Scout Picks

Gameweek 26 Scout Picks – Liverpool and Man United backed for big wins

We are backing Liverpool to return to winning ways in Gameweek 26 as Bournemouth come to Anfield.

That’s why defensive and attacking assets from Jurgen Klopp’s men make it into the Scout Picks this weekend.

We are set up in the traditional 3-4-3 formation for Gameweek 26, and at £81.3m we are £2.2m inside our budget.

Goalkeeper

With votes from three of our pundits, Crystal Palace man Vicente Guaita (£4.2m) gets the nod in goal this weekend. The Eagles’ home defensive record this season is still only bettered by Liverpool and Chelsea, while West Ham are yet to score an away league goal in 2019, their last one coming at Southampton back in Gameweek 19.

Defenders

Andrew Robertson (£6.8m) remains our go-to Liverpool defensive option ahead of Bournemouth’s visit to Anfield. The Cherries have been woeful away from home in recent months, losing their last seven road trips by a combined score of 20 goals to three. Just one of those goals scored has come in the last five of those, which bodes well for Liverpool in their hunt for a first clean sheet since Gameweek 22. With Bournemouth’s recent defensive struggles away from home, there could be attacking returns on offer for Robertson too. No defender has more touches in opposition penalty boxes than the Scottish international in the last four matches.

The Scout Squad are hoping that Matt Doherty‘s (£5.3m) FA Cup heroics against Shrewsbury Town were the warm-up for a star performance against Newcastle on Monday night. His prolonged presence in the final third continues to promise attacking returns, while the Magpies have been particularly shot-shy away from home. In the last four matches on the road, Rafa Benitez’s men are bottom of the league for goal attempts inside the box, efforts on target and total big chances. A second consecutive clean sheet at Molineux looks likely for Doherty and his defensive colleagues.

Sead Kolasinac (£5.0m) completes our trio of full-backs likely to earn points at both ends of the pitch in Gameweek 26. Arsenal travel to a Huddersfield side currently bottom of the league for big chances over the last four Gameweeks, with only West Ham registering fewer shots in the penalty box than them in that time. Meanwhile, left wing-back Kolasinac has the joint-second highest number of touches in the opposition penalty area among defenders since Gameweek 22.

Midfielders

Mohamed Salah (£13.6m) gets back into the Scout Picks once again, chosen as the best midfield option by three of our pundits. Peter was the only one to put him in second place. The Liverpool man should benefit from Bournemouth’s recent poor away form, as they have conceded an average of 2.85 goals per game in their last seven on the road. No team has allowed more big chances in the last four away matches as Eddie Howe’s men.

Son Heung-min (£8.8m) has been boasting remarkable consistency in FPL over a long period of time now. Since Gameweek 13, the South Korean has averaged 9.2 points per appearance. It has become impossible to ignore the Tottenham man now, especially as he continues to have his place in the side guaranteed by ongoing injuries to Harry Kane and Dele Alli. Leicester come to Wembley Stadium having shipped plenty of chances away from home recently, just three sides have allowed more in the box over their last four road matches.

Paul Pogba (£8.7m) looks set for a strong showing in Gameweek 26 as Manchester United travel to face Fulham. The Cottagers have not made many defensive improvements under Claudio Ranieri and are second worst for shots conceded in the box during their last four home matches. Meanwhile, Pogba is still joint-top of the league for shots on target over the last four Gameweeks, having registered more efforts on goal than any other player in that time. With some creativity to his name over that period too, goals and assists are both likely at Craven Cottage.

James Ward-Prowse (£5.1m) is our chosen representative from Southampton this week as they host a Cardiff side typically poor away from home. The Bluebirds are susceptible to set pieces too, in which Ward-Prowse remains involved for the Saints. He has three goals in his last four matches and has created more chances than any Saints player in that time.

Forwards

Alexandre Lacazette (£9.3m) comes into the Scout Picks for Gameweek 26, deputising at the eleventh hour for his colleague Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The latter was originally going to be included in spite of his recent illness but his absence from the training pictures on Friday have left enough doubt in our minds to select Frenchman Lacazette instead. As already mentioned, the Terriers have allowed a large number of big chances in their last four home matches, which should provide the right amount of opportunities for Lacazette to secure a points haul.

