Scout Picks
17 March 2023 729 comments
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We have chosen our best Fantasy Premier League (FPL) players for Gameweek 28.

The earlier deadline – Friday at 18:30 GMT – means we’ve brought forward the Scout Picks, so there is the caveat that an injury or two could emerge from the remaining press conferences still to come.

This upcoming round will see six teams blank due to clashes with the FA Cup quarter-finals. Those sides without a fixture are Brighton and Hove Albion, Fulham, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and West Ham United.

As ever, we are limited to £83.0m for our first XI. And, after a reader vote ahead of 2022/23, an overall price cap of £100.0m is in place for our 15-man squad, too.

GOALKEEPER

FPL review: Kepa hauls again but James misses out on clean sheet 2

Kepa Arrizabalaga (£4.7m) has conceded just 13 goals in his 17 Premier League starts under Graham Potter, registering eight clean sheets along the way. Bonus points have been flowing, too, with 10 arriving in the last 12 matches.

Since returning to a 3-4-3 formation, there has been a mini-revival at Chelsea, with consecutive wins recorded against Leicester City, Borussia Dortmund and Leeds United. A match against Everton is far from straightforward, it has to be said, but the Toffees are without a win on the road under Sean Dyche.

DEFENDERS

FPL Double Gameweek 27 differentials: Mbeumo, Chilwell + Elliott 2

Kieran Trippier (£6.1m) averages more points per match (6.1) than any other midfielder or forward in FPL bar Erling Haaland (£12.1m) and Harry Kane (11.7m). With seven attacking returns and 14 clean sheets to his name in 25 appearances this season, Trippier is also second among outfield players for chances created. The last team to stop Nottingham Forest from scoring at The City Ground was Tottenham Hotspur all the way back in Gameweek 4, but the hosts could be without influential forward Brennan Johnson (£5.7m) for this one.

Such is our confidence in Chelsea’s backline, who have four clean sheets in their last six matches at Stamford Bridge, we’ve doubled up on the Blues’ rearguard. Ben Chilwell (£5.9m) has delivered an attacking return in each of his last three matches in all competitions and, subsequently, is the most-bought player of Gameweek 28. His role at set plays was key last time out, with all three of the chances he created and indeed his volleyed opener stemming from corner-kick situations.

On paper, Arsenal look the favourites to shut out the opposition in Gameweek 28: across the season, only Newcastle United have allowed fewer goals. The north London club will be coming up against a Crystal Palace side who have failed to score in eight of their 13 post-World Cup fixtures, finding the back of the net on fewer occasions than any other team. Gabriel Magalhaes (£5.2m) is our selection, with his goal at Craven Cottage on Sunday taking his tally to three for the season. In that time, he’s recorded 23 goal attempts, 17 shots in the box and four big chances, all excellent totals among defenders.

MIDFIELDERS

 

 1



The rest of this article below is completely free to read but requires a Fantasy Football Scout user account for access – you can get yours at no cost here

 1

COMMUNITY CHAMPION

Each week, a member of the Fantasy Football Scout community takes on the Scout Picks.

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.

Boleyn Boy’s 81-54 victory in Gameweek 6 gave them the biggest win (27 points difference) of 2022/23 so far.

Our champion this week is bbaggins79 who has gone for the following: Kepa; Trippier, Chilwell, Gabriel, Zinchenko, Mee; Maddison, Martinelli; Kane (c), Toney, Watkins

The Scout Picks are tied 13-13 with the community this season.

FOLLOW THE SCOUT’S WEEKLY TRANSFER PLANS

Premier Fantasy Tools to join the Scout Network in 2021/22 2

We’re running a Scout community team in FPL this season, with regulars like TopMarx, Geoff, Tom Freeman and more contributing to the weekly decisions.

And we’re not just looking one week ahead like we are with the Scout Picks but instead planning in advance for the weeks and months to come.

You can follow our team via the Premier Fantasy Tools Pro Planner, which you can learn more about here.



729 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Emm7980
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 13 days ago

    All chips left and WC. Plan is to WC this week, load up with DGW players and BB next ? Below is the current WC.

    Kepa
    Senesi Chilwell Pinnock Trippier
    Saka Ode Almiron
    Kane Toney Kai

    GW29 is possibly Saka/Ode >Maddison to give me 14DGWers.

    Or should I bring in Maddison for one of the Brighton lads this week and play him?

    Thanks
    Ward/Shaw/Mitoma/March

    1. Emm7980
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 13 days ago

      Subs bench fail

      1. footballcandy
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 13 days ago

        Replace Ward with any other DGW29 who is 100 % nailed. Ward a doubt for 28...

