, Illan Meslier (£4.7m)’s impressive reflexes can add some save points to a potential second clean sheet in a row.

DEFENDERS

Alisson‘s (£5.9m) headed winner at West Bromwich Albion will go down in Premier League folklore, but the corner-taker who found him so unerringly was Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.7m) who is finally generating once again the attacking returns that saw him become a virtually essential FPL asset last season. Liverpool need to keep winning in pursuit of a Champions League spot and with Leeds having just put four past Burnley at Turf Moor managers can anticipate more bounty from Trent’s abundance of crosses, set-pieces and shots, now coming from either foot.

Many Lucas Digne (£6.2m) owners will have watched with increasing agitation as he and his Everton team-mates failed to make any impression on a relegated Sheffield United in the final fixture of Gameweek 36. The left-back’s 13 crosses on the night demonstrate that he is still very much an attacking threat if his strikers can find the finishing touch of Liverpool’s goalkeeper and a Wolverhampton Wanderers forward line that has only mustered six goals in its last nine away matches offers decent hope of an Everton clean sheet this time around.

Some uncertainty surrounds the line-up plans of Ole Gunnar-Solskjaer, but it seems likely that Luke Shaw (£5.5m) will be among the key players given a run-out in front of the returning Stretford End faithful ahead of Manchester United’s Europa League final in nine days’ time. A ‘shadow’ XI is a strong possibility for the final match at Molineux, but Shaw’s increasing involvement in the United attack should get a chance to probe a Fulham defence that has conceded nine goals in its last four away outings.

MIDFIELDERS

After an uncharacteristically lengthy barren spell, Mohamed Salah (£12.8m) seems finally to have regained his touch in front of goal. An attacking return in each of his last six starts culminated at West Bromwich Albion in his first double -figure haul for 15 Gameweeks and the Golden Boot candidate will surely be relishing Wednesday night’s trip to Burnley.

Bruno Fernandes (£11.4m) is another FPL superstar whose recent form has led to doubts, and sales, within the community. Two goals in his last three means he is once again the sort of asset that cannot be ignored as the ever-willing attacker could sign-off his season in style against a relegated side in front of a lively home crowd. Fulham are in the bottom three for big chances conceded in their last six matches.

Leeds’ forward line has certainly generated season-long discussion and interest, but Jack Harrison (£5.5m) has generally flown just that little bit under the radar, possibly because his eight goals and nine assists have been punctuated by a few one-point cameos. However, with at least 60 minutes played in each of Leeds’s last five matches and the ability to provide double-figure returns for his owners, such as the 16 points they just received as Harrison and his team-mates went on a spree at Burnley, he has forced his way into our thinking for the visit to Southampton. After 36 Gameweeks, only six FPL midfielders have scored more points than Harrison.

Another player apparently determined to prove his worth (in this case to Steve Bruce, to Mikel Arteta and the to FPL community watching on) is Newcastle United loanee Joe Willock (£4.7m). He confidently claimed the ball for an initially unsuccessful penalty attempt against Manchester City, but retained a cool head to slot home the rebound, continuing his run of a goal a game in his last five. Sheffield United are the next visitors to St James’s Park, fresh from their only away clean sheet of the season.

FORWARDS

Tottenham Wolves Brighton West Ham

Salah’s rival for the Golden Boot also hit the target at the weekend. Tottenham Hotspur captain Harry Kane (£11.8m) led his side to their third consecutive home victory under interim boss Ryan Mason, scoring his third goal from his side’s eight in those fixtures. Wednesday’s visitors Aston Villa haven’t kept an away clean sheet in their last five attempts and, with a home crowd at their backs, a new attacking outlook and European football on the menu Spurs can be expected to take the game enthusiastically to Dean Smith’s men.

Michail Antonio (£6.5m) has blanked against the obdurate defences of first Everton and then Brighton and Hove Albion, but he will be hoping to return to the very sharp form he showed when bagging a brace at Burnley only a fortnight ago. Over the last six matches, West Bromwich Albion have conceded the joint-most chances through the middle, which bodes well for West Ham’s centre-forward.

