Scout Picks
14 August 2025 469 comments
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With Fantasy Premier League (FPL) 2025/26 getting underway tomorrow, it’s time to finalise our Gameweek 1 Scout Picks.

As usual, our Scout Picks selection is influenced by the Scout Squad submissions made by Neale (Editor), Tom (Deputy Editor), Sam (General Manager) and Marc (Staff Writer).

There are certain restrictions for our picks, however:

  • An £83.0m budget for our starting XI
  • An overall squad limit of £100.0m
  • No more than three players per team

GAMEWEEK 1 SCOUT PICKS

GOALKEEPER

Robert Sanchez (£5.0m) gets the nod in goal after being chosen by two of our Scout Squad pundits. The FIFA Club World Cup champions, Chelsea, are set to face Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon. Oliver Glasner’s troops have plenty of firepower, but the Blues enjoyed the third-best home record in the Premier League last season, conceding just 18 goals. The Club World Cup was a clear mark of progression, too, with Paris-Saint Germain among four clubs shut out.

With Marc Guehi (£4.5m) and Eberechi Eze (£7.5m) both linked with moves away from Selhurst Park this week, we’re hoping Palace are sufficiently disrupted to allow Sanchez to bag us a clean sheet as well as save points.

DEFENDERS

FPL notes: Why Porro was benched, in-form Chelsea, Martin sacked

 

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  1. MetallicaJack93
    • 2 Years
    11 months, 11 hours ago

    Final RMT

    Verbruggen
    Cucu Milenkovic Munoz Porro
    Salah Palmer Wirtz Reindeer

    1. MetallicaJack93
      • 2 Years
      11 months, 11 hours ago

      Watkins Mateta
      Dub Guiu KDH Esteve

      1. Big Mike
        • 3 Years
        11 months, 11 hours ago

        Got it

      2. Timanfaya
        • 3 Years
        11 months, 11 hours ago

        Can't argue with that team.

    2. Big Mike
      • 3 Years
      11 months, 11 hours ago

      Bench?

    3. Big Mike
      • 3 Years
      11 months, 11 hours ago

      Bit heavy in defence for me. I'd personally downgrade Cucu to Tarkowski and then upgrade Verbruggen to Sanchez.

  2. Dreaming of glory
    • 10 Years
    11 months, 11 hours ago

    Kelleher/dubravka

    James-aina-VDV
    Salah-palmer-oreilly-kudus-rejinders
    Haaland-pedro

    Barnes-esteve-rodon

    Bit too narrow??
    Dropping haaland for watkins gives me wirtz & Rogers in mid instead of a few gambles

  3. Hibbopotamus
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    11 months, 11 hours ago

    A. Gakpo/KDH/Richards
    B. Ndiaye/Reijnders/Lacroix

    1. Big Mike
      • 3 Years
      11 months, 11 hours ago

      A

  4. Bleh
    • 9 Years
    11 months, 11 hours ago

    Is Mateta instead of Pedro madness when you consider early fixtures?

    1. Dreaming of glory
      • 10 Years
      11 months, 11 hours ago

      Yes

    2. BobbyDoesNotLook
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      11 months, 11 hours ago

      No. Mateta on fire. Pedro 59min sub 😉

    3. Hibbopotamus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      11 months, 11 hours ago

      No. More secure mins and on pens, similar goal threat

  5. C_G
    • 10 Years
    11 months, 11 hours ago

    need an RMT here!

    Sels

    Diouf Neco James

    Salah Saka Bruno Harry Wilson

    Pedro Bowen Watkins

    Dubravka Gudmunsson Esteve Ramsey

    1. Big Mike
      • 3 Years
      11 months, 10 hours ago

      I'd opt for Palmer over Saka. Also, is that Reece James from Chelsea?

  6. BobbyDoesNotLook
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    11 months, 11 hours ago

    Been locked to Wirtz for a long time but now I started to tinker with Gakpo and extra 1.0.

    1. RICICLE
      • 3 Years
      11 months, 11 hours ago

      Same! But simply have to go with Wirtz, plus he should play more mins hopefully

      1. My heart goes Salalalalah
        • 9 Years
        11 months, 11 hours ago

        Take Wirtz + 2 vs Gakpo + 2 upgrades. Who scores more?

        1. BobbyDoesNotLook
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          11 months, 11 hours ago

          The difficult part is to predict just Gakpo vs Wirtz IMO. Just started to feel like buying too much into Wirtz hype from FPL point of view.

          But I am 90% certain to pick him since signing Isak won't affect him as much as Gakpo. And he is very exciting player.

