Scout Picks

Scout Picks – Gameweek 3

We roll out the third set of Scout Picks of the 2015/16 season this evening, as the hours count down to tomorrow morning’s deadline. This week, we’ve doubled up on Palace and Man United ahead of enticing home fixtures, whilst we also opt for a couple of options from in-form duo Man City and Swansea.

For the start of the season, the budget for the Scout Picks and Community XI is capped at 82.5m, though this will be increased as the campaign progresses.

At a price of 4.0, Alex McCarthy comes in for Palace’s home encounter with Villa. The home side’s chances of a clean sheet look decent, given that Tim Sherwood’s side have scored once so far, whilst McCarthy’s save point potential (he’s made seven stops in two appearances) should help if the Eagles backline is breached.

We’re placing our faith in Aleksandar Kolarov for City’s trip to Everton. Granted, Gael Clichy is now available again but the Serbian’s understanding down the left with Raheem Sterling has been a major feature of his side’s displays in the last couple of outings and we’re backing him to continue in the starting XI as the league leaders look for a third straight win.

Having earned two bonus points in each of the opening couple of Gameweeks, Matteo Darmian has proven a reliable option for United. With a home clash against a Newcastle side that scored 14 away goals last year, the Italian looks on course for further joy this weekend.

Given that seven of their 13 clean sheets in 2014/15 arrived on the road, Swansea will have no fear ahead of a trip to struggling Sunderland. With the Black Cats looking to tighten up at the back, the Swans look in line for a shut-out and we’re backing Kyle Naughton to pick up the points, with his raids down the right bound to pose the hosts’ problematic left flank plenty of problems.

Yohan Cabaye is our second Palace player for the head-to-head with Villa. The Frenchman has already opened his account for the campaign and has fired more attempts on goal than any team-mate ahead of the Selhurst Park encounter.

Leicester’s Riyad Mahrez is in a rich vein of form ahead of a home clash against Spurs. The Algerian’s three strikes in the first two Gameweeks – allied with his spot-kick duties – is more than enough to convince us to call upon his services against a defence that sits second-bottom for big chances conceded (five) so far.

Dimitri Payet earns the nod as West Ham look to bounce back from last week’s home loss to Leicester. The consistent Frenchman has picked up points in both his league appearances to date and with set-piece duties in hand, he looks the likeliest to break down Bournemouth’s backline at Upton Park.

We’re backing Alexis Sanchez to get the better of Liverpool at the Emirates this Sunday. Granted, the Chilean has yet to score but his underlying numbers could barely be more encouraging – a total of nine shots inside the box is joint-top for the season despite the fact he was unleashed from the bench in Gameweek 1.

A midweek brace against Club Brugge will have worked wonders for Memphis Depay’s confidence. Shifted over to the left flank in the previous Gameweek, the United midfielder fired seven shots without success against Villa and with Wayne Rooney toiling, Depay is likely to provide the Red Devils’ main goal threat against Newcastle tomorrow lunchtime.

Back in the City starting XI and firing on all cylinders, Sergio Aguero was unlucky only to score once at home to Chelsea last time out. Bearing in mind that Watford score twice away to Everton in Gameweek 1, a trip to Goodison should hold little fear for the Argentine as Manuel Pellegrini’s men look to build momentum with a third straight win.

After scoring in each of the first two fixtures, Bafetimbi Gomis will fancy his chances against Sunderland’s dodgy defence. Garry Monk’s men have carved up more big chances (seven) than any side so far and considering that the Wearsiders have conceded the most shots inside the box (25) so far, Gomis’ 7.1 price tag could be set to rise again one the weekend is over.

We’re backing Aaron Cresswell to bring in the points for West Ham’s home clash with Bournemouth. The Hammers earned seven of their nine clean sheets at home last term and the raiding left-back’s two goals and four assists in 2014/15 highlight his offensive threat.