Christian Benteke (£5.5m) has long endured a lot of frustration and some poor luck in front of goal for Crystal Palace, but a strike in each of his last three matches suggests his form is now well worth FPL investment. And over the last six matches, no Premier League player has registered more shots on target (12). Although Arsenal’s defence has been strong away from the Emirates, playing in front of supporters for the first time in many months looks set to inspire all home teams to their best attacking efforts and we believe Benteke could be just the man to finish off the chances created by Wilfried Zaha (£7.2m) and Eberechi Eze (£5.8m).

Substitutes

  • Jordan Pickford (£4.8m)
  • Ben Godfrey (£5.1m)
  • Ezgjan Alioski (£4.3m)
  • Allan Saint-Maximin (£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 is how we voted for Gameweek 37:

902 Comments Post a Comment
  1. speardrops
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    MINTY Guide to Jota Replacements (& The Return of FPL Live!)

    Hey guys, had to take a big break from FPL content creation as ended up in hospital with a bad virus and a compression fracture in my spinal vertebrae but I am back albeit with a broken back. This week's hot topic is Jota replacements. We will be looking at all price ranges.

    For those of you here for the return of my FPL Live! Twitch livestream, you can find me here right now where I will be discussing transfer options, running RMTs and captaincy picks:
    https://www.twitch.tv/spearmintspaff

    Now to the meat and veg...

    Cheapies (£4.2-5.5m):

    ASR (Smith-Rowe - £4.2m)
    Hot off 2 goals in 2, ASR is your cheapest option this week. Potentially a strong enable for the likes of Kane. CRY and BHA for his last two.

    Joey Willock (Willock - £4.7m)
    In the form of his life with 5 in 7 and against the worst side in the league defensively on the flank they concede the most chances to.

    The Saint (Saint-Maximim - £5.1m)
    The flashier pick to Willock and arguably a little more explosive. Can blow hot and cold though, plus SHU will be sitting deep against the ASM counter.

    Big Raph (Raphina - £5.5m)
    Arguably the budget pick of the week with his season underliers and plum fixtures. Fitness a small concern.

    Jackie H (Harrison - £5.5m)
    A megahaul last week has peaked everyone's interest. Will he get the minutes and involvement? A differential to Big Raph if you need one.

    Middle of the Road Mids (£6.6-7.3m):

    Messi's Shin Guard (Lingard - £6.6m)
    Fixtures but with a slight dip in form. WHU should play with a little more freedom now.

    Ferrando Torres (Torres - £7.0m)
    Coming off a hat trick is the only MCI player to make the list (shoutouts to Jericho). I'm personally not a fan of any MCI assets for the last two due to Pep's wheel being catalysed by his wanting for the UCL title in a few weeks time.

    Gotwood (Greenwood - £7.2m)
    On fire at the moment but as with Torres minutes are an issue with the UEL final on the horizon. Should play one at least.

    Mr Chelsea (Mount - £7.3m)
    Playing for their season, Mount will be integral to everything at the Bridge.

    Premium Bois (£9.7-12.8m):

    Gareth Bally (Bale - £9.2m)
    Should be primed for minute under Mase, don't forget his hat trick in 34 in 74 minutes. Fixtures not perfect but Villa this week look shaky.

    Sonny (Son - £9.7m)
    A very safe pick. 90 minutes to be expected and surely a return or two to come. One to look at to hold and block if you're doing well.

    Kermit (Fernandes - £11.4m)
    After his YouTube Kermit sensation, Bruno is still firing on all cylinders. Scary not to own but, his minutes might be managed.

    Lil' Mo (Salah - £12.8m)
    One of the best captaincy options this week. Liverpool playing to save their torrid season. Salah wanting his golden boot. Did I mention they play West Brom?

    Closing comments:
    Raphinha and Salah look like the best cheap and expensive picks. I'd be weary of both Manchester club's FPL picks due to them already holding in the league and an eye on Europe. Try to focus on teams with something to play for.

    For more content from me you can find me on Twitter (https://twitter.com/SpearmintSpaff) and Twitch (twitch.tv/spearmintspaff). I tend to do a pre gameweek FPL Live! stream the night before each deadline.

    Good luck in your gameweeks. May the FPL captaincy gods be forever in your favour.

    1. A-L
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Thanks Spearmint - some good picks. No love for Foden?

      1. speardrops
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Pep Roulette in overdrive now with the UCL final.

    2. WVA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Pool play Burnley

      1. speardrops
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        My bad. They're both interchangeably bad!

