Tips

The Complete Guide to Scout’s tips and advice to Double Gameweek 25

Welcome to the Fantasy Football Scout Guide to Double Gameweek 25 ahead of today’s 18:30 GMT deadline.

Leeds United and Southampton are the two teams with the extra fixture – the Saints travel to Elland Road on Tuesday evening.

The other main talking point as we plot our moves for the current round of fixtures and beyond, is the potential of more Double Gameweeks in the near future. Pep Guardiola hinted that Gameweeks 26 and 27 will be Doubles for his side but at the time of writing, we await confirmation from the Premier League.

Captain Candidates

Patrick Bamford (£6.9), Raphinha (£5.4m) and Danny Ings (£8.5m) are the leading trio in the captain poll, with the highly-owned Bamford the popular choice.

The best-value forward in FPL, returning over 19.1 points per million spent, Bamford has garnered over 50 per cent of the vote. This in itself poses Fantasy managers an intriguing shield/sword dilemma:

[Bamford]’s currently in just over 53 per cent of teams, the bulk of those will captain him so if you don’t captain Bamford you will probably get pretty much no ranking gain from him, [and] you could possibly get a red arrow if there’s a surge of support in people drafting him in. Whereas Raphinha was in under three per cent of teams [so] if you captain him the gains could be absolutely huge.

– Joe, Captaincy Video

The potential for either Leeds player to do well is there, especially in that Tuesday fixture. As Jan pointed out in his Captain Sensible article, Southampton have given up 11 big chances in the last four matches, the joint-most in the Premier League, while only Liverpool have a worse expected goals conceded (xGC) figure.

Encouraging stuff. But two bits of team news could influence our decisions.

Marcelo Bielsa confirmed that Kalvin Phillips (£4.9m) will miss the first match against Wolves and could possibly sit out the Southampton game too. While Ralph Hasenhüttl revealed that Southampton will be without Kyle Walker-Peters (£4.7m) for a few weeks. 

Without Kalvin Phillips they are really not the same team, he is the guy that holds the whole thing together both defensively and going forward … he’s missed five games this year and … Bamford’s blanked in three of those five games so it makes me a bit worried about him.

– David, Captaincy Video

Speaking on the Scoutcast, “professor of LeedsSeb, as he was dubbed by Joe, conceded that Phillips offers more than Pascal Struijk (£3.9m) in an attacking sense. But, nonetheless, his optimal Leeds trio for the Double would be Bamford, Raphinha and Jack Harrison (£5.5m).

The absence of Walker-Peters is good news for Harrison in particular. The Saints have conceded 17 chances down their right flank over their last four matches and with Walker-Peters missing out, it means we could see one of the centre-backs filling in.

Although, Brazilian Raphinha could also benefit:

Harrison and Raphinha have swapped sides a couple of times in the last few matches … Harrison was obviously subbed off last match … but Raphinha actually moved to the left with Hélder Costa coming on the right, so there is a chance you’ll see Raphinha on the left.

And on Harrison himself, his last two goals I believe, certainly his last goal, came straight down the middle. So if he’s up against the weak full-back that might be more for the assist [but] for the actual goals we might see him making those runs through the middle.

So I think realistically, what’s the crux of this conversation, it’s all quite close. Get the three attackers if you can, if you can’t get Bamford and Raphinha.

– Seb

Raphinha and Harrison touch heatmap last four matches

When it comes to deciding who to captain, it’s worth noting that Raphinha takes corners while Bamford is expected to stay on penalty duties.

No Premier League team has conceded more spot-kicks this season than Wolves (seven). And Southampton are not doing particularly well in that department, either, having given up four penalties  in 2020/21.

But Danny Ings should not be discounted, the Saints talisman has recorded six attempts on goal in his last two Premier League fixtures, including three big chances. And Southampton’s high-press could prove effective against Leeds, as Arsenal discovered in Gameweek 24 scoring four goals. 

