Scout Picks
9 February 2026 554 comments
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Arsenal dominate this week’s Scout Picks as they prepare for Double Gameweek 26.

The XI who have made the cut have been chosen by our Scout Squad panel.

As we’re still yet to have 10 pre-match press conferences (at least eight of which will be on Tuesday), these picks could be further tweaked before the deadline if any injuries crop up.

And as usual, certain restrictions limit us:

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

GAMEWEEK 26 SCOUT PICKS

GOALKEEPER

FPL Gameweek 11 Scout Picks: Arsenal triple-up

David Raya (£5.9m) has been in fine form for Arsenal this season, keeping 13 clean sheets and conceding only 17 goals across his 25 Premier League matches. He’s also averaging 4.3 points per start on the road, more than any other goalkeeper who has made more than three appearances, with the exception of Jordan Pickford (5.6m). Mikel Arteta’s side are first away at Brentford in Double Gameweek 26, before they visit bottom-of-the-table Wolverhampton Wanderers, who have the third-lowest expected goals (xG) tally in the division. You’re pretty much guaranteed two starts with Raya, another important factor.

DEFENDERS

FPL Gameweek 12: Saturday’s goals, assists, bonus + ‘DefCon’ points 15

The current leader of our captain poll, Gabriel Magalhaes (£7.1m) offers the chance of points at both ends of the pitch in Double Gameweek 26. The Brazilian has already produced five attacking returns this season, as well as banking defensive contribution (DefCon) points in four of his nine away starts. A promising ‘double’ away to both Brentford and goal-shy Wolves should be a great way for him to deliver clean sheets, too.

Daniel Munoz (£5.8m) is also included in the Scout Picks XI. Crystal Palace showed signs of improvement at the Amex Stadium on Sunday, with a second clean sheet in five matches to show for it. They are now set to face a Burnley side in complete freefall, having failed to win any of their last 16 Premier League games. Munoz racked up 14 points in the reverse fixture earlier this season, finding the net and keeping a clean sheet.

Marc Guehi’s (£5.2m) selection is partly influenced by the return of Ruben Dias (£5.5m), who came on as a substitute at Anfield on Sunday. Before the Portuguese’ injury, Pep Guardiola’s side had kept four clean sheets in five matches. Buoyed by their win on Merseyside, Manchester City now host a Fulham side that have created only six ‘big chances’ in their last four away trips, the third-fewest of any team. Since making his City debut, Guehi has produced seven shots in the box, the second-most of any FPL defender. He’s also banked DefCon in two of his three matches.

MIDFIELDERS

FPL notes: Calafiori ban + Rice the top-scoring midfielder
 

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  1. F4L
    • 11 Years
    3 months, 9 days ago

    will be funny if the otherwise popular SGW captaincy options like bruno/haaland outscore the arsenal prospects this gw 😛

    1. Josh.E
      • 4 Years
      3 months, 9 days ago

      I've been thinking about this, that's why my captaincy is on Haaland at the moment. He could have had a brace against Liverpool.

      1. notlob legin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 months, 9 days ago

        Same mate - I'm just outside the top 10k and going different (Haaland) could be make or break. He has 7 goals and 3 assists in 7 games V Fulham to date so signs are encouraging.

    2. Mom, Butters just gave me a…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 months, 9 days ago

      Almost as funny as the curling semi for Sweden.

      1. Freshy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        3 months, 9 days ago

        Is it worth my time to watch the replay
        Did GB blow it?

        1. Mom, Butters just gave me a…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          3 months, 9 days ago

          Yeah, complete meltdown ;(

    3. XX SMICER XX
      • 8 Years
      3 months, 9 days ago

      Could easily happen. Two away games, could see Arsenal conceding in both!

    4. cjhewitt92
      • 12 Years
      3 months, 9 days ago

      It could happen. Arsenal strength are defensively. Attack has not fired consistently.

      Do they have an attacking player you look at and think is guaranteed to start both games and has potential to score 2 or 3

  2. XX SMICER XX
    • 8 Years
    3 months, 9 days ago

    A. Roll, team below
    B. O’Reilly to Munoz (double Palace def)
    C. O’Reilly to Calafiori
    D. Gomez to Zubimendi (bench O’Reilly)

    Verbruggen
    Richards Gabriel (c) Chalobah O’Reilly
    Palmer Enzo Rice Bruno
    Haaland Kroupi

    Dubravka Thiago Gomez Reinildo
    1FT £1m ITB

  3. MetallicaJack93
    • 2 Years
    3 months, 9 days ago

    Are we keeping Mbeumo?