Andre Ayew is once again unlucky to be squeezed onto the bench. Having scored in both his Premier League outings so far, the Swansea midfielder could easily take advantage of Sunderland’s defensive woes at the Stadium of Light this weekend. Ayew sits third amongst midfielders for attempts inside the box – only Sanchez and Mahrez have bettered his six close-range efforts.

Troy Deeney will be hoping to breach Southampton’s rearguard and open his account this weekend. Even at their most resilient last season, Ronald Koeman’s men managed just four shut-outs on their travels but with injuries hitting hard and new signings taking time to gel, the Hornets lone striker looks a viable budget option at 5.5.

THE COMMUNITY CHAMPION

Having scrapped the weekly vote idea from last season, we now operate a lottery system to pick our weekly candidates. The community member who beats our picks by the biggest margin over the campaign will win a £100 Amazon Voucher and a place in our Contributors and Moderators League for the following season.

Last week saw Daniel Levy – Not the Spurs Chairman beat us by an eight-point margin, though Fuzzy Warbles still leads the way with a 12-point advantage gained in Gameweek 1.

This week’s champion is Patch who has opted for the following side:

Courtois, Azpilicueta, Smalling, Kolarov, Depay, Montero, Yaya Toure, Mata, Payet, Aguero, Gomis.

With only five of the same players, this looks a more varied head-to-head, after the first two weeks saw the Community pick eight of the same starting XI as our Picks.

Paul Is certain he won't make the same mistakes next season. Follow them on Twitter

3,012 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Otis Kay
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Is Ivanovic gonna start on Sunday??

    1. SW6
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      yes

    2. Lallana_
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      According to the team news, yes.

      http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/team-news/

  2. JoeyW
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    A (Costa & Silva) or B (Aguero & Mane)? if i go B, I'll have no Chelsea cover.

    1. Danstoke82
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Chelsea are in for a tough game at WBA. I don't see how any more f their players will return big numbers other than maybe their defence.

    2. Disco Volante
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I've wildcarded and gone with no Chelsea cover. Mourinho is going completely bonkers.

  3. La Roja
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Bottom of last page

    Wc team:

    McCarthy
    Bellerin Kolarov Darmian
    Mahrez Silva Sanchez Depay
    Kun Gomis Sakho

    Myhill Gomez Targett Surman

    All good?

    1. BrockLanders
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Looks decent

    2. Rinseboy
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Same as mine but I have Westwood, Williams and Richards for Surman, Bellerin and Targett!

      Any reason going for the little Bell(Erin) end?

      1. La Roja
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Attacking full back innit

        And an Arsenal fan 😀

        1. Rinseboy
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Go naughts then boycie. Actually I might go Bellers now!

    3. Taffer
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Not sure about Bellerin but I like it a lot otherwise. Do Myhill and McCarthy rotate well?

    4. S.Kuqi
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Replied last page

    5. EmreCan Hustle
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Looks really good!

      Like how you've gone with the full backs, that's where the baps are.

    6. Ludo
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      12/15 in common with my team, so it's fair to say I like it!

    7. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Nice, similar to mine, still undecided on Depay/Sakho and Payet/Diouf though.

      1. Taffer
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Depay / Sakho - Sakho is simply a better player than Diouf and Depay is explosive.

        1. Gazza2000
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          ty

    8. S.Kuqi
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Might copy that.

      1. La Roja
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Just don't blame me afterwards

  4. Gargamel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Hi

    Does anyone know if there is a way to check how you're doing in the dead team challenge? Can't find any accumulated scores in the spreadsheet

    1. pundit of punts
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Same

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      The scoring system hasn't been perfected yet.

      1. Gargamel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Ok, thanks

        Happy to say I put Kolarov in there 😎

  5. Scotty 34
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    A Gomis / Diouf
    B Benteke/Ayew

    Please help!

    1. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      B personally, mate.

