Tips

The Complete Guide to Scout’s tips and advice for FPL Gameweek 22

You’ve got to hunt for opportunities” declared Pro Pundit Lateriser in his Meet The Manager interview with Joe.

The Fantasy Football Scout Guide to Gameweek 22 is here to help you do exactly that. But first a reminder that we have a Friday 19:00 GMT deadline in FPL, so don’t forget to make those crucial transfers and captain decisions.

Starting with the team news headlines courtesy of Neale and Rotation’s Alter Ego: Pulisic is out for a few weeks, De Bruyne and Maddison are both declared fit following knocks in their League Cup matches, and Pukki will miss the trip to Old Trafford.

Spurs confirmed that Harry Kane will undergo an operation to repair a ruptured tendon in his left hamstring. The striker is expected to return to training in April. Is there an opportunity here?

Pro Pundits Lateriser and Sam both examined the options. Lateriser analysed which Spurs players profited when Kane missed the end of last season, while Sam – currently the highest-ranked Pro Pundit – gave her thoughts in a Community Q&A video

Her feeling is that Aubameyang might be the better option to the potentially explosive Aguero. In one of several members-only articles over the last ten days, Neale delved into Arsenal’s improvement under new manager Mikel Arteta. Encouragingly for those considering Aubameyang he discovered that the Gabon international is one of the chief beneficiaries: 

Aubameyang has registered more penalty box touches, attempts on goal, shots in the box, efforts on target and big chances than any of his teammates.

– Neale

However Lateriser is finding himself seduced by Aguero with an enticing encounter against Aston Villa up next. 

The three-time top 5,000 manager opened his interview with Joe explaining that you need to find your identity as an FPL manager. He sees himself as someone who isn’t afraid to go against the crowd, citing his recent decision to captain Martial in Gameweek 19 as an example of this. 

And there may be another opportunity this week. David notes that the captaincy debate for Gameweek 22 is not as simple as Fantasy Premier League managers are hoping.

Jamie Vardy once again leads the captain poll and given that the Leicester City forward registered a season-high 20 points against Southampton in Gameweek 10 it is easy to understand why. 

However Southampton’s defence has been considerably better in recent weeks. Lateriser revealed that “only Liverpool have conceded fewer big chances than Southampton in the last four Gameweeks,” and the Reds only played three times. David agrees with the Pro Pundit that Aston Villa present a good opportunity for owners of Manchester City players:

Any side bottom of the league for shots conceded in the box heading into a meeting with Manchester City are always going to be in for a tough time. However, the issue comes from trying to pinpoint which of Guardiola’s men can do the most damage, primarily because of rotation.

– David

If the risk of “Pep-tation” is too much for you, Chelsea and Manchester United offer exciting alternatives. The two teams are second and third behind Manchester City in the latest DS stats, fixtures and clean sheet odds provided by G-Whizz.

And both sides are tipped for 3-0 wins by Pep Pig in his Preview and Predictions article. Strikers Tammy Abraham and Marcus Rashford are his players to watch. The latter is also selected in this week’s Scout Picks:

Marcus Rashford (£9.2m) has scored five goals and registered one assist in his last six league matches at Old Trafford and we expect such a run to continue against Norwich. The Canaries last kept a clean sheet away from home in Gameweek 13.

– Scout Picks

Let’s not forget Liverpool, who face a Spurs side unable to keep a clean sheet – just one since Mourinho took charge in Gameweek 13. 

Much of the talk surrounding their players is about which three to own for Double Gameweek 24. Upside-chasing Lateriser is very much in the Salah, Mane, Alexander-Arnold camp, whereas Az feels that owning both premium-priced midfielders is a step too far, given the structure of his team:

Overall, I’m just not convinced that major surgery is needed. I know Salah is an incredible player, and looks to be getting back to his best… but the damage it may do to my team if I did go for him may be irreparable. Would I captain him anyway, with Mané being in such good form alongside him? I doubt it.

