FPL Scout Selection: Time to turn to wing-backs

Our Gameweek 16 selection returned 70 points, well above the 48-point average. We’ve retained some key figures from that line-up, adding a sprinkling of new names that appear poised for points.

In particular, we have targeted defenders playing in advanced roles that can offer us the potential for double-figure returns.

Lee Grant – Stoke City – £4.2m
It is difficult to overlook the Potters keeper after three clean sheets in the last four Gameweeks. The veteran also faces a Leicester City side who continue to toil on their travels, scoring only six goals from eight away trips.

Marcos Alonso – Chelsea – £6.4m
Another mainstay in our selection, the Spaniard has only failed to return either a clean sheet or an assist in one of his 10 Gameweek starts. We are expecting further profit from a trip to Crystal Palace.

Danny Rose – Tottenham Hotspur – £5.9
Mauricio Pochettino’s shift to a 3-4-3 for the midweek has switched our sights to Danny Rose, who duly picked up an assist in Wednesday’s win over Hull City. Gameweek 17 visitors Burnley are yet to score a goal from open play on the road this season.

Patrick van Aanholt – Sunderland – £5.0m
Another deployed in a wing-back role, the Dutchman tops the charts for goal attempts from defence and is second only to Liverpool’s Nathaniel Clyne (£5.7m) for chances created. He promises to boost both tallies in Saturday’s home clash with Watford.

Adam Smith – AFC Bournemouth – £4.8m
Currently deployed in a midfield, Smith boasts plenty of attacking promise. The Cherries will face a tough task breaking through a stubborn Southampton defence but the Saints have scored just three goals in their last seven, promoting Smith’s clean sheet prospects.

Adam Lallana – Liverpool – £7.3m
A 19-point return in midweek took Lallana to three goals and an assist in the last two Gameweeks. Monday’s Merseyside derby with Everton is difficult to predict, although, with 19 strikes away from home, Jurgen Klopp’s men should be backed to find the net.

Dimitri Payet – West Ham United – £9.1m
The Frenchman still ranks top for chances created this season and will surely be a key figure as the Hammers seek back-to-back home wins against Hull City. The Tigers roll up to the London Stadium having conceded more goals than any other Premier League side.