      1. Scotty 34
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks pal

      2. Scotty 34
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Benteke or Lukaku?

  6. Scotty B
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Any changes needed to my WC team?

    McCarthy Butland

    Sagna Shaw Gomez Richards Oxford

    Silva Depay Sanchez Mahrez Westwood

    Lukaku Gomis Aguero

    1. BrockLanders
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Oxford looks a dead rubber now..

  7. Annie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    bench Diouf or Mahrez?
    Captain Kun or Gomis?

    1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      eek neither

      kun

      1. Annie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        I've messed up, what about benching one of Yaya, Depay, Sanchez or Silva?

    2. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Diouf, juuuust.
      Aguero.

    3. Lallana_
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Mahrez
      Kun

  8. Boydinho
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    why Naughton over Williams and Naylor?

    1. Neto
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Williams for BAPs

  9. Areid13
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Just looking for a RMT I've already made my transfers

    Butland
    Azpi Cedric Huth
    Silva Ayew Mahrez Memphis
    Kun Rooney Deeney

    Kasper Ritchie Mings Coates

  10. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    hope hennesy gets back in the team 🙁

    1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Me too 🙁 .

  11. wah1berg
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    McCarthy (Butland)
    Williams Kompany Richards (Gomez Ward)
    Sanchez Yaya Payet Mahrez Ayew
    Gomis Aguero Sakho

    WC team. Thoughts?

    All out attack?

    1. BrockLanders
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Looks good to go

    2. That Fantasy Guy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Maybe don't double up on West ham attack?

      1. wah1berg
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Pelle better choice than Sakho, and downgrade elsewhere?

  12. Gazza2000
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    A) Depay & Sakho

    or

    B) Payet & Diouf

    1. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      A for me.

    2. Scotty 34
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      A

    3. Fat B*d
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      A

    4. LMNO
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      a

    5. EmreCan Hustle
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      A because of Depay.

    6. S.Kuqi
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Considered same.

      A

      1. Gazza2000
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers all, Depay/Sakho it is

  13. Large Hardon Colluder
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Reckon we actually get any price rises tonight for a change?

    1. Pasqualinho
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      It is a Friday - there should be a few.

  14. BrockLanders
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Had a WHU season ticket in today sorting out his mortgage. Promised me a Sakho hatrick this weekend!!

    1. Syd.
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Sweet 🙂

    2. Large Hardon Colluder
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Sakho's dog came in to our vets. Said the same. Happy days.

  15. Kerz
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    GW3: Revenge of the GW1 template!

    😛

    1. Les Bleus
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Let's hope so (apart from Mahrez) 😉

      1. Kerz
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        I also brought him in - to accommodate Kun. I apologize in advance if he stops scoring - it's my fault.

    2. BrockLanders
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Have a feeling about Hazard this weekend. If only I'd the minerals to not captain Aguero

      1. Kerz
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        This.

  16. Wild Rover
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Start Courtois or McCarthy?

    Ta 🙂

    1. SW6
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Courtois

      1. Wild Rover
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Haha, no... Genuine question

        1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          I would play Courtois and fair play for taking the comment like it was intended . Some people get very offended very easily

    2. That Fantasy Guy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I'm not qualified but Chelsea keeper for me

    3. Fat B*d
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      McCarthy

    4. Breadbin
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Go for the better defence. McCarthy.

    5. Ludo
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Courtois. West Brom didn't have a shot on target at Watford. Mourinho's angry, Pulis is even more cautious than usual after playing two up front against City, and leaving the back door open. West Brom might not even bother leaving their half, 0-0 is their aim.

  17. That Fantasy Guy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    If a 3-4-3 which with westwood?
    A. Pelle
    B. Benteke
    C. Diouf
    D. Sahko

    If 3-5-2 which with igahlo?
    1. Payer
    2. Cabaye
    3. Mane
    4. Shaqiri
    5. Chadli

    Not just for tomorrow but medium term too.
    Thanks

    1. Ludo
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      B and 1. Though pricing is of course a factor.

  18. Lyonnais
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Can you please answer the most asked question of the week ?

