Scout Squad
14 September 2023 473 comments
Skonto Rigga Skonto Rigga
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The Scout Squad is a weekly article in which our regular panelists attempt to pick out the best Fantasy Premier League (FPL) options for the upcoming Gameweek.

This is a precursor to the Scout Picks, which will arrive ahead of Saturday’s deadline.

Our in-house team of Sam, Marc, Tom and Neale have each been explaining their notable Gameweek 5 inclusions and omissions in the article below.

MORE ABOUT THE SCOUT SQUAD

Scout Squad Gameweek 3

The focus is only on the upcoming Gameweek with the Scout Squad, so there’s no medium-term planning involved.

The players who get the most votes are much more likely to make the Scout Picks, although the final XI can’t exceed £83.0m. Occasionally, therefore, cheaper alternatives have to be found.

Each of our writers must meet the following requirements for this feature:

  • At least one sub-£5.0m goalkeeper
  • At least one sub-£5.0m defender
  • At least one sub-£6.0m midfielder
  • At least one sub-£7.0m forward
  • No more than three players from the same club

SCOUT SQUAD: BEST FPL PLAYERS FOR GAMEWEEK 5

 

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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

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473 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. OptimusBlack
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Who to get for long term ?
    A- Sterling
    B- Diaby

    1. Bggz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      D

    2. kamdaraji
      • 16 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      C

    3. mdm
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      A

    4. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      None of those

  2. Bggz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    on a WC

    a. watkins and al-dakhil (4m burnley def)
    b. morris (5.5 luton fwd) and chilwell

    1. I Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      B

  3. kamdaraji
    • 16 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    When is everyone thinking of activating the waste card?

    1. KingZamalek
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Wait there's people that haven't activated their WC yet?!

    2. Ryan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I’m thinking the next international break

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

      gw9 probably

      1. kamdaraji
        • 16 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        I'm with you brothers!

    4. Drop Dead Tsimikas
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Long ago.

  4. Slam
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Who would you start this GW?

    A) James(bou)
    B) Estupinan(mun)

    1. DLLM
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      is james even fit?

      1. kamdaraji
        • 16 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Probably injured again!

    2. Aussie Rules
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Haha my question was about to be start Gusto or Estupinan

      1. kamdaraji
        • 16 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        I have the same dilemma currently starting Gusto!

      2. Slam
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        lol, somehow still have James. Think you might get one more week out of Gusto tbh

    3. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 16 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Careful typing James name, if you do it too much you might injure him.
      I have Gusto - waiting until press conference. If it sounds like James is in contention I am benching him.

  5. The Pretender
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Bottomed last page.

    On WC:
    Leno, Turner
    Chilwell, Udogie, Cash, Botman, Kabore
    Salah, Son, Maddison, Saka, Mbeumo
    Haaland, Morris, Archer
    0.0 ITB

    Would ideally be looking at Son > Bruno next week. I think fitting Salah in has made it a touch challenging, I could easily turn Salah into Bruno, which would give me 4.1 to spend on upgrading Archer and Botman, though I am happy with my 2 cheaper forwards for the short term with Morris' fixtures being VERY friendly. My plan is to use my FT next week on one of Son/Maddison next week as I don't really want both with Arsenal and Liverpool the following fortnight. I like the team as it stands, but I am concerned about balance.

    1. Ryan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      The team is fine but I’m not sure how nailed on Turner and Kabore are

      1. The Pretender
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Thats my concern too. I might need to find alternates after all.

  6. rainy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Price changes 15 September

    No risers

    Fallers: Diogo Jota (7.9), Groß (6.3), Rodriguez (5.3), Dango (4.8), Dahoud (4.8), J.Shelvey (4.8), Young (4.4), Cédric (3.9)

    1. kamdaraji
      • 16 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Jackson survives again!

      1. kamdaraji
        • 16 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        3.9 enabler!

      2. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
        • 16 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        That's hilarious I was prepared for a .2 drop over the IB best case scenario. If he survives until Saturday and gets something he might not even drop at all.

        1. Hotdogs for Tea
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          He will drop when people engage with the game tonight and tomorrow morning (UK time)

      3. Piggs Boson
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Towers tend to lock players from price drops if they think they underpriced them. I doubt Botman & Baldock will get drops either.

    2. Alan The Llama
      • 16 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Not a case of Dango unchanged then.

      1. Andy_Social
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Man down in Dahoud

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

      HeeHee!

    4. Chemical76
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      What's Groß' net loss?

  7. kamdaraji
    • 16 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Cheers Rainy!

    1. rainy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      You’re welcome! 🙂

  8. Sterling Malory
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Roll FT?

    Turner
    Gabriel Chilwell Estu
    Saka Maddison Foden Bruno Mbuemo
    Jackson Haaland (c)
    Johnstone Pedro Gusto Beyer

    1. Ryan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I'd consider starting Gusto over Estupinian if its clear James isn't ready to start in the press conference. Otherwise your team is fine and you can get away with rolling the FT this week. I can't see any necessary transfers you need to make.

