Scout Picks

Havertz and James selected in FPL Gameweek 9 Scout Picks

After Sam, Az, Neale and Tom submitted their Scout Squad selections earlier this week, we have chosen our best Fantasy Premier League (FPL) players for Gameweek 9 ahead of tonight’s 18.30 BST deadline.

We line up in a 3-5-2 formation and, as ever, are limited to a £83.0m budget for our starting XI.

GOALKEEPER

The best goalkeepers for UEFA Champions League Fantasy

Chelsea’s clean sheet prospects look as good as any this weekend, with Gameweek 9 opponents Norwich City failing to find the back of the net in six of their eight Premier League matches so far. And if you remove penalties, they’ve scored just one goal from open play all season. Edouard Mendy (£6.1m) has already kept four clean sheets this term and, unlike many of his premium peers, is racking up the stops to go with his shut-outs: he’s banked seven save points already this season, just three fewer than he accumulated in the whole of 2020/21. The profligate Canaries may struggle to provide him with three attempts to throw his cap on this weekend but with uncertainty raging over which defensive personnel that Thomas Tuchel will plump for, we’ve gone safety-first with one-half of our double-up on the Blues backline – providing Kepa Arrizabalaga (£4.8m) doesn’t get one of his shock run-outs, that is.

DEFENDERS

Should FPL managers buy Southampton players ahead of Gameweek 8? 7

Chelsea’s teamsheet against Malmo prompts our second Blues selection of the week, with a rested Reece James (£5.5m) surely, surely handed a start this weekend based on his manager’s pre-match comments about the tight turnaround. Right, Thomas? Among the top five first-team Premier League defenders for minutes-per-chance-created this season, James is also ahead of all of his defensive colleagues for minutes-per-xGI, too.

Southampton restricted their opponents to just two shots in the box and 0.42 expected goals (xG) in Gameweek 8 and next face a Burnley side who have scored fewer goals than all teams bar Norwich this season. Tino Livramento (£4.3m) has provided either a clean sheet or an assist in four of his last five appearances, and during that time, ranks top amongst team-mates for take-ons and second for passes received in the final third. It’s also worth noting that Saints’ opponents have conceded 97 crosses from their left-hand side this season – again, only the Canaries have allowed more.

Manchester City have kept six clean sheets in eight matches this season, so there’s almost a permanent spot in the Scout Picks open for a representative from Pep Guardiola’s backline. Ruben Dias (£6.2m) is our rather dullard selection off the back of a rare benching last weekend, with Joao Cancelo (£6.3m) perhaps a mite more of a risk thanks to consecutive 90-minute run-outs. Brighton have been stingy at the back so it might be more of a low-scoring affair at the Amex, which is the type of match in which Dias might prosper on the Bonus Points System: he delivered bonus points in the matches against Leicester and Southampton earlier in the campaign, which featured only one goal across those 180 minutes.

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MIDFIELDERS

Who are the best FPL captain options for Gameweek 9? 2

There was no new manager bounce at Watford last weekend, more of a ‘replacement boss faceplant’ as the Hornets slumped to a 5-0 defeat; anyone who saw the displays of Adam Masina and especially Danny Rose will know why we’ve gone for Andros Townsend (£5.7m) over any other Everton midfielder, with Claudio Ranieri’s side butchered down their left by Liverpool. The winger himself is also the Toffees’ leading shot-taker and chance creator over the last four Gameweeks.

Mohamed Salah (£12.8m) has now scored seven goals, provided five assists and is averaging a massive 10.4 points per match across his eight appearances so far this season. His underlying numbers are equally impressive, too, as he leads the way for goals attempts (33), shots in the box (28) and expected goals (xG), with 5.19. This weekend’s opponents – Manchester United – may have staged a memorable midweek comeback against Atalanta, but the first half once again exposed their defensive frailties, and highlights the huge issues Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are facing at the back. In fact, across the last four Gameweeks, which has seen them take on Leicester City (a), Everton (h), Aston Villa (h) and West Ham United (a), they rank 19th for non-penalty expected goals conceded (non-pen xGC).

With Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner absent, Kai Havertz (£8.1m) will surely lead the line against Norwich City this weekend. The hope is that he can build on his midweek goal and performance against Malmo and use it as a turning point, having lacked self-belief and end-product during the opening weeks of the campaign. Havertz did show promise in a false nine role during the second half of last season, and produced several decisive moments, with the biggest, of course, arriving against Manchester City in the Champions League final, when he slotted in the winning goal. His underlying numbers were encouraging, too, as he ranked top amongst all midfielders per 90 minutes for big chances from Gameweek 20 onwards, and second for goal attempts and xG.

Tottenham Hotspur have looked better in a 4-2-3-1 formation in their last two league outings, posting their highest xG totals of the season in the last two Gameweeks. During that time, they also racked up 31 goal attempts, having produced just 56 across the opening six Gameweeks combined. Son Heung-min (£10.2m) has now produced six attacking returns in seven league appearances and despite Harry Kane’s upturn in underlying stats, Son is still outgunning his strike partner for big chances, shots in the box and expected goal involvement (xGI) over the last four Gameweeks.

Bryan Mbeumo (£5.6m) comes out very promisingly when compared to all other FPL midfielders for goal threat, ranking third for xG, joint-fourth for big chances and sixth for shots in the box – and bear in mind that we’re talking about all midfielders here, including Son and Salah, not just budget options in Mbeumo’s price rung. Leicester have been shambolic at the back this season, conceding more goals than all bar four teams and keeping only one clean sheet, although the return to fitness of the influential Jonny Evans is one boost to the Foxes.

Vardy on target again as Man Utd's defensive issues continue in Gameweek 8 2

Top among FPL forwards for transfers in ahead of Gameweek 9, Jamie Vardy (£10.7m) is the go-to Romelu Lukaku replacement for many Fantasy managers. Vardy is now the Premier League’s joint-top goalscorer after scoring on five occasions in his last four appearances and while a trip to Brentford is no easy test based on what we’ve seen from the Bees so far this season, opposition difficulty doesn’t seem to be much of a barrier to the veteran hitman anyway: last season, for example, he bagged 10 goals and assists combined in 12 fixtures against the ‘big six’ sides. Vardy hasn’t been adversely affected by the return of Kelechi Iheanacho so far, either, with totals of six shots and five attempts in the box in the last two Gameweeks in keeping with his output in 2021/22 before that. Indeed, it has been Iheanacho who has been playing slightly wider and deeper.

While we may be a little wary about a ‘new manager bounce’ as the well-moneyed Newcastle United enter a post-Brucean era, it sounds like it will still be the same coaching staff at the helm at Selhurst Park, so it’d be a surprise to see any fresh tactical innovations. Newcastle are still without a clean sheet and up against an ever-improving Crystal Palace side who should have defeated Arsenal on Monday, so Odsonne Edouard (£6.5m) – who should return to a centre-forward role following his stint on the left at the Emirates – is our final pick of the week.

THE CAPTAIN

We choose the Scout Picks captain using a four-way vote between our Scout Squad pundits.

Our panel voted as follows:

Az: Salah, James, Havertz

Sam: Salah, Vardy, Son

Neale: Salah, Havertz, Son

Tom: Salah, Havertz, Son

Salah is awarded the captaincy, with Havertz nominated as vice-captain.

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.

RUN DCL edged us 77-76 last week but Holmes, who triumphed 59-34 in Gameweek 7, has set the target to beat.

Our champion this week is Cakester, who has gone with a 3-4-3 of Guaita, Chilwell, Azpilicueta, Livramento, De Bruyne, Havertz (c), B. Silva, Townsend, Kane, Edouard, Vardy.

The Scout Picks are 5-3 up on the community this season.

305 Comments Post a Comment
  1. n-doggg
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Start:

    A. Livra (BUR)
    B. White (AVL)

    1. El Muñeco
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Livra for me (pessimistic Arsenal fan)

      1. Philosopher's Stones
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Same. Can see Villa scoring against us tonight. Hopefully we win 2-1.

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

      Goin loco Tino Livramento

  2. El Muñeco
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Play Livramento over Raphina or Antonio?

    So tempted with capt Havertz over Salah

    1. Catastrophe
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      No chance - Raph & Antonio over him.

      I would captain Havertz.

