Scout Picks

FPL Gameweek 12 Scout Picks: Three double-ups as Ronaldo is preferred to Kane

After Sam, Az, Neale and Tom submitted their Scout Squad selections earlier this week, we have chosen our best Fantasy Premier League (FPL) players for Gameweek 12 ahead of Saturday’s 11:00 GMT deadline.

We line up in a 4-4-2 formation and, as ever, are limited to an £83.0m budget for our starting XI.

GOALKEEPER

Gallagher the most-bought FPL player of Gameweek 12 after latest haul 1

Vicente Guaita (£4.6m) is our chosen goalkeeper for Gameweek 12, having now kept back-to-back clean sheets against champions Manchester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers. Crystal Palace’s impressive underlying defensive numbers during the opening months have been well documented, with Patrick Vieira’s side ranked second for expected goals conceded (xGC) despite a tough opening schedule which has seen them visit all of the current top five. Their new possession-based approach, which you can read more about here, boosts the bonus points (BPS) potential of their backline, while Guaita will also surely benefit from BPS-increasing ‘recoveries’ this weekend as he is forced to deal with Burnley’s aerial bombardment.

DEFENDERS

The FPL players who are most underperforming their xG ahead of Gameweek 12 10

Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.7m) sits second in the defender standings after his fourth double-digit haul of the campaign in Gameweek 11. The England international has now produced a goal, four assists and 12 bonus points in nine appearances, along with five clean sheets, and as a result, is averaging an impressive 7.1 points per match. Notably, his 4.91 expected goal involvement (xGI) total is only bettered by nine other players across all positional categories, which suggests there is plenty more to come from the right-back ahead of this weekend’s Anfield encounter against Arsenal.

A home tie against Everton means that Man City have an appealing match-up at both ends of the pitch. That could be good news for Joao Cancelo (£6.5m), who has started every single Premier League fixture this season, and remarkably leads the way amongst all teammates for goal attempts. Added to that, he is also seeing more of the ball in the final third than any other player, including the likes of Jack Grealish (7.7m) and Bernardo Silva (£7.1m), while his 37.6 minutes per chance total can’t be beaten by any other defender.

While there is much hope in the FPL world that Tottenham Hotspur’s attacking assets can thrive under Antonio Conte, the Italian’s three-at-the-back formation also raises expectations for the wing-backs. Sergio Reguilon (£5.0m) got forward plenty against Everton last time out, and probably should have scored from a Harry Kane (£12.2m) cross, while it’s also worth noting that the Spaniard’s 12 successful crosses from open-play this season is a figure no other player can match. Following those comments about “more goals and assists”, Reguilon looks like an excellent defensive option for Gameweek 12.

Having been seemingly handed a clean bill of health by Ralph Hasenhuttl on Thursday, following his withdrawal from the England under-21 squad last week, Tino Livramento (£4.6m) returns to the Scout Picks XI ahead of this weekend’s trip to Norwich City. The Canaries have failed to find the back of the net in seven of their 11 Premier League matches this term, scoring just five goals in the process, which has included two Teemu Pukki (£5.8m) penalties. As for Livramento, the young full-back has now provided either a goal, assist or clean sheet in seven of his last eight appearances, and could be set to add to that in Gameweek 12, given that Norwich’s left-back area has been a problem all season.

MIDFIELDERS

Who are the best FPL captain options for Gameweek 10?

Despite failing to make it onto the scoresheet in either of Liverpool’s last two Premier League outings, Mohamed Salah (£13.0m) has continued to tick along, with assists against Brighton and Hove Albion and West Ham. As a result, he has now produced 10 goals, eight assists and 16 bonus points across the opening 11 Gameweeks, averaging an unbelievable 10.6 FPL points per match. Jurgen Klopp’s side saw their unbeaten run come to an end prior to the international break, but their attack remains the one to back, and while Arsenal’s defence has improved, they have benefited from an easier schedule. Kieran Tierney (£4.8m) or Nuno Tavares (£4.8m) could also leave space in behind for Salah to exploit, due to the nature of their set-up which often sees the left-sided full-back push on in possession.

Son Heung-min (£10.3m) has already produced three double-digit hauls in five home appearances this season, despite Spurs’ lack of goal threat under Nuno Espirito Santo. Now, with Antonio Conte installed as head coach, the South Korean international is expected to kick on, with Leeds United up next in Gameweek 12. Marcelo Bielsa’s side have tightened up since their 3-0 loss against Liverpool back in September, but have benefitted from a kinder schedule which has seen them face only two top-half sides in their last seven. During that run, they have only conceded seven goals, but have managed just the one clean sheet.

