Scout Picks
23 January 2026 417 comments
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After the Scout Squad submissions of Marc, Sam, Tom F and Neale, we have finalised our Scout Picks for Gameweek 23 of Fantasy Premier League (FPL).

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 23 SCOUT PICKS

*Guehi should, of course, now be in City blue!

GOALKEEPER

FPL Gameweek 11: Best clean sheet odds

Robert Sanchez (£4.9m) is our chosen goalkeeper, partly due to the opponent (Crystal Palace) but also based on his own excellent performance last week. The Spaniard was superb against Brentford, claiming a well-deserved clean sheet, with his long kicks a particular highlight. Furthermore, only three teams have conceded fewer goals than Chelsea in 2025/26, despite the recent management upheaval. Against a beleaguered Palace outfit that have scored just two goals in their last six home matches, Sanchez’s inclusion makes a lot of sense.

DEFENDERS

FPL notes: Thiago brace + knock, Collins assist + Kelleher penalty save

Arsenal have the best defensive record in the top-flight, having conceded only five goals in 11 home matches. As the highest-scoring defender in FPL, Gabriel Magalhaes’ (£6.9m) potential to score from set-pieces only enhances his appeal, as he aims to increase his 8.0 points per start average on home turf. Even against a Manchester United team boosted by Michael Carrick’s arrival in the dugout, you’d need a very good reason to overlook Gabriel in Gameweek 23.

After his transfer from Crystal Palace, Marc Guehi (£5.2m) will likely go straight into Manchester City’s starting line-up on Saturday, particularly after the midweek defeat to Bodo/Glimt. Opponents Wolverhampton Wanderers have shown improvement in recent weeks, but across the 2025/26 season, have scored just five goals in 11 away matches, the joint-fewest of any team. Even during their recent four-match unbeaten streak, Rob Edwards’ side have generated just 3.25 non-penalty expected goals (NPxG).  

Nathan Collins (£5.0m) has provided either a clean sheet, goal, assist or defensive contribution (DefCon) points in seven of his last eight appearances, a run (Gameweeks 15-22) which has seen him rack up 52 points, the joint-most of any player in FPL. Against a Nottingham Forest side that has notched just four times in their last six Premier League matches, another clean sheet could be on the cards.

MIDFIELDERS

FPL notes: Salah up top, Enzo 10, Sanchez boost + Palmer injury 7
 

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417 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. simong1
    • 7 Years
    2 months, 18 days ago

    Is Ndiaye it Enzo a better option to bring in?

    1. Boz
      • 13 Years
      2 months, 18 days ago

      Enzo easy

    2. FPL Blow-In
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 months, 18 days ago

      Ndiaye

  2. Boz
    • 13 Years
    2 months, 18 days ago

    What's everyone's plan if Foden is leaked not to start? I think an early swap to Fernandes, but Semenyo would be tempting

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      2 months, 18 days ago

      Bench for Tarkowski

    2. Qaiss
      • 10 Years
      2 months, 18 days ago

      Sell

    3. Drizzle
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 months, 18 days ago

      Yes, swap for Bruno I guess. I'm definitely not benching him.

    4. Hibbopotamus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 months, 18 days ago

      Swap for Enzo most likely

    5. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      2 months, 18 days ago

      Sell for Schade.

    6. LoughboroughJim
      • 11 Years
      2 months, 18 days ago

      I think it's a swap to Semenyo whether Phil is likely to start or not...

  3. _Ninja_
    • 15 Years
    2 months, 18 days ago

    Best Defender to own from these?

    A. Chalobah (with Sanchez)
    B.Tarkowski

    1. Boxwoods
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 months, 18 days ago

      A. But Tark is also fantastic.

  4. Gazwaz80
    • 6 Years
    2 months, 18 days ago

    % Gruno will start, 50/50 maybe?

    1. Boz
      • 13 Years
      2 months, 18 days ago

      Haha Gruno. 25% from prodicted line ups

      https://x.com/Jumpthewave/status/2014734595732729931/photo/2

  5. MVDP
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 1 Year
    2 months, 18 days ago

    Poor planning on my part.
    Transfers done and still with Watkins and Rogers away to Newcastle. Don’t like that.