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

    Lol @ me. Went to switch Greenwood to Havertz(c) and found out I didn't have enough money! Bringing in White last week to get three defenders out has cost me the move.

  4. Catastrophe
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    A) Vardy, Kovacic (White)
    B) Jesus, Mount (Kovacic) (-4)

    Cheers

    1. El Muñeco
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Not a fan of Kovacic. Would go Vardy and White for me

      1. Catastrophe
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers - me neither but can't stomach to bench him v Norwich. A then? 🙂

        1. El Muñeco
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Yes, guess if you don't play home vs Norwich never going to play him so why own him

  5. Gilbert Prilasnig
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Wild card thoughts?

    Raya - Foster

    TAA - Cancelo - Chilwell - Duffy - Livramento

    Salah - Son - Havertz - Raphinha - Mbeumo

    Vardy - Toney - Davis

    Thanks guys!

    1. Catastrophe
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Too much Brent

  6. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Would you pick James instead on Chilwell on WC?
    Confused by the scout picks.

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Replied last page

      1. Atimis
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks

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

      No way, those 1 pointers would be a killer.

      Chilwell the more attacking threat too

      1. StayoutheSpiceZone
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Chilwell is defo not more of an attacking threat than James if he starts

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

          Perhaps not, not clear cut imo

          LWB more likely to score, James more likely to assist and I would rather have the former

  7. marcos11
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Best Lukaku/Benrahma replacement? Have 18.5 to spend

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

      Off the top of my head.

      Kane/Mbuemo

    2. Root
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Salah/Hwang

  8. Disco Stu
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Scout Squad is backing Livra this week. Crazy to go with him over TAA or Cancelo, right?

    1. Bavarian
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Yes

  9. Stimps
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Anyone benching Trent for Livramento?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Good one

    2. Bavarian
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      You could be the first

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

      Yup

    4. Amartey Partey
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Risky, but I reckon Livramento will keep a CS and TAA won't. TAA could easily get a goal/assist though.

    5. DycheDycheBaby
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Only crazy people.

    6. Bigdshane
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Yep

    7. Haa-lala-land
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      If you're considering benching Trent to play Livra, then you should consider whether you should even have Trent in your team, tying up that 3m in value.

      I decided that myself, and took Trent out knowing I have Livra and Brentford CBs there to cover, and I'm feel much better with my team.

  10. john25
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Repost.

    Hey guys, would you say Toney or Wilson is the better pick for the next 4-5 GWs? Have 7.5m budget for a fwd. Any others?

    Cheers

    1. Bavarian
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Toney

  11. mattyb09
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Here's where I am currently at with my transfer thoughts...(Facepalm)

    a) Lukaku & Gray → Kane & CHO (-4)
    b) Lukaku → Vardy
    c) Lukaku & Sa → Kane & Raya (-4)
    d) Lukaku & Gray → Havertz & Toney (-4)
    e) Lukaku & Gray → Havertz & Jesus (-4)
    f) Lukaku & Sissoko → Mount & Jesus (-4)
    g) Lukaku & Sissoko → Vardy & CHO (-4)
    h) Roll Transfer

    1. Catastrophe
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Considering B and F myself (above). I guess B is the most sensible.

      1. mattyb09
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        So many possibilities that I am driving myself mad! haha

        1. Catastrophe
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          I'd rule out A/C/D/G/H to be honest 😉

          1. mattyb09
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            I've gone for F lol Gray can become Mbuemo next week

  12. Super John McGinn
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Do I start with Gray or Benrahma? Can decided

    1. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Gray

  13. OptimusBlack
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Who to get ?
    A- Toney
    B- Edouard

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A

  14. Bavarian
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Any chance Salah could be rested this GW or at least having some time management?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Good one

      1. Dynamic Duos
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Hahaha

    2. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Yeah v Utd , got to be on the bench lol

    3. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Yeah, Origi will start.

    4. DycheDycheBaby
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Starting the rumours early?

  15. Mufc202020
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Play 2

    A) Raph
    B) Liv
    C) A.Armstrong
    D) Sarr

    Go go go

    1. El Muñeco
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A and B

    2. Bavarian
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      AD

    3. Geoff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A and D!

    4. Mufc202020
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Thanks all

  16. mdm
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Captain Vardy over Salah?

