Scout Picks
29 December 2025 322 comments
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For the final time in 2025, we’ve chosen who we think are the best Fantasy Premier League (FPL) players for the upcoming Gameweek.

As usual, we are limited by certain restrictions.

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

GAMEWEEK 19 SCOUT PICKS

GOALKEEPER

FPL Gameweek 11: Best clean sheet odds

We have chosen Robert Sanchez (£4.9m) as our goalkeeper as Chelsea prepare to host Bournemouth. Simply put, the Cherries have been in abysmal form lately, failing to win any of their last nine matches. Chelsea, meanwhile, are the division’s fourth meanest defence in terms of goals conceded, with only Arsenal surpassing them for clean sheets this season. With the risk that Enzo Maresca may opt for a bit of rotation outfield, we’ve stuck with the tried and tested between the sticks.

DEFENDERS

FPL notes: 164

Nico O’Reilly (£5.3m) looks likely to get another start for Manchester City as they face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. Arsenal are the only side to have kept more clean sheets than the Cityzens this season, but O’Reilly’s appeal is equally about what he can deliver at the other end of the pitch. Since his first start of the season in Gameweek 4, only one defender has recorded a higher expected goal involvement (xGI) figure than the England international.

Let’s face it, Newcastle United have hardly convinced on the road this season, but a trip to Burnley convinces us to select one of Eddie Howe’s defenders. Consequently, Lewis Hall (£5.2m) comes into contention. He was one of Newcastle’s standout performers in Gameweek 18 and was unlucky not to score, striking the underside of the bar with a thunderous effort. He’s also banked defensive contribution (DefCon) points in three of his last four starts.

Nikola Milenkovic (£5.1m) gets the nod for the visit of Everton. The Nottingham Forest centre-half has impressed recently and faces a Toffees attack that has failed to score in three consecutive games. Deprived of all three of their first-choice attacking midfielders at Turf Moor, David Moyes’ side were toothless. Milenkovic has delivered DefCon points in 50% of his starts under Sean Dyche, a greater percentage than Murillo (£5.2m, 42.9%).

We call upon Patrick Dorgu (£4.1m) as our final defender ahead of Manchester United’s plum home fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Unleashed as a right winger in Gameweek 18, the Danish international scored the winner and racked up three shots. With winless Wolves expected to park the bus, Dorgu should spend the majority of Tuesday’s encounter camped in the opposition half. He’s also nicely priced for this limited-budget XI.

MIDFIELDERS

Liverpool v Bournemouth team news: Ekitike, Wirtz, Frimpong + Kerkez start
 

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322 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. 13allack
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 months, 17 days ago

    Hey,

    thoughts on my WC Team are pretty much appreciated
    Pickford Dub
    Gabriel Hall Van Hecke Andersen Alderte
    Saka Foden Cunha Gordon Minteh
    Erling Bowen 4,3

    thanks!

    1. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 months, 17 days ago

      Don't like the Minteh pick. Owned him for weeks and he's utter toss. Otherwise seems good

      1. Hazz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 months, 17 days ago

        As a Minteh owner, hard agree

        1. 13allack
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 months, 17 days ago

          Could afford Szobo instead.

    2. grooveymatt65
      • 12 Years
      3 months, 17 days ago

      good team and also refreshing to see a team without ekitike!

      unsure about Van Hecke I feel like Keane would be a better option.

      decent team!

      1. 13allack
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 months, 17 days ago

        Have Pickford so not interested in an Everton double.

    3. Blueberg
      • 10 Years
      3 months, 17 days ago

      If it was me, id have rice over saka and spread the funds to upgrade third striker or minteh.

    4. shorey143
      • 4 Years
      3 months, 17 days ago

      Thiago should at least match Bowen. We are so bad atm. Then upgrade Van Hecke for better structure, or the 4.3 for Igor to give options

  2. Biggsy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 months, 17 days ago

    Who makes way for Dorgu?

    A. VVD
    B. VdV
    C. Andersen

    Actually thinking A given DCL's form...

