It’s time to turn our attention to Fantasy EFL Gameweek 4, following Double Gameweek 3’s conclusion. Here, we present our Scout Picks.
All matches, apart from one, take place on Saturday, meaning that we’ll have 36 fixtures of EFL action in the space of less than 24 hours!
The Gameweek kicks off at Pride Park Stadium, as Derby County face Bristol City on Friday 22 August.
These selections are based on the highest-selected players from our resident experts. For more in-depth analysis of their team choices, be sure to check out our Scout Squad article if you haven’t already and the full Gameweek 4 guide.
FANTASY EFL DOUBLE GAMEWEEK 3: MINI-LEAGUE COMPETITION AND PRIZES!
If you were one of the winners of our DGW3 mini-league, email us at support@fantasyfootballscout.co.uk to claim your prize!
Winner = full subscription to FFS (worth c. £90 p/a at full price)
2nd+3rd = 1 month free subscription (worth £9 p/month each at full price)
FANTASY EFL GAMEWEEK 4: SCOUT PICKS
Goalkeeper
Ryan Allsop (G) was tipped by four of five experts to keep his first shutout of the season.
Birmingham City face Oxford United, who have started the season poorly with two consecutive losses. The U’s have managed to score in only one of those games, making a shutout seem highly probable.
Last season, Allsop kept an impressive 20 clean sheets in 38 League One matches, as Chris Davies’ side only conceded 11 goals at home.
Defenders
As the highest-scoring asset in the game, MK Dons’ Jack Sanders (D) inclusion was inevitable.
With 48 points in just four matches – including a massive 28 in Double Gameweek 3 – the centre-back is in unplayable form. He’s recorded three clean sheets and an incredible 68 clearances (+17), including 26 against Crawley Town (A).
Facing a struggling Newport County (A) side that have lost their last two games, Sanders is essential. Irrespective of whether they keep a shutout or not.
Swindon Town’s Will Wright (D) is on all set-pieces for the Robins, and opened his account (+7) in Gameweek 1 from the penalty spot.
Despite just one return in four, they face Shrewsbury Town (H), who have lost their previous three. In this time, they’ve shipped 10 and scored just once.
Completing the backline, Fleetwood Town’s James Bolton (D) was backed by four experts, as the Cod Army face Oldham Athletic (H).
Based on his performance over the last four games, he’s been a consistent threat at both ends, with two double-digit performances resulting in 28 total points, despite just one shutout.
Oldham have drawn three of their four games, scoring just two goals.
Midfielders
Isaac Price (M) has been the catalyst for WBA’s strong form under new manager Ryan Mason, winning both of their opening matches.
The 21-year-old has been a force, scoring three goals (+18) and contributing to 75% of his team’s goals across two games, totalling 30 points.
He’s a strong pick for Gameweek 4 against a Portsmouth team that struggled defensively on the road last season, shipping 50 of their 71 goals.
Partnering with him and backed by all five experts, Oliver Norwood (M) is a near-essential pick for Gameweek 4.
The number eight is yet to blank for the Hatters, averaging 7.8 points.
He’s proven his value with two assists (+6), eight interceptions (+16), and five key passes (+2). As a key player on set-pieces, he has a high potential for points in their upcoming home match against Burton Albion.
While the Brewers have had a decent start to the season, Stockport historically have their number, having beaten them twice last season.
Forward
Jay Stansfield (F) was unanimously selected by all five experts to complete the starting seven.
The Blues’ key player, and League One record signing, has picked up right where he left off, scoring two goals in two games for a total of 16 points.
With Alfie May (F) now out on loan, Stansfield’s spot in Chris Davies’ XI appears secure.
He also adds penalty-kick duties to his appeal, having scored from the spot against Blackburn.
Moreover, while the U’s have looked solid, they did concede three goals against Hull in their last outing, giving up 19 shots while only having 25% of the possession.
Gameweek 4 Scout Picks: Club Picks
Matching the player picks, the experts have opted to back Stockport County and Birmingham City.
Even though the Hatters lost their last match in a hard-fought contest against Bradford City (H), all experts believe Dave Challinor’s side will get back to winning ways.
Last season, Stockport won an impressive 16 of 23 games at Edgeley Park, and the experts are counting on a similar performance.
Whereas the Blues have had a strong start to the season, remaining undefeated in their new division.
They have proven their strength at home, going unbeaten in their last 26 matches. Indeed, many anticipate this streak will extend to 27.
