Scout Picks

Gameweek 23 Scout Picks built on Man United and West Ham assets

Manchester United and West Ham players form the spine of our Gameweek 23 Scout Picks XI.

In a side chosen by David, Neale, Tom and Andy, we have included five players from the two clubs ahead of this weekend’s fixtures.

We line up in a 3-4-3 formation this time, which comes in at £73.8m, a staggering £9.2m inside our budget of £83.0m.

GOALKEEPER

Salah and blanks again as Brighton defensive assets shine ahead of good run 3

Robert Sanchez (£4.4m) was a relatively simple inclusion in the Scout Picks this week as Brighton continue to prove the doubters wrong. They have kept a clean sheet in each of their last four matches, including against Liverpool and Spurs, while Gameweek 23 opponents Burnley are the lowest-scoring Premier League team this season (13 goals).

DEFENDERS

Salah and Fernandes blank again as focus shifts to defensive assets 8

Aaron Cresswell (£5.6m) is the first of our West Ham triple-up as they travel to face Fulham on Saturday afternoon. The left-back has created more chances than any other Hammers defender over the last four matches while six of his eight assists have come on the road this season. Meanwhile, Fulham have failed to score in three of their last five.

Long-term owners of Luke Shaw (£4.9m) were finally rewarded when the Manchester United full-back delivered two assists against Southampton, before being dragged off at half-time. After delivering the most crosses and creating the most chances out of all defenders in the last six Gameweeks, we are backing Shaw to deliver the goods again when Everton come to Old Trafford.

Antonio Rüdiger (£4.5m) has well and truly forced his way back into contention at Chelsea. After starting each of the last two league matches under Frank Lampard, the German international has played every minute of Thomas Tuchel’s reign as Blues manager. Chelsea are yet to concede since the appointment of their new boss and, in Gameweek 23, face a Sheffield United side second-bottom for goals scored this season (14).

MIDFIELDERS

In Gameweek 22, Bruno Fernandes (£11.4m) punished the majority of Fantasy Premier League’s top 10,000 players who chose to captain Mohamed Salah (£12.7m) with a 17-point haul, equalling his highest score this season. Even after a couple of blanks, Fernandes has had the most shots on target and created the most chances in the last six Gameweeks.

Son Heung-min (£9.7m) earns a place in the Scout Picks mostly on account of his favourable fixture in Gameweek 23. West Bromwich Albion have conceded at least twice in each of their last seven Premier League matches.

No Premier League midfielder can better Jack Grealish‘s (£7.8m) 10 assists this season, with one of those coming against Saturday’s opponents, Arsenal in Gameweek 8. After Bernd Leno’s (£5.0m) red card against Wolves, the Gunners could be forced to field their third choice keeper, Alex Rúnarsson (£4.4m).

It is getting harder and harder to ignore Tomas Soucek (£5.3m) after the big Czech international scored his eighth goal of the season against Aston Villa. Soucek has scored the most headed goals out of all midfielders this season and faces a Fulham team who have conceded 20 headed attempts in their last six.

FORWARDS

Newcastle stick with back five for relegation six-pointer against Sheffield United

Callum Wilson (£6.8m) has been the one shining light in an otherwise awful season for Newcastle. He comes up against Southampton on Saturday who, as well as just being hit for nine by Manchester United, also have an injury crisis at the back.

The in-form West Ham striker Michail Antonio (£6.6m) has hit attacking returns in four of his five last games. With the highest expected goals rating (xG) of any forward in the last six Gameweeks, we are backing Antonio to continue his impressive form against a Fulham side whose recent defensive improvements have stuttered.

Patrick Bamford (£6.6m) is becoming a very reliable Fantasy asset this season adding improved creativity to his goal threat of late. In the last four matches, only Fernandes has created a higher number of big chances than the Leeds’ centre-forward, who has produced three assists in that time.

Substitutes

  • Nick Pope (£5.5m)
  • Matt Lowton (£4.4m)
  • Dan Burn (£4.2m)
  • Raphinha (£5.3m)

THE CAPTAIN

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

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

Because we use Fantasy Football Scout data so heavily in this process, the skipper we choose each Gameweek is known only to those with a valid Fantasy Football Scout subscription and revealed to the public only when the deadline has passed.

Here’s how we voted for Gameweek 23:

1,095 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Nespinha
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Who would you add and why?