  9. Ruinenlust
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Why hasn’t Jackson fallen yet?

    1. Ryan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I'm guessing only those on a WC are getting rid.

    2. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 16 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I suspect many on wildcards transferred him out, and those screwed up the pricing sites.

      Personally I am more concerned with Nakamba who I got at 4.5m wondering will I get the .1 back on him in 10 weeks time? 😀
      Also Kabore will likely drop if h is benched again, and I think Onana will get mass sales after Brighton so could be set for drop.

  10. Drop Dead Tsimikas
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    What. The. Hell. Is in the Manchester water?

    Greenwood off to a country where it's apparently cool to assault women (although not the one everyone thought of initially)
    Sancho row with ETH
    Antony (although that one might be addition by subtraction)
    Mount injured basically right away
    Casemiro has finally remembered he's over 30
    Even Pogba gets caught with PEDs years after leaving. Should have paid his voodoo doctor better.

    What's next? Bruno and Rashford run into each other in training and we can all collectively feck off to the Championship?

    1. Drop Dead Tsimikas
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Oh, and McTominay is apparently a goal machine for Scotland but can't get a game in the Prem.

      1. Andy_Social
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        To be fair, he's in the predicted line-ups above. Could even reprise his Scotland role if Bruno's shoved out on the right. A United manager finally discovers McT's true calling about a decade late.

        1. Drop Dead Tsimikas
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Unreal.

    2. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 16 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      First one - optics are a funny thing. Compare John Lennon to Greenwood - Lennon was a self confessed wife beater and womaniser but he had an airport named after him

      Sancho was trouble even when with Dortmund - United did not do their due diligence

      Anthony - unfortunately it is the climate we live in an accusation is enough to tar a person these days - I don't rate him as a player anyway - one dimensional

      Casimiro - surely he will get back to some sort of level again - the constant turmoil at United has not helped him - needs a settle midifield

      Mount - unlucky I thought that was clever signing

      Pogba - was always a headcase, I get the impression he is not very bright and easily lead astray by people from the area he grew up in

      --
      Man United really need to do background checks on players - then again Ryan Giggs was once the squeaky clean family man.....

      1. Drop Dead Tsimikas
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        >>>Man United really need to do background checks on players

        Literally, to a word what my wife said after I got done with my whinge this evening.

        I'm not even all that upset with Sancho and Antony being off the matchday squad. You're 100% spot on, Antony is a one-trick pony who shouldn't have cost half what he did. Even in a world of strange purchases, his was truly a head-scratcher. Sancho never excited me that much in Dortmund. It's just everything happening at the same moment after what was supposed to have been a good season and a summer we could have built off.

        1. Drop Dead Tsimikas
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Oh, and Pogba has always been an idiot. He has an NBA equivalent in Lamar Odom. All he needs to do now is marry a Kardashian and the transformation will be complete.

          1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
            • 16 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            In fairness to Pogba he did do one thing that really amused me - he send Roy Keane into a rage.

            Nothing to do with his actual football (for a change), when Man United played Saint-Étienne in Europe. Paul's brother Florentin.

            The Pogba family has spilt jerseys in the stand, the brothers were hugging and having long conversations before and after the match.

          2. Andy_Social
            • 13 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            Can't really say Mount's mehness is unlucky when Maddison was right there, awaiting a transfer and at 20% cheaper too. They're the only top club with no dedicated, experienced sporting director to lead recruitment, causing them to persistently squander huge sums on poor signings.

            1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
              • 16 Years
              2 years, 6 months ago

              When you put it like that....I can't really argue. But Mount did look great in the CL final for Chelsea.

              1. Andy_Social
                • 13 Years
                2 years, 6 months ago

                Sure, but that's a fans-eye view, not what's necessary for a well-renumerated Chief Wotsit Officer.

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

      Most expensive squad in the world but their deluded fans would blame the glazers as if everything is not completely wrong at United

  11. Baldest of Frauds
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    2 big choices for me this week:

    Haaland or Son (c)?

    Play Darwin or Mbuemo?

    Thanks!

    1. FPLEL
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      1) Haaland. I think both players have similar ceilings, but I expect Haaland to score higher at the median.

      2) I'd be tempted to start Darwin. I think there's a big chance he won't feature, in which case Mbeumo comes in anyway. But if Darwin starts, I think he could explode.

  12. FPLEL
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Mitoma -> Diaby (for free) is a bit silly, right?

    1. No Name to Display
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Could work wonders. I fancy Diaby for his fixtures

    2. Fellaini's Fro
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Most people are eyeing him for after GW8 but I've loved owning him since the start and would not consider selling

      1. FPLEL
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        I've been eyeing gw8 for him too. Just feeling impatient haha! Diaby's just been terrifying to watch every game as a non-owner.

  13. Boomerang V
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Is J. Alvarez a good buy for the next 4 GWs? Risky?

    I have J. Pedro and no bench.

    I have 1 FT

    I can spend up to 6.7

    1. Andy_Social
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      It's a risk sure - it depends how brave you are. There are safe, nailed but duller options in Wissa, Awoniyi and Morris to name but 3.

