Scout Picks
22 August 2025 236 comments
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With just hours to go before West Ham United and Chelsea get Gameweek 2 of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) underway, it’s time to finalise our Scout Picks.

We deliberated over the Scout Squad submissions made by Neale (Editor), Tom (Deputy Editor), Marc (Staff Writer) and Alex (Contributor) before coming up with our final team.

As ever, there are certain restrictions for our picks:

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

GAMEWEEK 2 SCOUT PICKS

FPL Gameweek 2 Scout Picks: Arsenal triple-up 1

GOALKEEPER

FPL Gameweek 2 Scout Picks: Arsenal triple-up

Robin Roefs (£4.5m) had a superb debut for Sunderland in Gameweek 1. The goalkeeper recorded four saves in the 3-0 win over West Ham United and ended the match with eight points. We are now backing the Dutchman to replicate that performance against a Burnley side that failed to score in their opener. Crucially, these encounters are often cagey affairs: the last three Championship meetings all resulted in the Clarets failing to score, including two goalless draws at Turf Moor.

DEFENDERS

FPL Gameweek 29 round-up: Saturday’s goals, assists, bonus points + stats

 

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236 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. OneDennisBergkamp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    whats your top 5 defenders on WC?

    1. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      Too early to ascertain. Avoid early WC

    2. Qaiss
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      3 defenders that play all the time for you and 2 cheapies like Esteve/Reinildo

      Gabriel, Munoz, Milenkovic. Something like that

    3. mookie
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      Not enough info for me to make such a call.
      Need to see Pool with Gravenberg and Wirtz on the pitch. United vs. Arsenal was a game from which I can't draw any conclusion as most games for those 2 teams will look different or won't be against the best defense in United's case. City was RAN or no one for me and that hasn't changed. Cucurella is always a good pick, but will there be better value defs at other teams. Same for Munoz.
      No clear one pick from Forest. Most analytics guys went with Murillo and I went with Milenkovic and Neco. Haven't seen anything to suggest one is better than the others.

      Gun to my head, Munoz, Porro, Forest and that's about it. Two cheapies to step in when the 3 play top attacks.

  2. _Greg
    • 16 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    If Eze signs in time I might go absolutely crazy and sell Palmer to Eze (c) - 4 :mrgreen:

    1. OneDennisBergkamp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      cant see him starting so soon with no training

    2. MJF
      1 year, 1 month ago

      Please do!

    3. Brosstan
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      He won't start. They have a very settled team so it's just poor man management to slot him right in.

      1. _Greg
        • 16 Years
        1 year, 1 month ago

        I can see him starting immediately on the left.

  3. ididnt
    • 15 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    Play Sels or Dubravka?

    1. Orion
      • 15 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      I’m playing Sels cause I don’t want to double up Dub/Esteve

    2. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      Same I am playing Sels as I dont want to dounle up with De Cuyper

    3. Brosstan
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      Play the best player in the best team. That's sels. Over the course of a season you will get less points if you constantly try to hedge and avoid double ups.

    4. V-2 Schneiderlin
      • 16 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      I'd like to know the answer too if Dubravka is your only Burnley defender - I'm currently 50/50 but close to playing Dubravka

      1. ididnt
        • 15 Years
        1 year, 1 month ago

        I only have Dub from Burnley so it’s 50/50

  4. Orion
    • 15 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    Should I do Watkins to Gyokeres for free and cap him? Or go without Arsenal players at all? Or play a FH?
    Please help lads

    1. STHH
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      Gyokeres has too much to prove at the moment. Are United excellent at keeping him quiet? Is he overrated? Or just settling in? Or will he explode with a hat-trick?

      I think it's a risk to go there personally, albeit with high upside.

      Based on GW1 you could argue that Brentford is an easier fixture than Leeds, even though the FFS fixture ticker has it much different.

      Watkins has started against Brentford 7 times in his career, and registered 8 attacking returns in those matches. Brentford are also a lot shakier this season than even before in the Premier League. They're a team to target, not avoid!

    2. Guttelim
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      Gyokeres is not overrated, but I’d go for Saka if you have Palmer to sell (and cap him)

  5. RedKev81
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    On a WC
    Should I go Watkins over Haaland this week? Spurs are City’s bogey team and Watkins loves playing Brentford, as shown above, but it also means booking in an immediate transfer back to Haaland and a potential -4 if any injuries etc to my team this gw?

    1. MJF
      1 year, 1 month ago

      I’d have both on WC I think. It’s just so tough to pick a whole new squad based on a single week.

      1. RedKev81
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 1 month ago

        Cheers Swerve, got a front line of Haaland, Gyo and Ekitike atm. Wanna keep Gyo for Leeds and Got 0.1 on Ekitike so couldn’t get him back if I drop him and he’s my only Liverpool cover. I’d literally put Haaland back in tonight before his price goes up …just don’t like the idea of a planned transfer

  6. the dom 1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    What needs to be done with this team?