    Shaw

    Cresswell

    Digne

    1. Bagheri Arce
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Probably Shaw. Digne good option too but you are probably hoping for attacking returns and maybe clean sheet Vs fulham

    2. Neves say Neves
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Shaw, stats are mwad

    3. Dank Squid
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Shaw

      Attacking returns? Equal opportunities, more or less (but Digne doesn´t have set pieces when Siggy is on the pitch).
      CS? Manchester United prospects better than Everton/West Ham.

      1. Nespinha
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Shaw might me rotated on an easy fixture, that's the only drawback

        1. Dank Squid
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          True. I own both Cresswell and Digne at the moment, wish I had Shaw - probably the best option if you have decent bench cover, especially considering price.

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      This isn't right.
      We have over officious refs and VAR monitors.

      But not refs taking back handers to swing games.

      1. Top Lad Dakes.
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Joke?

      2. Camino Aleatorio
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        I got a Pal that makes a +$2M annual salary to find the underground action in games so he can warn his clients (Casinos and Elite Betting Pools) of match fixing detections.

        He can't prove this in the court of law, cause the match fixers would kill the judge and prosecutor, but he can warn Casinos so they don't get wrecked by a special event.

  2. TheDragon
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Is getting Son in for WBA only and transferring him out next week worth it?

    I want reasons not to get him but his ownership scares me

    1. WE GO FOR IT
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I wouldn't get him in unless you plan to keep him till DGW26 and ahead.

    2. Neves say Neves
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      no

    3. Camino Aleatorio
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Spurs are going to get beat by WBA.

      The spurs are a wounded young Zebra and WBA are a pack of hungry hyenas.

      When WBA is done with Spurs. There will be a stub of tail, some fur, and a wet spot.

  3. DARE TO BISCAN
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Unsure what to do. 2FT, £4.1 ITB. WC & TC left.

    Pope
    Shaw, Justin, Coufal
    Salah, Gundo, Bruno(c), Soucek, Son(vc)
    Bamford, Antonio
    (McCarthy, Cancelo, DCL, Stones)

    Stones > Diaz & save a transfer?
    Would've McCarthy > Sanchez, if there wasn't a double coming up.

    Benched a lotta points lately, so not sure on that either

  4. WE GO FOR IT
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    McCarthy | Forster
    Cancelo | Dias | Coufal | Alioski | Ferguson
    Salah | Sterling | Bruno | Son | Soucek
    DCL | Antonio | Brewster

    2FT 0.6itb.

    Plan A:
    GW23: Alioski to Mee/Lowton. Roll the other FT
    GW24: McCarthy to Pope. Son to James/one week punt
    WC GW25 to BB GW26

    Plan B:
    GW23: McCarthy to Pope. Son to 1/2 week punt
    GW24: Alioski to Mee/Lowton. Or switch the guy I got in for Son for another punt as I can play Coufal if I don't get Mee.
    WC GW25 to BB GW26

    Plan C:
    GW23: Alioski to Mee/Lowton. Roll the other FT
    GW24: Forster to Pope. Son to Raphinha
    GW25: DCL, Brewster to Ings, Bamford.
    WC in GW26 and BB in future GWs (GW27 or whenever Villa get their fixtures arranged)

    Plan D;
    GW23: Forster to Pope, Son to Raphinha
    GW24: Save FT/ Alioksi to Mee/Lowton
    GW25: DCL, Brewster to Ings, Bamford. (If I save maybe Ferguson to Soton defender for a hit to play instead of one City defender)
    WC in GW26 and BB in future GWs (GW27 or whenever Villa get their fixtures arranged)

    1. Dank Squid
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      If GW 26 plays out "as expected" (based on Crellin percentages) ... I´m struggling with the (BB) team. West Ham vs City, doubles not looking too good for cheap assets etc. I might go for BB 24, even if it includes SGWers - team looks different than yours, though.

      1. WE GO FOR IT
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah. That's why I don't want to commit to anything this week. But at the same time, burning a FT doesn't look right. Might just get Mee for Alioski and see what DGW has to offer. Hopefully, we get news before the next deadline.