    1. Boz
      • 13 Years
      2 months, 18 days ago

      Good fixtures from next week

      1. Tonyawesome69
        • 7 Years
        2 months, 18 days ago

        Abraham to Villa, probably impacts Watkins mins

        https://x.com/i/status/2014749130782892235

    2. MJF
      • 7 Years
      2 months, 18 days ago

      You can’t have optimal games every week plus Villa have nicer fixtures soon.

    3. Hibbopotamus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 months, 18 days ago

      Rogers is playing well and shooting at ton, the goals will come. Newcastle away isn't ideal but hardly impenetrable

  6. joeynse99
    • 10 Years
    2 months, 18 days ago

    Captain Haaland or Thiago?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      2 months, 18 days ago

      Haaland

    2. ZAMUNDA
      • 9 Years
      2 months, 18 days ago

      If leading your mini league then Haaland, if chasing then Thiago

  7. Steavn8k
    • 2 Years
    2 months, 18 days ago

    Bench one:
    A: Mukiele
    B: Hall
    C: O'Reilly

    Currently on C, as I'm not convinced he starts, but it is Wolves at home...

    1. FPL Blow-In
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 months, 18 days ago

      B

    2. ZAMUNDA
      • 9 Years
      2 months, 18 days ago

      B

      1. Steavn8k
        • 2 Years
        2 months, 18 days ago

        Cheers both. Will take the chance on Hall then. Also has the most difficult fixture.

  8. Voronins Pony Tail
    • 2 Years
    2 months, 18 days ago

    Cherki to Semenyo worth 4 points?

    My Mid/Attack is

    Cherki Rice Rogers Wilson
    Watkins Haaland Thiago

    1. Voronins Pony Tail
      • 2 Years
      2 months, 18 days ago

      BrunoG on the bench

    2. FPL Blow-In
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 months, 18 days ago

      No

    3. ZAMUNDA
      • 9 Years
      2 months, 18 days ago

      No

    4. Hibbopotamus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 months, 18 days ago

      Do you have that much conviction that Semenyo will score 5-6 points more than Cherki in the same fixture? And that's just to break even, essentially.

  9. The Bandit
    • 15 Years
    2 months, 18 days ago

    F4L

    What was your no Rice comment on last page all about?

    1. F4L
      • 11 Years
      2 months, 18 days ago

      sorry nothing to do with his availability, just surprised not to see him in the scout picks! 🙂

      1. The Bandit
        • 15 Years
        2 months, 18 days ago

        Ta

  10. Tonyawesome69
    • 7 Years
    2 months, 18 days ago

    If one of Foden/Haaland is rumoured to be benched, start Alderete.

    If both don't start, may sell Foden to Mbeumo/Enzo/Ndiaye.

    Captaincy on Haaland, probably between Saka and Thiago if Haaland doesn't start.

    (1FT 0.1ITB)
    Raya
    Gabriel Tark Mukiele VVD
    Bruno Saka Szobo Foden
    Haaland Thiago
    (Dubravka Alderete Guiu Tavernier)

    1. FPL Blow-In
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 months, 18 days ago

      Sound logic. Thiago is a good bet

      1. Tonyawesome69
        • 7 Years
        2 months, 18 days ago

        Yeah leaning towards Thiago

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      2 months, 18 days ago

      If we don't get any City leaks, start Foden/Haaland (C)

  11. Flynny
    • 11 Years
    2 months, 18 days ago

    Who is the best option this week?

    A....bruno at arsenal

    B...ndiaye v Leeds

    Thanks

    1. ZAMUNDA
      • 9 Years
      2 months, 18 days ago

      B

    2. F4L
      • 11 Years
      2 months, 18 days ago

      b

  12. The Blackadder
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 months, 18 days ago

    Pick 2 of 3 to start please
    A. Rogers
    B. Rice
    C. Wilson

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      2 months, 18 days ago

      BC

    2. ZAMUNDA
      • 9 Years
      2 months, 18 days ago

      Harry Wilson or Callum Wilson? If Harry then A and C

  13. Stevie B
    • 15 Years
    2 months, 18 days ago

    Ekitike -> Thiago for free?