        1. Emm7980
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 13 days ago

          Ah nice one, wasn't aware.

  2. Ninjaa
    • 15 Years
    3 years, 13 days ago

    4 players going this week. 1ft. 3rd in ML Gotta play the free hit ain't I ?? Thoughts?

    1. GreatCarragherReef
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 13 days ago

      4 players playing? FT or wildcard if you have it

  3. Boss Hogg
    • 16 Years
    3 years, 13 days ago

    On a FH

    Which 3 (or 2?) Arsenal would you go for?

    1. Ninjaa
      • 15 Years
      3 years, 13 days ago

      Trossard and Gabriel

    2. _Gunner
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 13 days ago

      Saka, Odegaard and Gabriel/Zinchenko

      1. BECKS TO THE FUTURE
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 13 days ago

        Agreed, with Gabriel.

    3. popey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 13 days ago

      Saka, Ode + unsure on defender, might have zinch first sub and start James (FH)

  4. abaalan
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 13 days ago

    Why is havertz seem to be go to Chelsea forward and not João Felix anymore?
    Not convinced on Watkins

    1. TheTinman
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 13 days ago

      Havertz on pens now

      1. BECKS TO THE FUTURE
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 13 days ago

        And also seemingly much more involved creatively. His heat map for the last few weeks is a veritable Rorschach of potential.

    2. The Mentaculus
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 13 days ago

      Pens, form, Felix HT subbing

  5. My heart goes Salalalalah
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 13 days ago

    Only difference between Scout's and my team is I have Saka to their Trossard. Red arrows incoming!

  6. GreatCarragherReef
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 13 days ago

    Thinking about doing Estupinan to someone for a -4
    Currently with 10, BB gw 29

    Worth it to Cash or Koulibaly?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 13 days ago

      No

    2. The Mentaculus
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 13 days ago

      Keep

    3. BECKS TO THE FUTURE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 13 days ago

      Definitely keep.

    4. Vovhund
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 13 days ago

      Considering the same with Chilwell my main target

  7. _Gunner
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 13 days ago

    So on WC,

    A- White
    B- Zinchenko
    C- Gabriel

    Currently on B

    1. GreatCarragherReef
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 13 days ago

      B or C. Prefer C, looks confident from set pieces

      1. BECKS TO THE FUTURE
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 13 days ago

        This. Nailed.

    2. internal error
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 13 days ago

      im not sure zinchenko starts this weekend after playing 120min and seemingly getting cramp at the end

    3. Boberella
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 13 days ago

      B

    4. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 13 days ago

      B or C regardless of the mins played last night

  8. Boss Hogg
    • 16 Years
    3 years, 13 days ago

    On a FH.
    Got Chilwell and Kepa.
    Would you treble up with James as well? Or Havertz? Or neither.

    1. Fit_to_drop
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 13 days ago

      I’d go hav ahead of reece

      1. Boss Hogg
        • 16 Years
        3 years, 13 days ago

        Thanks.
        Would you go without Watkins or Toney? Kane is nailed on of course.

      2. BECKS TO THE FUTURE
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 13 days ago

        Triple up worth it. Who’re your other forwards?

        1. Boss Hogg
          • 16 Years
          3 years, 13 days ago

          See above - currently Kane, Watkins, Toney.

          1. BECKS TO THE FUTURE
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 13 days ago

            Hmm maybe defensive triple up seems a lot haha especially in a non-DGW…

            I’ve really no idea who you’d replace from that front three. Toney?

  9. The Polymath
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 13 days ago

    3 Brighton Mids too much for a next week BB?

    1. TheTinman
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 13 days ago

      Of course not

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 13 days ago

      Nope

    3. Fit_to_drop
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 13 days ago

      No way.

    4. BECKS TO THE FUTURE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 13 days ago

      Could be glorious.

  10. YoungPretender
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 13 days ago

    If chasing would you do Haaland > Havertz for the next 2 GW?

    1. Fit_to_drop
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 13 days ago

      I’m not and I’m chasing. Too much transfers tied up.

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 13 days ago

      Good pick for the next 2 GWs regardless if you are chasing

    3. footballcandy
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 13 days ago

      I'm close to doing it

    4. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 13 days ago

      V. tempted

  11. DBW - Slug's Mortgage …
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 13 days ago

    Captains for the next two GW? I'll start

    28 - Toney

    29 - Rashford

    1. The Mentaculus
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 13 days ago

      28 Chilwell
      29 Still unsure - Mitoma/Maddison/Chilwell maybe

    2. BECKS TO THE FUTURE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 13 days ago

      Chilwel
      Don’t know yet

    3. Boss Hogg
      • 16 Years
      3 years, 13 days ago

      Kane
      Madison

  12. ididnt
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 13 days ago

    On a WC is a trio of Maddison, Son and Trossard (with Odegaard) just too punty?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 13 days ago

      Keep an eye on Son update

  13. WrightnBright
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 13 days ago

    Zinchenko at risk of a rest Sunday after playing 120 mins?
    May do my Chilwell transfer a week early

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 13 days ago

      Tierney down the pecking order and Arteta doesn't like him playing the inverted FB role.