Conor Gallagher (£5.9m) – who is top for transfers in ahead of Gameweek 12 – has been Palace’s best player so far this season, contributing four goals and four assists in his 10 starts. Thriving in his box-to-box role, he is the Eagles’ leading shot-taker and chance creator, and ranks in the top 10 midfielders for shots in the box, efforts on target, big chances, expected goals (xG) and xGI. He should get chances to add to those totals, too, given that Burnley have managed just one clean sheet all season and rank 19th for non-penalty expected goals conceded (non-pen xGC).

Bryan Mbeumo (£5.6m) has been a little unlucky not to get on the scoresheet more often this season, having hit the woodwork a massive six times, while also having a goal ruled out by VAR in Gameweek 12. However, his underlying numbers remain encouraging, as he ranks sixth amongst all midfielders for xG. With Eddie Howe’s Newcastle set to adopt a more attacking approach, there could be space in behind for Mbeumo to exploit, who has already bagged two goals in four away trips this season.

In truth, it was the doubt over Phil Foden’s (£8.3m) game-time that saw the ‘out of position’ midfielder and Son finally make the cut – something that also put paid to the inclusion of Reece James (£5.9m) as we upgraded the Manchester City man to the Korean.

FORWARDS

Kane and Wilson enter FPL differential conversation ahead of Gameweek 9 3

There was a split in the camp in regards to the premium forward spot this week, with Sam and Tom backing Harry Kane as their top pick, whilst Az and Neale opted for a certain Cristiano Ronaldo (£12.4m). However, the latter comes through here having been selected in all four Scout Squad entries. In all honesty, it does feel like a 50/50 call between the two, though the Portuguese does arguably have the better match-up, at least on paper. Watford are yet to keep a single clean sheet since their return to the Premier League, with Claudio Ranieri failing to enjoy much of a ‘new manager bounce’, winning just one of his four Premier League matches in charge. Across that period, they have conceded nine goals, while only Mohamed Salah has produced more goal attempts and shots in the box than Ronaldo since his second United debut back in Gameweek 4.

Joining Ronaldo up front is Callum Wilson (£7.4m), who has scored 16 goals and assisted a further six in his 33 run-outs since signing for Newcastle. Now, reunited with his old manager Eddie Howe, who may instill a more attacking approach, he looks like a solid option for this weekend’s St James’ Park fixture against Brentford. Thomas Frank’s side have struggled in recent matches, losing four on the bounce, which has included 3-1 and 2-1 defeats against Burnley and Norwich respectively. Despite weaker opposition, they conceded six big chances across those two games – no team allowed more across the same period – which bodes well for Newcastle’s attackers on Saturday.

THE CAPTAIN

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

Our panel voted as follows:

  • Az: Ronaldo, Salah, Son
  • Sam: Salah, Ronaldo, Son
  • Neale: Ronaldo, Salah, Cancelo
  • Tom: Salah, Ronaldo, Son

It’s a dead-heat so we’ve gone with the RMT pick, Mohamed Salah, for the Gameweek 12 captaincy. Cristiano Ronaldo is selected as vice-captain.

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 team by the largest margin will win a £100 Amazon Voucher and a place in our Moderators and Contributors League for the following season.

Holmes, who triumphed 59-34 in Gameweek 7, has set the target to beat.

Our champion this week is Miguel Sanchez, who has gone with a 3-5-2 of McCarthy; Cancelo, Chilwell, Reguilon; Son, Foden, Havertz, Zaha, Bowen; Ronaldo (c), Wilson

The Scout Picks are 8-3 up on the community this season.

822 Comments Post a Comment
  1. 420king
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Ramsale Foster
    TAA Cancelo James (Livramento Duffy)
    Salah Son Foden Raphinha (Brownhill)
    Antonio Toney Armstrong

    How does this plan for the future look?

    This GW: Duffy -> Johnson to free up funds
    GW13: Armstrong -> Hwang
    GW14: Toney -> Wilson
    GW15: Hwang -> Armstrong/Broja
    GW16: Wilson -> Ings & Raphinha -> Bowen

    1. EL_FENOMENO
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Needs Ronaldo

      1. 420king
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Yeah, that's the downside. But no easy way to get him the way my team is built 🙁

        1. Ze_Austin
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Son can go in GW16

      2. Going Home
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Not sure if serious. Arguably the second worst value pick behind Kane (who, to be fair, I have)

  2. hjc13
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    What are the mount owners doing ?

    Sell for Gallagher or jota ?

    1. Going Home
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I sold for jota last GW. Sold Kai for Gallagher this week

    2. Boomshanka
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Already got Gallagher but seriously tempted by the Jota switch. Trying to be disciplined and give Mount another week but don’t have much confident in him anymore. Will probably do it.