– Az

Along with Joe and Karam, Az debated Liverpool’s upcoming Double Gameweek on the Scoutcast. They pointed out that with the two matches just under a week apart it could well be a good time to use the Triple Captain chip. They also highlighted which players perform better in away matches, given that neither game is at Anfield.

Firmino stands out as a differential to the costlier Mane and Salah for those who prefer to go with two Liverpool attackers. Indeed Reds-fan Lee backed his potential in a guest appearance in Sam’s Q&A.

The Scoutcast also debated players from Watford and Everton, given their recent managerial changes. The Hornets in particular have improved their attack, as David highlighted in his members-only piece.

[Watford] only scored nine goals in the first 16 matches of the 2019/20 campaign, a period which saw them managed by three different men, Javi Gracia, Flores and Hayden Mullins. By contrast, in the last five matches, Pearson’s men have found the net eight times, a drastic improvement.

– David

Midfielder Ismaïla Sarr was given a ringing endorsement by both Az and Karam, while goalkeeper Ben Foster currently finds himself in Joe’s team.

In fact, goalkeeper moves were all the rage this week with McGovern joining Joe’s team as a back-up in a typical dullard move, and Brighton’s Mat Ryan snapped up by Az. In an act of generosity, the Australian announced on Twitter that he was raising money for the Wildfire Rescue Emergency Fund:

I’ll be donating $500 for every registered save by all @premierleague goalkeepers this weekend.

– Mat Ryan

Let’s hope all our shot-stoppers put in great performances in Gameweek 22.

Pro Pundit and former FPL winner Simon March brought us another enjoyable and thought-provoking read, drawing analogies between FPL and the investment strategies of Warren Buffett. It includes ideas such as contextual value and explains why diversification, or spreading the risk in your FPL team, isn’t always a good idea. 

Finally thank you to luketownsend1997 who looked at which players have been providing value in different positions. Part One reviewed defenders and goalkeepers with part two looking at forwards and midfielders.

To view all our discussions please visit our Hot Topics page, and if you’ve got some analysis, scout reports or features brewing, be sure to visit our community section to submit your article.

If you’re a member and are yet to get to grips with the custom statistics tables, you can view this movie for an explanation of how they work. Also, remember to tag them so that people can find the tables with ease.

Fantasy Football Scout Memberships are now available for a reduced price of £9.99 for the remainder of the season. Rolling monthly subscriptions are also available for £2.99 per month. Click here to sign up or upgrade your account.

Last Chance to enter Last Man Standing

This season’s competition has proved extremely popular with over 5,000 taking part and 1,000 managers still standing.

You just have time to join them – the deadline for final entries is 8pm today (Friday 10 January). However you must pass all previous safety scores to qualify – read TorresMagic’s recent article for more information.

The winner will receive a free Fantasy Football Scout Membership for the 2020/21 season.

Community Competitions

For an update on all FFS Mini-Leagues and Community Competitions, please click here to read the latest round-up.

For those interested in the Head-to-Head Leagues, the main page can be linked to here. The fixtures for Gameweek 22 can be found below:

Use the drop-down menus to show your league and division. To find out which league and division you are in, follow the instructions on the main Head-to-Head page.

Once the Gameweek starts, if you click on your opponent’s name you will be linked to their team on the FPL website.

May your arrows be green!

TopMarx Fan of Fantasy Football and Monty Python. "Archimedes out to Socrates, Socrates back to Archimedes, Archimedes out to Heraclitus, he beats Hegel. Heraclitus a little flick, here he comes on the far post, Socrates is there, Socrates heads it in! Socrates has scored! The Greeks are going mad, the Greeks are going mad! Socrates scores, got a beautiful cross from Archimedes. The Germans are disputing it. Hegel is arguing that the reality is merely an a priori adjunct of non-naturalistic ethics, Kant via the categorical imperative is holding that ontologically it exists only in the imagination, and Marx is claiming it was offside. Follow them on Twitter

1,325 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Otamendi to start this weekend?