    1. Bad Kompany
      • 8 Years
      3 months, 9 days ago

      Yes. Why wouldn't you

    2. Freshy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      3 months, 9 days ago

      He is a quality scorer
      Id like to fit him in but Bruno is the man

  4. Old Gregg
    • 9 Years
    3 months, 9 days ago

    Who is the Best GK until WC 32?

    I Have Donnarumma but looking to downgrade to free up some cash money.

    Is it all
    Much of a muchness. I’m Tempted to go Darlow.

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      3 months, 9 days ago

      Kelleher if you can get round this GW

      1. ted mcnure
        • 15 Years
        3 months, 9 days ago

        Yup, or just play Dubravka every week and keep the change..

    2. cjhewitt92
      • 12 Years
      3 months, 9 days ago

      I was thinking about Darlow. Didn’t perform great against Arsenal, forest could have scored more.

      It would take a mistake for Perri to regain his place.

      Could you stretch to Martinez or Lammens

  5. FCSB
    • 10 Years
    3 months, 9 days ago

    Raya
    Gabriel VanHecke Hall
    Fernandes Semenyo Rice Wilson
    Thiago Ekitike Haaland

    Dubravka O’Reilly Dorgu Tavernier

    3FT, 0.3itb

    1. O’Reilly Hall >> Munoz Dalot
    2. O’Reilly Hall >> Munoz Hill
    3. O’Reilly VanHecke >> Munoz 3.8
    4. VanHecke >> Richards

    Thanks

    1. ted mcnure
      • 15 Years
      3 months, 9 days ago

      2. because of Hill

  6. Sheffield Wednesday
    • 5 Years
    3 months, 9 days ago

    Hi there, 1FT & £3.1M itb

    a) Keane > Munoz
    b) Wilson > Semenyo
    c) Wilson > Sarr

    1. Mom, Butters just gave me a…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 months, 9 days ago

      A+C for a hit

      1. Sheffield Wednesday
        • 5 Years
        3 months, 9 days ago

        Not in a position to field both, plus too many blanking in GW31 if I did.

      2. Sheffield Wednesday
        • 5 Years
        3 months, 9 days ago

        Will bench Keane or Wilson depending on transfer

        1. Ha.
          • 10 Years
          3 months, 9 days ago

          I fancy Wilson this week

    2. notlob legin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 months, 9 days ago

      Hi Mate

      A is the obvious move as Keane will likely be benched. I'd keep Wilson 100% as their fixtures turn soon.

    3. Ha.
      • 10 Years
      3 months, 9 days ago

      A

    4. ted mcnure
      • 15 Years
      3 months, 9 days ago

      Thanks for all previous price change posts and stuff.. (first tab i open in the morning..)
      Team dependent, but B of those. I don´t have Wilson, but have Sem
      For a) may I heartily recommend James Hill instead, keep the change and enjoy the points.

      1. Sheffield Wednesday
        • 5 Years
        3 months, 9 days ago

        Advantage of Hill is he doesn't blank in GW31.

    5. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 months, 9 days ago

      C

    6. Sheffield Wednesday
      • 5 Years
      3 months, 9 days ago

      thanks all, there's a consensus.

      1. Sheffield Wednesday
        • 5 Years
        3 months, 9 days ago

        oops, spoke too soon

  7. Tinfoil Deathstar
    • 5 Years
    3 months, 9 days ago

    Bottomed. 2 FT and £1.3 ITB. Best option out of these?

    A) Tarkowski to Munoz (1FT)
    B) Ekitike and Le Fee to 4.2 fodder and Palmer (2FT)
    C) Both moves (A and B) for -4

    Raya
    Tarkowski Gabriel (TC) Timber
    Bruno Rogers Anderson Enzo
    Ekitike Thiago Haaland

    Dubravka; Le Fee; Andersen; Gudmundsson

    1. Ha.
      • 10 Years
      3 months, 9 days ago

      A

    2. Slartibartfast
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 months, 9 days ago

      A worth a punt

    3. ted mcnure
      • 15 Years
      3 months, 9 days ago

      D) None of the above.
      You´re good to go and you know it.
      As a Bournemouth man, I hope however that Tark concedes 3 and gets a red card, so he´s your weakest link if you must..

