Scout Picks

Gameweek 1 Scout Picks XI features double-up on Arsenal, Liverpool and Saints

Arsenal, Liverpool and Southampton are the key source of investment for the Scout Picks in Gameweek 1.

Ahead of the new Fantasy Premier League campaign, we have selected two players from each of these clubs in our first XI of the season.

Chosen by our Scout Squad panel of David, Neale, Tom and Andy, our lines up in the traditional 3-4-3 formation and comes in bang-on our £83.0m budget.

GOALKEEPER

Alex McCarthy (£4.5m) gets the nod as our first Scout Picks goalkeeper of 2020/21. His upcoming opponents Crystal Palace were the lowest scorers in home matches last season, while only Norwich found the net fewer times than the Eagles during Project Restart. Meanwhile, McCarthy managed to make 2.73 saves per 90 last season.

DEFENDERS

Premium midfielders with appealing matches headline Gameweek 26 Scout Picks

Does the selection of Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.5m) require any explanation these days? Not really. A minor injury kept him out of Liverpool’s pre-season games but the right-back was in action for England twice during the international break. Alexander-Arnold was chief among his colleagues for assists, key passes and big chances created last season, and we see no reason why that can’t continue in 2020/21, especially with newly-promoted opposition in Gameweek 1.

James Justin (£4.5m) comes into Gameweek 1 as one of the most nailed-on starters in Leicester’s defence. They may be short of some key personnel but a trip to newly-promoted opposition is enough for us to comfortably include a man with potential at both ends of the pitch.

Rob Holding (£4.5m) is our chosen representative from the Arsenal defence, who face Fulham in the 2020/21 season opener. The Gunners defence has been slowly improving under Mikel Arteta, showcased perfectly in their Community Shield meeting with Liverpool. Holding was a key figure in that performance, offering a budget route into a top-six defence against newly-promoted opposition.

MIDFIELDERS

A switch to midfield and a meeting with Fulham when both Manchester clubs are fixture-less mean Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£12.0m) is an easy inclusion in the Scout Picks for Gameweek 1. Chosen as the best midfield option by all four pundits, 19 of his 22 goals came against teams outside the so-called big six. And in five meetings with newly-promoted opposition, Aubameyang found the net five times and added an assist for good measure.

Despite a growing number of doubters, Mohamed Salah (£12.0m) earns a place in the Gameweek 1 Scout Picks team. No player classified as a midfielder in 2019/20 scored more goals at home than the Egyptian last season (15) and his goal involvement tally of 19 was beaten only by Kevin De Bruyne, the game’s top-scoring player. Salah started last season by registering a goal, assist and double-figure haul at home to the reigning Championship winners. With the joint-highest number shots on target during Project Restart, Salah is sure to start 2020/21 in a similar fashion.

Jarrod Bowen (£6.5m) is our chosen representative from the West Ham attack to face Newcastle. The Magpies conceded more headed attempts than any other team during Project Restart, which plays into Bowen’s hand as a set-play taker for the Hammers. Meanwhile, his positional classification gives him a slight edge over Michail Antonio, who he outperformed during pre-season by two goals/one assist to two assists.

Allan Saint-Maximin (£5.5m) was the pick of the midfield options below £6.0m, with three of our Scout Squad pundits selecting him their line-ups. West Ham clearly still have defensive issues of their own as they lost 5-3 to Bournemouth in a recent pre-season friendly. During Project Restart, Saint-Maximin had the second-highest number of touches in the penalty area among Newcastle players.

FORWARDS

Why FPL Managers Should Focus on Premium Forwards in 2020/21

Harry Kane (£10.5m) appears to be the key man for anyone looking to invest in the Spurs attack for their favourable run of games at the start of 2020/21. During Project Restart, he was chief among his colleagues for touches in the box, shots there, big chances and shots on target. In fact, his total of 13 accurate efforts across that period was bettered only by four other Premier League players.

Already at 48% ownership, it seems to be a rather popular opinion to think Timo Werner (£9.5m) will have a great season for Chelsea. The former RB Leipzig forward was involved in nearly 40 Bundesliga goals last season and has already scored against Brighton during pre-season.