  5. Totti
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Taylor-> mee ??

    Yay or nay

    1. FPL_DON
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      yes

      1. Totti
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Is taylor confirmed out?

    2. Neves say Neves
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Is Taylor definitely out for the dgw?

      1. Totti
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        I don’t know
        I’m asking seeking for the info

    3. HD7
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I have Taylor in my team like you. Any updates If he will be able for GW24 will be appreciated

      1. Totti
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        I’m also asking
        Dunn know

  6. LewanGOALski
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Martinez
    Dias - Cancelo - Dallas
    Salah - Son - Bruno - Soucek
    DCL - Antonio - Bamford

    Button - Gundo - Coufal - Kilman

    2 FTs
    Bank: 5.1

    Which for FT..?
    A) Button ➡ Pope (and have 2 mid-price keepers)
    B) Martinez ➡ Pope (bought Martinez for 4.6)
    C) Kilman ➡ BUR defender

    1. Kuzser
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      C

  7. Hawk Eye
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Why is season ticker not updater with doubles??

  8. arndff_
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Who would you go for?

    a) Antonio
    b) Bamford

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A

    2. CBonci
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Is there a (c) both option? That’s what I would do. Short term I’d say Antonio if I had to pick.

    3. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Currently have Antonio (c) Bamford (vc)

  9. JP\'s
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Captain Bruno or bamford?

    1. Bagheri Arce
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Depends if you want interest in Bruno? EO will be over 100%

    2. tbos83
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I'm tempted by Bam

  10. Kuzser
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Really dunno what to do here...2ft, 2.9itb. What is a priority?
    1) lookman-> grealish
    2) lookman-> raphinha for dgw
    3) Justin-> shaw/Awb
    4) Justin-> Mee for dgw

    Martinez
    Dallas - Coufal - Cancelo
    Son - Bruno - Sterling - Barnes
    Laca - DcL - Antonio

    Johnstone, Justin, stones, Lookman

  11. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Those who BB26 and plan to play WC before, are you gonna do it GW24 or GW25 ?
    Cause we may know the DGW26 fixtures before GW24 deadline

    1. El Lobito 10
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I already have 3 City and will have 2 Everton so probably wait until gw25 but maybe 24

  12. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Pope (BHA) outscore Martinez (ARS) this GW?

    1. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Hopefully not. Probs similar

    2. JoeSoap
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yes imo

  13. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Play 1 (already playing Dallas and Cancelo)
    A) Digne
    B) Mee

    1. JoeSoap
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Mee

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Mee

    3. Lazaretti
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Mee

  14. JoeSoap
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    A. McCarthy>Pope
    B. Mendy>Son
    C. Mitchell>Mee
    D. Mendy>Soucek/Raphina

    McCarthy
    Coufal, Cancelo, Justin
    Fernandes, Grealish, Salah, Gundogan
    DCL, Antonio, Bamford
    Steer, Dias, Mitchell, Mendy

    1. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A

  15. The_FF_King
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Salah to son for free?

    1. Skymonkey
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      No really cause Salah has not played entirely bad, his last 4 games he has 2 braces incl. FA cup against MUN, but Son also faces City next and then moe unfavourable. I'd not do it this week. But this also depends on your Chips. If you have a WC, you could bring Son and Kane in that week even De bruyne when those guys are fit.

      1. The_FF_King
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks mate

  16. FallingDuck
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Martinez (Meslier)

    Cancelo - Cresswell - Coufal (Stones, Mitchell)

    Grealish - Fernandes - Salah - Gundo (Romeu)

    Bamford - Antonio - DCL

    1 FT and 7.7m itb.

    Im stuck with deciding. Any advice will help.

    Im thinking about bringing in a Chelsea or Man. United defender. Or can I improve somewhere else?

    1. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Save

    2. Skymonkey
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Is Romeu actually any benefit with cheap options like Raphina with a DGW 25 or Maddison/Barnes with their form. But you don't need to change cause its the bench that needs improvement only.

      1. FallingDuck
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        No romeu has only been a trouble for me so far. Thanks for tou advice.

        Im just worried anout my starting defenders this round with 2x WHU.

  17. Kingtekkerz
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Thoughts on Holding to Alonso as a short term punt?

    1. Bagheri Arce
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Seems risky. Chilwell still in the mix.

      I prefer Shaw

  18. JBG
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Bissouma to Son and bench DCL(have Shaw)?

  19. JohnnyRev7
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Finally cracked the 1m GW rank so Go Me! Been hanging around it for the last 4GWs. Grrrr...

    I appreciate that my rank is cat's sick on the carpet compared to most of yous so am pondering my next transfer.

    a) Kane ----> Werner (c) (Benching DCL)
    b) Kane ----> Werner (c) (Benching DCL)
    c) Kane ----> Werner (c) (Benching DCL)
    d) Something else?

    Any input gratefully appreciated. TIA.

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

      Why are three options same?

      I would no go for Werner at all. He doesn't know yet where the goal it.