  14. ididnt
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 13 days ago

    Havertz instead of either Toney or Watkins?

    1. BECKS TO THE FUTURE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 13 days ago

      I brought in W this week. Probably doing T —> H next week. But then I am massively chasing and that YC ban is v loomy.

  15. Ruinenlust
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 13 days ago

    Currently only have 8 players + Saliba

    A) Play Saliba

    B) Saliba -> Chilwell (-4)?

    1. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 13 days ago

      Who else isn't playing?

    2. Nas
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 13 days ago

      In the same boat, not sure which was to go. Unfortunately we won’t know until Sunday

  16. The Philosopher
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 13 days ago

    Which pair scores more in in 28+29? (Koulibaly/Castagne will be brought in this week, the latter next GW)

    A: Koulibaly + Zouma
    B: Castagne + Shaw

    *Have Chillwell

    1. Fit_to_drop
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 13 days ago

      I’d go A on this

    2. Fit_to_drop
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 13 days ago

      Fofana and Shaw better still?

      1. The Philosopher
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 13 days ago

        How nailed is Fofana though?

        1. Fit_to_drop
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 13 days ago

          I think he plays. Guys been injured forever and needs games.

  17. Fit_to_drop
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 13 days ago

    RMT WC28 BB29

    Wasn’t aiming for triple NEW but want Pope as 2nd keeper for BB (and maybe beyond) and can’t see any better picks than New defenders. Ars defenders may get rests after last nights exertion.

    Kepa / Pope
    Chilwell Trippier Bot Cash Estu
    Maddison Martinelli Saka Rashy Mitoma
    Kane Haaland Watkins

    1. Fit_to_drop
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 13 days ago

      Any feedback here guys? Deadline looming.

    2. KDB United
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 13 days ago

      I’m going Steele instead of Pope, Gabriel instead of Estu, pinnock instead of Cash and Toney over Haaland. (Watkins or toney to Haaland for GW 30)

      The same as you for the rest. I just hate triple ups as one gammy goal can ruin it. Prefer to cover brentford a little as many people have 2 from earlier wildcard

  18. Hits Central
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 13 days ago

    Appreciate any thoughts/changes on this W/C. BB planned in 29

    Kepa
    Tripps - Gabriel - Cash - Botman - Chilly
    Madison - Saka
    Kane - Watkins - Toney

    Steel - Mitoma - Mcallister - Rashford

    1. enrico.palazzo
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 13 days ago

      I’m wondering why more don’t have steele

      1. Fit_to_drop
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 13 days ago

        Blocks a 3rd bri mid and blocks estu

  19. JELLYFISH
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 13 days ago

    I've had Maddison in my wc team all week but have never been convinced, so I am leaning towards swapping him out for Son as a 1 week punt, then swapping him for MacAlister GW29. Looks better on paper I think, whereas swapping Maddison out on a dgw just seems wrong.

    1. BECKS TO THE FUTURE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 13 days ago

      I had him on WC26. Moved him out 27. I’d keep him, though. He’s so close to hauling haha. There’s some uncertainty swirling around Son’s fitness, too.

      1. JELLYFISH
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 13 days ago

        Not too concerned by his no show but granted he's a risk. I just think as a one week punt there is so much more upside with him away at Soton, than Maddison away at Brentford (and I think MacAlister is a better dgw pick too).

        1. BECKS TO THE FUTURE
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 13 days ago

          Sounds like you’ve thought it through.

    2. Fit_to_drop
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 13 days ago

      I have him on WC too bead thinking of going to Almiron as it unlocks close to 3m in value which gives great flexibility with 1 transfer going into 29. Mulling it over.

  20. Rex Lapis
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 13 days ago

    Estu > Chilwell
    or
    March > Maddison?

    1. BECKS TO THE FUTURE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 13 days ago

      Neither, really. I have and would want both for next week.

      Maybe March out of those two?

  21. The Polymath
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 13 days ago

    Who to replace with Maddison?

    1) Saka
    2) Odegaard
    3) Neither - Forget him.

    1. Fit_to_drop
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 13 days ago

      Wait 1 week and see how all 3 perform. The anticipated Maddison haul may not arrive….