    1. ViperStripes
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      3 months, 17 days ago

      VVD is my third bench

    2. shorey143
      • 4 Years
      3 months, 17 days ago

      I’d do C as you won’t play Andersen next few and then Dorgu can hide on the bench as a cheaper Def

  3. Mata of opinion
    • 6 Years
    3 months, 17 days ago

    How is this looking for FH
    Lammens
    Dorgu Hall NOC
    Cunha Wirtz Foden Palmer Gordon
    Haaland Ekitike

    Not sorted bench out but should have playing cheapos

    1. ViperStripes
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      3 months, 17 days ago

      Who is NOC?

  4. ViperStripes
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    3 months, 17 days ago

    FH team sorted I think….

    Sanchez
    Dorgu & Dalot, Gabriel
    Cunha, Cherki, Saka, Szobos
    DCL, Ekitike, Haaland

    Dubs, Semenyo, Keane, Virgil
    0.2m itb

    I could do DCL > Pedro and downgrade VVD to a 4.6m or less defender.

    1. ViperStripes
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      3 months, 17 days ago

      Or DCL > Woltemade

      1. shorey143
        • 4 Years
        3 months, 17 days ago

        Yeah no point having that money on the bench. Think Wolte is a risk though. As is double UTD defence. Pedro is a fair shout. But maybe aggressive on Sesko and swap Dalot for cheap and play Keane

  5. Prinzhorn
    • 5 Years
    3 months, 17 days ago

    Do I need Dorgu?

    Who to sell

    A) Calafiori
    B) Rodon
    C) Alderete
    D) VVD

    1. ViperStripes
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      3 months, 17 days ago

      VVD unless he’s your Gabriel placeholder

    2. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 months, 17 days ago

      Need? Probably not. He's a short term pick so I'd argue if you need to switch it up in defence then he's fine for now.

      1. Biggsy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 months, 17 days ago

        B makes most sense if out for a while. D has to go soon

      2. Prinzhorn
        • 5 Years
        3 months, 17 days ago

        Next to NOR I need to play 2..

    3. F4L
      • 11 Years
      3 months, 17 days ago

      no 2 clean sheets all season kept by man united

    4. boroie
      • 7 Years
      3 months, 17 days ago

      You defs don’t ‘need’ Dorgu. I’d only want him for 2 of the next 5 GWs (WOL and bur) and then he’s probably back out of the team again when the AFCON players are back. Leeds at Elland Road is not an easy game.

      If I was you, I would go Calafiori to Hall this week and then VVD to Gabriel next week depending on Gabriel’s mins against Villa.

      1. Prinzhorn
        • 5 Years
        3 months, 17 days ago

        Thanks man, appreciate it. Might prefer Thiaw over Hall though

        1. boroie
          • 7 Years
          3 months, 17 days ago

          I’ve owned Thiaw in the past and he was painful to own. If they don’t get a clean sheet, you’re guaranteed a blank. At least Hall comes with attacking threat so that if they concede, you still have the hope he might do something!

    5. shorey143
      • 4 Years
      3 months, 17 days ago

      Swap him for Rodon. Play next 3 if he doesn’t get booked next and then hide him on the bench

  6. F4L
    • 11 Years
    3 months, 17 days ago

    which 2 would you start:

    A - Stach (Liv a)
    B - Lacroix (Ful h)
    C - Collins (Tot h)

    leaning towards A and C, thanks

    1. shorey143
      • 4 Years
      3 months, 17 days ago

      BC, Liverpool surely score

  7. RICICLE
    • 3 Years
    3 months, 17 days ago

    GTG here guys?

    I’ve taken a risk, always one part of the season where I feel like i lose my marbles, and I’ve gone and Palmer’ed myselfx and got rid of Raya while I was at it, was doing my head in.

    Verbruggen
    VDB - O’Reilly - Chalobah
    Bruno G - Saka (vc) - Palmer - Rice - Foden
    Ekitike - Haaland (c)
    _________________________________
    Dubravka: Guiu: Gudmundsson: Mukiele

    Bench is gutter trash, but looking to maybe downgrade Ekitike perhaps in coming weeks to bring Gabriel in.