Marcus Rashford (£7.8m) completes a Manchester United double-up to fully capitalise on Fulham’s defensive frailties. We’ve already covered how vulnerable they look ahead of Gameweek 26, still the most scored-on team this season having shipped 55 goals. Rashford is joint-top of the league with Pogba for shots on target over the last four Gameweeks and has blanked just once since Gameweek 20.

Raúl Jiménez (£6.7m) looks set to continue his rich vein of form when Newcastle come to Molineux on Monday night. The Wolves man has four attacking returns in his last three outings, offering a healthy balance of creativity and goal threat. Meanwhile, the Magpies have not travelled well in their last four away matches. They are joint-bottom of the league for big chances conceded in that period, level with Bournemouth.

Substitutes

Jan Bednarek (£4.0m) still offers decent value for his owners and is worth considering for a place in the starting XI in Gameweek 26. Cardiff come to Southampton with the fewest away goals of any side in the league this season.

Pascal Groß (£6.7m) has jumped back onto the Fantasy radar in a big way after creating a whopping 10 chances against Watford last time out. With Burnley the next visitors to the Amex Stadium on Saturday afternoon, two of our Scout Squad pundits included him in their submissions.

Fernando Llorente (£5.7m) has had more penalty box shots than any other player in the Premier League in the last four Gameweeks, despite playing just 219 minutes in that time. We think he’ll be back in the starting line-up against Leicester on Sunday after improving Spurs from the bench in their win over Newcastle.

Community Champion

Representing the community against the Scout Picks in Gameweek 26 is Pep pig. They have opted for a 3-4-3 formation of: Ryan; Duffy, Kolasinac, Koscielny; Martial, De Bruyne, Son, Salah; Aubameyang, Firmino, Murray.

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.

The Scouts were defeated in Double Gameweek 25, Joax2 winning by a 86-56 scoreline.

fclackless‘s winning margin of 33 points (77-44) in Gameweek 10 is the current target to beat.

4,069 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Mortiis
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    How nailed on is Rose?
    Is there a better Spurs defender to go for?

    1. thewhitepele
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Have Rose and stressing about this too

    2. Yoshimiwinz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Vertonghen now that he's healthy?

    3. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      It's Davies or Rose in that position and Poch will rotate often even if both are fit. I Don't know the fitness of both players atm. so can't give a solid answer except to suggest he will never drop his C/B's when fit, so would look there for defensive cover or indeed Lloris.

      1. JohnnyMagrinho
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Vertonghen literally played LB last game ahead of Rose who was benched.

          So, no.

    4. thewhitepele
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      McCarthy
      Rose Shaw Doherty
      Salah Sane Son Pogba Lookman
      Rashford Jimenez

      Fabs, TAA, Solanke, Bamba
      1FT, 2.5m ITB

      Something worth using FT or save? Cheers!

      1. 404_FC
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        lookman to JWP

    5. wulfrunian
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      An interesting stat is that Pogba hasn't scored away from home since gw2.

      1. That Was Easy!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Very surprising. Haz hasn’t scored at home since GW7 before Hudd.

      2. Albrightondknight
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks no hit for him so.

      3. Richd
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        5 assists in the last 4 away games, and he barely did anything until GW18. Interesting none the less!

      4. Albrightondknight
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Lots of assists though

      5. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        I think you have to strike off the Maureen base and take the OGS mean as relevant.

    6. That Was Easy!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I know they’re against each other, but is it fair to play...

      Rich & Holebas

      Over

      Bednarek & AWB

      1. EmreCan Hustle
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        I think Holebas being on corners is a big plus, but Cardiff at home is a good fixture.

      2. 404_FC
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        i will play B and A

    7. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Good morning DZ.

      Need some deadzone wisdom.

      Initial plan was to bring Auba back for Aguero(one week punt) this GW.
      Then ship Digne and Richarlison for a hit next GW.

      Now that Auba is a doubt do I keep Aguero or stick to my plans?

      I'll end up with 3 blank players next week if I keep hold of Aguero.

      Thoughts?

      Thanks.

      1. Hotdogs for Tea
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Auba should be fit, time to sell Kun unless you want to bench him next week

        1. EmreCan Hustle
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Cheers.

          1. 420king
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Keep in mind there are rumors flying all over twitter that he didn't train or travel with the squad today. I'd wait before making that move.

            1. EmreCan Hustle
              • 11 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              That's the worry. If he doesn't play at all then its Camarasa or Bennett from my bench vs Aguero points.

