In the Fantasy EFL Gameweek 17 Scout Squad, our experts – Dan, Danny G, Jack and Merlins – unveil their top picks. Gameweek 17 sees all 12 Championship and four League One sides play twice.

They’ve nominated a 12-man long-list of players and a four-club selection. With no player prices or budgets to worry about, they’ve each picked:

• Three GKs
• Three DEFs
• Three MIDs
• Three FWDs
• Four club picks

THE FANTASY EFL SCOUT SQUAD: GAMEWEEK 17

JACK SAID…

GOALKEEPERS

Cooper (G) stands out once again this week. Sheffield United have two of the strongest fixtures on paper, and although recent clean sheets have been limited, their overall performances have improved. This Gameweek feels like an ideal opportunity for their defence to finally deliver.

Crocombe (G) also benefits from an excellent fixture run, facing two sides with low attacking output and poor xG numbers – giving him strong clean-sheet potential. Zetterstrom (G) remains another appealing pick, offering not only clean-sheet upside but also consistent save-point potential.

DEFENDERS

Dara O’Shea (D) continues to impress. Beyond clean-sheet security and strong bonus-point appeal, he provides a genuine attacking threat, with three assists and one goal in his last seven matches.

Crama (D) and Klarer (D) are reliable routes into the Millwall and Birmingham defences. However, a small note of caution: Crama may be deployed at full-back in the second fixture, which slightly reduces his overall upside.

MIDFIELDERS

Louza (M) looks like the standout midfield asset this week. He’s been remarkably consistent, averaging 9.4 points per game, and offers a broad mix of scoring avenues.

Doyle (M) is also an excellent option. With Paik Seung-ho sidelined following shoulder surgery, Doyle should see increased minutes. Combine that with favourable fixtures and some set-piece involvement, and he becomes a very appealing pick.

O’Hare (M) remains central to Sheffield United’s attacking play and benefits from two strong offensive fixtures.

FORWARDS

Thomas-Asante (F) is still the standout Coventry attacker – especially with Wright one yellow card away from suspension. Coventry’s attacking metrics are excellent, and BTA sits at the heart of their chance creation.

Ivanović (F) is a highly underrated differential. He has two strong fixtures and continues to operate as the focal point of his team’s attack.

Leonard (F) is another name who shouldn’t be ignored. With two home fixtures, penalty duties, and impressive underlying numbers – particularly shot volume – he offers significant upside.

TEAM PICKS

Sheffield United are the standout team to target this week, boasting the best fixtures on paper and a prime opportunity for returns at both ends of the pitch.

Ipswich also have excellent fixtures and remain one of the most consistent attacking sides in the division.

Millwall and Birmingham follow closely behind, offering good form and favourable match-ups.

DANNY SAID…

GOALKEEPERS

Michael Cooper (G) has two encouraging fixtures this week, and there is a strong chance he secures at least one clean sheet.

Daniel Iversen (G) already has five clean sheets this season, and with two games ahead – including a favourable home tie against Blackburn – he looks well placed to add to that tally.

Christian Walton (G) has deputised for the injured Alex Palmer over the last five matches, and with Ipswich facing two of the best fixtures for clean-sheet potential, he is another standout option between the posts.

DEFENDERS

Bobby Thomas (D) has been remarkably consistent, averaging 7.7 points per game with seven clean sheets in 14 appearances. This Gameweek looks very promising for him once again.

Christoph Klarer (D) is another defender to strongly consider. He opens the week with a home fixture against a struggling Norwich side, and Birmingham’s defensive improvement in recent weeks adds to his appeal.

Tristan Crama (D) also looks like a solid pick, with Millwall handed two favourable fixtures. His bonus-point potential is strong, and there is every chance he comes away with one – if not two – clean sheets.

MIDFIELDERS

Imran Louza (M) has been exceptional this season, offering multiple routes to returns and consistently delivering strong scores. He should be high on any shortlist this week.

Hayden Hackney (M) is another midfield option I like. He contributes across the board – capable of chipping in with goals while also collecting interception points – which boosts his overall appeal.

Ilias Chair (M) is back from injury and immediately resumes his role as QPR’s main creative force. Averaging over three shots per 90 and producing strong key-pass numbers, he looks well-positioned for a productive Gameweek.

FORWARDS

Jay Stansfield (F) has produced eight goal contributions in 14 matches, and his fixtures this week are particularly encouraging – especially the home match against a struggling Norwich side.

Brandon Thomas-Asante (F) is difficult to ignore with 10 goals already this season. With two fixtures ahead, he remains one of the standout forward picks.

Jaden Philogene (F) is another attacker I’m backing. He has looked sharp and dangerous in recent games, and I expect him to build on his tally of six goals during this double Gameweek.

TEAM PICKS

Sheffield United have two excellent fixtures on paper, and this feels like the perfect chance for them to regain momentum after a difficult start.

Millwall also offer appealing fixtures, and I expect them to come away with at least one win this week.

Birmingham have strong match-ups and seem poised to push on, making their assets attractive across the board.

Ipswich, who appear to have rediscovered form, head into two very winnable games and should be backed accordingly.

DAN SAID…

GOALKEEPERS

Cooper (G) is my first-choice goalkeeper this week. Sheffield United have two of the best fixtures on paper, particularly the home match against Portsmouth. Their defensive performances have improved recently, making Cooper a strong option.

Crocombe (G) follows closely behind, with two favourable fixtures against sides that struggle to create meaningful chances. Millwall’s defence has shown solidity, so he feels like a reliable pick this Gameweek.

Finally, Rushworth (G) completes the trio. Coventry’s opening fixture against West Brom is especially appealing, and they remain one of the strongest defensive units in the league.