    Yes or No?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      2 months, 18 days ago

      No

    2. ZAMUNDA
      • 9 Years
      2 months, 18 days ago

      No

  14. Dthinger
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 months, 18 days ago

    I got Odegaard last week for a differential. Didn't work out very well, as he was subbed before 60 minutes...but he was rested mid-week...should I keep or sell him?

    1. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
      • 14 Years
      2 months, 18 days ago

      Keep for this week if you have no other issues

      1. Dthinger
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        2 months, 18 days ago

        well I do have the small issue of not owning Semenyo

    2. F4L
      • 11 Years
      2 months, 18 days ago

      keep

  15. Stevie B
    • 15 Years
    2 months, 18 days ago

    Which one I should bench?

    Wilson, Saka, Rice, Bruno G., Rogers
    Haaland, Ekitike, Calvert-Lewin

    Thank you and good luck!

    1. Voronins Pony Tail
      • 2 Years
      2 months, 18 days ago

      BG

    2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 15 Years
      2 months, 18 days ago

      Well your not benching Haaland at home
      to wolves so cross him out

      I’d bench Bruno g or dcl

    3. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      2 months, 18 days ago

      DCL

  16. AC Pilkington
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 months, 18 days ago

    Foden to Semenyo (-4) worth it?

    1. ZAMUNDA
      • 9 Years
      2 months, 18 days ago

      No

  17. Athletic Nasherbo
    • 9 Years
    2 months, 18 days ago

    Am I missing something with Saka? Had him for weeks and he has done nothing. Arsenal fan on here said he’d start last week, surely it’s time to go? Then I see him in the Scout Team. Even the reason is strange.

    1. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
      • 14 Years
      2 months, 18 days ago

      He is gone after this week for me

    2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 15 Years
      2 months, 18 days ago

      Based on united being crap

    3. Manani
      • 14 Years
      2 months, 18 days ago

      I think people think he’s due for a start.

      I have sold him

  18. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
    • 14 Years
    2 months, 18 days ago

    REPOST
    Team for the GW - 2FT and £1m ITB

    Verbruggan
    Gabriel / Tark / Anderson
    Rice / Saka (VC) / Semenyo / Rogers
    Haaland (C) DCL / Ekitike
    SUBS - Dubravka / Alderete / Le Fe / Senesi

    A GTG / Roll - bring in Bruno F next week etc.
    B Le Fee to H Wilson (bench DCL)
    C Ekitike/Le Fe to Thiago/Enzo (bench DCL)

    1. Manani
      • 14 Years
      2 months, 18 days ago

      Gtg

    2. bobicek92
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 1 Year
      2 months, 18 days ago

      A, keep Le Fee for Burnley at home

  19. Manani
    • 14 Years
    2 months, 18 days ago

    Order of these?

    Got Gabriel

    A. Timber
    B. Orilley
    C. Mukiele

    1. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
      • 14 Years
      2 months, 18 days ago

      That order

    2. bobicek92
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 1 Year
      2 months, 18 days ago

      A, C, B for me, I doubt that NOR starts

    3. Voronins Pony Tail
      • 2 Years
      2 months, 18 days ago

      CAB

  20. Voronins Pony Tail
    • 2 Years
    2 months, 18 days ago

    Right, locked in. Not holding out much hope.

    Kelleher
    Guehi Frimpong Gab
    Cherki Rice Rogers Wilson
    Watkins Haaland(c) Thiago

    Dub Mukiele BrunoG Gud

  21. Hibbopotamus
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 months, 18 days ago

    What happens if Foden starts for the 20th consecutive league game and scores vs Wolves? City's fixtures after this GW really aren't bad. Does everyone find another sacrifice for Bruno, or do you think he's still sold en masse?

