Our focus is already shifting to Gameweek 2 of Fantasy EFL, and the deadline is fast approaching. With just 48 hours, we’re here to help you prepare your squad for all 72 EFL teams. Let’s dive into our Gameweek 2 Scout squad.

League One kicks off on Thursday at 20:00 BST as Port Vale host Reading. On Friday night, Birmingham City welcome Ipswich Town to St. Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park.

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THE FANTASY EFL SCOUT SQUAD

Our newly updated and enthusiastically recruited EFL experts – Lewis, Louis (FPLReactions), Danny G, Dan Dave and Merlins – are here to unveil their top picks. They’ve nominated a 12-man longlist of players and a four-team longlist for the upcoming Gameweek.

Our panel of experts share their Fantasy EFL Gameweek 2 Scout Squad. With no player prices or budgets to worry about, they’ve each selected:

• Three goalkeepers (Gs)
• Three defenders (Ds)
• Three midfielders (Ms)
• Three forwards (Fs)
• Four winning teams

LEWIS SAID…

After a successful Gameweek 1, I’ll be looking to follow a similar strategy this week and target midfielders. That said, there are lots of good defensive options.

Goalkeepers

I’m expecting a shutout for Leicester City, so picking whoever starts between the sticks will be an obvious route to points. We’re assuming at present it’ll be Mads Hermasen (G). Viktor Johansson (G), Stoke’s standout asset last season, is on my list this week against Derby (H). However, he’s reportedly attracting interest from other clubs; my final decision will depend on whether he stays or goes. Elsewhere, I expect Grant Smith (G) to do well against Barnet (H).

Defenders

Following Anel Ahmedhodzic’s (D) sale to Feyenoord, Harrison Burrows (D) is the standout defender pick for the Blades. Moreover, he may not have returned as hoped last week, but a haul looks on the cards for Mickey Demetriou (D) this time around. Finally, the highest scorer last season, Macauley Gillesphey (D), looks assured for points against Watford (H).

Midfielders

With an 11-point haul last week, Davis Keillor-Dunn (M) was the first name on my list, facing Burton Albion (H). I’ve then opted for two Championship assets: Gustavo Hamer (M) and Bilal El Khannouss (M). 18 goal contributions, including the play-offs for Hamer, and on set-pieces, the upside is tempting. Equally, El Khannouss was brilliant in the Premier League, picking up five goal contributions in a depleted attack.

Forwards

Given Leicester’s certainty for goals against the Owls, Jordan Ayew (F) has been their talisman in pre-season. Josh March (F) continued his top pre-season form in Gameweek 1 with eight points – I expect another return against Accrington. Finally, Stephen Humphrys (F) impressed me against Wycombe (H) with 11 points, and takes on Northampton Town (A) in Gameweek 2.

Gameweek 2 Scout Squad: Club picks

Leicester are an absolute banker this week, and it wouldn’t shock me if we see a 13-point return. Equally, I expect Sheffield United to beat Bristol City in front of their home faithful following their play-off heartbreak. If I opt out, Barnsley and Crewe Alexandra are viable options too.

FPLREACTIONS SAID…

Goalkeepers

Mads Hermansen (G) is arguably the standout goalkeeper this week. His Leicester side face a poor Sheffield Wednesday. Sheffield United’s Michael Cooper (G) and Coventry’s Carl Rushworth (G) should also have potential against weaker opposition.

Defenders

Sheffield United penalty-taker Harrison Burrows (D) contributed toward three goals during the 2024-25 play-offs, which suggests he has multiple routes to points in any given game. Crewe centre-back and 24/25 Fantasy EFL hero Mickey Demetriou (D) continued his relentless streak in producing clearances during Gameweek 1, I expect that to continue this week. I also think Leicester’s Jannik Vestergaard will do well.

Midfielders

Out of position, Davis Keillor-Dunn (M) was one of my heroes in the first round due to his latter-stage goal, and I’m backing him against a ropey defence. Leicester should dismantle Sheffield Wednesday, so if that is the case, I could see Bilal El Khannouss (M) get among the goals. Sheffield United’s Gustavo Hamer (M) proved he has multiple avenues to points last season; he could be an all-around great asset.

Forwards

I can see Leicester scoring 4+ goals this week, and leading the attack is likely to be Jordan Ayew (F). He heads into the round as one of the best forward options, in my opinion. Josh March (F) was unstoppable in pre-season for Crewe. I can see him continuing his fantastic output this week. I also think Southampton’s Adam Armstrong (F) could do well, even against a tricky Wrexham side.

Gameweek 2 Scout Squad: Club picks

Leicester look nailed for a big win and clean sheet this week, so look like the standout team picks by a distance. I also think both Sheffield United and Coventry should win against weaker opposition. Crawley should win this week, even after a disastrous opening round.

DANNY G SAID…

Goalkeepers

Grant Smith (G) has just come off the back of an away clean sheet against a decent Shrewsbury side; this week he plays a struggling Barnet side at home so he is a great pick. Michael Cooper (G) was a rock last season for Sheffield United with 21 clean sheets, and has a favourable home game to start his season. Mads Hermansen (G) will be a strong contender this week, playing a Wednesday side who are in a difficult situation.