      1. JohnnyRev7
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Congratulations on your recent humour bypass surgery. Just check your medical records to see if they removed your funny bone at the same time.

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

          That chuckled me!

          1. JohnnyRev7
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            You're welcome my friend! It's been such an unpredictable season; if we don't laugh...

            Ahh, just checked your FPL link. You don't have a cat. Good luck for the rest of the season.

            * Scuttles back under his rock

    2. Skymonkey
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A lot of options there mate, sure you aren't missing Kane to Werner(c)and benching DCL for next week?

      1. JohnnyRev7
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Damn! Never thought of that one. I'll ponder more.

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

      SHU are doing fine and Chelsea may not find it easy to break them down

      1. JohnnyRev7
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Pfft!

    4. El Lobito 10
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B or C

      1. JohnnyRev7
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Want don't you like about A?

  20. Aster
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Play Shaw or Dallas?

    Already have De Gea

    1. tbos83
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Dallas

      1. Aster
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Forgot to say I also have Bamford.

  21. OverTinker
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Bench 2
    1. Stones
    2. Cancelo
    3. Coufal
    4. Chilwel
    5. AWB

    1. Messiah Hazard
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Coufal and Chillwell

      1. OverTinker
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Double city vs pool okay??

    2. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      1 + 4

      1. OverTinker
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        why not play chilwel and keep AWB first on bench? If chilly plays great otherwise AWB will come on

    3. Aster
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Stones and Chilwell

      I do not expect City to get a CS (Salah will score), you already have Cancelo (who may provide attacking returns), and Chilwell will probably not even start.

      1. Eagleowl
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        I think Chilwell will definitely start. Alonso has played two full games in a row and it wouldn’t make sense to get third start in 8 days.

  22. fedolefan
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Useless Scouts looking at my boy Sanchez after he's returned 4 cleans in a row. Yeah, top work.

  23. FPLord
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Raphinha or Rashford for Salah?

    1. Bagheri Arce
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Keep Salah. He is more likely to score this week than against the rubbish teams he has blanked against

      1. Camino Aleatorio
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Why?

        Cause MCI will go for a thunderous attack on Pool?

        They won't worry about packing the box against Pool?

        1. Bagheri Arce
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Can see an open game, no?

          You think Pep will play for a draw to stay 10pts clear?

          1. Camino Aleatorio
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            I think Pep is going to go for 5-0 victory

            He wants Klopp crying and trembling. He acts like a Barcelona hippy but he is going for a curve stomp tomorrow.

  24. Super John McGinn-
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Any ideas what to do with this then and who to bench? Want to leave enough in the bank to get Kane in for DCL too
    Still got WC, BB and TC so is it worth building a good bench or just do that on WC

    Martinez
    Robbo, Cancelo, Dallas
    Salah, Bruno, Grealish, Gundo, Soucek
    Bamford, Antonio

    Forster, DCL, Dias, Mitchell
    2 FT 5.7 ITB

    A) Forster > Pope
    B) Mitchell > Rudiger/Lowton
    C) Soucek > Son
    D) Other

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A

  25. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    How does this plan sound?
    GW 23 Chilwell > Mee
    GW 24 Johnstone > Pope Giving me 7 DGwers(Pope,Mee,Digne,Dias,Cancelo,Gundogan,DCL)
    GW 25 Soucek,DCL > Raphinia,Bamford with 2 FT's ( 2 DGwers)
    GW 26. Antonio or Watkins > Kane
    giving me this for 26.
    Martinez
    Dias,Cancelo,Digne,Mee
    Salah,Fernandes,Grealish,Gundogen
    Kane,Watkins/Antonio

    Pope,Bamford,Raphinia,Coufal

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Sounds well thought through

  26. ludaslol
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Do you think Werner/Chillwell starts against SHU?

    1. Camino Aleatorio
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      If he does not start, then it's bye Chilly and hello Alonso

      People need the all-clear to lock-in Alonso...who is a far superior player

  27. Bennyboy1907
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Who to play this week pick 3:

    A) Stones
    B) Dallas
    C) Coufal
    D) Cancelo
    E) Ben mee

  28. MGD
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Chillwell to which Burnley defender?

    1. FPLord
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Mee

      1. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        You?

      2. MGD
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Not Lowton?

  29. Messiah Hazard
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Martinez Pope
    AWB Cancelo Dias Justin Holding
    Bruno Sterling Soucek Saka Son
    Bamford Werner Watkins

    Would you Bench Boost this team in GW23 or wait for a DGW? Who to bench?