    4. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 months, 9 days ago

      B

  8. Bad Kompany
    • 8 Years
    3 months, 9 days ago

    How bad was Trossard's injury and how much time is he expected to miss? Wish we had heard from Arteta

    1. Yes Ndidi
      • 6 Years
      3 months, 9 days ago

      I doubt we will hear pre-deadline, which is annoying. Could have been an interesting differential but surely not worth the risk.

  9. HD7
    • 9 Years
    3 months, 9 days ago

    For next GWs which combo would your prefer:

    A)Palmer Strand Larsen
    B) Rice Ekitike

    1. Bobkat
      • 3 Years
      3 months, 9 days ago

      B

    2. Slartibartfast
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 months, 9 days ago

      B

    3. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 months, 9 days ago

      The one with Palmer

  10. cjhewitt92
    • 12 Years
    3 months, 9 days ago

    I held Saka hoping he would be back fit for DGW. Looks unlikely to get significant minutes.

    Is any Arsenal midfielder worth investing in or better to upgrade defender to timber. Already own Saliba and Gabriel

    1. Yes Ndidi
      • 6 Years
      3 months, 9 days ago

      Only Rice, which is an easy switch for you.
      Zubi guaranteed minutes and seems to have as much freedom as Rice to get forward, but he is a DCM at the end of the day and can't keep scoring
      Marti might be a shout if Tross is out for both games, but we won't know that.
      Madueke isn't getting much past the hour even with Saka out
      Tross would be the one, if we only knew more about his injury. But we won't. So he isn't

      1. ted mcnure
        • 15 Years
        3 months, 9 days ago

        That is a fantastic summary.

      2. Yes Ndidi
        • 6 Years
        3 months, 9 days ago

        The more I think about it, the more I think that Martinelli benefits from both Trossard's flag and Madueke's customary half-hour rest, certainly for the first game and may get a decent showing in the 2nd as well. The cup game in between is the unknown, but that's got Eze all over it.
        I fear I may be talking myself into one of those 'what the hell did you do that for' hindsight moments

        1. ted mcnure
          • 15 Years
          3 months, 9 days ago

          I´ll enjoy the games, and I love watching Martinelli, and Trossard,
          not a Gooner but fair play, GL
          I wouldn´t transfer them in.
          Solid 3 x def is your way to points..
          So in reply to OP, yes sell Saka, no don´t get an Arsenall mid

  11. Alli
    • 9 Years
    3 months, 9 days ago

    Dorgu to
    A) Saliba
    B) Timber

    Sanchez
    Chalobah - Gabriel - Mukiele
    Bruno F - Semenyo - Enzo - Mbuemo - Rice
    Haaland - DCL

    Dúbravka - Thiago - Esteve - Dorgu*

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      3 months, 9 days ago

      B

    2. Mr Turnip 1
        3 months, 9 days ago

        B

    3. Radulfo28773
      • 4 Years
      3 months, 9 days ago

      Who would you play this week?

      A- Keane and Semenyo
      B- Guhei and Kroupi

      1. Miguel Sanchez
        • 9 Years
        3 months, 9 days ago

        A but why not both City?

        1. Radulfo28773
          • 4 Years
          3 months, 9 days ago

          Thanks Miguel

          I don’t have Semenyo or Guehi. Planning to get one of them with my only FT.
          Either Guehi for Keane or Semenyo for Wilson. Do you think both for -4 worth it?

    4. rdamjan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 months, 9 days ago

      Who to pick as 2nd Ars defender? Saliba or Timer?

      1. Miguel Sanchez
        • 9 Years
        3 months, 9 days ago

        Timber

        1. Essem
          • 8 Years
          3 months, 9 days ago

          Why? Saliba safer mins and Timber has missed every chance he’s got since GW2 against Leeds!

          1. Mr Turnip 1
              3 months, 9 days ago

              Arsenal fan here. Timber very very safe for minutes. He starts almost every game for Arsenal, only really gets rested in easy cup games when he’s fit. I have him on DGW and have 0 qualms. Timber has way more attacking threat than Saliba

              1. Essem
                • 8 Years
                3 months, 9 days ago

                Yeah thanks I might get Timber:)

            • Essem
              • 8 Years
              3 months, 9 days ago

              Or maybe Timber plays both and White gets the cup game in between…

        2. Steavn8k
          • 3 Years
          3 months, 9 days ago

          Saliba prob. safer minutes, Timber higher ceiling, so depends

        3. Mr Turnip 1
            3 months, 9 days ago

            Timber

        4. Steavn8k
          • 3 Years
          3 months, 9 days ago

          Start one:
          A: Thiago
          B: Senesi
          C: Kroupi

          1. Ha.
            • 10 Years
            3 months, 9 days ago

            C

            1. Steavn8k
              • 3 Years
              3 months, 9 days ago

              Interesting, don't you think a Bournemouth CS is more likely than a Kroupi return?