Speaking on FPL Black Box, Pro Pundit Mark revealed that he is contemplating buying Ings with one of his two free transfers, factoring in that Southampton may have three Double Gameweeks in the next four. Although, as Greyhead noted in the 100th edition of The Great and The Good, how many of us will trust Danny Ings’ fragile hamstring to manage two games in quick succession?

And, as Jamie pointed out in his Members-only analysis of Southampton, if Ralph Hasenhüttl’s side are to get the best out of Ings, then they will need to create more chances, with the Saints creation ranking near the bottom in their last six matches.

Nonetheless, Ings is the only Southampton player included in the Scout Picks starting XI alongside a triple up of Bamford, Raphinha and Stuart Dallas (£5.0m) from Marcelo Bielsa’s troops.

Pro Pundit Plans

Along with Jack Harrison, the other players who could exploit the weakness down Southampton’s right side are Timo Werner (£9.2m) and Marcos Alonso (£5.7m).

I get the feeling that [Alonso] could drop a 15-pointer in any game if he continues in the same attacking vein. It looks like Tuchel is going to persist with the 3-4-3 formation and his comments with regards to Alonso seems particularly encouraging.

– Lateriser

As high-flying Pro Pundit Andy mentioned, the Spaniard offers massive potential at both ends of the pitch if you can cope with him missing the odd game.

Chelsea were picked out by both Andy and Lateriser due to their appealing fixtures, despite a difficult-looking Gameweek 26.

West Brom, Leeds and Palace are all in the bottom three for expected goals conceded this season, with Everton the seventh-worst team in the league. The fixtures from Gameweek 27 look prime for goals.

– Andy

Werner, who has started Chelsea’s last four matches under new boss Thomas Tuchel, has accumulated the joint-highest number of big chances (five) over the last four Gameweeks. 

Lateriser also noted that for those who are not Wildcarding in Gameweeks 25/26, there is a decent fixture swing in Gameweek 31, and it could be a good time to Wildcard. Something fellow Pro Pundit Az is planning to do, his thinking no doubt supported by some colourful spreadsheets!

Meanwhile, Werner was not one of the forward options being considered by Hall of Fame No 1 Fábio Borges.

The consistent top 10,000 manager is looking to replace the injured Michail Antonio (£6.6m) in his side and, after running the rule over several candidates, it boiled down to getting Danny Ings now or benching Antonio before buying Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£7.7m) for Double Gameweek 26.

Community Competitions and Head-to-Head Fixtures

This is your last chance to enter the open-to-all Fantasy Football Scout Cup with qualifying for the first round taking place in Gameweek 25. Qualifying for the Members Cup – entry for Premium Members only – gets underway in Gameweek 26.

A total of £300 in prizes is available across the two tournaments.

RedLightning rounded-up the latest Community mini-leagues and competitions.

Impressively, the two main FFScout mini-leagues are the top two Leagues in FPL, followed by Andy’s own mini-league. Well done to the top five managers in each of those mini-leagues.

There’s been another small tweak this week by Mat (aka matzi11a) to the fixtures and results displayed on the Head-to-Head Leagues main page.

From now on the scores and tables will update each night, so managers can see how they are getting on as the Gameweek unfolds.

The fixtures for Gameweek 25 can be found below:

Use the drop-down menus to show your league and division. To find out which league and division you are in, follow the instructions on the main Head-to-Head page.

Once the Gameweek starts, if you click on your opponent’s name you will be linked to their team on the FPL website.

May your arrows be green!