    Cheers guys.

    1. shorey143
      • 4 Years
      3 months, 17 days ago

      Bit late to ask haha

      1. RICICLE
        • 3 Years
        3 months, 17 days ago

        To ask what? I’m confused haha

  8. OneTeamInBristol
    • 2 Years
    3 months, 17 days ago

    Sorry for a boring question, but I bought Timber for 5.9. Pretty sure im safe from a price drop?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      3 months, 17 days ago

      You can check the PP and SP in transfer page -> change to list view.

      If you bought at 5.9, your SP will be impacted by the price drop.

      For every 0.2m increase on PP, you gain 0.1m on SP.

      1. OneTeamInBristol
        • 2 Years
        3 months, 17 days ago

        Thanks mate.

  9. FantasyClub
    • 5 Years
    3 months, 17 days ago

    Lads so whens the cut off for 5 YCs suspension?

    If Dorgu gets his 5th v Leeds in GW20 will he get suspended v BUR in 21?

    Or is he just at risk of missing Leeds in 20?

    1. F4L
      • 11 Years
      3 months, 17 days ago

      this is the last GW yellows count towards a suspension for 5 yellows

      1. FantasyClub
        • 5 Years
        3 months, 17 days ago

        Thanks mate

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      3 months, 17 days ago

      After 19 league games

  10. BR510
      3 months, 17 days ago

      Richards to Dorgu? 4ft

      1. Biggsy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 months, 17 days ago

        Yes

      2. shorey143
        • 4 Years
        3 months, 17 days ago

        Yep

    • Atimis
      • 9 Years
      3 months, 17 days ago

      I very much like Hall but would have to get him as my 4th defender which then stops me from upgrading HWilson to 7.5ish mid.
      Skip and invest in mid?

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 11 Years
        3 months, 17 days ago

        Yes

        1. Atimis
          • 9 Years
          3 months, 17 days ago

          Cheers, not ideal but had to spend too many FTs on the injuries, would sell VVD otherwise

      2. shorey143
        • 4 Years
        3 months, 17 days ago

        Yep. Will get a benching in either of the next two probably with a 1 point cameo

    • Buck The Trent
      • 14 Years
      3 months, 17 days ago

      On FH, do you prefer ?

      A Palmer Foden Cherki
      B Saka Foden Cherki
      C Palmer Saka Cherki

      1. Gudjohnsen
        • 9 Years
        3 months, 17 days ago

        C

    • Gudjohnsen
      • 9 Years
      3 months, 17 days ago

      A.Wilson to Cunha for -4 and C Cunha?
      B. C Haaland

      1. FC Hakkebøf
        • 9 Years
        3 months, 17 days ago

        B

      2. F4L
        • 11 Years
        3 months, 17 days ago

        think haaland, sunderland looked shaky against leeds. i think their absences now are starting to slowly catch up with them , maybe losing ballard is the straw that breaks the camels back so to say. just that 30 min-ish period after HT against leeds, haaland couldve got a hat trick in that time with how disjointed sunderland looked

      3. shorey143
        • 4 Years
        3 months, 17 days ago

        I’ve got Cunha and Haaland for what it’s worth and captaining Ekitike

    • F4L
      • 11 Years
      3 months, 17 days ago

      need a repeat of Atletico performance (Goal, assist and cs) from Gabriel this GW before hes back in everyones teams 🙂

    • Jemstar93
        3 months, 17 days ago

        Had an absolute shocker last gameweek with 44 points.
        Three defenders didn’t play and I also forgot to switch Dubravka to Verbruggen

        Current team:
        Verbruggen / Dubravka
        Timber / Calafiori / Richards / Sensi / Mukiele
        Saka / Bruno G / Foden / Cherki / Minteh
        Haaland / Ekitike / Guiu

        Only 1 FT and £0.4m ITB.
        Feels like I’ll probably need to take a hit but not sure who the priority sell is.
        Still got Bench Boost as well who should I get rid of?

