As usual on a Tuesday evening, it’s time for an early heads-up on our Scout Picks thinking for the Gameweek ahead. This list of 22 players will also include some names in contention for a place in our Spot the Differential article, though will, of course, be subject to change, depending on the injury situation as the week unfolds.

For Gameweek 12, here’s who we’ve got our eye on…

Goalkeepers

For all Manchester United’s paucity of attacking flair, they’ve proven hard to beat under Louis van Gaal, earning four clean sheets in their previous five match-ups. The Red Devils have conceded just once at Old Trafford and with a home tie against West Bromwich Albion – who have scored just three times on their travels – next up, David De Gea (5.5) serves as a strong selection between the sticks.

Jack Butland (4.6) turned out a man-of-the-match performance at St James’ Park last weekend, earning Stoke City their third shut-out in four. The Potters keeper now welcomes Chelsea to the Britannia and, having produced more saves (46) than any stopper, he’s likely to earn points even if the visitors manage to find the net.

Defenders

Over the last four Gameweeks, no defender notched more attempts than Jeffrey Schlupp (seven), who’s profited from an advanced role on the left flank. The Ghanaian defender reverted to the left-back berth last time out owing to any injury to Christian Fuchs, but with the Austria international expected to be passed fit for the weekend, Schlupp should be able to switch back into midfield for the Foxes’ King Power clash against Watford.

Chris Smalling serves as the obvious complement to team-mate De Gea. Despite failing to replicate the four-goal heroics of last season so far, the centre-back is the top scoring defender in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game, courtesy of seven clean sheets and as many bonus points. Whilst there may be doubts over the rest of the Red Devils’ backline, Smalling’s security of starts has seen him play every minute of the season.

Arsenal boast the joint best defensive record this campaign, having shipped just eight goals through the opening 11 Gameweeks. Moreover, the Gunners have conceded just three times in five home fixtures, which suggests that Tottenham Hotspur could struggle to breach their rearguard in the North London derby. There’s a strong case to be made for any of Arsenal’s rearguard starters, but we’re plumping for Hector Bellerin (6.0) by virtue of his marauding runs down the right.

Despite clocking just 651 minutes this term, the 4.8-priced Alberto Moreno places third with regards to key passes (17) amongst defenders. Given that visitors Crystal Palace have drawn blanks in four of their previous seven match-ups, the Liverpool full-back looks a strong shout this Sunday afternoon.

Virgil van Dijk’s (5.6) propensity for points at both ends of the putch has served up two goals and as many clean sheets in seven appearances. The Dutchman ranks joint-top among defenders for shots on target (four) over the last six Gameweeks, whilst his owners will be buoyed by the fact that the Saints have conceded just twice in their last four road trips as they head to struggling Sunderland this weekend.

Notwithstanding his penalty miss against Norwich City, Aleksandar Kolarov (6.2) still demands our attention in the high-priced bracket. The Serbian left-back ranks second for attempts (13) and top for key passes (19) among his counterparts, underlining his rich potential for attacking returns ahead of a trip to an Aston Villa outfit that’s carded just one goal in their last trio of home clashes.

Midfielders

Riyad Mahrez’ brace at West Bromwich Albion propelled him into second place – behind Jamie Vardy (10) – in the league’s scoring charts (seven), emphasising the potency of Leicester’s high-flying duo. The Foxes have scored in all 11 league outings this season and will be looking to extend that record against a Watford side with just one clean sheet on their travels.

Since making the switch to the Premier League, Kevin De Bruyne has chalked up three goals and four assists, posting just two blanks in the process. With that in mind, the consistent Belgian could be primed to punish a Villains side that’s in the midst of a seven-match losing streak.

Despite drawing blanks in his previous two starts, Alexis Sanchez placed first among midfielders for attempts (14) and shots inside the box (10) over the last four Gameweeks. Sanchez’s propensity for explosive returns and the unpredictable nature of the North London derby should keep his 40% ownership transfixed on the Emirates showdown.

Mesut Ozil (8.7) has been a creative powerhouse of late, racking up one goal and seven assists in five starts. Given that Arsenal scored at least three times in four of their last five league ties, it would come as no surprise if Ozil perpetuated his run when Spurs cross the North London divide.