TopMarx Fan of Fantasy Football and Monty Python. "Archimedes out to Socrates, Socrates back to Archimedes, Archimedes out to Heraclitus, he beats Hegel. Heraclitus a little flick, here he comes on the far post, Socrates is there, Socrates heads it in! Socrates has scored! The Greeks are going mad, the Greeks are going mad! Socrates scores, got a beautiful cross from Archimedes. The Germans are disputing it. Hegel is arguing that the reality is merely an a priori adjunct of non-naturalistic ethics, Kant via the categorical imperative is holding that ontologically it exists only in the imagination, and Marx is claiming it was offside. Follow them on Twitter

2,870 Comments Post a Comment
  1. PogChamp
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 28 days ago

    Imagine the chaos if they announced the fixtures at 18:25

    1. Gomolon
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 28 days ago

      Peak banter, would give us all Rockstar flashbacks

    2. PascalCygan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 28 days ago

      It’s all quite funny. They’re twisting our melons, man!

  2. HD7
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 28 days ago

    I hope Cancelo is rotated this GW andI hope you understand me. I just couldnt bench Strujic this GW...

    Martinez
    Strujic Stones Mee
    Salah Bruno Sterling Maddy
    Ings Bamford Cavani

    Fraser, Cancelo, Mitchell, Bissouma

  3. JJeyy
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 28 days ago

    So who was put off to use their wildcard? #TrustCrellin

    1. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 28 days ago

      I was put off. -8 next with BB then WC in 28.

      1. Gazwaz80
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 28 days ago

        -16 for me 🙂

    2. Third Eye Vision
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 28 days ago

      I played it on Monday because I felt I’d made too many minor mistakes lately.

      Spent all week wondering if if dropped the biggest clanger of the season.

      I genuinely enjoyed the uncertainty. I like that aspect of the game - seeing if planning will pay off.

  4. Nate(U)dog(ie)
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 28 days ago

    I brought in Maitland-Niles on a punt to replace Justin as he's playing OOP, glad glad did now!

  5. tbos83
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 28 days ago

    Cannot believe they did that. Don't think I would've transferred in Ings :-/

  6. Alisson WondHaaland
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 28 days ago

    Ings suddenly doesnt look a great option. Unlucky wildcarders

    1. Flair
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 28 days ago

      Glad I avoided

    2. Vlekz
        3 years, 28 days ago

        He was always a place holder for kane

        1. Alisson WondHaaland
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 28 days ago

          In that case, fair enough

      • DAZZ
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 28 days ago

        Most of us Wildcarders have kept money in the bank for Ings > Kane. Ings was always a 1GW punt.

      • ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 28 days ago

        3 doubles in 4 gameweeks?

        1. Baby Bowen
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 28 days ago

          This, so long as his glass ankles don’t shatter it could be bedlam

          1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 28 days ago

            that's indeed a problem.

        2. Alisson WondHaaland
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 28 days ago

          Make that 2

      • SADIO SANÉ
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 28 days ago

        pardon

      • Sun Jihai
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 28 days ago

        Placeholder for Kane or DCL for many I suspect

      • Brehmeren
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 28 days ago

        What happened to Ings?

      • Magic Zico
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 28 days ago

        I've missed something here ...

      • Hazz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 28 days ago

        He was always 1 week punt in DGW25 before DCL/Watkins in DGW26 🙂

      • Christina.
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 28 days ago

        Ings + 2.6 ITB on WC

        1. Baby Bowen
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 28 days ago

          Kane price rise over the weekend

      • A. PRISE
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 28 days ago

        Are you an idiot? Many got him just for this week and will sell him for Kane next week

        1. Alisson WondHaaland
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 28 days ago

          Alright, chill. Ive also seen plenty of people bringing in Ings with intention to keep him

    3. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 28 days ago

      Seems similar to the move of the deadline to prevent extra advantages to those that try and plan and use whatever advantages we can get. Don't really mind.

      1. Gomolon
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 28 days ago

        Yeah, they should only release the fixture list one round at a time next season to prevent people gaining an advantage by planning ahead

        1. Van der Faart
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 28 days ago

          Not sure what you mean by this lol

    4. Messiah Hazard
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 28 days ago

      Would you get rid of Bamford and Dallas on 2 FTs to get in DGW26 starters and BB or keep Leeds guys for the GW29?