    Sels
    Diof, RAN, De Cuyper
    Palmer, Salah, Bruno, Reindeers, PM Sarr
    Watkins, J Pedro

    Verbruggen, Fullkrug, Guddy, VdV

    1FT, 0.0ITB

    Help please 😉

    1. Qaiss
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      Would be tempted by Fullkrug over Sarr and hope for a West Ham goal

      1. the dom 1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 1 month ago

        Thats my dilemma, PM Sarr or Fullkrug?

        1. Qaiss
          • 10 Years
          1 year, 1 month ago

          Sarr ceiling is maybe 4/5 points this week? Fullkrug just needs an assist for that, as long as he starts ofc

          1. the dom 1
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            1 year, 1 month ago

            start Fulkrug and Sarr 1st on bench

      2. Ray85
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 1 month ago

        Same dilemma! I've gone for Sarr personally. Spurs tend to do well against City. West Ham were awful first game.

    2. T.Henry14
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      Save transfer, good team.

      1. the dom 1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 1 month ago

        Cheers

  7. SpaceCadet
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    Thoughts on this wc draft?

    Sanchez
    Gabriel willaims dorgu
    Palmer gakpo semenyo reijnders
    Haaland Watkins Gyokeres

    Dubravka vdv esteve king

    1. MJF
      1 year, 1 month ago

      Don’t think I’d take Palmer on WC at this stage but who knows, need to see a few more weeks.

      1. SpaceCadet
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 1 month ago

        Planning palmer > Bruno next gw

  8. OneDennisBergkamp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    1. Mbeumo
    or
    2. Wood

  9. MJF
    1 year, 1 month ago

    Surprising Scout Picks going for Salah and no Haaland.

    1. mookie
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      Should be renamed to people pleaser picks.

    2. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      Content creators spruiking Salah GW1. 2-3 million rank this is fine. Trust the process

  10. Bobby_Baggio
    • 15 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    Afternoon all. What to do here with 1FT? Save?

    Kelleher
    DeCuyper - VVD - Richards
    Salah - Palmer - Wirtz - Rogers
    Bowen - Wood - Evanilson

    (Valdimarsson) - Sarr - Van DVen - Rodon

    1. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      Save and have 2ft next GW

      1. Bobby_Baggio
        • 15 Years
        1 year, 1 month ago

        Cheers

    2. Ball Ake
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      Looks good, maybe VVD to Gabriel/Saliba. Liverpool defence looked ropey while Arsenal (irrespective of oppo) looked proper 1980's Italy Capenaccio tight

      1. Cruyff's Eleven
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 1 month ago

        Aside from corners

      2. the dom 1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 1 month ago

        LIV play ARS next GW (just an FYI)

        1. Ball Ake
          • 2 Years
          1 year, 1 month ago

          Yep, would rate an Arse clean sheet more likely than Liv personally

  11. OneDennisBergkamp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    Palace or Forest defender?

  12. evilfish
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    People with Sanchez and Dubravka, who are you starting?

    1. MJF
      1 year, 1 month ago

      Both!

      1. evilfish
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 1 month ago

        I'm not in a position to BB, who would you choose?

  13. Djemba-Djemba
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    How illogical is it to captain Watkins over Salah?

    1. Tomerick
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      Would depend on what you are basing your decision on

    2. tuvok
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      There’s certainly enough evidence to support doing that.

      IMO its like this: Salah has a higher floor (it’s Salah, he returns all the time) but away at Newcastle probably has a lower ceiling (how many goals do we expect from Liverpool at St James Park?)

      Watkins has a lower floor (you never know when Villa will drop a stinker) but a higher ceiling (Villa could def put 4+ past this Brentford side)

      So it’s safety v risk. Especially when you factor in the safety of Salah’s ownership

  14. Emiliano Sala
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    On FH
    Which one?

    A) Petrovic vs Wol H
    B) Martinez vs Bre A

    1. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      A

  15. Jet5605
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    This GW is a Wirtz v Palmer one game shoot out to stay in my team. Whoever blanks is gone thus allowing Fullkrug to be upgraded.

    1. Sir Michael Taker
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      what if they both blank?

  16. OptimusBlack
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    GTG and right bench ?
    Sanchez ( Sels)
    Porro Frimpong* Cucurella ( Diouf VDV)
    Salah© KDV Reijnders Rutter Wirtz
    Watkins Gyökeres ( Füllkrug)
    A- Frimpong > Gabriel
    B- Frimpong> RAN
    C- other transfer

    1. Guttelim
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      A, then GTG

  17. FantasyClub
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    Thoughts please?

    A) Play Diouf v CHE (save transfer)
    B) Frimpong ➡️ Cucu/Forest defence…

    1. OptimusBlack
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      B for Cucurella

      1. FantasyClub
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 1 month ago

        Thank you for responding matey

      2. FantasyClub
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 1 month ago

        Mind you I don’t have Salah or Haaland…

        Would that change your mind about saving a transfer and aiming to get Haaland?