Philippe Coutinho (8.1) shot back onto our radar courtesy of a brace against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Over the last six Gameweeks, no midfielder tallied more attempts (29) than the Brazilian, while he ranked second for shots on target (nine). Considering Coutinho’s penchant for mid-range efforts, the fact that Crystal Palace have conceded more shots outside the box (87) than any outfit this season should play into his hands.

Despite his blank against Bournemouth, Sadio Mane (8.0) boasts three goals in five starts and ranked second among midfielders for shots inside the box (nine) over the last four Gameweeks. He’ll be looking to get back amongst the points as the Saints visit a Black Cats side that’s conceded the most goals (25) this term.

Dimitri Payet (8.3) drew his first flank in seven outings last Gameweek, yet there was no drop-off from a statistical standpoint, with the France international posting an impressive three attempts and as many key passes. He’ll look to continue his laudable run of form when Everton – who’ve watched their net ripple on seven occasions in three matches – make the trip to the Boleyn Ground.

Across the last two Gameweeks, only Coutinho and Yaya Toure (both eight) managed more attempts than Matt Ritchie (5.6). A home tie against Newcastle United serves as a prime opportunity for the Cherries to arrest their five-match winless streak and Ritchie to bolster his attacking output, given that the visitors have earned just a single point on their travels to date.

Forwards

Jamie Vardy (7.3) extended his astonishing run to ten goals in eight starts with a second-half strike against the Baggies last weekend. The Foxes’ man of the moment notched six more attempts (22) and four more shots inside the box (18) than any forward during the last four Gameweeks, illuminating the wealth of chances he’s afforded ahead of Watford’s visit.

Odion Ighalo (5.4) has emerged as the standout pick in the budget bracket, with seven goals to his name in 11 appearances. Providing he recovers from a minor leg problem, the Nigerian frontman – who ranks third among forwards for shots inside the box (13) over the last four Gameweeks – looks likely to trouble a Foxes defence that’s surrendered the second most shots inside the box (60) over the last six Gameweeks.

Although Wilfried Bony (8.4) failed to score against a struggling Norwich side last weekend, no forward mustered more attempts (nine) and shots inside the box (six) than the Ivorian. You’d fancy Bony to enjoy similar freedom to shoot when pitted against a Villa side that last kept a clean sheet in Gameweek 1.

Romelu Lukaku (8.5) beckoned in Everton’s fixture shift with an impactful performance against Sunderland, bagging a goal and two assists. The imposing Belgian is well placed to profit from a procession of similarly favourable match-ups through to the New Year, starting with a road clash against a West Ham side that’s shipped nine goals at home.

Graziano Pelle (8.5) is right on course to surpass his haul of 12 goals and six assists from the previous campaign. He’s played a part in 11 of the Saints’ 18 strikes (six goals and five assists) and is sure to trouble a Sunderland backline that were torn apart by Everton last time out.

With Daniel Sturridge ruled out until after the international break, Christian Benteke (8.3) will be looking to wreak havoc at home to Palace. The Belgian has served up two goals and an assist in a pair of sub appearances under Jurgen Klopp and looks likely to lead the line as the Reds attempt to build momentum after last week’s win at the Bridge.

The Community Champion

Having scrapped the weekly vote idea from last season, we now operate a lottery system to pick our weekly candidates. The community member who beats our picks by the biggest margin over the campaign will win a £100 Amazon Voucher and a place in our Contributors and Moderators League for the following season.

Gameweek 11’s community champion S Kuqi was the latest to beat the Scout Picks, by 58 points to 52. Massive stays in the lead to claim the £100 Amazon voucher, though, after beating us by 16 points in Gameweek 6.

The Scout Picks face a tough test in Gameweek 12 after Prophet, who is ranked 814th in the overall Fantasy Premier League rankings in just his second season, was selected by our lottery to be community champion.

In addition to a shot at the £100 Amazon prize, FantasyBet are offering a chance for further prizes to Community Champions that are eligible to play their games. More details can be found here.