              But is it worth losing a few points to avoid an extra hit next GW?

              1. 420king
                • 9 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                I don't understand how waiting a week makes it a -4 hit, wouldn't you save a FT?

                1. EmreCan Hustle
                  • 11 Years
                  5 years, 1 month ago

                  Already done Hazard to Son 🙂

                  Should have mentioned that.

                2. 420king
                  • 9 Years
                  5 years, 1 month ago

                  Saw below. If it makes your choice any easier, Chelsea is 2nd on the list of teams Aguero has scored the most goals against.

                  1. EmreCan Hustle
                    • 11 Years
                    5 years, 1 month ago

                    Yeah I expect Kun to do well. If it wasn't for the blank I wouldn't be in a hurry to remove him.

      2. Kiwivillan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        3 blank players = bench

        1. EmreCan Hustle
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Cheers.

      3. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        You can get Auba next GW?

        1. EmreCan Hustle
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Yes, I can get him.
          But I'll either have to take a -8 to remove all three blank players or a -4 and bench Digne/Rich.

          1. TorresMagic™
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            So it was a -4 this week but moves to next week?

            1. EmreCan Hustle
              • 11 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Yes.

              1. TorresMagic™
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 14 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                Don't see the problem. Auba will be a popular captain in 27.

                1. EmreCan Hustle
                  • 11 Years
                  5 years, 1 month ago

                  Cheers TM.

    8. Wakanda
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Fabianski
      Doherty/Trippier/Kolasanic
      Son/Pogba.Salah/Mane
      Auba/Rashford/Llorente

      Hamer/Mcneil/Simpson/Connolly
      already on -8 to bring Pogba,Son, Mane in from Hazard,Sterling,Brook
      GTG?

      1. 404_FC
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        g2g

    9. 404_FC
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      alisson
      bednarak, r.bennett, kola, shaw
      salah(C), pogba, son
      jimmy, kun, rashford

      speroni, richarlison, digne, punchoen

      1ft 1.4itb

      any suggestion ?

      thanks

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Richarlison vs old team over a defender perhaps.

    10. Ojpsan1
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Play two

      A) Fraser
      B) Camarasa
      C) Bennet
      D) AWB
      E) DIgne

      1. 404_FC
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        cd

      2. EmreCan Hustle
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        I am playing DE, but I don't have Fraser. But still DE.

    11. wulfrunian
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I can't decide who to bench.PVA or Bednarek?Wham is a better team than Cardiff,Arnie is back so the logic move is to bench Pva?

      1. Kiwivillan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Logic is don't own PVA if going to bench him at home to Wham

        1. wulfrunian
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          cheers.Benching Bednarek atm.

          1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            I think that's a solid decision.

      2. EmreCan Hustle
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Palace don't follow logic. But yes, Cardiff is a better fixture.

    12. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Gtg? Bench correct? 0 FT / 1.7 ITB / 5.3k

      Fabianski
      Robbo Laporte Doherty
      Salah (c) Pogba Son Richarlison
      Auba (vc) Rashford Jimenez

      Button Digne Bennett Højbjerg

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Rank is a bit excessive.
        Gtg if Auba plays, Digne a decent sub.

        1. IRBOX ⚽
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Fun police

          1. TorresMagic™
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            😆

    13. easy_conners
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Anything worth another -4? Brooks or Danilo out

      Fab
      TAA, Danilo, AWB, Doherty
      Sané, Son, Salah, Pogba
      Rash, Auba

      Hamer, Rondón, Bennett, Brooks

      1. EmreCan Hustle
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        I would play Rondon ahead of Danilo.

        1. easy_conners
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Ta. Wish I had never got him!

    14. Bad Kompany
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Repost for more responses.

      A. Sane to son but only 10 players if TAA doesn’t play
      B. Pereyra to jota
      C. Sane and pereyra to son and jota for a hit. Awb first on bench if TAA doesn’t play

      1. Wakanda
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        B looks sensible.
        Maybe save

        1. Bad Kompany
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Cheers! Feel like pereyra tonjkta is sensible. Worried about sane so am currently leaning towards c

          1. Bad Kompany
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            To jota*

      2. Spokey
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        I like C

        1. Bad Kompany
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Cheers! Currently leaning that way

      3. Joggers Nipple
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        a

        1. Bad Kompany
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Cheers! Do you think TAA is likely to play?

    15. Spokey
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Play one:

      A) Holebas
      B) Digne
      C) AWB

      1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        A

    16. afsr
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Bench two: Digne, Laporte, Bednarek

      1. afsr
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        guess "play one" is an easier question

      2. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        The boring play is Bednarek. Digne if you fancy action.