    A Sakho + Ayew
    B Gomis + Payet

    The first one is cheaper and would make further upgrades much easier.

    1. SW6
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      It's B, by miles in my opinion.

    2. TotalJustice
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      they are nearly same .
      Go for A if the money is significantly increasing your scoring potential at some other position else B(More Sure of returns).

    3. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      B

      1. The Count of Monte Cristo
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        What would the money from doing A get you?

        1. Lyonnais
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Easy switch from whoever striker I choose to Benteke for GW6.

    4. Ludo
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      B, but as you say, it's more expensive. All about what you can do with the spare change.

    5. S.Kuqi
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Easily B

    6. Fat B*d
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I've gone Sakho & Gomis - so probably no help!

    7. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      B imo

    8. Lateriser 12
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I'm tempted with A
      Ayew is class.

    9. Barry Woj
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Set pieces and pens makes B more attractive

    10. ManofKent
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Why not Gomis and Ayew?

    11. Lyonnais
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      thanks all for your replies !

  19. TotalJustice
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Kolarov + Williams + Depay
    or
    Kompany + Dermian + Payet

    For at least nxt 6 GWs

    1. BrockLanders
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Tough one that. Flip of a coin job

  20. RamaJama
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Martin or Morgan?

    1. Lyonnais
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Morgan

  21. Syd.
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Off for a Tattoo and a bit of a festival 🙂

    1. Fat B*d
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Enjoy!

    2. Breadbin
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      See ya.

  22. Jack Stephenson
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    A or B
    A - Mahrez, Toure and Aguero for Tadic, Hazard and Giroud (-8 Points)
    B - Toure and Depay/Payet for Tadic and Hazard (-4 Points but no money left for Aguero)

    1. TotalJustice
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Tadic + Hazard >> Kun + Mahrez (-4)
      is this possible

      1. TotalJustice
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Giroud can score easily over yaya this GW

    2. Rains of Castamere
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      -4, do Yaya next week

      1. TotalJustice
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        This^^^

  23. 8-2
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    My WC team:

    McCarthy (Schmeichel)

    Sagna Darmian Targett (Huth Gomez)

    Memphis Sanchez Silva Payet Mahrez

    Gomis (c) Aguero (Kone)

    0.1 itb

    Bring it on

  24. The Machine
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Okay transfers done. -4

    Ruddy

    Azpil Mert Coates

    Yaya sanchez Ayew Payet

    Rooney(c) pelle sakho

    1. Syd.
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Brave (c) choice

  25. Lateriser 12
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Do you rate Muniesa or Huth over any of these Keeping form and fixtures in mind?

    Richards
    Francis
    Prodl
    Gomez

    1. The Machine
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Huth over francis

    2. Sweetpea
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Stoke are better defensively than Villa, so yes.

    3. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Like those 4, maybe Nyom over Prodl

    4. Fat B*d
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Worried about Francis myself - so I'd say Muniesa over him

      1. TotalJustice
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Munesea over francis

  26. Stimps
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    3-5-2 it is!

    Butland
    Shaw Kolarov Ward
    Depay Payet Sanchez Silva Mahrez
    Gomis Aguero (c)

    McCarthy, Francis, Richards, Watmore

    1. 8-2
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Almost snap. See above.

  27. flippetyflop
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Play Wilson (Bou) or Coates this week?

    1. Ludo
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Wilson

    2. BrockLanders
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Wilson

      1. flippetyflop
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Does he having Jenkinson affect this decision?

  28. Sweetpea
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone still going Myhill or switching to Butland instead, in light of the Pulis Article?

  29. Rains of Castamere
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Do we think Rooney will drop tonight?

    1. Breadbin
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      No.

      1. Rains of Castamere
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Dammit.

  30. Vardy Gras PBFC
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Pick one to play...

    Mings - Tadic - Cleverley - Targett