    2. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 9 Years
      11 months, 11 hours ago

      My post on last page? Sorry 😆

      1. BobbyDoesNotLook
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        11 months, 11 hours ago

        Haha I probably read that quickly but started to do something else and thought it was my new idea 😀

    3. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 months, 11 hours ago

      Thought about yesterday but looked at stats

      Home 9G 3A
      Away 1G 1A in 100 more mins roughly

    4. Bluetiger1
      • 4 Years
      11 months, 10 hours ago

      will Gakpo start

      1. BobbyDoesNotLook
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        11 months, 10 hours ago

        I think Isak signs and after that Gakpo is a no go. But he is good for first 3. I think I will skip.

    5. Silva Bilva Tilva Pilva
      • 8 Years
      11 months, 9 hours ago

      What about both and Salah Out?

  7. Manani
    • 14 Years
    11 months, 11 hours ago

    1. KDH
    2. PMSarr

    1. BobbyDoesNotLook
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      11 months, 11 hours ago

      Coin toss. I would take Sarr because he seemed to be close for rebounds in setpieces.

    2. Big Mike
      • 3 Years
      11 months, 10 hours ago

      I'd go for KDH as Sarr has more competition for his place.

  8. RICICLE
    • 3 Years
    11 months, 11 hours ago

    Hi guys! Hope everyone is well and buzzing for tomorrow!

    Didn’t think I’d make this many changes to my team but right now I’m at:

    Sanchez
    Munoz - Milenkovic - Porro
    Tielemans - Wirtz - Palmer - Salah - Anderson
    Solanke - Watkins
    ______________________________________
    Dubravka: Diouf: Esteve: Marc Guiu

    But gutted about losing Bruno but Wirtz could become him?

    Thoughts overall gents?

    Many

    1. Bluetiger1
      • 4 Years
      11 months, 10 hours ago

      Starting Eleven GTG
      bench not too strong
      Dubravka & Marc Guiu
      unsure if available GW1 go
      go down in value due to
      ownership.

      I'm monitoring as decided to BB1
      but wanted to try to get 15 starters
      & were in my original squad

    2. Big Mike
      • 3 Years
      11 months, 9 hours ago

      Wow. Someone else with Solanke in their draft. I was thinking that I was the only one who had him.

      If you want Bruno then I would downgrade Tielemans to KDH, then use the money to upgrade Wirtz, although imo Wirtz is a better pick. Plus I would have Tarkowski over Munoz, especially over the first 6 game weeks.

  9. WVA
    • 9 Years
    11 months, 11 hours ago

    Who to start with?

    A. Bruno
    B. Wirtz

    1. Hibbopotamus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      11 months, 11 hours ago

      B. i get the arguments for Bruno but for me it's as simple as i'd rather have Liverpool's 10 than Man United's 8.

      1. RICICLE
        • 3 Years
        11 months, 11 hours ago

        This pretty much^

      2. WVA
        • 9 Years
        11 months, 11 hours ago

        Thanks, hadn’t thought of it like that, I’ll give him Bournemouth to prove himself!

      3. The Big Fella
        • 9 Years
        11 months, 11 hours ago

        What are the arguments for Bruno? I am genuinely confused by this as he’s now midfield and not a number 10

        1. Sir Michael Taker
          • 11 Years
          11 months, 10 hours ago

          I hate this because fundamentally Wirtz is a much better footballer but hes not on pens, he probably wont get defcon where Bruno will quite well if previous seasons are anything to go off. Bruno's got people to pass to now who ought to be able to score. I'm not sure Wirtz is actually a goalscorer so they are kind of on equal footing regarding it being assist potential except Bruno has pens still. I'm fairly certain Bruno finishes ahead of him at the end of the season because of the way the game is. Wouldn't surprise me if Wirtz ends up being like Odegaard, great player not great in FPL.

    2. Big Mike
      • 3 Years
      11 months, 9 hours ago

      B all day long

  10. Manani
    • 14 Years
    11 months, 11 hours ago

    A. Sanchez
    B. Sels

    got both Cucu and NWilliams

    1. The Big Fella
      • 9 Years
      11 months, 10 hours ago

      I was between the same two and have the same two defenders but went Sels. Sanchez is not a good keeper

  11. Lfcni1986
    • 8 Years
    11 months, 11 hours ago

    Why is Haaland being ignored?

    1. Mother Farke
      • 2 Years
      11 months, 11 hours ago

      £££ when Salah is favoured, mostly.

    2. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      11 months, 11 hours ago

      I'm on him precisely to play the EO edge.