    1. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Thats a big unknown

    2. Dreaming of glory
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Yes

  2. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Last call - Captain out of:
    A) KDB
    B)Vardy
    C)Mane
    D)Salah

    First to three gets the armband

    1. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      KDB

    2. ClothedinSun
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      KDB

    3. Jealous Viper
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Mo.

    4. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      A

    5. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Mane

    6. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      KDB gets it! Cheers lads

      1. ClothedinSun
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Good luck sweet prince!

    7. Rash
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I'm on D

    8. Disco Volante
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I’ve given it to KDB despite the fact that he is a due a rest and may not start and could well come on for a 1PC whilst Vardy hauls and what the hell was I thinking but then if he does start against that defence and the form he is in it could be massive oh god 10 minutes to decide.

  3. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Who starts?

    Sidibe or soy
    Ramsdsle or ryan

    1. Jealous Viper
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Sidibe
      Ryan

  4. DeadStarComing
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Haven't seen Richarlison mentioned on site much despite being highly transferred in this week. Is he a good pick? Might ship Moura for him.

    1. Crunchie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Yes he depends what Son does

    2. ClothedinSun
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Good fixtures and playing well overall.

      1. toerag
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        this

    3. Bury94
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      He's a good pick, although I'm actually planning to get rid next week for Salah

      1. DeadStarComing
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        I understand that with the DGW approaching. Suppose if he does well this week it might be tricky to do 🙂

    4. Dreaming of glory
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Yes

  5. Jealous Viper
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Bottomed
    Play Rico or Ogbonna? Already playing Lundstram

    1. ClothedinSun
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Og.

  6. BEEZUS
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Bench

    A) Lundy
    B) Soy

  7. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Just put the armband on Kev! 😯 good luck all 🙂

    1. ClothedinSun
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Cheers Rafa, I've done it and I feel good about it. GL!

    2. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Just did that too...
      Any reason? I'm in a pub so can't be trusted

      1. toerag
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        kdb for me

      2. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Lots saying the stats are great. And Vardy with no ndidi and the improvement of Soton and the eye test midweek vs. Villa has persuaded me to go with KDB

      3. ClothedinSun
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Villa defensive record is fairly wretched and Heaton being out will be bad. Also, Kev is a destroyer of worlds!

  8. Zladan
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Kind of nervous making an early Rashford to Ings transfer after the deadline tonight before price changes.

    Ings is the last person you want to gamble on an early transfer.

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Will you be priced out if you don't?

      1. Zladan
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        It will price me out of a few moves down the line to get Salah, yes.

    2. El Matador
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I'm in the same boat. If both Ings and Grealish rise in price tonight I will have 0itb GW24 for when I bring in Salah.

    3. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      DO IT!

  9. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Friend in mini-league is captaining Kev

    (C?

    Salah

    Kev
    .

    .

    1. Rash
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Go with who you think scores most

  10. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Aurier, bench or play?

    Trent, Soy, Lundstram, (Rico, Aurier)

    1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Definitely bench

      1. g40steve
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers

    2. luk46
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      sell.

  11. Better Call Raul
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Who scores more

    A. Mahrez (avl)(CRY)

    B. Martial (NOR)(liv)

    1. Luton_Fan
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Mahrez if he starts

    2. jtreble
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Mahrez.

    3. Better Call Raul
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      thanks just hit confirm!

  12. ooooo
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    captain?
    A) KDB
    B) rash
    c)vardy
    D) Jiminez

    1. Crunchie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      A

    2. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Jimmy

    3. Goro Majima
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      D

  13. Crunchie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    what to do with Alli/Zaha 0FT 0.1 ITB

    Fabs (button)
    TAA Digne Lunds (Rico/Kelly)
    Grealish Zaha KDB Salah Alli
    Vardy DCL Jiminez

    Planning for wk 24 will have to take a -4 hit at some point

    A Zaha Alli Digne to Holgate Mane Midfield Fodder
    B Zaha Alli (Kelly or Rico) to Maddison Noble Robertson (could do Maddison for Alli -4 this wk if Liverpool defense double up)
    C Zaha Alli Digne to Holgate 9.8 (maybe Son if he fires this weekend), Midfield Fodder

    Late in the day I know will probably hold but i fancy Zaha V Arsenal more than Alli V Liverpool at the moment

    Hold for the moment? Drop Zaha or Alli?