      1. Baron Penguin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 28 days ago

        I am. Will be moving Harrison and Bamford to Son and Kane with my 9.0 ITB.

    5. Baby Bowen
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 28 days ago

      WC decisions I’m going to curse this week and next:

      - KdB over Salah
      - Ings (C) over Bamford
      - No Grealish
      - Kilman over Mitchell

      1. JONALDINHO
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 28 days ago

        KDB over Salah is crazy

        1. Baby Bowen
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 28 days ago

          I know, can still rectify next week I guess if it looks to be an utter disaster

      2. R.C
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 28 days ago

        Ings (C) could backfire I think, there's one more person who got injured for Southampton, fans on their forum think its Armstrong, not good for their attack

        https://www.hampshirelive.news/sport/football/football-news/southampton-injury-ralph-hasenhuttl-chelsea-5023291?a=

        1. Baby Bowen
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 28 days ago

          Ouch, I nearly went for Armstrong too!

          1. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 28 days ago

            Shisse. I brought him in

    6. Kabayan
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 28 days ago

      Lundstram Triple C

    7. Flair
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 28 days ago

      Ben Crellin nailed it, no surprises there.

      1. Van der Faart
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 28 days ago

        Hes amazing at what he does to be honest. Gets horrendous abuse on here as well, totally unfair too.

        1. SADIO SANÉ
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 28 days ago

          Hi Ben, cheers for the info mate!

        2. Gomolon
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 28 days ago

          Some folks were so rude, he does a sterling job

      2. Baby Bowen
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 28 days ago

        PL thought they had trolled us all, little did they know about the legend that is Benjamin Crellin

      3. seanie3
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 28 days ago

        Yep and too many cretins on here earlier making horrid remarks about him.. hang your heads in shame nimwits

    8. LewanGOALski
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 28 days ago

      Kane - DCL - Watkins front-line on DGW26 WC team?

      1. Baby Bowen
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 28 days ago

        Ings over DCL for me

      2. Indpush
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 28 days ago

        I'll have that front line but without WC.

        1. Baron Penguin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 28 days ago

          Me too. Kane TC if his ankles don’t fail against West Ham.

          1. Indpush
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 28 days ago

            BB for me with 15 players in doubles. TC, FH, WC in tact. Kane C "if ankles don't fall against WH" 🙂

    9. OLLY G
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 28 days ago

      I was a bit off the pace there. Did the make the announcement just after the deadline passed?

      1. Gomolon
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 28 days ago

        Yes - one minute after...

      2. Sun Jihai
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 28 days ago

        Yep!

    10. Muscout
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 28 days ago

      Can’t believe the official PL actually did that lol

      1. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 28 days ago

        Brilliant

    11. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 28 days ago

      So its all about BB 3 x leeds in 26 vs having them in 29

      1. Hazz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 28 days ago

        Some will TC in 26.

        1. Christina.
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 28 days ago

          true

        2. Utopsis
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 28 days ago

          I will as I didn't WC so will need to BB later

      2. Lazaretti
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 28 days ago

        Or dropping some of them and using FH on GW29

    12. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 28 days ago

      Would be funny to find a Premier League workers league! Lots of insider transfers I bet

    13. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 28 days ago

      As do nothing can pay back most immediately... but not overtime ...

      I'm sure many so called casuals will be logging on this evening to discover Wolves v Leeds tonight, or game updating right now!

      Who gets the last laugh on Tuesday night?

      1. Sun Jihai
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 28 days ago

        When casual capped Bruno scores a hattrick vs. Newcastle and Bamford blanks twice

    14. JohnnyRev7
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 28 days ago

      Can someone give me a source to the Grealish problem?

      Danke.