    3. A-L
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      And hope you're doing alright mate!

    4. NotsoSpursy
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Raph over Greenwood it is then !

    5. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Nice write-up! I wish you a speedy recovery +1

  2. Jeremy Corbyn
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    I'm not sure how people can be saying Raphinha passes the eye test.

    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      There’s a reason you are unelectable

      1. Jeremy Corbyn
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Did you watch the game yesterday? You are 10 years playing you still research what others say?

        1. fergalc
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          His ten years experience tells him to look beyond 1 gameweek.

          Your statement that he doesn't pass the eye test based on 1 gameweek speaks volumes of your input.

  3. My heart goes Salalalalah
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Dubravka or Meslier for the final 2? Selling Martinez

    1. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Same question I asked earlier. I think it depends on how many Leeds def you have and if you're willing to put all your eggs in one basket. Dubravka with the fixtures is a good option with fixtures if you don't want to double on Leeds

  4. bso
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Is Mendy (GK) likely to start this week?

    1. NotsoSpursy
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Yes

    2. A-L
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Yep - TT said Kepa starts FA cup final but Mendy is first choice

  5. Luton_Fan
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Bench 1

    Shaw
    Digne
    Dallas

    Im chasing lead and think dallas has higher ceiling so leaning towards digne

    1. Philman
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      This is Luton_Fan that almost won FPL back in the day, and used to frequent TotalFPL?

      1. Luton_Fan
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Maybe 🙂

        1. Philman
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Fwiw, I think the order of starting is as you list above. I have the exact same def + Rudiger, and I am playing the 4 at the back and benching Lingard and Rudiger, unless I dont sell Jota and play Lingard.

          1. Luton_Fan
            • 14 Years
            2 years, 10 months ago

            Cheers mate. Alot to think about. And it is me btw, hows it going?

            1. Philman
              • 14 Years
              2 years, 10 months ago

              Haha, I knew it was you, as there's a 4th place in your history 🙂

              All good with me thanks. Good to see you are keeping a strong record going.

        2. Philman
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          P.s. Rumps still mentions your epic FPL season with fondness on a semi-regular basis 🙂

          1. Luton_Fan
            • 14 Years
            2 years, 10 months ago

            Yep i still look back with regret to this day to the 3 or 4 horrid decisions that ultimately cost me. Its been 10 years and luton were in the conference. Where has the time gone lol

    2. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Guess you have TAA who is the other starting? All these are good enough to start imo. Dallas is a must.

      1. Luton_Fan
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Yep indeed. Other option is to bench lingard

        1. Royal5
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          I see. Lingard has to start imo. Could be a good week to have a decent bench. Might be a no show somewhere.

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

            I'm benching Digne

  6. Halftime Lemon
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Who are the most effective counter-attacking options? I think having crowds back might make home teams a bit more gung-ho

    1. Luton_Fan
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Leeds or arsenal probably.

  7. abunab
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Play two:

    a) Dallas vs Sou
    b) Digne vs Wolves
    c) Zaha vs Arsenal
    d) Saka vs Palace
    e) Tierney vs Palace

  8. ZimZalabim
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Tough benching headache for me this week

    A> Zaha - is nailed, decent form and decent fixture.

    B> Foden - no idea if he starts or even plays at all, he has to get some mins over the last two games right ? He has the better fixture and plays for the far better team and is the better player.

    Thoughts ?

    1. NotsoSpursy
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Defo play zaha

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

      Arsenal conceded 3 in last 6, not sure it is a decent fixture although home crowd effect and Zaha generally plays well against Arsenal.

  9. jdp219
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Throwing one more option into the mix (apologies):
    Jota > ...
    1) Jack Harrison -- good form
    2) Raphinha -- more upside than Jack?
    3) JWP -- his service vs. Leeds could be lucrative
    4) Willock -- form + differential
    5) Foden -- could haul, but could be on bench

    fwiw - have Dallas and Mahrez already

  10. gooberman
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Do we think Bale will start given that he played almost a full game against Wolves and the Villa game is only 3 days later?

    1. Igz08
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I’m praying he will 😛

      1. gooberman
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        So am I. I dont see why he wouldn't particularly as the fans are back.

