Scout Picks
17 December 2021 820 comments
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We have chosen our best Fantasy Premier League (FPL) players for Gameweek 18 ahead of Saturday’s later-than-planned 16:00 GMT deadline.

It’s a 4-5-1 formation this week and, as ever, we are limited to an £83.0m budget for our starting XI.

Our four substitutes, meanwhile, are chosen from the budget/mid-price crop of players to give some potentially cost-effective alternatives to the big hitters who invariably make the initial cut.

With six postponements and injuries, suspensions and positive tests abounding even at clubs whose matches are unaffected, there’s a smaller pool of players to choose from than usual this time.

GOALKEEPER

Cornet and Smith Rowe 1

Which Leeds United will turn up against Arsenal on Saturday? The side that battled so valiantly in defeat at Stamford Bridge last weekend or the one that rolled over against Manchester City in midweek? It’ll be an understrength Leeds, either way, with at least eight of their already thin first-team squad missing out in Gameweek 18 – and that’s without any Covid outbreak. Aaron Ramsdale (£5.1m) gets the nod partly as a consequence of the opposition but, of course, also on his own merit: he has the highest points-per-match average (5.4) of any first-choice goalkeeper this season and, in this decimated Gameweek, remarkably only two starting shot-stoppers are cheaper than the Arsenal man despite his heroics.

DEFENDERS

FPL Gameweek 17 round-up: Thursday review, injury news and the things we learned
 

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The rest of this article below is completely free to read but requires a Fantasy Football Scout user account for access – you can get yours at no cost here

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https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2021/12/16/covid-watch-club-by-club-latest/
820 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Dušan Citizen
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 27 days ago

    Get Laca before his price up or wait until the last moment for some news of any further postponed games?

    1. Gabbiadini
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      who are you trading it, for me, it is Vardy so it will cost me 0.2, hence why I'll likely go early.

      1. Gabbiadini
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 27 days ago

        out*

      2. Dušan Citizen
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 27 days ago

        I would sell Antonio

    2. Bennerman
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      Surely wait. It hurts, but things are so up in the air.

    3. Rainer
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      If you caught the rise and the game was called off in the morning, how would you feel about that juicy 0.1m?

      🙂

      1. RogDog_jimmy
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 27 days ago

        It’s 0.2!

        (But yeah I dunno. There’s some risk in everything - let people make their own choices).

        1. Rainer
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 27 days ago

          How's it 0.2m?

          1. Hazz
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 27 days ago

            Vardy is falling. Watkins is rising.

        2. Gabbiadini
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 27 days ago

          Yeh well, I mean, they have Norwich the following week, so not all is bad.

      2. Dušan Citizen
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 27 days ago

        I guess you are right, I'll wait

    4. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      Only if you have exact money itb.

    5. hueycho
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      I would get b4 price rise

  2. Rainer
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 27 days ago

    9, christ.

    Up the Scout Picks!

  3. Hits from the Bong
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 27 days ago

    Reguilon won’t play will he?

    1. Rainer
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      Don't think he was spotted in a training video as he trained alone but set to join squad tomorrow, touch & go...

      Don't buy, probably don't sell.

    2. Brazooka
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      Good fixtures tho… I’ll keep.

      1. Hits from the Bong
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 27 days ago

        That’s quite promising I think, thanks

    3. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      Not looking like a starter

  4. gonzalocampos
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 27 days ago

    Bernardo to Foden for free? 2.9M ITB

    Ramsdale
    TAA - Alonso - James - Cancelo
    Salah (C) - Jota - Raphina - Brownhill - Bernardo/Foden
    Watkins

    King - Livra - Antonio

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      Not keen on losing a player with a fixture but you have 11 players and not against that move

    2. BERGKOP
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      No. Bilva flag removed and he might play. I wouldn't lose a player with a fixture.

  5. Gabbiadini
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 27 days ago

    I made the comment the other day but FPL should've price locked all players until after this about to occur price change timeslot.
    I guess, it adds to the risk, the fact they have not done so.

    1. Rainer
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      Prices continued to alter during last March's lockdown, this is nothing compared.

      1. Gabbiadini
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 27 days ago

        this is true.