              1. ted mcnure
                • 15 Years
                3 months, 9 days ago

                I´m a Bournemouth man, I´d play both Kroups and Sensi, but Senesi above all.

              2. Ha.
                • 10 Years
                3 months, 9 days ago

                Nah Everton love a goal

                1. ted mcnure
                  • 15 Years
                  3 months, 9 days ago

                  If you´re a Toffee, fair comment. When it´s your team, it means more.

        5. Slartibartfast
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 months, 9 days ago

          Evening all.

          3 FTs and at a total loss, are there any moves worth making here please?

          ----------------Sanchez-------------------
          -Gabriel - Timber - Guehi - Senesi-
          Bruno - Rice - Semenyo - Anderson
          ------------Haaland - Ekitike------------

          Dubravka - Thiago - Wilson - Esteve

          Ekitike, Wilson, Sanchez and maybe Semenyo all feel like they're on thin ice but unsure if it's worth selling this GW.

          1. Steavn8k
            • 3 Years
            3 months, 9 days ago

            I took a gamble on doing Wilson to Sarr, but your team looks fine

            1. Slartibartfast
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              3 months, 9 days ago

              Cheers, definitely an option

          2. AC/DC AFC
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            3 months, 9 days ago

            You're well set up

            I'd start Thiago over Senesi...

            Bournemouth better at home

            Mind, Everton are better away!

            1. Slartibartfast
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              3 months, 9 days ago

              Good shout, cheers

          3. ted mcnure
            • 15 Years
            3 months, 9 days ago

            Great team.
            Roll, gtg, and all set for a mini wc , any money to play with?

            1. Slartibartfast
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              3 months, 9 days ago

              Yep, £1.1m ITB.

              Patience has been paying off this season so far, just feel like I'm starting to ride my luck with it a bit though!

              But looking at the fixtures this GW, it probably is hard to justify selling anyone.

              1. ted mcnure
                • 15 Years
                3 months, 9 days ago

                Yeah, your team looks fine. I have 8/15. Palmer will be the flavour of the month, but not for me.

                1. Slartibartfast
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 11 Years
                  3 months, 9 days ago

                  Agreed, more worried about not having Pedro at the moment. Annoying player to own and to not own 😆

                  1. ted mcnure
                    • 15 Years
                    3 months, 9 days ago

                    Seriously, thinking of avoiding most players with European and cup commitments in the run in..
                    3 x Bs !

        6. Prinzhorn
          • 5 Years
          3 months, 9 days ago

          Start 2 Bench 2

          A) Evanilson
          B) Chalobah
          C) Kroupi
          D) Enzo

          1. Steavn8k
            • 3 Years
            3 months, 9 days ago

            Uh difficult. Chelsea with the better game though.

          2. Slartibartfast
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            3 months, 9 days ago

            Start C&D I think, tough though

          3. Mr Turnip 1
              3 months, 9 days ago

              B D

          4. AC/DC AFC
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            3 months, 9 days ago

            Mini-leagues won't be won tomorrow

            But plenty of positions will be lost over the next few evenings

          5. Keane There Dunne That
            • 13 Years
            3 months, 9 days ago

            Hall + Bowen -> Saliba/Timber + Strand Larsen

            OR

            Hall -> Calafiori, save FT

          6. abaalan
            • 10 Years
            3 months, 9 days ago

            Teams been poor for weeks. No easy way to get 3rd arsenal in...aany suggestions?
            Hendo, dub
            Gabriel, kadioglu, Mukiele (Andersen, dorgu)
            Bruno, mbeumo, Enzo, rice (Wharton)
            Haaland, ekitike, thiago

            1ft, 0.3 itb

          7. Twisted Saltergater
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 16 Years
            3 months, 9 days ago

            Anyone know who's the penalty taker for Bournemouth while Kluivert is out?

            1. ted mcnure
              • 15 Years
              3 months, 9 days ago

              Not checked stats, but surely Evanilson?