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 15 Years
      2 months, 18 days ago

      If he scores he’s a keep. He scores in blocks rather than consistently through the season

    2. FPL Blow-In
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 months, 18 days ago

      I think he will still be sold en masse regardless of whether he scores or not.

    3. Feanor
      • 16 Years
      2 months, 18 days ago

      I sold him for Rice two weeks ago

    4. Voronins Pony Tail
      • 2 Years
      2 months, 18 days ago

      He’s is a long term avoid now. Better options and City are pants currently

  22. FPL Blow-In
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 months, 18 days ago

    Gordon or Foden to Scahde? Or sell both for -4

    Verbruggen
    Gabriel, Timber, Alderete
    Saka, Foden, Gordon, Rogers
    Haaland, Watkins, DCL

    John Victory, Cash, KDH, Keane 1ft .1itb

    1. Voronins Pony Tail
      • 2 Years
      2 months, 18 days ago

      Gordon 1000%

    2. Stevie B
      • 15 Years
      2 months, 18 days ago

      I think Gordon.

  23. Stevie B
    • 15 Years
    2 months, 18 days ago

    Is this good to go and the correct bench?

    Pope
    Guehi, Nunes, Gabriel
    Wilson, Saka, Rice, Enzo, Rogers
    Haaland, Ekitike

    Dubravka, Calvert-Lewin, Chalobah, Alderete

    Thanks!

    1. KiKiFC
      • 14 Years
      2 months, 18 days ago

      GTG

  24. fedolefan
    • 11 Years
    2 months, 18 days ago

    Can’t believe Alderete made his way to the Scout picks bench. What are you guys upto?

    He is not a bargain-bin enabler, he’s a trash-bin defender who 1 points his life away.

    1. FPL Blow-In
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 months, 18 days ago

      Nah, don’t agree

      1. fedolefan
        • 11 Years
        2 months, 18 days ago

        He’s 1 pointed thrice in a row. Mukiele, Ballard eat up all the defcons.

        1. FPL Blow-In
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          2 months, 18 days ago

          What about the games prior to those 3?

          1. fedolefan
            • 11 Years
            2 months, 18 days ago

            Yeah, Ballard missed those two games he got defcons in. Look a little deeper.

  25. KiKiFC
    • 14 Years
    2 months, 18 days ago

    Boring but… play which pls?
    Senesi v LIV (H) or
    Alderete v whu (A)

    1. Stevie B
      • 15 Years
      2 months, 18 days ago

      I would play Alderete. Good luck!

      1. KiKiFC
        • 14 Years
        2 months, 18 days ago

        Thanks!

    2. ZAMUNDA
      • 9 Years
      2 months, 18 days ago

      Alderete

      1. KiKiFC
        • 14 Years
        2 months, 18 days ago

        Cheers mate

  26. BrooksWasHere
    • 6 Years
    2 months, 18 days ago

    Who should I bench? One of Wilson, Gakpo or Rice ! Cheers.

    1. Stevie B
      • 15 Years
      2 months, 18 days ago

      I think Gakpo.

  27. FCSB
    • 10 Years
    2 months, 18 days ago

    Raya
    Hall Gabriel VanHecke
    Cunha Foden Rice Wilson
    Thiago Ekitike Haaland

    Dubravka O’Reilly Dorgu Tavernier

    2FT, 0.8itb

    1. Cunha Foden >> Bruno Semenyo
    2. Save

    Thank

  28. hazza44
    • 13 Years
    2 months, 18 days ago

    Who to play this week? Cheers
    A) Bowen (SUN)
    B) Gordon (AVL)

  29. Sir Burtenshaw
    • 10 Years
    2 months, 18 days ago

    Planning to do these transfers:
    Foden -> Bruno Fernandes
    O’Reilly -> Mukiele

    Was going to wait until next gameweek and let the city lads play against wolves but with both of them going up in price tonight, should I pull the trigger this evening?

    Thanks

  30. TallestJohn
    • 9 Years
    2 months, 18 days ago

    Good luck to my dad with his five Man City players this week (Håland, Foden, Semenyo, O'Reilly, Guehi).

    1-0 Wolves incoming?