  22. Qaiss
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 13 days ago

    Fellow Ward owners, what’s the plan? See what happens tomorrow and make the switch after the break if he’s dropped?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 13 days ago

      If you don't need him to start this GW then definitely wait and assess in 29

      1. Qaiss
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 13 days ago

        Yeah I’ve got Pope tonight

    2. lilmessipran
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 13 days ago

      He is likely to be dropped this week, so if you don't have another playing keeper I would take him out

      1. Qaiss
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 13 days ago

        Thinking to sell Dunk and if Ward gets dropped, get Steele after the break

  23. MindlessFreak2
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 13 days ago

    Just read that Schar might be a doubt? On Wildcard , and that Ward might be a doubt as well.. is that true?

    Also shall I replace Estupinan with Shaw to plan longer term?

    1. The Mentaculus
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 13 days ago

      The Ward news comes from a well-known & reliable Leicester itk. Schär is much harder to tell if he's just skipping the IB but capable of playing through for Newcastle. Here's the article I found yesterday:
      https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-united-star-fabian-schar-26490117#

      1. MindlessFreak2
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 13 days ago

        Thank you for this I'm on wildcard and chasing so I'll change to Steele:

        Leaves my team as
        kepa (Steele)
        Chillwell, Tripper, Botman, Schar, estu
        Maddison, Barnes , Son, Rashford, Mac A
        Kane, Havertz , Watkins

        Who shall I replace Schar with, I'm chasing so have tried to go diff... Thanks

        1. The Mentaculus
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 13 days ago

          James/Fofana, Shaw, Aurier, maybe a WHU defender

      2. SpaceCadet
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 13 days ago

        Based on the info would you see for chilwell mate? Schar or estupian?

        1. The Mentaculus
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 13 days ago

          Would rather sell Schär than Estupinan even without the injury doubt, so this would just make it easier for me

          1. SpaceCadet
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 13 days ago

            Have 11 players currently including schar. Sell estu and hope schar plays?

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 13 days ago

      Yes to Schar, not called up to Switzerland due to foot problem. Reliable post on Leicester team news has posted Iverson is likely to start over Ward

  24. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 13 days ago

    9 players playing atm

    Kepa
    White Trippier Mee Tark
    Saka Martinelli Rash*
    Kane Toney Haaland*
    Subs Ward TAA* Mitoma* Alexis*

    Do I
    A Haaland to Watkins
    B Haaland to Havertz
    C TAA to Chilwell
    D TAA to Schar

    E For -4 A/B + C/D

    1. melvinmbabazi
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 13 days ago

      c

    2. footballcandy
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 13 days ago

      C or E with B/C

  25. arkom
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 13 days ago

    Anyone on Saka C boat?

    1. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 13 days ago

      Coin toss between him and Kane...

    2. dshv
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 13 days ago

      Between him and Kane… probably will go hary.

    3. BECKS TO THE FUTURE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 13 days ago

      Haha sea boat.

    4. SpaceCadet
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 13 days ago

      Odegaard

  26. Boss Hogg
    • 16 Years
    3 years, 13 days ago

    Which 6 Chelsea and Arsenal players would you go for a FH?

    1. footballcandy
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 13 days ago

      Kepa, Chilwell, Havertz
      Zinc, Øde, Saka

    2. lilmessipran
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 13 days ago

      Chilly Kai James (if fit)/Kepa
      Saka Ode Trossard

    3. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 13 days ago

      Kepa, Chilwell and Havertz
      Gabriel Saka Ode

      1. Tonyawesome69
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 13 days ago

        Maybe Trossard over Gabriel depending on your setup to fit 3 Arsenal mids

  27. footballcandy
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 13 days ago

    Raya
    Trips, Chilwell, Mee, White
    Saka, Øde, Maddison
    Toney, Kane, Watkins/Havertz

    Worth a -8 to start 11, or would you remove someone and save any hits?
    BB29. WC/FH left.

  28. Dead Balls
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 13 days ago

    Why do you have him anyway ? Average 2 pointer keeper only

  29. melvinmbabazi
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 13 days ago

    Is 9 enough this week?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 13 days ago

      Quality over quantity. Depends on who the 9 players are

    2. Fit_to_drop
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 13 days ago

      Yes I’n my eyes. Small red maybe.

  30. blauriecon
    • 15 Years
    3 years, 13 days ago

    On a different note.
    Since the 2001-2002 Premier League season, a newly promoted team is more likely to stay up then be relegated. In fact 3 years, all three have stayed up.

    1. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 13 days ago

      Not a massive surprise as there always seems to be about half of the PL who are capable/deserving of being relegated every season. But "yo-yo clubs" definitely seem to be a bit less of a thing now - even Fulham and Norwich seem to have stabilised for now!