  3. Danstoke82
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Which one?

    A) Rudiger (own James also)
    B) Reguillon

    Thanks in advance

    1. Redranger
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I’d go B personally

      1. Danstoke82
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks

  4. Oldie99
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Exact money for this (-4), team pretty template otherwise. Like it?

    Azpi Raph Jimi out
    Mitchell Bernardo Kane in

    1. Dthinger
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      no, i dont like it

  5. Salarrivederci
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Save FT? 1 FT and 0ITB

    Schmeichel
    TAA - James - Rüdiger - Livramento
    Salah - Havertz - Foden* - Zaha
    (C)R7 - Toney

    (Ward, Semedo, Sissoko, Davis)

  6. Junks
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Bench Saka or Toney?

    1. 420king
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Saka

  7. Saintjack01
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Who should I bring in for Sanchez and azpi

    Thinking lloris and not sure on defender

    Have 5.7 in the bank

    1. Dthinger
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I would say reguilon, but not sure about double spurs defense

  8. Mesh
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Steele
    TAA Cancelo Rudiger Livramento
    Salah Jota Raphinha
    Vardy Antonio Jiminez

    Sanchez ESR Sissoko 4.0

    2FT's

    A. Vardy & Raphinha to Kane & Gallagher

    B. Vardy & Raphinha to Wilson & Son

    1. mr messi
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Not sure I would sell Raph

      1. Mesh
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        0.5 from doing Vardy to Kane.
        Any other downgrade you would make?

        1. mr messi
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Maybe Jiminez to Hwang. I would prefer Wilson but doesn't leave you enough money

        2. Ze_Austin
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Let Kane go

          Sanchez to Guaita and roll FT

          1. Ze_Austin
            • 5 Years
            2 years, 4 months ago

            Heck, Rudiger to James too

            Maybe only James if you're convinced by Brighton defence over Palace for some reason

  9. Norco
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Best -4 moving forward

    Dias + Kovacic OUT for:

    1. Johnson + Jota
    2. Reg + Gallagher
    3. Other combo for 11.5m

  10. Mikey44
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Ramsdale
    James Chillwell Cancelo Dias
    Salah Son Foden Havertz Mbeumo
    Toney
    Subs: Foster Broja Livramento King

    I have 2 FT and 2.3 itb, any suggestions on what to do? Thanks

    1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Dias to TAA??

    2. Redranger
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Havertz to Jota maybe?

  11. EffPeeEll
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Kane the premiership>national team shape-shifter back to normal 'wants away' form this GW.

    soaking up funds though.

  12. Redranger
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    It’s definitely not worth a -4 to move Sanchez to Ramsdale/Guaita right?

    1. TMERC187
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      You answered your own question.

    2. Scots Gooner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Probably not, BUT...

      Sanchez has a low ceiling, making very little saves. If you wanted Guaita or Ramsdale for the long term, a week where Sanchez won't even play, would be as good a week as any to move him on. Even for the hit, you could makebit back in savevpoints over several weeks.

  13. Lingard’s Shin Guards
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    james or chilwell?

    1. TMERC187
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Up to you! Who do you like more?

      1. Lingard’s Shin Guards
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Its really a question of who is more nailed. James has the better stats

    2. Mcster
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Chilwell for me. James for others. Both an option.

      1. Lingard’s Shin Guards
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        thoughts on who the more nailed one is?

    3. Grande Tubarão
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I think Chilwell’s the more nailed. I see James sitting out some of the tougher fixtures for Azpi.

  14. Mesh
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Who should you rather have?
    A. Kane & Gallagher
    B. Wilson & Son

    1. ZakyJ
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I prefer A

    2. TMERC187
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      A

    3. mr messi
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I was all set on B. Now I'm considering A

    4. AD2110
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      B

  15. ZakyJ
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Is Josh King nailed?

    1. TMERC187
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Not sure it really matters does it?

      1. ZakyJ
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        For my second sub?

    2. Mcster
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Probably. But he's still an avoid for the next 4 weeks.

      1. ZakyJ
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Guaita Foster
        TAA James Cancelo Livra Regulon
        Salah Foden Raph Gallagher Jota
        Kane Davis xxxx

        Have 5.6m and presume he's the best option

  16. Fergiesarmy
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    What's the feedback on my wildcard?

    Guita steele
    Chilwell James TAA White Cancelo
    Norman Jota Salah Gallagher ESR
    Lane Antonio Davis

    Was never a fan of overloading on defence but seems to be were the points are at

  17. Garfield1001
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Who would you prioritise - Kane or Trent?

    Thanks

    1. ZakyJ
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Trent

    2. Gandalf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Trent

    3. Mesh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Tough. Probably Kane this week.

    4. Mcster
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I'm more of the pain limitation leaning rather than joy maximisation... so TAA!