DEFENDERS

Crama (D) is my first defensive selection. With Millwall facing two weak attacking sides, securing coverage from their backline looks sensible, and Crama offers both clean-sheet and bonus potential.

Klarer (D) is next. Birmingham’s fixtures look excellent from a defensive perspective – a struggling Norwich side at home followed by a West Brom team that lack attacking threat, especially on their own ground. Klarer feels like a safe, high-upside pick.

Thomas (D) rounds off the defensive picks. Coventry’s defence may be overlooked this week, but they remain one of the best in the division. Thomas also carries a respectable goal threat, which adds to his appeal.

MIDFIELDERS

Imran Louza (M) is my first midfield pick. He has been in outstanding form and offers numerous routes to points, making him an easy inclusion.

Next is Callum O’Hare (M), who has produced three goals and one assist in his last six matches. With Sheffield United blessed with two strong fixtures, O’Hare looks like an excellent option.

My final midfield selection is Tommy Doyle (M). With Paik Sung Ho likely sidelined, Doyle should see increased and more secure minutes. He provides multiple scoring routes – interceptions, shots on target, key passes, and set pieces – making him an appealing choice this week.

FORWARDS

Jay Stansfield (F) leads the forward line. He is Birmingham’s talisman, plays heavy minutes, and retains penalty duties. Their fixtures are strong, and Stansfield should be central to any attacking returns.

Ivanović (F) is next. Millwall’s fixtures present real scoring potential, and with both opponents struggling defensively, Ivanović is well positioned to take advantage.

Burrell (F) completes the selection. With four goals and eight shots on target in his last six, combined with favourable fixtures – particularly the Hull match – he looks a sharp and form-backed option.

TEAM PICKS

My top team to target this week is Millwall. Their opponents struggle both defensively and offensively, making this a strong double for their assets.

Sheffield United follow closely, facing the same opposition. Despite a difficult start to the season, these fixtures offer an ideal chance to pick up points.

Next is Birmingham, who host an out-of-form Norwich side before meeting a West Brom team that rarely score freely.

Finally, Ipswich round off the list. They come into the week with momentum and face two teams who have been weak defensively, giving them a strong platform for attacking returns.

MERLIN SAID…

GOALKEEPERS

Michael Cooper (G) remains a strong option this week. Sheffield United face two opponents with some of the lowest attacking threat in the league. While clean sheets have been limited, their defensive performances continue to improve, and this looks like the ideal week for those improvements to translate into returns.

Josh Keeley (G) has emerged as one of the division’s standout goalkeepers. His shot-stopping form has been outstanding, and Luton’s defensive shape consistently gives him opportunities for both clean sheets and save points. He’s no longer just depth – he’s a premium, reliable starting option.

Max Crocombe (G) provides consistency and a dependable points floor. With two opponents ranked low for expected goals, he offers strong clean-sheet upside alongside a solid baseline of saves, making him a safe and effective alternative.

DEFENDERS

Dara O’Shea (D) continues to profile as one of the most complete defenders this Gameweek. He brings clean-sheet potential, regular set-piece involvement, and proven attacking contributions. He’s not just a defensive pick – he offers multiple routes to points.

Tristan Crama (D) remains a reliable entry point into the Millwall backline. While he may shift to full-back for one of the fixtures, reducing his attacking ceiling slightly, both matchups remain favourable enough to maintain strong defensive appeal.

Leif Davis (D) is still one of the league’s elite defensive assets. His crossing numbers are unmatched, and Ipswich’s expansive attacking style regularly pushes him into advanced areas. Even without clean sheets, he offers assists, bonus potential, and steady returns.

MIDFIELDERS

Imrân Louza (M) is arguably the most dependable midfield pick this week. He’s involved in virtually every attacking phase, handles key set pieces, and carries strong underlying numbers. His consistency makes him close to fixture-proof.

Callum O’Hare (M) offers goal threat and creativity from midfield, thriving on late runs into the box and finding space as matches open up. His form and role give him strong appeal across both fixtures.

Tommy Doyle (M) should see increased responsibility with Paik sidelined. His passing range, control in possession, and set-piece involvement create multiple scoring avenues. The favourable fixtures only enhance his potential.

FORWARDS

Brandon Thomas-Asante (F) remains Coventry’s primary attacking outlet. The underlying attacking data is strong, and BTA plays a central role in both their build-up and finishing. His direct approach and consistent involvement make him one of the safest forward picks this week.

Harry Leonard (F) is an excellent option with two home fixtures. His shot volume is high, he remains on penalties, and the matchups should provide ample opportunities. He carries significant scoring potential across both games.

Jay Stansfield (F) offers constant threat with his movement and willingness to run at defenders. He gets into dangerous positions repeatedly, and this week’s fixtures should give him the space he needs to generate chances. Even when he isn’t clinical, his level of involvement keeps him firmly in the mix for returns.

TEAM PICKS

Sheffield United enter the Gameweek with one of the strongest fixture pairings. Their defensive metrics have been improving steadily, and this run offers a prime opportunity for clean-sheet potential and controlled performances across both matches.

Ipswich Town remain one of the most explosive attacking sides in the league. Their high-tempo style consistently generates chances, and this week’s fixtures should allow key creators – particularly Davis – to exploit space and deliver meaningful returns.

Millwall provide a stable defensive base and favourable matchups that complement their structured, disciplined approach. Their reliability at the back makes them a strong source of defensive points this round.

Birmingham City benefit from improving cohesion and a strong fixture run. Their recent form suggests they offer solid fantasy value in multiple positions, making them a useful supporting team heading into this Gameweek.