  17. DAZZ
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Havertz (C) fancy a punt and could be a good opportunity to gain a nice green! GL all

    1. fish&chips
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Or a big red 😉 good opportunity this week though I agree

      1. Haa-lala-land
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        It's such a toughie. There won't be another opportunity like this for quite a while, which leans me toward doing it.

  18. StayoutheSpiceZone
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    I know nothing is 100% especially with Pep, but any reliable city sources out there?

    Was wondering what the consensus is that Jesus starts over Mahrez.

    Could take him out for a -4 for havertz (have Foden) but he was SO good midweek

    1. Pipermaru
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I'm with you, considering the same move, on one hand I have never got any points from Mahrez for the last couple seasons, on the other he had played last 5 or 6 games against Brighton and some people claim that Pep likes to choose his players against particular opponent so there's that.
      Plus it will cost us -4, plus Tuchel apparently does not rate Havertz much but does he have a choice now when he's without any forward?

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

      But I think I'm going to do it, it's just a game after all 🙂

      1. StayoutheSpiceZone
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Agreed. If I knew Mahrez would start I’d keep him, but the embargoed bit is after the deadline!

        1. Pipermaru
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Yeah, and I have Armstrong, injured Saka and Duffy against MCI on my bench so there's not a lot cover for Mahrez, and it's a week after WC.

  19. Zladan
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Lukaku Saka to Havertz Jesus?

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Get it done, did this last night

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Go on

    3. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      YES

  20. jimmy.floyd
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Is Bamford's price locked due to injury?

    1. Joey Tribbiani
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Well has it been since he got injured?

  21. That Fantasy Guy
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Is broja worth a punt?

    1. Haa-lala-land
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      With Southampton's good run of fixtures, 5m Broja could be a good way to sneak ahead

  22. Wag the Drog
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    a) Son, Ings, Mbuemo, 5.2 or less defender
    b) Havertz, Toney, Sarr, Trent

  23. tbos83
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    GTG?

    Sanchez
    Livra Christensen Digne
    Salah(c) ESR Havertz Gray
    Toney Ronaldo Antonio

    Steele Benny White Shaw

    1. StayoutheSpiceZone
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Lovely

  24. DannyDrinkVodka
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Fairly certain I am going to pull the trigger on Alonso>Chilwell tonight, even if Alonso starts today, he probably starts again in the league cup and Chilwell starts against Newcastle……..

  25. subhojit123
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Hey Chelsea fans.. Any idea which of chilwell Or Alonso will start this weekend?

    1. StayoutheSpiceZone
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I’m not a Chelsea fan, but I think Chilwell as they shared minutes midweek

      1. subhojit123
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Awesome. Thanks man.

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      75/25 Chilwell

  26. AC Yew
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Would you take a hit to replace Shaw with a Chelsea defender?

    1. Ze_Austin
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Yup

    2. Haa-lala-land
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Not for a hit. Man Utd will play for the 0-0 Vs Liverpool, as they often do.
      If you take a hit and the Chelsea player doesn't start, or Norwich nick a penalty, disaster!

  27. CrouchDown
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Captain?

    (A) Salah
    (B) Antonio
    (C) Vardy

  28. Zladan
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Benching headache, please help. Do I switch anyone out?

    Ramsdale
    Cancelo Dias Rüdiger Christensen
    Salah Havertz (c) Raphinha
    Jesus Antonio Jimenez

    Foster Gray Benrahma Livramento

    £1.9m itb.

    1. StayoutheSpiceZone
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Gray has to play surely. Great team btw, I’d probably bench Dias

      1. Zladan
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        I hear Jimenez is out. If that rumour holds true then it makes my life somewhat easier.

        Dias over Christensen to be benched?

    2. Super John McGinn
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I'd swap out one of Cancelo and Dias for either Gray or Benrahma

  29. Super John McGinn
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Pick 3 to start from....

    Ings
    Gray
    Benrahma
    Ings

    1. Root
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Ings, Ings and Gray