          8. Kevinw82
            • 10 Years
            3 months, 9 days ago

            Start Tarkowski or Thiago?

            1. theshazly
              • 3 Years
              3 months, 9 days ago

              Thiagossss

          9. GC123
            • 4 Years
            3 months, 9 days ago

            Evening all

            Verbruggen
            Chalobah Gabriel Keane
            Mbeumo BrunoF Rice Garner
            Haaland Pedro

            Dubravka Thiaw VdV Miley

            3 FT & 1.4m ITB

            1. Thiaw > Timber
            2. Verbruggen, Thiaw & DCL > Raya, Munoz & Kroupi JR

            If I do 2, will bench Kroupi and switch to 4-4-2

            Thanks in advance

            1. GC123
              • 4 Years
              3 months, 9 days ago

              Sorry, missed DCL out of the starting line-up!

            2. Ha.
              • 10 Years
              3 months, 9 days ago

              2 is quite nice

          10. mackan
            • 8 Years
            3 months, 9 days ago

            Plz help me out.

            1.Enzo to Sarr for free
            2. Enzo to Sarr and Chalobah for Munoz -4
            3. Save

            1. GC123
              • 4 Years
              3 months, 9 days ago

              3

            2. theshazly
              • 3 Years
              3 months, 9 days ago

              3

            3. Ha.
              • 10 Years
              3 months, 9 days ago

              3

          11. FDMS All Starz
            • 10 Years
            3 months, 9 days ago

            Thinking of just attacking the fixtures now and then worry about BGW31 later, thoughts?

            A) Keane, Lefee —> Munoz, Sarr (2FTs)
            B) Lefee —> Semenyo/Rogers (1FT)

            Verbruggen
            Gabriel Timber Keane
            Bruno Mbeumo Enzo Rice Lefee
            Haaland Kroupi

            Areola Thiago Andersen VDB
            (2FT & 3.7itb)

            1. theshazly
              • 3 Years
              3 months, 9 days ago

              B

            2. Ha.
              • 10 Years
              3 months, 9 days ago

              Just Keane to Munoz

          12. Qaiss
            • 10 Years
            3 months, 9 days ago

            I’ve never once looked at “predicted points” and thought yep I’ll base my decision on that

            1. theshazly
              • 3 Years
              3 months, 9 days ago

              Good for you

              1. Qaiss
                • 10 Years
                3 months, 9 days ago

                Yes it’s worked pretty well so far

          13. theshazly
            • 3 Years
            3 months, 9 days ago

            I have Gab & Rice

            Do:

            A ) Ekitike > Gyokeres for free
            B ) Verbruggen > Raya for -4
            C ) Guehi > Timber for -4

            1. R Whites
              • 10 Years
              3 months, 9 days ago

              No hits

            2. Boberella
              • 9 Years
              3 months, 9 days ago

              I’m punting on Gyokeres this week as a differential against double Arsenal def.
              What could go wrong?

          14. Noah OFlaherty
              3 months, 9 days ago

              A. Gyokeres and thiaw
              B. Bruno G and timber

              1. R Whites
                • 10 Years
                3 months, 9 days ago

                Ouuft. B for long term probably

            • R Whites
              • 10 Years
              3 months, 9 days ago

              Wilson and Frimpong to…

              1 - Sarr.
              2 - Mbeumo.

              A - Dalot (if not Mbeumo)
              B - Richards
              C - Hill
              D - any other defender! Can’t afford Munoz with mbeumo.

              Roefs (Dub)
              Gabriel - Timber - Guehi (Dorgu*, Frim*)
              Wilson - Enzo - Bruno F - Rice - Rogers
              JP - Halaand - Thiago

            • noissimbus
              • 4 Years
              3 months, 9 days ago

              Haven't been keeping up-to-date with fixtures, but is this GW a good shout for BB, or there'll be better GWs ahead? Thanks

              My team:

              Roefs Dub
              Timber chalobah gabriel guehi cash
              Rice enzo bruno garner wilson
              Thiago haaland pedro

            • krumcake
              • 12 Years
              3 months, 9 days ago

              Roefs Dubravka
              Cash Gabriel Thiaw Alderete Matheus Nunes.
              Rice Rogers Mbeumo B.Fernandes Bruno G.
              Thiago Haaland DCL

              2 FT

              Nunes, DCL -> Timber, Kroupi.Jr.

              Would you do the same?