      With Salah if he bangs you'll be in the similar boat, with 50% + of the game.

      Haaland about a quarter so you'll benefit more from a high score.

      The reverse is true of course ...

      A Salah captain haul and Haaland blank will hurt and put you about 8-9m gw rank.

    3. Sir Michael Taker
      • 11 Years
      11 months, 11 hours ago

      There were like 7 better strikers than him in the game last year. You've got to be pretty sure you are getting Haaland season 1 not 2 or 3 at that price

      1. Big Mike
        • 3 Years
        11 months, 9 hours ago

        Not during the first 3 game weeks there weren't. He scored back to back hat tricks, and he has the potential to do the same again.

  12. AC/DC AFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    11 months, 11 hours ago

    What's my biggest mistake here?

    Sels
    Muñoz Milenković Diouf
    Palmer Bruno Wirtz Sarr Reijnders
    Haaland Ekitiké

    Dúbravka. Guiu Dorgu Estève

    .
    Cheers and good luck
    (sort of)

    1. Mother Farke
      • 2 Years
      11 months, 11 hours ago

      Having both Dorgu and Diouf when they don't have good defensive fixtures. You're relying on them getting attacking returns imo.

      1. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        11 months, 11 hours ago

        True

        That's why I picked them

        Don't mind Man U in gw2, 3 and 6,7.

    2. Red Star Toro
      • 11 Years
      11 months, 10 hours ago

      not sure if no Salah is a mistake, but it's certainly a risk

    3. Big Mike
      • 3 Years
      11 months, 9 hours ago

      Bruno

  13. BobbyDoesNotLook
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    11 months, 11 hours ago

    Hmm Gakpo Saka vs Wirtz Bruno (while having Salah).

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      11 months, 11 hours ago

      B

      I think Saka is a wait and see

      A great player but probably a lower ceiling than other premium picks like Palmer, Salah, Bruno etc.

    2. The Big Fella
      • 9 Years
      11 months, 11 hours ago

      Why Bruno? Am I missing something? He is playing in midfield now

  14. Kiwivillan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 months, 11 hours ago

    I'm down to 2 choices. Happy with rest of team

    A. Salah(C) Wood
    B. Wirtz Haaland(C)

    1. The Big Fella
      • 9 Years
      11 months, 11 hours ago

      I prefer Salah over Haaland but I don’t like the Wood pick.

      1. Kiwivillan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        11 months, 10 hours ago

        Bit of place holder but prefer Forest early fixtures to anyone in that bracket

  15. Rbyrne95
    • 9 Years
    11 months, 11 hours ago

    What are folks thoughts on Gnonto and/or Piroe as picks considering Leeds scoring power last season?.. also feel Everton first game is a Leeds win tbh.

  16. Merz88
    11 months, 11 hours ago

    A) Salah, Reijnders, Joao Pedro +4.5 MID

    or

    B) Palmer, Marmoush, Gakpo + 4.5 FWD

    Thanks

  17. The Big Fella
    • 9 Years
    11 months, 11 hours ago

    I have Gyokeres but I am debating bringing in Watkins for him as he is unproven in the Premier League so far. Any advice? I have Rogers too.

    1. Sir Michael Taker
      • 11 Years
      11 months, 11 hours ago

      I'm on the same dilemma. Was leaning towards Gyok because of GW2. Don't have Rogers, do have Saka. Should probably diversify the attack as Saka is probably getting the band in 2 anyway

      1. The Big Fella
        • 9 Years
        11 months, 10 hours ago

        In your case I would go with Watkins. I do not have Saka so a little different. Saka is a proven FPL asset and an Arsenal talisman

        1. Sir Michael Taker
          • 11 Years
          11 months, 10 hours ago

          Yeah I think you are correct. I'm not too worried about Gyokeres coming in and adapting but probably less competition at Villa for Ollie and hes very good too of course

    2. Mr.K
      • 12 Years
      11 months, 10 hours ago

      I went for Watkins, and especially with Arsenal's fixtures would do it even if I had Rogers.

  18. Red Star Toro
    • 11 Years
    11 months, 10 hours ago

    any opinions on this BB1 team?