  11. RamaJama
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Best Jota replacement?

    A) Harrison
    B) Willoch
    C) ASM

    1. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Not sure why you would consider Saint Blankorama

      1. RamaJama
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Ok, A or B then

        1. Royal5
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          B imo. Form and pens

          1. RamaJama
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            2 years, 10 months ago

            Cheers!

  12. borat
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Which player should go for Rodrigo for a differential:
    a. DCL
    b. Tekkers
    c. None keep both

    1. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I like the punt. If we only knew for certain he would start. I'd sell Tekkers out of those.

    2. John Nerdelbaum
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Has to be Tekkers based on the fixture

  13. John Nerdelbaum
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Thinking Jota Dunk Castagne > Greenwood Coufal Shaw for a -4 and Bench Boosting

    Leaves me with

    Martinez Forster
    TAA Dallas Coufal Reguilon Shaw
    Salah Son Greenwood Lingard Raphinha
    Kane Watkins Nacho

    Go for it?

    1. A-L
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Yeah sounds like the right time

  14. FallingDuck
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Start Godfrey or Willock/Asm/Torres/Foden?

    1. A-L
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I'd start Foden - Bakar thinks he'll start

  15. pablo discobar
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Surprised no Greenwood on the picks. Was planning on a -8 to get him! Maybe I shouldn't!

  16. Fernando Torres
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Best GK for next 2 games?

    1. A-L
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I've heard Alisson is a goal threat 😉
      Probably Ederson or Meslier

  17. Newsman70
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    80 points ahead in my mini league. 2nd team has Meisler Dallas Rudiger Bruno Greenwood Antonio Vydra Ralphina.

    I have Martinez Castagne Shaw Son Zaha Benteke DCL

    Thinking of a 8pt hit with Bruno Ralphina and Dallas in for Son Castagne and Zaha. Will block 3 of his differences.

    What would you do? It takes out a bit of the stress if they C Bruno and the Leeds boys go crazy.

    1. Nimby
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      80 points is pretty much impossible to overturn in two weeks. Wouldn't stress a hit at all.

      1. Newsman70
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        True. But wouldn't you try and close off any chances they have of catching you? Or do you think Son Zaha and Castagne can match Bruno Dallas Ralphina (or close enough).

        1. Nimby
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          I'd think about my OR ahead of the ML. I don't think man utd will go full pelt the next two, so no need to go for Bruno. I'd probably get Dallas in for Castagne and leave it at that.

          1. Newsman70
            • 11 Years
            2 years, 10 months ago

            Yes probably the way to go. No hit 80 points ahead. Can think about blocking more next week.

  18. Ready Manager One
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    1 or 2?

    1) Son to Bruno (1FT)
    2) Son and Jota to Bruno and Harrison (-4)

    Martinez
    Taa Shaw Rudiger
    Salah Lingz Greenwood Son Jota
    Kane DCL
    (Forster; Vydra, Holding, Llorente)

    TIA!

  19. Bobby's Teeth
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Hey legends, probably the final q for the season. Q for Leeds, and Newcastle fans:

    1. Dare I take a punt on Rodrigo?
    2. Will Willock start?

  20. I am Fred
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Currently look like this

    Mendy Martinez
    Dallas TAA Digne Shaw Holding
    Bale Greenwood Zaha Lingard Jota
    Antonio DCL Kane

    1 ft, £2.4m itb

    I have no Salah or Bruno. ML rival has both. I'm 21 points head. Do I
    A. take a -4 to do Salah & £4.2m for Zaha & DCL.
    B. Roll the FT

  21. FPL_Newbie
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Pickford
    TAA Shaw Llorente Mitchell Coady
    Salah Lingard Bruno
    Kane Nacho

    Steer Watkins Pereira Jota

    Do I
    A) Jota & Coady->Greenwood(starting over Nacho) & Coufal (-4)
    B) Watkins -> Bamford (1FT)
    C) Pereira & Jota & Watkins ->Antonio & Willock & Greenwood (-8), thinking to start all 3

  22. TheYogaDaddy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Play:

    A. Lingard vs. WBA
    B. Zaha vs. ARS

    1. 17legend85
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

  23. zon
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    First to three

    A) play Rüdiger
    B) play Wood
    C) bench both, Jota -> Willock

    1. 17legend85
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      C

  24. 17legend85
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Play one:
    A/ Bamford
    B/ Raphina

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

      For definite, going to score and assist in a 2 nil win with 3 bonus points.