      3. Gruu
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Play digne

      4. Cojones of Destiny
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        bednarek imo

    17. SpaceCadet
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Is hazard to pogba worth a hit this gw?

      1. afsr
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        only if you plan to captain Pogba

      2. Spokey
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Yes. At least if you want to get rid of Haz next week anyway.

    18. team77
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Felipe Anderson or Richarlison

    19. Esalman
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Guess who will be the most captained player in top 10k? Salah, Pogba, Auba or Digne?

      1. 420king
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Digne.

      2. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        or

      3. Gruu
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Salah

    20. juho
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Pick one please:
      (A) Barnes -> Laca/Auba (-4)
      (B) Play Barnes and take a hit next GW to remove Barnes and Rich

      Thank you.

      1. Spokey
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Do it now if you need to take a hit anyway

      2. BATISTUTA ®
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        A

    21. bigbudgie
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Risky to put TAA in the starting 11? If he's training again then he's likely to start, right? Don't want to risk a cameo

      1. Kiwivillan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Play TAA. 0 or 90

        1. Bad Kompany
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          This

      2. SweeSwee
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Will play all or nothing

        1. Kiwivillan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          It's got to be

      3. Gruu
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Play TAA imo

      4. Spokey
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        I think he will get the last minute (non owner)

      5. Kub3
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        I think he’ll start. They haven’t looked good at all without him on that side.

      6. thegaffer82
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        After a while out with injury and only having trained one day, it’s likely he’ll be a no show.

        But my worry would be that Pool are 2 or 3 up in the last 15 and Klopp feels it’s a good time to give TAA a run out to help ease him back into things.

        If I had a decent bench player - AWB or Bedy for example - I’d just play them instead

    22. SweeSwee
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Play one:

      Bennett
      AWB
      Bamba

      1. BATISTUTA ®
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Bennett

    23. BATISTUTA ®
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      G2G ????
      0 FT, 4.2 ITB

      Ryan
      TAA VVD Doherty
      Salah(C) Pogba Son Camarasa
      Aguero Rashford Llorente

      Speroni Almiron Digne AWB

    24. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Anyone else buying 0.6% owned Arsenal player with more shots on target than any team mate last 2 played?

      1. Gruu
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Who?

        1. Kiwivillan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Koscielny

      2. Joggers Nipple
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        no

      3. rainy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Next three look tempting

    25. Gruu
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      TM have 7.7m ITB. Hazard & Alonso to Son & TAA?

    26. Kub3
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Digne or Bennett?

    27. JasonG123
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Play Digne (wat) or Siggy (wat)?

      Seems likely Siggy won’t start? Doesn’t seem to fit into Everton’s new formation...

      1. GreennRed
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Silva needs to find a new formation or a new club if he doesn't play Sigurdsson.

    28. saurabh.06
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Pat
      Digne awb Shaw
      Mane(c) sterling hazard rich
      Aguero (vc) rashford Jimenez
      Is my playing 11
      Would u guys do sterling / hazard to son for -4? Or wait till next gw?

      1. Spokey
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        can you do Sterling and Haz to Son and Salah for -8?

    29. Manumana
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Play 3

      A. Doherty NEW
      B. AWB WHU
      C. Bednarek CAR
      D. Kola hud
      E. TAA BOU

      Thx a lot

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        ADE

        1. Manumana
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Thx TM. Is TAA looking like hes starting then ? Cheers

          1. TorresMagic™
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            No idea.

            1. Manumana
              • 8 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Ok

    30. Spokey
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      My first -12 of the season. Hopefully it will pay off the next 3-4 weeks.
      Out: Alonso, Richarlison, Siggy, Sterling
      In: Kolasinac, Jota, Son, Salah

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        The Salah part is a good start.
        GW27 is where you get the points back.

    31. Bad Kompany
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      What do you think the chances are of TAA playing?

    32. Saka Punch
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Aguero -> Auba still a decent move?

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Only if Auba plays. Not sure if he is in the squad/bus.