  18. Herman Toothrot
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Auba to Wilson worth a hit?

    Other strikers are Hwang and Ronaldo. No funds for Kane.

    1. TMERC187
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Yes just so you can say you don’t have Auba anymore

  19. Tronity
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    With 2FTs and £1.3m ITB, any suggestions on my move for this week?

    Other than my front line, I'm very happy. Do I just roll the transfer?

    Ramsdale
    James, Alexander-Arnold, Cancelo
    ESR, Raphinha, Salah, Foden
    Vardy, Antonio, Jiménez

    Foster, Livramento, Allan, Duffy

  20. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Who first bench If Foden is a no show….. Livramento or ESR????

    1. Herman Toothrot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Liv

    2. TMERC187
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      ESR on bench? Isn’t he

      1. Mr. O'Connell
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Arsenal's bench?

  21. Camzy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Odsonne Edouard

    6.5m - cheaper than Toney. He's nailed - started the last 6 games in a row. He plays for a strong Palace team with good fixtures. There's very little downside to him. Worst case, he's just current form Toney getting 2 points.

    Best case, you get an explosive differential from an emerging team.

    Let's look at Edouard's goalscoring record for Celtic...

    2018–19 Scottish Premiership App 32 G15
    2019–20 Scottish Premiership App 27 G22
    2020–21 Scottish Premiership App 31 G18

    Those are pretty strong figures albeit in the SPL. So far, he has 3 goals in 8 appearances for Palace. Not bad. If you're looking for a budget forward I think you'd struggle to find much better if you can't go up to Wilson. I prefer him over Toney although would hold off on making that switch this week while Toney has new.

    LTFPL Andy for instance wants to fund Son for 6.6m from Vardy, and this is a perfect opportunity to take a calculated risk on Edouard.

    1. Crunchie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Could be shrewd.

      With Eze back (in a couple of weeks, he won't play yet), and Zaha, could play up front, or wide, Eze is a no.8 and won't play as a no.10, so will come out from the left/right, just like Zaha can. I am also looking at Olise. Zaha called him sick the other week, never seen a player like him 🙂 But I feel Edouard is a better pick than Benteke, and won't be playing wide much longer

  22. Kay317
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    First sub to cover Foden:
    A) Liv
    B) Hwang

    1. TMERC187
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Liv

  23. _Gunner
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Pukki or Hwang ?

    1. adr3nalin
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Hwang

  24. boroie
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Is putting DDG in my team madness?

    I know United have been poor defensively recently but…

    £5m, guaranteed starter at a top 4 club and a great run of fixtures coming up

    1. adr3nalin
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      United poor defensively, better cheaper options elsewhere

    2. Brazooka
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Thinking abt… I'll just prefer to keep Shaw on bench.

  25. boroie
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Bench 1:

    A - Livramento
    B - Mbuemo
    C - Toney

    1. adr3nalin
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      One of the Brentford players so you have coverage on both games

  26. FDMS All Starz
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    What would you do here? A couple of concerns

    (2FTs & 0.0itb)

    Foster
    TAA - Chilwell - Cancelo - Livra
    Salah - Mane - Mount - Foden
    Antonio - Toney

    (Sanchez - ESR - Manqillo - Davis)

    1. adr3nalin
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Mane Mount to Son plus Jota

  27. adr3nalin
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Play three of:
    A. Raph (tot)
    B. Antonio (wol)
    C. Jimenez (WHA)
    D. Livra (nor)
    E. Mbeumo (new)

    Currently on B,D,E

    1. adr3nalin
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Help

    2. Konstaapeli
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      ABC

  28. boroie
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    How do I get Kane in here?

    (2FTs & 1.2itb)

    Mendy
    TAA - James - Cancelo - Livra
    Salah - Havertz - Foden
    Jesus - Antonio - Toney

    (Foster - Mbuemo - Duffy - Brownhill)

    1. Mcster
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I'd go Jesus up to Kane and Havertz down to Gallagher / ESR but probably other options

    2. adr3nalin
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Havertz and Jesus sacrifice

    3. BERGKOP
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      You'll have to make sacrifices which I'm unsure are worth it.

      Foden/Havertz -> Gallagher and Jesus/Antonio -> Kane

  29. tim
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    GTG?

    Ramsdale
    Dias Cancelo Taa Chillwell
    Son Salah(C) Foden
    Wilson Toney A.Armstrong

    Foster Mbeumo Livra Brownhill

  30. FPLBRAH
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Help appreciated. Who would you bench, Reguilon, ESR or Mbeumo?

    Team is:
    Foster
    TAA James Cancelo Reguilon*
    Salah Son Raph ESR* Mbeumo*
    Antonio Vardy

    Bench: Sanchez Scarlett Tsimikas

    Cheers!

    1. Danstoke82
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      ESR