        Dub/Kelleher
        RAN/Dorgu/Siouf/Frimpong/Reinildo
        Rogers/Saka/Wirtz/Reijnders/Bruno
        Eki/Watkins/Bowen

        1m itb

        1. OptimusBlack
          • 13 Years
          1 year, 1 month ago

          Get one of them with ur way

        2. Khalico
          • 11 Years
          1 year, 1 month ago

          You could potentially hold until next week - see how Wirtz, Bowen, Saka, Bruno play but I’d still look to remove Frimpong before you lose the 0.1 value which could stop you from getting Cucu for example

    2. Khalico
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      Straight swap to Cucu

      1. FantasyClub
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 1 month ago

        See my response to Optimus just above this please

  18. Khalico
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    If you had Eze before he moved to Arsenal, is it best to keep him in or move to a 7.5m mid like Gordon etc?

    1. FantasyClub
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      If you’re to move him I’d go Semenyo

      1. Khalico
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 1 month ago

        Already have him

        1. FantasyClub
          • 5 Years
          1 year, 1 month ago

          Rogers?

          1. Khalico
            • 11 Years
            1 year, 1 month ago

            Potentially - currently have Watkins and not sure if I want Rogers for the double up. Is it worth to?

            1. FantasyClub
              • 5 Years
              1 year, 1 month ago

              I have both im content with it atm. Hoping preseason form emerges this week

  19. Guttelim
    • 4 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    On FH

    A) Gabriel + Bruno
    B) Cucu + Odegaard

  20. Spurrsy
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    1. Saka/Guiu or 2. Watkins & 5.5 Mid
    For next 6 GWs?

    1. Guttelim
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      For the next 6 then Watkins and PMSarr/Anderson.

      Saka facing liv, NFO, MCI, new the next 5 fix

    1. tuvok
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      Eze leaving and Palace looking a bit flat last night made me think it’s gonna be a good game for Forest

      Do I reverse that opinion now?!

  21. marpy016
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    Who to start given I already have Murillo?

    A) Dubravka
    B) Sels

    1. corbea
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 17 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      Sels

  22. Khalico
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    Best 5m keeper?

  23. RossoneriHammer
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    Alt-Nouri and Rice
    Or
    Gabriel and Reijnders?

  24. Tomerick
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    More of you had Haaland as your top pick for the forward position than had Salah as the top pick for mids yet he didn’t get a sniff. Poor Erling…

  25. Obi 1 Kenobi 0
    • 1 Year
    1 year, 1 month ago

    Looking for thoughts please guys. Already looking ahead to GW3, I’ll have 2 FTs and the below team and toying with Saka > Cunha/Mbuemo and Verbruggen > Sanchez

    Dubravka/Verbruggen
    Cucurella/Guehi/Milenkovic/VDV/Rodon
    Palmer/Wirtz/Saka/Reijnders/KDH
    Haaland/Watkins/Guiu

  26. Bale11
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    G2G?

    No idea what to do might just hold and see how fulkrug and wirtz goes

    Sels

    RAN Esteve De Cuyper

    Salah (C) Rogers Palmer Kudus Wirtz

    Watkins Fulkrug

    Bench:
    Dubruvka, Porro, Esteve, Giui

    1. Bale11
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      Konsa on bench

  27. SpaceCadet
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    On wc - Saka or gykores?

    1. F4L
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      gyokeres

      1. SpaceCadet
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 1 month ago

        Thanks. Cap him over Haaland?

        1. F4L
          • 11 Years
          1 year, 1 month ago

          probably wouldn't tbh

  28. primal33
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    After a poor start, rolling the FT is the right choice here...right?

    Selz
    Murillo Porro Dorgu
    Saka(c) Fernandes Wirtz Palmer Gakpo
    Watkins Bowen

    (Dubravka Diouf Esteve Guiu)

    The plan is to roll the free transfer then shift Bowen + a midfielder on next GW. Perhaps to Isak/Ekitike + Reijnders depending on how things pan out.

    1. Ray85
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      Yep, save FT

    2. Udogie-style
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      Wirtz to Rogers. You missed the price rise on Semenyo and Reijnders but could also still do that instead I guess.

  29. tuvok
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    No Haaland and no Chelsea at all - interesting scout picks!

    If the Newcastle game is as feisty as we expect, does that not lend itself more to a low scoring scrap rather than a ‘chaotic end-to-end affair’? Genuine question, I’m not sure either way and would be interested in others thoughts