Che Adams (£6.0m) could offer excellent value this season based on Southampton’s form and fixtures. In Gameweek 1, they face a Crystal Palace side that conceded 18 times during Project Restart, more than any side that survived relegation. Meanwhile, across that same period, Adams actually outperformed Danny Ings for shots in the box per 90, big chances per 90 and shots on target per 90, registering more FPL points than his esteemed colleague in the last three Gameweeks of the campaign, once his starting place was assured.

SUBSTITUTES

Aaron Ramsdale (£5.0m) gets a spot on the Scout Picks bench after David and Neale selected him for their Scout Squad submissions. Martin Dúbravka (139) was the only goalkeeper to make more saves than Ramsdale (128) last season, who now turns out for a Sheffield United side that conceded the joint-highest number of big chances during Project Restart.

Romain Saïss (£5.0m) is one of the more assured starters in Wolves’ defence this season. In the last nine Gameweeks of 2019/20, Nuno Espirito Santo’s men boasted the best expected Goals Conceded (xGC) score in the whole division.

Despite Palace’s defensive issues at the beginning of 2020/21, Tyrick Mitchell (£4.0m) remains the most viable bargain-bucket defender. It is unclear how long his run in the team will last considering the Eagles’ injury absentees will have to return at some point but, as things stand, nobody spent more time at left-back for Roy Hodgson than him during pre-season.

James Ward-Prowse (£6.0m) represents and even cheaper alternative route into the Southampton attack, with a possible share of penalties. Between Gameweeks 30+ and 38+, the Saints’ captain whipped in 72 crosses, more than any other player, while his 20 shots ranked joint-ninth amongst midfielders.

THE CAPTAIN

Who are the best captain options for FPL Gameweek 36+?

The Scout Picks captain is chosen using a four-way vote between our Scout Squad pundits.

Because the use of Fantasy Football Scout data is used so heavily in this process, the captain we choose each Gameweek is usually known only to those who have signed up to Premier Membership and revealed to the public only when the deadline has passed.

Here’s how we voted for Gameweek 1:

THE 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 picks by the biggest margin over the campaign will win a £100 Amazon Voucher and a place in our Moderators and Contributors League for the following season.

Boleyn Boy is the first to take us on this year. They went with a 3-5-2 line-up of Fabianski; Robertson, van Dijk, Egan; Mané (c), Alli, Zaha, H Barnes, Bowen; Kane (vc), Ings.

Best players by position:

GET IN-GAME DATA AT LIVE FPL

Check your own rank and in-play FPL stats on LiveFPL.net every Gameweek

1,898 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Reggie Nainggolan
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A) ASM & Che Adams

    Or

    B) Soucek & Antonio

    1. Blue&White85
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

    2. Neves say Neves
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A is far better

  2. rokonto
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Why no love for Martinez?

    1. Danstoke82
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I’m not sure Villa are much good defensively

      1. WVA
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        He going villa or Brighton?

        1. Danstoke82
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Rumour that he’s off to villa

    2. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      at arsenal yes

    3. rokonto
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Thanks guys

  3. simong1
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A or B?

    A) McCarthy, Davies and ASM

    B) Lloris, KWP and Soucek

    1. Blue&White85
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

  4. Mackans
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Is Mitchell first choice or is he playing because of someone other is injured?

    1. Danstoke82
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Covering for PVA injury I think

  5. Vasshin
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    My team depends on who i want to bring from united for GW2
    So the choice is either Martial or Bruno

    Please help me out
    Thanks

    1. Blue&White85
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I prefer Martial.

    2. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Bruno for me ; Martial will fall over in the box more than score.

      1. Front 442
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        It depends how your team is set up.
        It’s Martial for me but not if my current front two fire in GW1

  6. Mackans
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Who is the best 4.0 defender apart from Mitchell?

    1. jayjay2411
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Douglas Imo, then Johnson

  7. The Wanton Trader
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Rate this absolute filth...

    Johnstone (Button)
    TAA / Robbo / Dier (Lewis / Ferguson)
    Auba(c) / Alli / Soucek / Pereira (Bruno)
    Wilson / Werner / Mitrovic

    1. WVA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Currently going same GK combo, can't be any worse than Ryan!?

      1. The Wanton Trader
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        My thoughts exactly. 🙂

    2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Good to go

      1. The Wanton Trader
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers. GL

    3. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Very similar thinking to me below 😉

    4. WVA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Why Dier over Bavies?

      I have KWP Salah Son over your Robbo Pereira Alli.