  6. Hits from the Bong
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 27 days ago

    A. Reguilon + Sanchez to Konsa + Ramsdale
    B. Reguilon + Steele to Taylor + Ramsdale

    Sanchez*
    TAA James Cancelo Reguilon*
    Salah Son Silva Foden Jota
    Antonio*

    Steele* Dennis* Livramento* Locadia*

  7. OptimusBlack
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 27 days ago

    Choose one plzzzz
    A- Foden
    B- ESR

    1. SpaceCadet
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      A

    2. Rainer
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      Foden by a distance.

    3. BERGKOP
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      A

  8. SpaceCadet
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 27 days ago

    Will Bilva start?

    1. YEAH PITCH!
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      At a guess, no.

    2. Mozumbus
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      Yes.
      (I wish)

      1. hueycho
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 27 days ago

        Pls (hope)

    3. BERGKOP
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      No, but he'll get minutes. Worth holding and playing

  9. MountainBeach
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 27 days ago

    Is ESR likely to start?
    Unsure whether I should bring in Saka or ESR.

    1. Gabbiadini
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      I think he will, Arsenal needs to pick up their form away from home.

    2. Rainer
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      He did all the could when he came on vs West Ham to impress...

      Arteta would need to prefer him to Ode or Martinelli's cramp/whatever would need to be bad.

      I'd buy Saka before ESR, he's due a big score, so close to it for a few games now.

      1. MountainBeach
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 27 days ago

        ESR just seems to be the better goal scorer. I got Saka instead earlier in the season and that was a big mistake.

        1. Rainer
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 27 days ago

          A bit more composed but a fair bit luckier too.

          Probably can't go too far wrong with either, as long as ESR starts...

    3. BERGKOP
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      I think he will

  10. jimmy.floyd
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 27 days ago

    Tierney or Targett? Have Ramsdale

    1. YEAH PITCH!
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      Targett. Spread the risk.

  11. Gabbiadini
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 27 days ago

    Does anyone know what fix has Cash / ESR at in terms of price changes?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      Likely to change tomorrow

    2. RogDog_jimmy
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      71% and 79%

  12. Winners900
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 27 days ago

    How long to pricechanges? Cheers

    1. Gabbiadini
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      like 4 minutes.

  13. Hazz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 27 days ago

    A) Bowen/Gallagher > Foden/Ramsey
    B) Bowen/Ronaldo > Foden/Watkins

    A keeps Ronaldo
    B does not.

    And sell Bowne or Gallagher?

  14. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 27 days ago

    Get it done.

  15. Simon69
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 27 days ago

    Sterling worth the punt on a hit to make it 10 players?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      No

    2. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      Yes

    3. Simon69
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      Sums up what's happening in my brain atm

  16. ball c
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 27 days ago

    Vardy to:
    A) Jesus
    B) Lacazette

    Already have Gundo and Cancelo.
    And ESR.

    1. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      B

    2. RogDog_jimmy
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      Laca of those two. City got a lot of folks back - no idea who starts.

  17. Ragabolly
    • 16 Years
    4 years, 27 days ago

    Risers: Lacazette (8.4) Foden (8.1) Watkins (7.8) Mount (7.7) McGinn (5.9)

    Fallers: Vardy (10.5) Antonio (7.8) Bernardo (7.6) Zaha (6.8) Sigurdsson (6.7) Benrahma (5.9) Reguilón (5.2) Riedewald (4.7) Manquillo (3.9)

    1. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      Cheers Raga! 2 Up & 2 Down
      Brought in Antonio last GW, already loses 0.1 lol.

    2. OptimusBlack
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      Cheers Raga

    3. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      Cheers Raga. Why are so many selling Bernardo again? Moving to another City mid? What could possibly go wrong?

      1. Scholes Out For Summer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 27 days ago

        I am so ready for Bernardo to be benched, sellers rejoice, brought on at half time for Foden, bangs a brace, and people cry about luck

        1. gera.bostock
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 27 days ago

          Or maybe Foden scores more points until the end of the season since he is more attacking and is not playing as deep as Bernardo and Bernardo's points will be closer to his normal standards from now on.