  14. arkom
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Sibide IN

    Out?
    A) Kelly
    B) Rico
    C) Aurier

    1. Crunchie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      c

    2. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      C

  15. Lebowski85
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Would you play Traore over VVD? I've got Trent so Is double pool defence too much against spurs?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Doubt Spurs will/can score without Kane

      1. Crunchie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Son did really well last time

    2. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Id never bench a Liverpool defender..

      1. Lebowski85
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        This is the thing. They're solid as a rock at the back & VVD loves a Bap

    3. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Wouldn't bench a Liverpool defender. Remember their 4-0 demolition of Leicester away.

  16. mdm
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Alli to:

    A. Maddison
    B. Martial
    C. Richarlison
    D. Keep

    Thanks!

    1. Crunchie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Think A myself

    2. ClothedinSun
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      A

  17. Brosstan
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    A bit of pot holes for some of the popular captain choices this week.

    Vardy - no Ndidi might influence Leicester's possession and thus the freedom of the creative players quite a bit, which in turns effects Vardy.
    KDB - likely to see another deeper outing with D.Silva back.

    1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Choudry be grand
      Vardy go Boom Boom

      1. DMP
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        BOOOOOOOOOOM

        1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Boom! boom! boom!

  18. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Head says KDB, gut says Mane. I just feel like KDB could be rested

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Don’t say that!!! Haha 🙂

      1. Dr Dream
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        He could be...any of them could be...

  19. Fernando Torres
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Captain...

    A) Vardy
    B) KdB
    C) Jimenez

    1. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I’d go with Jimi personally

    2. SoShy
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      C

  20. NoName
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Bigger score this gw?

    A) Moura +4
    B) Salah

  21. JJeyy
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Now Pulisic is out anyone looking at CHO? His time to shine

  22. Alnair
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    A) Mane + Holgate
    B) Son + Robertson

  23. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Right bench call?

    Hendo,
    Lundy, TAA, VVD, Robbo
    KDB, Maddo, Martial, Alli
    Vardy(c), Rash,
    (Flappy, Ings, Luiz, Reid)

    Feels bad benching Dings... 50/50 callwith Dele

    1. claretparrot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I'd play ings over dele

      1. Miguel Sanchez
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        this

      2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Normally... but using Dele as a quasi-safety net

        If spurs score he should (hopefully!) be involved

        If Spurs don’t score.... Great success 😉

    2. Amey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Alli for me

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Just about, but it’s marginal

    3. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Play ings over dele

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        It’s so tight - I’m playing Dele as a wee bit of a hedge for my triple Defence

    4. jtreble
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Did you WC to this 3 LIV D setup?

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        2 weeks ago yes

        1. jtreble
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          I like different approaches. Good luck to you.

  24. Saka Punch
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Best 4.2 defender right now?

    Thanks

    1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Lascelles

  25. tets mcgee (Bachmann an Rob…
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    anyone seen the scout picks challenge hot topic? not sure where to post my team..

  26. Cookie Kid
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Start one:
    A) Grealish MCI
    B) Alli LIV

  27. Rust Cohle
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Bench 1:

    A. Dunk

    B. Grealish

    1. The Rock
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      A

  28. toxik
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Captain KDB, Mane, Rashford or Vardy please guys?

    1. The Rock
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      KDB

  29. The Rock
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Sterling captain for me. Differential, got a rest last weekend so should be safe from rotation. And has 9 goals 1 assist away from home this season.

    1. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Going D Silva myself - May fortune favour the bold!

    2. ClothedinSun
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Good luck Keano, think he could do well this week for you!

  30. Dr Dream
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Ryan
    Doherty TAA Lundstrom
    Maddison Mane KDB Martial
    Vardy(c) Rashford(v) Ings

    Pope Grealish Soyuncu Hanley

    Open to swapping it about or gtg ..