        Thanks

      • Richm
        • 4 Years
        3 months, 17 days ago

        Replace timber? .1 short to get Gabriel could go Dorgu/heaven
        Benchboosting

        1. Ajax Hamsterdam
          • 11 Years
          3 months, 17 days ago

          Dorgu

          1. Richm
            • 4 Years
            3 months, 17 days ago

            Thanks
            Will wait to see if there’s any news tomorrow, although prices are changing soon

      • FC Hakkebøf
        • 9 Years
        3 months, 17 days ago

        Is Semenyo to Cherki worth a hit? Alternatively I could do Semenyo to Rogers next week (or still Cherki).

        1. Richm
          • 4 Years
          3 months, 17 days ago

          No not worth a hit

      • Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 11 Years
        3 months, 17 days ago

        Thiago for
        A bowen
        B wolte (own bruno G)
        C keep one more week

        Cheers

        1. Atimis
          • 9 Years
          3 months, 17 days ago

          Keep, no standout options

          1. Ajax Hamsterdam
            • 11 Years
            3 months, 17 days ago

            Cheers and gl 🙂

        2. shorey143
          • 4 Years
          3 months, 17 days ago

          Def keep

        3. Richm
          • 4 Years
          3 months, 17 days ago

          Keep

      • Brosstan
        • 11 Years
        3 months, 17 days ago

        Feel like the captain algorithm is overrating United a bit without Bruno, Mbeumo and Amad. Would Morgan Rogers be the top pick over Haaland if Villa played Wolves? Would Harry Wilson be the top pick?

        Thoughts? Id rather cap Ekitike over Haaland than Cunha.

        1. Brosstan
          • 11 Years
          3 months, 17 days ago

          The RMT tool I mean.

        2. Well you know, Triffic
          • 15 Years
          3 months, 17 days ago

          Wolves will probably win.

        3. Tonyawesome69
          • 7 Years
          3 months, 17 days ago

          Are the market odds over rating United v Wolves?

          1. Brosstan
            • 11 Years
            3 months, 17 days ago

            The market always overrates United because of the amount of stupid United supporters betting on United.

            1. Tonyawesome69
              • 7 Years
              3 months, 17 days ago

              Certain sources provide market odds with cleaned margins to give unbiased odds

      • BR510
          3 months, 17 days ago

          1. Timber to Gab
          2. Richards to Dorgu

          1. Yes Ndidi
            • 6 Years
            3 months, 17 days ago

            2 this week
            1 next week

        • Tmel
          • 15 Years
          3 months, 17 days ago

          a) Rodon > Dorgu (-4)
          b) Play Devenny

          1. FC Hakkebøf
            • 9 Years
            3 months, 17 days ago

            B

          2. shorey143
            • 4 Years
            3 months, 17 days ago

            Yeah -4 is rough given Wolves have nicked a goal recently and he’s on 4 YC

        • zensum
          • 12 Years
          3 months, 17 days ago

          Need some advice pls:
          Between
          A)Woltemade (Away vs Burnley)
          B) Cherki (Away vs Sun)

          Which would u play and why?

          Appreciate your help.

          1. FC Hakkebøf
            • 9 Years
            3 months, 17 days ago

            FH or?

            1. zensum
              • 12 Years
              3 months, 17 days ago

              It’s a FH team

          2. shorey143
            • 4 Years
            3 months, 17 days ago

            Cherki. Extra point for goal and CS. Wissa could easily start this one.

        • Gudjohnsen
          • 9 Years
          3 months, 17 days ago

          Is Timber gonna start?

          1. Brosstan
            • 11 Years
            3 months, 17 days ago

            If he is another no show hes never entering my team again.

          2. AC/DC AFC
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            3 months, 17 days ago

            Yes

          3. shorey143
            • 4 Years
            3 months, 17 days ago

            Would have thought so

        • ViperStripes
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          3 months, 17 days ago

          Would you double up with Dalot and Dorgu on FH?