      2. The Ilfordian
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 27 days ago

        Seems crazy to me. From what I heard, the injury was nothing and he’s well rested for this match. Lot of people chasing points

      3. Eze Really?
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 27 days ago

        Fear bud. So few players and such an important spot with a possible injury. They are not all casuals but I take your point.

      4. RedLightning
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        4 years, 27 days ago

        Most of his sales were probably while he was still yellow-flagged.
        The flag was not removed till late yesterday evening, which meant that a smaller number of net transfers out was then required for his price to fall, increasing the probability of a price fall.

    4. ZimZalabim
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      2-2

      cheers RB

    5. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      Makes you realise the incredible value in 8.2m TAA when Lacazette is 8.4m lol

      1. Eze Really?
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 27 days ago

        So truuuuuue

    6. JUNITED
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      Can’t believe Ronaldo survived. 4th most sell.

    7. JohnnyCroat
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      1-2
      That Antonio drop was unexpected

    8. MYNAMEISBigtopmark.sman
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      3 down and green arrows every week. People don't know how to play this game

      1. MissouriMarten
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 27 days ago

        Except you, obviously!

    9. Gizzachance
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      Waiting to do trans last minute in case more called off, missed lacca an Watkins rise
      Vardy an Antonio both drop !

    10. JohnnyCroat
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      Possible that those who went CR7 to Watkins or Lacazette for a single week will gain 0.1 on the move.

  18. TheOneAndOnly
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    4 years, 27 days ago

    Current Keepers:
    Guaita, Steer

    A) Steer > Ramsdale
    B) Guaita > Ramsdale
    C) Guaita > Martinez

    C locks me up with 3 Villa players as have Watkins already.

    Thinking A, as they rotate decently?

    1. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      I’m going B and will be triple Arsenal

  19. Adam Johnson
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 27 days ago

    Surprise fall for Antonio

    1. Rainer
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      Your mate in the fallers was the biggest shock, completely forgot about him.

    2. The Ilfordian
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      Yes, didn’t see him in the -100 category. Just sold him for Laca. Let’s watch that backfire

    3. Sam (Team Sam)
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      Is that your actual name?

  20. DropkickMurphys
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 27 days ago

    Man!!! I hit the button for a transfer but the price has changed both for Antonio and Watkins and it won’t even let me lol… I was gonna have 0.2 in the bank now I would get 0.0!!! So I m not doing it lol

    1. JIMMY TUGGINS
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      Why did you wait until then?

      1. DropkickMurphys
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 27 days ago

        Thought it’s another half an hour for the changes. They don’t have a certain time as far as I know.

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 16 Years
          4 years, 27 days ago

          Same time every night when the hot topic is posted.

          1. DropkickMurphys
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 27 days ago

            What do you mean by hot topic?

            Is there certain time as in 1.30 am British time etc.?

  21. Hotdogs for Tea
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 27 days ago

    Think i will only use my transfers just before the deadline on players in the early games a few hours after the deadline … at least those games will be played if nothing already cancelled

    Those Sunday games must be a huge worry and a decent chance of not going ahead

    1. TallestJohn
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      Same here. Unfortunately can't afford de Gea→Ramsdale so it will have to be Meslier.

      1. Hotdogs for Tea
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 27 days ago

        at least you will be pretty sure you can get a game out of him a few hours in advance of kick off

        I sold Ronaldo for Dennis last week so won’t be risking the latter games this week, probably bringing in Saka, Laca, Rapha or any player with a name finished in something that sounds like ‘ahhh’ 🙂

  22. Freshy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    4 years, 27 days ago

    2 up
    2 down
    Cheers Ragaboly

    1. Herger
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      Thanks for confirming

  23. Hotdogs for Tea
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 27 days ago

    Reguilon 5.2 … dropped like a lead balloon but going to be good value in a week or so if games are played

    1. Freshy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      I'd move him but not for a hit

      1. Hotdogs for Tea
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 27 days ago

        surprised anyone has held this long with his price dropping so often … but when fit and after the Liverpool game he looks a good option

  24. Freshy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    4 years, 27 days ago

    Bring in Ramsey and I have enough bank to 1 FT in Kevin or Son someday.
    Bring in ESR, Saka, or Mount and I have 5 top mids now.
    decisions................