      1. The Wanton Trader
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I think Dier will do well.

        Do you have Bruno on your bench?

        If so, you’ve done well...

        1. WVA
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          No I have kept the 1.5 ITB in case Bruno doesn't make it back from Portugal in time and has to quarantine

          1. The Wanton Trader
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            I literally just found that out.

            I may get Rash if I don’t hear anything by deadline.

  8. arndff_
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Best 4.0M GK?

    1. kennethrhcp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Depends on your 1st gk

      1. arndff_
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        McCarthy

        1. kennethrhcp
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Maybe Walton? Those with ryan and Walton wont be selling him? Stays at 4m?

    2. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Steer Villa?

    3. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      None of them will play so does it matter?

      1. Bushwhacker
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Steer seems to have the best chance though early on, especially now Martinez has been hijacked.

      2. kennethrhcp
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Not going to 3.9 does matter

  9. tkb123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Open question: Any thoughts on Fabio Silva - only 5.5 but will he get enough minutes to justify as 3rd striker (I currently have Werner, Ings and Mitro) Thanks!

  10. George Agdgdgwngo
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A. Adams & Bissouma

    B. Brewster & Doucoure / Soucek

    1. Chilli Heatwave
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

    2. schlupptheweek
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

  11. FPL Bond @ Twitter
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Saiss or Coady?

    1. KEN YA DIG IT
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Saiss for attacking threat

    2. schlupptheweek
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Saiss because of his goal threat and the fact Nuno will give time for new signings to settle in. Vinagre has much higher ceiling than both and for all the rumours is very likely to start.

    3. Ze_Austin
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Coady never leaves his half

      Saiss takes indirect free kicks

      Saiss until he loses his place, if ever

    4. Vazza
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Coady for security of starts.

      1. Vazza
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        A player on the bench i.e. Saiss won’t be able to deliver attacking returns.

  12. Danstoke82
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Repost;

    Hi all, interested in feedback on this draft. Not sure where else I can tinker. £3.0ITB offers flexibility for City/Utd players.

    Team GTG?

    Ryan
    TAA Justin Mitchell Davies
    Salah Son Aubameyang ASM
    Werner Mitrovic

    Subs: Walton, DStephens, CTaylor, Brewster

    1. Chilli Heatwave
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Similar to mine although used excess money for Watkins and KWP. Still leaves enough for all the key moves (son to Bruno, Auba to KDB)

    2. kennethrhcp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Looks good considering 3m itb

    3. Hairy Potter
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Which Man Utd/City player(s) are you thinking of bringing in? If it was Martial then I'd be tempted to upgrade Mitro for GW1.

      1. Bushwhacker
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Exactly ; have Ings > Martial

      2. Danstoke82
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Planning on bringing in Fernandes and Martial but would mean losing Werner if I wanted to keep Salah and KDB

  13. Chilli Heatwave
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A)ASM KWP
    B)Egan Souchek

    (Have McCarthy)

    1. Blue&White85
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

  14. Neo-Viper
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    McCarthy | Button
    Taa Bavies Justin | Mitchel CTaylor
    Salah Alli Auba ASM | Souchek
    DCL Werner Mitro

    1ITB
    lock and loaded.
    what do you think about this, gents?

    1. lifes a pitch
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Who is ASM?

      1. Neo-Viper
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Allan St. Maximin

      2. Hairy Potter
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        4th best French winger that Newcastle have had play for them.

        1. Twisted Saltergater
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Ginola
          Robert
          who's the 3rd? 🙂

          1. Hairy Potter
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Robert, Ginola and Ben Arfa in that order 🙂

            1. Twisted Saltergater
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              Ah yes, Ben Arfa. Was stung by him in FPL in the past!