    Kelleher Dubravka
    Porro VDV Konsa Rodon Gudmundsson
    Salah Palmer Wirtz Gakpo Reijnders
    Watkins Pedro Fullkrug

  19. Saka White Rice
    • 11 Years
    11 months, 10 hours ago

    Which option is better?
    A) N Williams+ 3 4.5m defenders + 4m defender
    B) Porro+2 4.5m defenders + 2 4m defenders

    Im doing this so that I can afford both Bruno and Wirtz. Its my "sacrifice"

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      11 months, 9 hours ago

      A

  20. Rigid Digit
    • 9 Years
    11 months, 10 hours ago

    Done, Good To Go, Bench Boost ... and hope for the best

    Sanchez / Dubravka
    Van Dijk / Konsa / Van de Ven / Diouf / Rodon
    Palmer / Wirtz / Cunha / Rice / P M Sarr
    Haaland / Watkins / Fullkrug

    What can possibly go wrong?

    1. Bluetiger1
      • 4 Years
      11 months, 10 hours ago

      GTG

  21. Bleh
    • 9 Years
    11 months, 10 hours ago

    Best combo?

    A. Wirtz + Cunha/Mbeumo
    B. Bruno + Gakpo

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 8 Years
      11 months, 10 hours ago

      A

    2. Bluetiger1
      • 4 Years
      11 months, 8 hours ago

      a

  22. The Big Fella
    • 9 Years
    11 months, 10 hours ago

    Sels Dubravka
    Cucurella Gabriel Virgil Williams Esteve
    Salah palmer rogers Ndiaye Reijnders
    Guiu strand Larsen Gyokeres

    Apart from possibly changing Gyokeres to Watkins, how is this looking?

    1. Rbyrne95
      • 9 Years
      11 months, 10 hours ago

      Good, Solid safer team if with Watkins.

      1. The Big Fella
        • 9 Years
        11 months, 9 hours ago

        Thanks mate. Yeah I think this is the way. Can always change him back if he kicks on. GW2 is a risk

  23. theshazly
    • 3 Years
    11 months, 10 hours ago

    Torn between these final 4 drafts and need your support and opinions lads please!

    A - Sels (Dub)
    RAN Porro Diouf ( DeCuyper / Gudmnssn )
    Salah Palmer Wirtz Reijnders KDH
    Watkins Gyokeres ( Guiu )

    B - Sels (Dub)
    DeCuyper Diouf Konsa (Esteve/Gudmnssn)
    Salah KDH Reijnders Palmer Kudus
    Haaland Gyokeres (Guiu)

    C - Sels (Dub)
    DeCuyper Dorgu Diouf (Esteve/Gudmnssn )
    Salah Palmer Rogers PMS KDH
    Haaland Gyokeres ( Guiu )

    D - Raya (Dub)
    Williams DeCuyper Diouf (Dorgu/Gudmnssn)
    Salah Reijnders PMS Palmer KDH
    Watkins Haaland (Guiu)

    All 0 ITB

    1. Bluetiger1
      • 4 Years
      11 months, 8 hours ago

      Salah & Haaland in the team - impressive - dismiss option A

      Although all look good.

      B

  24. BusbySwede
    • 8 Years
    11 months, 10 hours ago

    A) Saka, Pedro, Diouf/De Cuyper
    Or
    B) Gyokeres, Rogers, Cucurella

  25. tim
    • 16 Years
    11 months, 10 hours ago

    Murillo or Milenkovic?

    1. theshazly
      • 3 Years
      11 months, 10 hours ago

      Both are great picks
      Trust your gut on one of them

      1. tim
        • 16 Years
        11 months, 10 hours ago

        Cheers, Murillo it is!

  26. Rbyrne95
    • 9 Years
    11 months, 10 hours ago

    Tinkering a few options atm. 3-4-3 weaker def but allows Haaland, Mateta, Watkins front 3 and pen takers?

    A) N. Williams, Konate, Mateta
    B) Milenkovic/Murillo, Frimpong, Fulkrug (current team)

    Sels
    N.Williams-Porro-Diouf
    Palmer-Wirtz-Kudus-Reijnders
    Watkins-Haaland-Mateta

    Dubravka - Konate - Dewsbury Hall-Esteve

  27. The Mighty Hippo
    • 9 Years
    11 months, 10 hours ago

    a) Munoz
    b) Tarkowski

    1. Rbyrne95
      • 9 Years
      11 months, 10 hours ago

      Munoz atm. Really depends if Eze and Guehi leave too. Tarkowski good for def contribution points

  28. Rbyrne95
    • 9 Years
    11 months, 10 hours ago

    Kudus or Johnson?

  29. Fishface
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 months, 10 hours ago

    All the bench boost drafts I’ve seen seem to have haaland no Salah. Any reason for this.

  30. gonzalocampos
    • 11 Years
    11 months, 9 hours ago

    One or Two:
    1 - Kudus and Pedro Porro
    2 - Gakpo and Van de Ven