    2. Machine_Gunnerz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I'm actually contemplating between Alvarez and Awoniyi and its basically becoz of mins. Alvarez will surely score more if given the mins.

    3. Boomerang V
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I think I will go with Alvarez, even if he blanks next gw I think in the next 4 he would probably return more.

      Cheers

    4. speardrops
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Seems like an easy decision to me.

      1. LincWhat07
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Why isn't a fit-again Jesus getting any love?

  14. balint84
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Keep or downgrade Bruno to get Foden+Ferguson?

    1. GreennRed
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Evan is still a doubt for United game.

  15. Bird24
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Bruno or Rashford??

  16. DavvaMC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Help please? 1.0M ITB and 1 FT.

    A. Martinelli > Maddison
    B. Martinelli > Mbuemo
    C. Rashford > Son
    D. Roll Transfer

    Turner

    Saliba | Chilwell | Estu

    Saka | Martinelli | Foden | Rashford | Sterling

    Jackson | Haaland

    Johnstone / Schar / Kabore / Mubama

    Thanks

    1. Fellaini's Fro
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      D

  17. balint84
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Keep Botman or not?

    1. FPLEL
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Prevailing advice is wait for Howe's presser. I'm looking at Botman in.

    2. Fellaini's Fro
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I want him in a few GWs

    3. GreennRed
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Yes.

    4. GreennRed
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Check this out before deadline on Saturday morning though:

      https://www.newsnow.co.uk/h/Sport/Football/Premier+League/Newcastle+United/Defenders/Sven+Botman?type=ln

    5. ritzyd
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I'm looking to bring him in this week!

    6. balint84
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      thanks, guys

  18. No Name to Display
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Which 4.0 Luton defender is a safe pick in WC team? Bell, Kabore or Andersen? I need a starter

    1. Fellaini's Fro
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I think you have it there in order of decreasing xmins

    2. ritzyd
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Bell safest although why you would want one I don't know.

  19. Fellaini's Fro
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    How real is the early KO curse?

    1. GreennRed
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Depends on how superstitious you are.

  20. SpaceCadet
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Cap Salah or Haaland?

    1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 16 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I think I would be tempted to go Salah as Wolves conceded three v Palace.

    2. GreennRed
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Haaland for now. Salah not hitting form just yet.

      1. ritzyd
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        He's returned in every game this season and the last 10 premier league games he's played and been unlucky not to get more.

    3. aleksios
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      H.

  21. Drop Dead Tsimikas
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Play 1:

    Mbeumo (new)
    Estu (mun)

    1. aleksios
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Mb.

    2. Onz
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Estu, he has good attacking threat and United have a few issues so the possibility the chance of a clean sheet.
      Newcastle will ( should) be tight at the back this week.

  22. lolix
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    What under 5.0 defender would you get to replace Walker?

    1. aleksios
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Andersen,Aurier, Digne.

    2. Drop Dead Tsimikas
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Udogie

    3. GreennRed
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Botman, Cash.

    4. speardrops
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Is he injured now?

    5. Die Hard
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Cash

    6. ritzyd
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Botman, Schar and Cash are the ones i'm consisering. Likely Botman if cleared fit, if not probably Cash.

    7. balint84
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Gvardiol

  23. DavvaMC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Need to downgrade a defender to free up funds for Son.

    Current tthree o n the chopping block are:

    A. Saliba
    B. Estu
    C. Schar

    And I was thinking of bringing in.

    1. Udogie
    2. Henry
    3. Cash

    What do you think?

    Thanks

    1. Shearer & Sutton
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      1

      1. Shearer & Sutton
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        A or B

    2. Onz
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      A and 1

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

      Thanks, might be Estu as his fixtures going forward are not the best.

    4. Cojones of Destiny
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      A1

  24. Bggz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Scraped this draft in with 0ITB and only one gk

    Outstanding question - who is the best (and nailed) 4.5m keeper?

    Leno
    Cash, Trippier, Udogie
    Saka, Sterling, Rashford, Maddison
    Watkins, Alvarez, Haaland

    3.9, Mbeumo, Gusto, Andersen,

  25. Cojones of Destiny
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    play:
    a. Foden vs Whu
    b. Mbeumo vs New

  26. DavvaMC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Do you think Son starts as No 9 again?

    1. Thanos
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I’m not so sure. Plus, SHU looked good last match. Don’t think they’ll give that type of space to Son. Prefer Maddison.

      1. DavvaMC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        I could do Martinelli > Maddison for free.

        My Son move involved a hit, it meant I would also have Udogie.

  27. RoelDw
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Who to bench?
    A) Eze
    B) Diaby
    C) Alvarez

    Currently on Diaby since I have Watkins

    1. Thanos
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Eze

  28. PartyTime
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Foden to a Spurs midfielder yes/no?

    1. Thanos
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Maddison

    2. ritzyd
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      No

  29. Thanos
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Any changes here?

    Leno
    Tripp Udogie Cash
    Maddy Diaby Mbeumo Sterling
    Haaland Alvarez Jackson

    Bench: Chilwell, Bowen, Henry

  30. FOO FIGHTER
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Has there been any other news re the Saka injury rumour?