Defenders

Mickey Demetriou (D) is Mr. consistent when it comes to clearances and all-around returns. They play Accrington this week at home, so clean sheet potential is high too. Harrison Burrows (D) gets forward a lot for Sheffield United and provides a real attacking threat. He is also a penalty-taker for the Blades. Lastly, I fancy Jannik Vestergaard (D) to pick up not only a clean sheet, but an attacking return at six-foot-six.

Midfielders

Davis Keillor-Dunn (M) is a great option this week, playing ‘OOP’ and actually playing as a forward for Barnsley; he comes off the back of an 11-point haul last week. Jaze Kabia (M) is also another ‘OOP’ player, featuring up-top and taking penalties. After an impressive season with Peterborough, where he provided 21 goal contributions, Kwame Poku (M) is set to make his league debut for QPR. He will face a Preston (H) side that could be in for a difficult season.

Forwards

Michael Cheek (F) is a strong forward pick with 25 goals last season. He has a great opportunity to start strong at home against a struggling Barnet side. Jordan Ayew (F) is another excellent choice against a Wednesday team expected to be relegated. Rounding out the selections is Alfie May (F), who looked sharp and scored last week.

Gameweek 2 Scout Squad: Club picks

Leicester should be a lock in most people’s sides this week against Wednesday. I fancy Coventry to beat Hull following their play-off disappointment. For an away pick, I’m backing Bradford to beat Northampton. Finally, I think Bromley will be too strong for Barnet given their impressive home record.

DAN DAVE SAID…

Goalkeepers

Mads Hermansen (G) is my first keeper pick, and it isn’t really a surprise with what Wednesday are going through. Carl Rushworth (G) is another standout – the Sky Blues are one of the more settled Championship sides and have aspirations of automatic promotion this season. Their home form in particular has been great. Lastly, Grant Smith (G) secured an opening day shutout, and against newly-promoted Barnet, I fancy another strong defensive display.

Defenders

Mickey Demetriou (D) is back in my squad. A nice home fixture for Crewe after a convincing 3-1 win over Salford. I like the Accrington fixture; he’s a potential captaincy shout. Caleb Okoli (D) feels a safe pick due to Leicester’s high potential for a clean sheet. Finally, Bobby Thomas (D) has a strong goal threat, chipping in with five for Coventry last season. Potential at both ends, what’s not to love?

Midfielders

Davis Keillor-Dunn (M) is one of the best midfield options this week against Burton Albion, who are poor defensively. Gustavo Hamer (M) should be played in the number 10 role this season, and has hit 70 or more key passes over the last two seasons and loves to have a shot. I think he’s a must this week with the fixture too. If Jack Rudoni (M) starts, he’s the talisman for Coventry and is on set-pieces.

Forwards

Michael Cheek (F) was the EFL’s highest scorer and has a great fixture in store. Given Leicester’s matchup, this feels like an excellent opportunity to capitalise on their attack: I’m adding Jordan Ayew (F) to my team. Salford allowed 10 shots on target and have key injuries, so Matthew Dennis (F) of Grimsby is an option.

Gameweek 2 Scout Squad: Club picks

Leicester will definitely be a lock for most people this week and are my first team pick. My second team pick is Coventry who I fancy with their home form. Sheffield United again have a nice home fixture and have been impressive in pre-season. Southampton’s squad looks far too strong, and on the opening day, Wrexham could be in for a shock.

MERLINS SAID…

I typically back strong teams against unsettled sides. That’s the case here too; some opponents will sit deep, and it’s up to the stronger teams to capitalise.

Goalkeepers

Leicester face struggling Sheffield Wednesday, who are without key players and unable to sign replacements. Mads Hermansen (G) remains one of the EFL’s most reliable keepers. Crawley host relegation candidates Newport, with Harvey Davies (G), a standout and former Liverpool academy product, in goal. Carl Rushworth (G) of Coventry has a favourable matchup against a deep-sitting Hull side.

Defenders

Caleb Okoli (D) is a key part of Leicester’s defence, especially against a weakened Sheffield Wednesday. Harrison Burrows (D), a nailed-on penalty taker and attacking wing-back for the Blades, will be a popular choice. Crewe captain Mickey Demetriou (D) is a reliable performer, strong on clearances and a threat on set pieces, with a favourable matchup against Accrington.

Midfielders

Davis Keillor-Dunn (M) plays up front for an attacking Barnsley side and makes his first home appearance of the season, one of the top fantasy picks. Gustavo Hamer (M) is a reliable option for the Blades, especially at home against a Bristol City side under new management. Jack Rudoni (M) is the creative core of Coventry and has the quality to play at Premier League level.

Forwards

Matthew Dennis (F) will lead Notts County’s attack against Salford, who conceded 10 shots on target at home to Crewe and are missing key players. Josh March (F) is a quality League Two striker with a great matchup this round. Josh Sargent (F) is Norwich’s reliable frontman and penalty-taker, with a strong record in home matches.