    1. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      2 up 2 down

  25. Henryyy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 27 days ago

    Good to go? See anything worth a hit to field 11?

    Ramsdale
    Rudiger James TAA Cancelo
    Salah Bilva Jota Foden
    Watkins

    Sanchez - Toney Gallagher Livramento

    0.2 ITB so not many options....

    Cheers

    1. Henryyy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      Dennis also on the bench

    2. The Ilfordian
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      I’d consider Livra to Lowton? Gallagher to Saka a possibility but I’d want to hang on to Gallagher

    3. The Ilfordian
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      Toney to Wood. But I think you’re better off sticking with your tram

    4. The Ilfordian
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      Team not tram

  26. Gabbiadini
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 27 days ago

    What are people's honest thoughts in regards to the likelihood of games being postponed this weekend?
    You would imagine that the teams have been put in extremely tight bubbles. Burnley and Arsenal, too possibly having already travelled.

    1. Herger
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      Can probably trust Saturday’s at this stage. Sunday’s a little less secure. Not sure anyone can tell you anything you don’t already know. Just unfortunate from an FPL perspective.

    2. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      Covid doesnt really care about tight bubbles, we've seen how fast it spreads both inter and intra squads. I think Chelsea and Liverpool both have high chances to be cancelled, considering both their squads have at least 3 positive cases already and they have an extra round of testing to be done before they play their game compared to the Saturday games

      1. Bennerman
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 27 days ago

        It does care about bubbles. That's the entire point. Theory being, if there is a bubble then it cannot enter.

        Question you are legitimately questioning is the integrity of the bubble. IE, it ain't no bubble in fact

      2. Gabbiadini
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 27 days ago

        Yes, this is a good point. No one knows what the "number" is but yes already having cases means that they are closer to the threshold, definitely.

        1. Herger
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 27 days ago

          It’s not a good point. Please read Bennerman’s post.

    3. Mozumbus
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      Before the deadline we get clarity on today's matches, so this one factor in considering to utilize the precious FT

  27. Mozumbus
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 27 days ago

    Which move shall I make using FT to make it 10 available players from the playing teams:
    A. Guita to Ramsdale
    B. Coufal to James (have Rudiger)
    C. Bowen to Foden (have Silva)
    D. Bowen to KDB/Sterling (have funds due to Ronaldo>Watkins last week)
    Thanks

    1. Freshy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      A
      C & D for a hit if you play Pep roulette using the 2 point hit theory

      1. Mozumbus
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 27 days ago

        Thanks. Yes I'm considering a hit, only concerned if city match also gets postponed.

    2. TallestJohn
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      A looks good long term especially if you've got no Arsenal defenders.

      Foden would be my pick of the City mids, at some point you'll probably want the extra 2-3m and I think he can match the more expensive ones.

      1. Mozumbus
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 27 days ago

        Thanks a bunch. Understand Foden point. I can get Foden for Silva and then afford a premium as well elsewhere, say Son.

  28. akhilrajau
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 27 days ago

    De gea,
    TAA, James, Cancelo,
    Salah, Mount, BSilva, Bowen
    CR7, King, Dennis
    Bench: Bachmann, White, Douglas Luiz, Davies
    Bank: 0.1m, FT: 1
    Please suggest for final

    A. Bowen -> saka/esr / jota
    B. de gea -> Ramsdale
    C. CR7 -> Watkins
    D. AB/AC(-4)

    ESR or Saka?

    1. Mozumbus
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      C

  29. GENERATION X
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 27 days ago

    Only decision left for me is to start Sanchez or Guita…

  30. DV8R
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 27 days ago

    Can't afford Mings/Cash.

    Targett nailed on for the short-term?

    1. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      yep as long as hes not injured

    2. Henryyy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      For free?

      1. DV8R
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 27 days ago

        No it's for a -4 but it's to get rid of Tsimikas and allows me to bring in Jota next GW

    3. Tony Moon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      4 years, 27 days ago

      Yep, whilst Young is an option, Gerrard seems to prefer him at left wing. Targett has been playing ok, so it's his spot to lose.