      1. Gomolon
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 28 days ago

        He's not been playing as well as earlier in the season, and teams are putting two men on him so he's getting less chances

    15. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 28 days ago

      can't believe the fuss made over Dallas, going to be good when he scores 1 for the DGW

      1. Nanoelektronicar
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 28 days ago

        Simple sideways pass before Raphinha goes on a solo run and scores and he gets the assist. I've already profited form that.

    16. OverTinker
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 28 days ago

      Played WC in 18 and BB in 19. Should I press FH tonight and start preparing for 26??

      1. Christina.
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 28 days ago

        ok
        lol

        1. OverTinker
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 28 days ago

          ??

    17. House Frey Wedding Planner
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 28 days ago

      Oh thats just cruel by the PL!

      Pushed the button at 18:17

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 28 days ago

        Clearly the Premier League prioritze FPL and only then the TV schedules. We're all that!

    18. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 28 days ago

      will the new fixtures be in when the game updates do you think ?

      1. Sun Jihai
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 28 days ago

        Yep

      2. Hazz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 28 days ago

        Maybe. The Draft part of the website doesn't have it yet.

    19. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 28 days ago

      So Spurs double v Burnley

      1. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 28 days ago

        Pardon me.

        Fulham after all

        1. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 28 days ago

          It's the only double with a clear TC prospect. Hopefully when half the nation puts it on Kane and he blanks, I'll sweep home!

    20. fedolefan
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 28 days ago

      Are wolves playing newcastle or villa in the double?

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 28 days ago

        Newcastle - in the link above

      2. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 28 days ago

        Newcastle and Man City but this was known.

    21. Plagued by indecision
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 28 days ago

      This is my DGW26 team as it stands (if I do the planned Antonio > Kane for free).

      Martinez* (Pope*)
      Cancelo* / Stones* / Shaw* (Bednarek / Dallas)
      Salah* / Bruno* / Gundogan* / Raphinha (Saka)
      DCL* / Kane*

      A) Take an extra -4 to get rid of Saka and bring in Leicester player? Use TC on Kane or BB on Bamford, Dallas, Raphinha
      B) FH is an option

      1. OverTinker
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 28 days ago

        I am considering FH. Will keep leeds players and Ings

    22. WE GO FOR IT
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 28 days ago

      Triple City on bench!

      1. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 28 days ago

        Wow!

        1. WE GO FOR IT
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 28 days ago

          Had Cancelo, Gundo and Dias. I expect Arsenal to score and Cancelo and Gundo to be on the bench.

      2. Drexl Spivey
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 28 days ago

        Dafuq?

        1. WE GO FOR IT
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 28 days ago

          I went mad at the deadline. Played Taylor over Dias.

    23. SMOOTH
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 28 days ago

      Was all set to pull the wc trigger as soon as the game updates but having second thoughts

      For 26 I already have 9 dgw

      Martinez
      Cancelo Dias tark
      Salah fernandes gundo son
      Dcl

      Plan to do ings to Watkins that gives me 10 plus bamford.

      Any advantages to wild card instead. Am I missing any good picks? Kane is the obvious one but the rearranged fixture being Fulham rather than saints makes it a bit less appealing.

      My team is pretty template so are there others with similar thoughts?

      I have all chips left

      1. Dichio24
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 28 days ago

        Save your wildcard

      2. mrelpea
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 28 days ago

        Def save it for GW30, I’m doing that. Will take a couple of hits for GW26, TC Kane that week (provided he comes through West Ham match unscathed).Then WC for GW30 (as will be able to 8-9 players for BGW with FT’s between and BB on the best looking week between 31-38

    24. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 28 days ago

      Man City rotation is going to be a nightmare through all these doubles!

      1. Nanoelektronicar
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 28 days ago

        Single gameweekers.

        1. Sun Jihai
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 28 days ago

          Yeah, at least you have your player basically nailed to play at least one game for the best team in the league with two if you are lucky 🙂

    25. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 28 days ago

      Can just about afford Grealish,Bamford >> Mane,Vardy.