            2. Neo-Viper
              • 9 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              Ben Arfa was something else! That goal! wow

      3. Bank$y
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Maxi

  15. Mackans
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts on my team??

    McCarthy
    Trent Justin KWP Mitchell
    Salah Auba Havertz
    Werner DCL Adams
    Bench: Cheap + Greenwood

  16. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Rip it up,

    Don’t want to waste transfers on defenders, risky without Salah, DPD, big up top.

    McCarthy or Ryan close?

    McCarthy
    Trent, Egan, Robbo
    Auba C, Soucek, Son, ASM
    Vardy, DCL, Werner

    Steer, Mitchell, Burr, Reed

    1.5

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      needs salah/mane

      1. George Sillett
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        No it doesn't.

    2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Really like your team! GL

    3. Azathoth
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Nice team...G2G

    4. The Wanton Trader
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Yeah, I like it a lot actually.
      Will do well. GL

    5. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I worry Son + 3m isn't a big enough upgrade for going without Mane/Salah.

    6. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Cheers we all know the risks but Lateriser’s post got my attention.
      Best year last year not following but being different, jumped on Sterling, Vardy & Ings before they got traction.

    7. WVA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      McCarthy all day if you don't have KWP
      You need one more playing defender otherwise you will be wasting transfers on them!

    8. WVA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I'd go Johnstone KWP Taylor over McCarthy Egan Burr

  17. Dušan Citizen
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Why nobody considers the possibility that Castagne plays as RB and Thomas as LB (as he was impressive after the restart) with Justing being benched?

    1. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Pretty much all the 4.5’s have some risk attached

  18. schlupptheweek
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Punty differential choices:
    A: Jota and Maupay
    B: Trossard and Calvert-Lewin
    Which looks better?

    1. Blue&White85
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B

    2. jayjay2411
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B. Comfortably

  19. DOGS
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Adams or Mitrovic? Helpp

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      flip a coin

    2. Amey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Mitrovic

      1. Eleven Hag
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        You were Team Adams a few days ago?

    3. Chilli Heatwave
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B

    4. KEN YA DIG IT
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Mitro

  20. CheesyZoot
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Better GW2 Man U plan?:

    A) Ings > Martial

    B) Salah > Bruno

    1. Blue&White85
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

    2. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B

    3. The Pesci challenge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Don’t be shy to do both

      1. CheesyZoot
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Cheeky

  21. prepper
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone knows if Man City and Man Utd assets are locked in price until GW2?

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Nope.
      No way they would be price locked

      1. Ze_Austin
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        This is true

    2. kennethrhcp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I'd expect a few risers from united b4 gmwk2

    3. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Nope ; choose your transfer and do it Saturday.

  22. School of Poch
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Dier or Davies?

    1. Chilli Heatwave
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Davies

      1. Neo-Viper
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        This

  23. Ronnies
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Best option;

    A) Saiss in a 4.4.2

    B) Soucek in a 3.5.2

    Cheers.

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Soucek

    2. Blue&White85
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

    3. WVA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B

  24. rokonto
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Why is no-one considering Martinez (Arsenal)?

    1. Fudgy
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Leno is first choice

    2. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      You mean Martinez (Brighton/Villa)?

    3. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Off to Villa or Brighton

    4. rokonto
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Thanks guys

    5. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Good point. Leno still dead?

    6. _Ninja_
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Hes leaving

  25. DV8R
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Best 4.5m bench midfielder?

    1. Fudgy
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Reed imo

      1. Blue&White85
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        This for me too.

      2. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        what about mccarthy for palace ?

  26. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    do you think richarlison is worth the extra million compare to dcl ? thanks

    1. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I think Yes

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        thanks a lot

  27. JONALDINHO
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Haven’t touched fpl in 2 weeks. Has much changed?

    McCarthy
    Trent • Justin • Vinagre • Mitchell
    Salah(C) • Mane • Auba • Armstrong
    Werner • Mitrovic
    (4.0 / Taylor / 4.5 / 4.5)

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      gtg

  28. Mackans
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    When will PVA come back from his injury?

  29. jam sandwich
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    RMT

    Ramsdale // Steer
    TAA - Dier - Saiss // KWP - Ferguson
    Salah (c) - Auba - Alli - ASM // Bissouma
    Werner - DCL - Adams

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      nice. see my question above please

  30. Eleven Hag
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Vinagre IN?