          1. FantasyClub
            • 5 Years
            3 months, 17 days ago

            Yeah i would

          2. AC/DC AFC
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            3 months, 17 days ago

            Maybe

            No

            Possibly

          3. FantasyClub
            • 5 Years
            3 months, 17 days ago

            These types of moves always worth the risk on FH v bottom table teams

          4. F4L
            • 11 Years
            3 months, 17 days ago

            not really. i mean wolves are abit weird, theyve looked solid enough at arsenal and now liverpool in recent weeks and united attack currently a downgrade. i doubt either get defcon as well. feels like hmmm i dont know, you're banking on the cs first and foremost and those have been rare for united this season. i would spread the risk

          5. Atimis
            • 9 Years
            3 months, 17 days ago

            Possibly

        • OffsidePenalty
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 months, 17 days ago

          On FH.
          A or B?

          Team A:
          Lammens(Dub)
          Frimpong, Dorgu, Hall (Alderete, Van Hecke)
          Palmer, Foden, Cherki, Cunha, Wirtz
          Haaland, Ekitike (Kroupi)

          Team B:
          Lammens (Dub)
          Frimpong, Dorgu, James (Keane, Alderete)
          Wirtz, Cherki, Foden, Cunha (Bruno G)
          Haaland, Joao Pedro, Ekitike

          1. Ajax Hamsterdam
            • 11 Years
            3 months, 17 days ago

            A

          2. FC Hakkebøf
            • 9 Years
            3 months, 17 days ago

            A

          3. AC/DC AFC
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            3 months, 17 days ago

            A

          4. AC/DC AFC
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            3 months, 17 days ago

            Unless James goes mad

          5. F4L
            • 11 Years
            3 months, 17 days ago

            a

          6. Atimis
            • 9 Years
            3 months, 17 days ago

            A

          7. Richm
            • 4 Years
            3 months, 17 days ago

            James probably doesn’t start .
            Played 90 at the weekend

        • FantasyClub
          • 5 Years
          3 months, 17 days ago

          Is there any news on Calafiori like training pics etc?

        • Ajax Hamsterdam
          • 11 Years
          3 months, 17 days ago

          Would you do these 2 moves for free?

          Hincapie and timber to Gabriel and dorgu

          Cheers

          1. Atimis
            • 9 Years
            3 months, 17 days ago

            Are we right about that Timber to Gab frenzy? Maybe I’m subjective with no space to accommodate such move

            1. Atimis
              • 9 Years
              3 months, 17 days ago

              But overall it should make sense long term

            2. Ajax Hamsterdam
              • 11 Years
              3 months, 17 days ago

              I don't know to be honest. The price swing is annoying... I was all set on keeping both hincapie and timber a couple of hours ago...

          2. shorey143
            • 4 Years
            3 months, 17 days ago

            I’ve decided to roll, swallow prices, and ride out their next 3 toughest games to see how he settles along with the rest of their defensive injuries

        • THFC4LIFE
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          3 months, 17 days ago

          What you think of these moves?

          Semenyo and Foden to Cunha and Cherki for free

          Frees up funds for Hincapie to Gabriel next week

          1. Atimis
            • 9 Years
            3 months, 17 days ago

            Foden to Cherki, not sure

        • jonnybhoy
          • 13 Years
          3 months, 17 days ago

          What to do? 1FT 1.4ITB. Defence isn't great.

          Raya
          Keane Timber Sensei
          Cunha Saka Bruno G Wilson Foden
          Haaland Ekitike

          Dubravka Richards Gudmundsson Guiu

          A) Richards to Hall/Thiaw
          B) Richards to Dorgu/Dalot
          C) Roll

        • F4L
          • 11 Years
          3 months, 17 days ago

          just me or does the centre back goal scoring frenzy seemed to have died down abit recently?

          1. Ajax Hamsterdam
            • 11 Years
            3 months, 17 days ago

            Sure had died down in my team...